40 Natural Aphrodisiacs for Men: Herbs & Foods To Skyrocket Your Libido

Since ancient times, the health and manliness of men have been closely tied together with our virility. Impotence being the opposite of manhood, is almost considered similar to being castrated. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best 40 natural aphrodisiacs for men to boost libido and restore virility using male herbs.

Our sexual health and appetite is a crucial key player in what we define as a healthy lifestyle. Sex matters and it is important for a happy life. In the end, sex is not only our way to reproduce and carry on our legacy, but it is also one of the most intimate ways we can connect with our partner.

If humans can be considered to be obsessed with anything, sex probably qualifies for that spot. After all, 30% of all internet traffic is porn, and we repeatedly think about sex multiple times a day (yes, women too!).

Not convinced? Here are some further historical anecdotes!

• "Henry IV (The French King) drank a shot of cognac with egg yolk for breakfast every day to increase his “manly powers”".

• "Early Italians were known to eat chilli peppers, chocolate, caviar and oysters to increase their potency."

• "It’s written in The Kamasutra that before sex you should eat a meal of rice."

• "1 in 200 men are direct descendants of Genghis Khan."

• ​"The infamous 18th womanizer Casanova was rumoured to maintain his fabled Venetian stamina by consuming a daily breakfast of 50 raw oysters."

Humans, same as all other animals, choose their preferred partners judging by how healthy, virile and beautiful they are.

What is attractive in men’s eyes also happens to be many of physical markers in women that indicate healthy fertility.

This is not just some random evolutionary accident; men pick their female partners depending on how fertile they are for the best continuing of the human race (even though we might not be aware of it ourselves). It’s natural selection.

In this regard, we are not different from any other animal on this planet. Big boobs, slender bodies and long hair are all examples of markers that indicate good hormonal health in women (fertility).

Needless to say, when our sexual appetite goes missing on us, shit really hits the fan… This is when aphrodisiacs become useful.

Natural aphrodisiacs have been known and used in traditional medical systems throughout almost all of human history.

An aphrodisiac is described as “a drug or preparation stimulating venereal desire”; in other words, an agent that increases sexual desire.

It has traditionally been viewed that the older men become (while still having your physical health intact) the wiser, manlier and more of a role model you become. Older men have naturally always been the leaders.

In less developed parts of the world, younger women still often look to marry older men since traditionally (and still deeply rooted up to this day), it is considered that older men are the most successful and influential.

Of course with old age, you might get wiser, but that youthful virility from your teens will eventually get lost with time. This could be seen as an evolutionary trade-off of sorts, but still, it is a thing that no man want to lose.

This, of course, proves the incredible success of erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra, being some of the highest grossing pharmaceuticals of all time. However, natural aphrodisiacs are a much better option because of their safety.

While some of them might just seem like one of your old grandma’s home remedies, even some specific foods have merit (yes there is research to prove it) for increasing libido and making men and women more “powerful” in bed.

In this article, we will focus on natural aphrodisiacs for men, but the majority of these also have benefit for women’s libidos.

So keep that in mind and start thinking about ways to convince your girlfriend or wife to consume them too. 😉

But first, let’s take a look at what is actually involved in a healthy libido?

There are quite a few things involved in facilitating the sexual response, which is why issues with libido and erectile function are so hard to treat.

Dopamine is the motivational and feel-good neurotransmitter and is crucial for libido, without it you simply have no interest and derive no pleasure from sex.

For example, when you orgasm, massive amounts of dopamine is released which is why it feels so amazing.

To facilitate erections, adequate blood flow to your genitals is needed along with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is responsible for activating the rest and digest nervous system (parasympathetic) and inhibiting the fight or flight response (sympathetic nervous system).

This inhibits norepinephrine release which basically turns off stress in the organism, relaxing the arteries and triggering nitric oxide release which increases blood flow.

For example, stimulants such as cocaine trigger the sympathetic nervous system and stimulate norepinephrine release, which is why they have adverse effects on your ability to gain and maintain an erection.

The last two pieces of the puzzle are hormonal, your balance between testosterone and estrogen.

In both men as well as women, testosterone is responsible for increasing libido. Low testosterone levels = low sex drive no matter your gender.

