Al Link and Pala Copeland

Published in Tone Magazine in three installments: Part I, January 1999; Part II, April 1999; Part III, September 1999

Are you among the millions of people worldwide who are otherwise healthy but who've lost interest in sex? Do you find it boring and routine? Are you so tired that you'd rather nap than make love? Do you think TV is more stimulating than your partner? Do you have physical symptoms, like vaginal dryness or difficulty with erection, that make sex unpleasant?

As a relationship matures it is common, but definitely not necessary, for sex to become predictable and unexciting. One of the first places to start improving your sex life is to elevate your general mood and increase your energy level. This is good advice not only for improving sex but also for most other things in your life.

According to a survey of 153 doctors conducted by Pharmatron Health Products during July and August of 1998: "Herbal supplements are now entering mainstream medical practice, with one in three primary care doctors recommending them to patients at least weekly, most frequently for people with mood and emotional complaints… About as many doctors recommend herbal supplements for fatigue and lack of energy...Doctors also practice what they preach, with one in four doctors personally consuming herbal supplements."

So, let's assume you have covered the basics. You pay attention to what you eat and take some nutritional supplements. You follow a regular routine for physical fitness. You are reasonably healthy. There are no organic health problems interfering with your sexual performance, or you have consulted a physician and they are being treated allopathically with drugs. (Note that many prescription drugs are known to interfere with sexual desire and performance. If you are taking any prescription medication, ask your doctor about such side effects. It may be possible to prescribe a different medication that won't interfere with your sex life. )

If you are not doing these things, you may consider changing your habits before you experiment with aphrodisiacs. Regular exercise, good diet and basic nutritional supplements may be all you need to revitalize you sex life.

Ideally we could also assume that you have set aside old beliefs and conditioning about your sexuality. You have moved beyond shame and guilt. You have had help in dealing with any sexual abuse or trauma. You understand and believe that sex is natural, good and wondrous. If you lack sexual skill and technique, and your imagination fails to motivate you to experiment by trying new things, perhaps a workshop or some private coaching is in order.

Even if you have done all of these things, perhaps you are still looking for more and wonder if aphrodisiacs might be it. They are definitely worth experimenting with, but be warned, many of them may have side effects for some people. If you want to consume any item mentioned consult your physician first. If you do decide to use them, start out slowly and experiment carefully to see how each of them works for you. Try them one at a time to see what each one does on its own and how your body responds to its use before you consume several at the same time.

What are Aphrodisiacs?

An aphrodisiac is something that increases your libido. It turns you on and increases your desire to have sex, or it may reduce your usual inhibitions about sex. Aphrodisiacs may also improve your ability to have sex. This means that under the right circumstances, almost anything could have aphrodisiac qualities, but most people think of something to eat or drink when they think of aphrodisiacs.

Aphrodisiacs are never an alternative to healthy sexual attitude, doing your inner work to remove psychological barriers to sexual intimacy, or sexual skill mastery, but they can be lots of fun.

Aphrodisiacs may also be exactly what is needed when sexual dysfunction is caused by physiological/organic causes, e.g., peripheral vascular disease, hardening of the penile arteries, diabetes mellitus, prostate enlargement, high levels of pituitary gland hormone prolactin, low testosterone, menopause and andropause (the male's version of menopause).

What do you already know about aphrodisiac herbs? Here is a short aphrodisiac quiz. The answers to the questions are at the end of the article.

Aphrodisiac Quiz

1. Which aphrodisiac could you say this about? "Occasionally, it causes erections even in the absence of any sexual stimulation." And, "has a reputation for producing electrifying sexual encounters…"

2. What amino acid will help relax the smooth muscles in your genitals and enable a man to maintain an erection?

3. Which hormone precursor did homerun hitting Mark McGwire help make famous?

4. Which Greek Goddess does the name aphrodisiacs come from?

5. What berry provides protection for the prostate gland?

6. Which natural adrenal hormone, available as a nutritional supplement, helps balance all the other hormones in the body, for both men and women, and has dramatic effects on improving memory?

7. What topical cream can be used by menopausal women as part of a natural approach to hormone replacement, to help balance an estrogen dominance, assist in reducing bone loss and to build new bones?

8. Which nutritional supplement can help you to stop worrying and be happy now? Hint: It is commonly misspelled as Wart.

9. Which natural sedative available as a nutritional supplement can help you get a really good night's sleep with no morning after effects so you've got the energy for lovemaking?

10. Which Mexican herb is "reputed to induce erotic dreams when drunk at bedtime?"

11. Which adrenal hormone, available as a nutritional supplement, can increase your energy level, enhance your sex drive, decrease body fat, reduce stress and reduce ill effects of stress, enhance memory function, extend lifespan, and improve your immune function all at the same time?

12. There is an antioxidant that improves circulation and "can help in cases where a man has circulation-related difficulties in getting an erection." It is also well known for enhancing short-term memory. What is it?

13. Which South American aphrodisiac used in the Amazon and Orinoco basins for centuries, can increase libido, stimulate sensuality, increase sexual pleasure, and is used as a treatment for impotence and frigidity?

Quiz Answers

1. Yohimbe
2. Arginine
3. Androstenedione
4. Aphrodite (Venus in the Roman pantheon)
5. Saw Palmetto
6. Pregnenolone
7. Natural Progesterone Cream
8. St. John's Wort
9. Valerian
10. Damiana
11. DHEA
12. Ginkgo Biloba
13. Muira Puama

Tags: Sex and Romance

About the Author

Al Link and Pala Copeland own and operate 4 Freedoms Relationship Tantra. They regularly host Tantra Sacred Sex workshops in Eastern Ontario Canada, and weeklong retreats in exotic locations around the planet. For more information call toll free from Canada or USA: 1-800-684-5308 International long distance: 1-819-689-5308. www.tantra-sex.com