Herbal Aphrodisiacs



Herbal aphrodisiacs not only improve your sex life but many can nourish your overall health, and enhance your sense of well-being. Many herbal remedies to enhance libido work slowly and must be taken over a period of time to be effective, however aromatherapy oils such as rose, jasmine and ylang-ylang have an immediate impact on the senses and can encourage intimacy.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


  • See List Herbs by Botanical Name

  • Anise Seed Anise Seed, Pimpinella anisum : Aniseed
    Annual : Sweet and very aromatic, anise is commonly used to break up congestion, ease coughing and relieve gas and indigestion....
  • Ashwagandha root Ashwagandha root, Withania somnifera : Ashwaganda, Ajagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry
    Hardy annual/Tender perennial : It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because, like ginseng, ashwaganda is revered as a non-specific tonic, an adaptogen that is used alone or as an ingredient in compounds designed to target a variety of conditions....
  • Asparagus Asparagus, Asparagus spp : Satavari
    Flowering Perennial : There are over 300 species in the asparagus family, many are used medicinally, grown as ornaments or eaten as vegetables, the most well-known species, Asparagus officinalis, commonly referred to as just asparagus....
  • Black Pepper Black Pepper, Piper nigrum :
    Perennial Woody Vine : Freshly ground pepper is a healthy spice, but the uses of black pepper go far beyond the kitchen in herbalism....
  • Cacao Cacao, Theobroma cacao L. : Chocolate, cocoa
    herb : Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in cacao beans, resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less powerful and does not have the sleep disturbing effects of caffeine....
  • Cardamom Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum :
    : Cardamom is an incredibly rich yet light aromatic spice and essential oil. Like its close relative ginger, cardamom is well known for relief of nausea, especially morning sickness in pregnancy. ...
  • Catuaba Catuaba, Erythroxylum catuaba : caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba
    tree : Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen erections....
  • Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
    Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
  • Clary Sage Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea : Clarysage
    Perennial Herb : Clary sage oil is ideal to use on a regular basis in baths or perfumes to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is recommended for women who are experiencing hot flashes...
  • Clove Oil Clove Oil, Syzygium aromaticum :
    Tropical evergreen tree : Clove is an antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic essential oil that is used to treat colds, viruses, and dental pain. Put a few drops on a cotton ball for toothache...
  • Damiana Damiana, Turnera diffusa :
    Perennial subshrub : Damiana is used primarily as an aphrodisiac for both sexes, but it's folklore uses also extend to include treatment for depression and anxiety...
  • Dong Quai Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis : Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui
    Herbaceous perennial : Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings...
  • Epimedium Epimedium, Epimedium grandiflorum : horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo
    : Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed, is a powerful remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years to promote male potency and as an aphrodisiac....
  • Fo-Ti Root Fo-Ti Root, Polygonum multiflorum : He-shou-wu
    Vine : Fo-ti, as it is known here in the west is most famous for its reputed ability to restore color to gray hair and as a fertility tonic. ...
  • Ginger Root Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale : Luyang Dilaw
    Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes....
  • Hemp Oil Hemp Oil, Cannabis sativa :
    Annual Herb : Perhaps the most valued property of hemp (Cannabis sativa) is its percentage of essential fatty acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. Although Cannabis sativa is illegal in the United States because of the dried leaves intoxica...
  • Jasmine Flower Oil Jasmine Flower Oil, Jasminum officinale :
    Deciduous vine : Legendary jasmine is a sensual delight. In aromatherapy, jasmine absolute oil in used to uplift the spirits in cases of apathy, depression, menopausal disorders, and lack of confidence ...
  • Juniper Berries Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis :
    tree : Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems. Juniper detoxifies the system and helps prevent the buildup of uric acid in cases of gout and rheumatoid arthritis....
  • Kola Nut Kola Nut, Cola acuminata :
    Tree : Kola nuts contain caffeine which may explain their popular use in energy tonics. Native to Africa....
  • Muira puama Muira puama, Ptychopetalum olacoides : Marapama, potency wood
    : Folklore throughout South America strongly supports muira puama's stimulating properties. It is commonly referred to not only as an aphrodisiac but also as a nerve stimulant that is said to heighten the receptiveness to sexual stimuli, and muira puama is...
  • Orange Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp. : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine
    tree : Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
  • Patchouli Patchouli, Pogostemon patchouli :
    Woody perennial aromatic : Patchouli oil improves with age and is used as a base note in aromatherapy oils. The aromatic leaves can also be used in herbal infused oils, and bath herbs for skin care...
  • Rhodiola Rhodiola , Rhodiola rosea : Golden Root, Roseroot, Aaron's Rod
    Flowering perennial : Rhodiola is an adaptogen, and acts in a similar fashion as ginseng. Rhodiola extracts may help those suffering from mild to moderate depression....
  • Rose Rose, Rosa spp :
    Perennial : Rose petals suitable for medicinal purposes are deeply rose-colored and fragrant....
  • Saffron Saffron , Crocus sativus :
    crocus : Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, is derived from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. Traditional uses of saffron extend far beyond the kitchen. ...
  • Sandalwood Oil Sandalwood Oil, Santalum album :
    tree : Sandalwood oil is one of the few fragrances equally popular among men and women. Its uplifting scent is often used to treat depression....
  • Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto, Serenoa serrulata : Sabal Sabal serrulata
    Shrub : Saw palmetto berry tea is commonly recommended for benign enlargement of the prostate and to treat chronic urinary tract infections....
  • Tribulus terrestris L Tribulus terrestris L, Tribulus terrestris, : Burra Gookeroo, Burra Gokhru, puncture vine,
    : Native to India, the role of Tribulus Terrestris in Eastern European folk medicine for muscle strength and sexual potency....
  • Ylang-Ylang Ylang-Ylang, Cananga adorata :
    Tropical Tree : Ylang-ylang oil is distilled from the early morning, fresh-picked flowers of the cananga tree. Ylang-ylang oil is stimulating, yet relaxing with antiseptic and aphrodisiac properties....