There is a relationship between dopamine and testosterone in which one increases the other, and people with high levels of testosterone tend to produce plenty of dopamine as well. Most supplements that increase dopamine also increase testosterone, vice versa.

Estrogen is also an essential hormone for healthy sexual function, but only in the right amounts.

Too much and you will end up in a state of estrogen dominance, driving your testosterone and dopamine levels low resulting in zero libido along with a whole host of other issues.

Too little estrogen and you will end up depressed instead with joint pain and also zero libido. Balance is key!

The best way to keep track of your hormones is by doing a blood test:

There is a multitude of different sexual dysfunctions that all have various causes and ways they need to be addressed. Here are a few examples:

While many of the above are indirect side effects of other health issues, they do have some core characteristics in common. Below is a rough overview along with potential natural treatment options.

Can have a multitude of complex causes but most often related to blood flow, neurotransmitters or hormones such as in atherosclerosis (restricted blood flow), low dopamine, low acetylcholine, low testosterone or estrogen dominance (estrogen excess).

If blood flow related, these herbs and foods are beneficial:
Panax Ginseng, Cistanche, Arginine, L-Citrulline, Black Ginger, Chocolate, Pomegranate, Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Watermelon and Beetroot.

If related to low testosterone levels:
Panax Ginseng, Cistanche, Tongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Mucuna Pruriens, Butea Superba, Celery, Oysters, Coconut, Raw Eggs, Mushrooms, Olive Oil and Onions.

If estrogen dominant: see below under Premature Ejaculation treatment options.

​Also increasing dopamine and acetylcholine is directly erectogenic no matter your current state of sexual health. Good options for increasing these neurotransmitters are:
Mucuna Pruriens, Panax Ginseng, Cistanche, Muira Puama, Catuaba, Black Ginger, Alpha GPC (acetylcholine) and Phosphatidylcholine (acetylcholine).

Often caused by estrogen dominance and excess levels of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the nerves in the penis as well as is stimulating for the brain, essentially making you hypersensitive both sexually as well as emotionally. For some men, excess estrogen also causes erectile dysfunction, for some men it doesn’t.

Supplements, herbs and foods beneficial for this condition include:
Progesterone, Pregnenolone, Tongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Butea Superba, Celery and especially Mushrooms. Also, all types of aromatase inhibitors are beneficial.

​​The opposite of premature ejaculation, often caused by too low levels of estrogen having a numbing effect. The majority of the time it’s not possible to get low estrogen unless your testosterone is also very low (since estrogen is made from testosterone), in that case, try to bring your testosterone levels up. If you are using estrogen blocking supplements, then stop these as they might be bringing your estrogen levels too low. It is also possible to have difficulties to orgasm when you are low on dopamine so dopamine supplements can help.

This indicates infertility and is common when having low testosterone levels. There are many potential causes, but most often it’s because of a hormone imbalance and/or nutritional deficiency such as a lack of zinc.

​Herbs and foods recommended for this condition can be found in our dedicated article on increasing semen volume here, Maca, Oysters, Celery and Raw Eggs are particularly good options.

​This is when your erection won’t go down even after orgasm, a condition which is often a side effect of excess Viagra consumption and can be dangerous, seek medical assistance if you experience this. Avoid pharmaceutical ED drugs, and you avoid this condition.

As we can also see in most models of addiction, porn addiction is primarily a down-regulation of your dopamine receptors which makes you less sensitive to the effects of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine.

This is caused by an excess of stimulation of these receptors such as from chronic masturbation with porn multiple times a day. The body always seeks to maintain homeostasis so no matter the type of pleasure or drug, the body will downregulate and create tolerance when excess is presented.

Herbs or foods that upregulate or increase dopamine activity such as: Ginseng, Muira Puama, Catuaba, Mucuna Pruriens, Black Ginger and Chocolate is beneficial for this condition. Complete avoidance of Porn has many benefits of its own too and is important, see NoFap.

Next is our list of the best natural aphrodisiacs for men. When you decide to experiment with some of these, try to select them on the basis of your current sexual health and any sexual issues you might have similar to those we just discussed previously.

Also, most aphrodisiacs can be categorised as either agents that directly increase libido, or agents that build potency and indirectly increase libido by improving your ability and the frequency at which you can indulge in sexual activity.

​Most of the herbs presented next directly enhance sexual function and our list of foods further down in this article highlight what to include to build long-term potency.

Korean black Ginseng has more of the ginsenoside Rg3 than White and Red Ginseng. This compound is responsible for Ginseng’s ability to improve one’s sexual performance, libido, and hormone production.

Its sexual function benefits stem from a boost in nitric oxide release in the penile cavernous bodies, allowing more blood to enter the organ and ensure rock-hard erections. As for its libido and hormone benefits, this is due to Korean Black Ginseng being able to increase blood testosterone by boosting luteinizing hormone secretion. 

Funny as it may sound, the Siberian ginseng, scientifically referred to as Eleutherococcus senticosus, cannot be considered a ginseng even though it's often called that. After all, it does not contain ginsenosides. Instead, it contains eleutherosides.

In Siberian Ginseng, the main active ingredient is an eleutheroside known as Eleutheroside E or EE. Studies on animals have shown that EE can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Although more research is needed, this effect of EE could be what gives its aphrodisiac effects, as low testosterone is often associated with high insulin resistance.

According to clinical studies, the increase in blood testosterone levels is due to Cistanche deserticola triggering androgen-like effects in the testes. This results in increased testosterone production along with improved sperm quality and motility.

Cistanche also improves nitric oxide release, resulting in better dilation of the blood vessels and enhanced blood flow to all organs in your body,

In all of these studies, one consistent takeaway is that maca supplementation should be at least 3 grams per day. Studies that featured a lesser amount did not report significant changes in the participants.

Unfortunately, although there are studies confirming its effects, researchers still have yet to establish how Maca provides the mentioned benefits 

​As for its aphrodisiac effects, it reduces the refractory period between orgasm and the next chance of getting an erection. This is due to its ability to block the estrogen from triggering receptors that release oxytocin, which is responsible for the male refractory period.

Damiana, also known as Turnera diffusa or Turnera aphrodisiaca, is a native Central and South American low-growing plant with fragrant leaves and yellow flowers. Its leaves are dried and consumed or drank as tea for its diuretic, neurological, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac benefits.

Its aphrodisiac effect is similar to how Viagra relaxes the arteries of the penis, which results in an erection for someone who has erectile dysfunction. The difference with damiana is that it relaxes arteries by 50 percent more than Viagra and does not have the negative side effects of said drug.

Aside from this, damiana has been found to shorten male refractory periods and increase the libido of impotent animal test subjects. This is mainly attributed to the damiana’s antidepressant and antianxiety effects.

Moringa or malunggay is a green leafy vegetable native to tropical countries like India and Philippines. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

In studies, it was able to increase the testosterone of test subjects in a state of stress. However, the testosterone increase is attributed to the antioxidant content of moringa and not its direct aphrodisiac properties.

Moreover, it has been found to increase prolactin levels which could promote lactation in females but decrease testosterone in males. This means there is much research needed before it can be claimed as a dependable aphrodisiac.

Yohimbine is the active ingredient from an extract derived from the bark of Yohimbe, a tree native to central African. It has a great affinity with the receptors responsible for the release of nitric oxide and subsequent relaxation of penile smooth muscle.

It is this affinity of Yohimbine that makes it a popular tonic for erectile dysfunction in African traditional medicine.

This is also what gives its libido-increasing effects without affecting one’s testosterone levels. By triggering these receptors, the body responds by increasing arousal and blood flow.

Arginine is an amino acid abundant in such food sources as cheese, eggs, nuts, and meat. In relation to sexual function, it is used to synthesize nitric oxide in the body.

It has been found to benefit impotent male and female individuals. For men, a six-weeks course of L-arginine supplementation has been able to improve organic erectile dysfunction by 80 percent. For women, it has increased response to psychological sexual stimuli.

Aside from this, L-arginine has long-term benefits that aid one’s sexual health. This includes promoting insulin sensitivity, decreasing blood pressure, improving sperm production and motility, and stimulating growth hormone release.

Like L-arginine, L-citrulline is another amino acid that aids in the production of nitric oxide in your body. The difference is that citrulline can be converted by the body to arginine as well.

This makes citrulline supplementation a more effective way of increasing nitric oxide levels than supplementing only with arginine. Higher NO levels mean harder erections, which often translate to higher sex drive in most men.

Muira Puama is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. In Brazilian indigenous medicine, it has been used for centuries to restore the sexual function of old men.

This plant is rich in sterols like campesterol and lupol, which activate testosterone receptors. In turn, this increases one's responsiveness to sexual stimuli and boosts physical performance.

In long-term use, muira puama increased the production of sex hormones for both men and women. This resulted in improved erection for men with erectile dysfunction and increased libido for women with a low sexual drive.

Another aphrodisiac from the Amazon rainforests, Catuaba is a small flowering tree that contains yohimbine and various alkaloids. These are substances that define its sexual enhancement benefits.

As mentioned previously, yohimbine has an affinity for the receptors that release nitric oxide in the blood and thus relax the penile structures responsible for erections. Combine these two: you get stronger and bigger erections. 

Aside from this, the alkaloids it contains increase your sensitivity to dopamine. This helps alleviate low libido related to depression and other behavioral disorders. 

Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that includes around 500 specimen. The most common is the Cordyceps sinensis, which is often used in supplements.

Preliminary studies have shown that it can increase testosterone production through the Leydig cells in the testes.

Since this increase in testosterone is brought from the testicles, cordyceps also increases sperm quality and motility.

Unfortunately, studies are currently limited mostly to in vitro and animal testing. Therefore, the use of cordyceps may have some unknown effects related to it.

Tribulus terrestris is a weedy plant species native to areas with dry climate all around the world. It is known by many other names such as goat’s head, burra gokharu, bindii, and tackweed.

As a testosterone booster, there’s no study yet that has proven its claim of raising the male sex hormone. The only promising research has been carried out on animals injected with gokshura, resulting in temporary testosterone increase.

However, Tribulus terrestris could be an aid for increasing sperm count. Studies have shown that, although there’s no increase in total testosterone, tribulus was able to ramp up sperm production in animal test subjects.

Although there’s no human testing done for it, this shows that tribulus terrestris can be a good aid for individuals seeking to boost their sperm production.

Icariin is one of these compounds. Studies indicate that icariin inhibits the PDE5 receptor, so basically it's an all-natural version of Viagra. Icariin also boosts the production of nitric oxide, which enhances blood flow for an improved erection. 

Since this doesn't affect one’s testosterone levels, horny goat weed can be an aid to improve erectile dysfunction without affecting your hormonal balance.

Additionally, butea inhibits the cAMP phosphodiesterase receptors. This causes the release of nitric oxide and increases blood flow to the penile tissues. 

It also has anti-estrogenic effects, aiding those men who suffer from estrogen dominance.

Clinical studies have confirmed its effects. Black ginger enhances the blood flow to one's reproductive organs, increases the length and girth of the penis (in both erect and flaccid state), and improves physical performance.

This is due to the extract inhibiting the PDE5 (phosphodiesterase) receptors, activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and increasing nitric oxide release.  

The Fadogia agrestis is a flowering plant of the Fadogia genus. It is abundantly found in tropical African countries like Angola, Congo, Central Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Due to its saponin content, it has been observed to increase the libido and serum testosterone levels in the short term. However, Fadogia agrestis also increases the body’s free radical content andeventually causes testosterone to drop below regular levels after supplementation. 

More research is needed for this supplement as only short-term animal studies have been conducted. With the fact that there are no human studies, taking Fadogia Agrestis presents a risk for those under medication or have an existing medical condition.

However, proper caution should be taken when using this supplement. Excess testosterone can cause severe disruption in one's hormonal balance, thus leading to nasty long-term consequences. It is important to take pine pollen only in recommended doses.

Preliminary studies on male rats have shown that Bulbine can increase one's libido, testosterone, and erection quality. This is attributed to the high content of saponins and alkaloids in the plant.

However, the same studies also observed adverse effects on the kidney and liver tissues. This was further confirmed in human liver enzyme studies, so it's important to take this plant with extreme caution. 

Also, it stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone (LH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GRH). LH and GRH stimulate the Leydig cells to produce testosterone, a staple component of healthy libido.

The pomegranate is also rich in dietary nitrate, which is converted by various intestinal bacteria to nitric oxide. 

Lastly, pomegranate juice also protects nitric oxide from oxidative damage. This is due to the juice inhibiting the free radicals that can damage NO molecules. 

Arugula (Eruca sativa) is known for its pungent and bitter flavor. Since ancient times, the Greek considered this vegetable to be a powerful aphrodisiac. By the way, you may know this leafy green by another name: rucola.

Recent studies explained that it's aphrodisiac action is mainly due to the plant's high content of trace mineral and antioxidants. Examples of such are magnesium, which improves testosterone levels, and sulforaphane, which can restore sexual response.

It is also considered as a nitrate-rich vegetable. For you, this means more NO, enhanced blood flow, and harder erections as a result.

Unfortunately, due to its popularity for cooking, farmers use pesticides in growing it to ensure a consistent production. Whenever possible, always get arugula from organic farmers that stay away from pesticides that could disrupt your endocrine function.

However, be careful with taking such inhibitors as they can increase your insulin resistance. If left unchecked, this could increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, so keep intake in moderation.

It has been proven to increase sperm motility and quantity, along with testosterone levels. This is due to its vitamin A, B, C, and E content that can strengthen the testicular blood barrier and protect sperm DNA from free radical damage.

It also aids the body in metabolizing and regulating blood sugar. This can aid in improving type-2 diabetes-induced infertility.

Dates are the fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera. It is widely cultivated in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South Asia.

It contains phenolic acids such as caffeic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. These can aid in increasing sexual stamina and treating infertility. 

Its cardiovascular benefits define its action as an aphrodisiac. Atherosclerosis is often associated with erectile dysfunction, and is one of the diseases that garlic can aid in preventing.

Garlic reduces cholesterol level, thus decreasing the amount of lipids that could potentially accumulate along the blood vessels. It also helps manage the blood pressure that, if elevated, can make prolonged sexual acts difficult to achieve. 

Ginger is also able to lower the risk of developing atherosclerosis and diabetes. Both of these conditions are associated with increased chance of having erectile dysfunction.

This can only occur if the honey is raw, not processed. Processing removes the valuable nitrates that give honey its aphrodisiac effects.

Moreover, raw honey of a darker shade is preferable as it usually has a higher content of said metabolites.

Nutmeg, or Myristica fragrans, is used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine as a treatment for male sexual disorders. Modern science has attributed this to its stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

Tests have shown that nutmeg extract increased the libido and sexual performance of test subjects. This has also led to decreased refractory period and improved penile stimulation.

However, supplements should not exceed more than 50% of nutmeg extract content due to the psychoactive effects of nutmeg in greater amounts. 

With more free testosterone available for your body to use, zinc thus increases the rate of effects that testosterone triggers. These include semen production, sexual performance, and libido.

Tests have shown that zinc can aid even those who have been infertile for five years. Specifically, it increased their serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count. 

Aside from this, watermelon is also rich in lycopene. This carotenoid is able to effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. 

Lycopene has been found to decrease the damage inflicted by free radicals on spermatozoa. This enhances and protects the gene expression in the male reproductive cells.

Aside from this, coconut water has been found to contain the amino acid L-arginine, which boosts nitric oxide production in the body. 

Tea and extract made from coconut fiber are rich in epicatechin, tannins, and flavonoids. These substances also boost nitric oxide production, supporting healthy blood flow for better erections. 

Eggs also provide the crucial cholesterol that is needed to produce testosterone. Cholesterol serves is the precursor for all male hormone in the body.

So, why raw eggs are preferred? Heat can damage the nutrients and degrade them in quality. By consuming raw eggs, you are getting its nutritional potential in the fullest. 

Unlike pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors, natural ones like white button mushrooms are only used by the body when needed. This prevents the problems associated with too little estradiol and too much testosterone.

The recommended daily intake is at least 10 ml of its extract (or 100 grams of the mushrooms). As its effects are dose-dependent, it is advised not to go overboard in its consumption. 

Aside from this, these same antioxidants also protect testosterone precursors from free radical damage. This ensures the body has an optimal supply of compounds for hormone production. 

Aside from this, it also contains apigenin. This phytochemical has been seen to improve testosterone production by increasing the sensitivity of aging Leydig cells.

This plant also contains an abundant amount of dimethylglycine (DMG), which helps preventing chronically-elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance. Also, it has shown to improve the libido and semen quality in animal test subjects.

Beetroot is best consumed in juice form to ensure the purity and quality of its acting compounds.