Not feeling it lately? We’ve all been there.
But the good news is, getting in the mood may just be as simple as adding a little something to your go-to sexy-time routine.
Enter aphrodisiacs.
You may have heard of chocolate, but there’s more to the list and the story when it comes to these mysterious libido-lifters. Let’s break it all down and discuss just what aphrodisiacs are, if they work, their potential effects, and of course, how to make the most of them.
What is an aphrodisiac, anyway?
An aphrodisiac is a food or substance thought to stimulate sexual desire, behavior, or pleasure. Basically, anything you can consume that puts you in the mood.
Do aphrodisiacs really work?
Yes and no. It depends on how you look at it.
While there’s not a ton of scientific evidence connecting aphrodisiacs to increased sexual desire or performance, the placebo effect can be pretty powerful.
Think about it: just knowing you’re noshing on velvety dark chocolate in anticipation of a sexy night can be a turn-on itself. Not to mention, letting on that you’re leaning into the magic of aphrodisiacs gives your partner a nod that you’re ready to go.
So to answer your question, there might be something to them. And since there’s no harm in trying, why not give yourself another reason to pick up your favorite dark chocolate?
Types of aphrodisiacs
Food: Foods packed with vitamins and compounds linked to better sex are considered aphrodisiacs. They include chocolate, oysters, strawberries, figs, pistachios, and avocados.
Medicinal aphrodisiacs: Traditional Eastern medicine looked to medicinal plants and herbs like ginkgo biloba, fenugreek, and red ginseng, and some studies have shown this for good reason.
Fast forward to now, and plant-based medicines for sexual health have become even more prevalent, with THC-infused formulas like VIIA Hemp Company’s High Love THC Libido Gummies leading the pack. (We’ll dig into this one a little more below.)
Scents: Besides freshening up the bedroom, some fragrances are thought to arouse sexual desire. Aphrodisiac scents include lavender, vanilla, jasmine, sandalwood, rose, cinnamon, and peppermint. This should be welcome news for pumpkin spice lovers, as vanilla and cinnamon are two of the top notes in fall’s favorite scent. (You’re welcome.)
Possible effects of aphrodisiacs
When you try some of the aphrodisiacs listed above, you could experience effects that lift your libido like:
- Increased blood flow
- Heightened sensitivity
- Hormonal shifts
- Improved well-being
5 deliciously fun ways to introduce aphrodisiacs to your sex life
Placebo or not, playing with aphrodisiacs can add some extra fun to your sex life, so follow my lead with these simple tips:
#1. Surprise your partner with a sweet chocolatey treat.
One of the most well-known (and delicious) aphrodisiacs, chocolate packs serotonin and phenylethylamine, chemicals that boost your mood and promote sexual stimulation. Have a delectable bar of salted dark chocolate waiting for your partner when they arrive home from work or pull out a pint of chocolate ice cream to pair with that evening movie.
No matter how you work it in, keep the theme going in the bedroom with flavored lube. JO’s Tri-Me Triple Pack in Neapolitan includes chocolate (naturally), vanilla, and strawberry flavors to sweeten oral and any form of play that follows.
#2. Heat up your night with VIIA Hemp Company’s High Love THC Libido Gummies.
Medicinal aphrodisiacs have gotten a modern makeover in the form of tasty gummies that do the trick. While I’ve dabbled in dozens of gummies that promise better sex, VIIA Hemp Company’s High Love THC Libido Gummies* top my list.
These gummies give you a dreamy onset thanks to uplifting cannabinoids and pair that sexy chill vibe with pleasure-enhancing herbs like Damiana, which increases blood circulation for greater arousal and genital sensitivity. Best of all, my listeners can get them for less.
#3. Be strategic about your next dinner date.
Now that you know aphrodisiac foods, peruse menus accordingly. And lucky for you, lots of happy hours tout one at the top of the list: oysters. Treat yourselves to succulent oysters and that tasty fig and honey cocktail and you might just want to extend happy hour when you head back home.
#4. Whip up a dish that delivers in the kitchen and the bedroom.
Is there anything sexier than a partner who cooks? Cultivate an at-home menu that makes you and yours want to head to the bedroom. Look to the list of aphrodisiac foods and search for recipes that include them or get creative with your own sexy concoction. Can I get a “Yes, chef”?
#5. Set the mood in every room with sexy scents for your home.
With no expiration date or prep required, sensuously fragrant candles are one of the most effortless aphrodisiacs. I recommend ones that pull double duty like the Kama Sutra Ignite Massage Candle. This candle comes in luxurious scents like seductive Vanilla Sandalwood and melts into velvety massage oil that leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized well beyond sexy time.
Pair aphrodisiacs with these proven ways to improve your sex life.
While these tips may not all be as indulgent as, let’s say, feasting on oysters, they’re sure to make you feel your best which instantly translates to better sex.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and lean meats to support blood flow and improve your hormone levels.
- Check your stress because it’s a guaranteed libido-killer. Follow my sexy morning routine to start each day relaxed and rejuvenated.
- Exercise regularly. That AM sidewalk sprint can help with your PM performance in bed.
- Get those Z’s in. Sleep has a direct effect on your sex life, and those critical hours of rest can help you be and feel better in bed.
When you make these to-dos musts in your daily routine, that sultry massage candle and libido gummy can only make your next sexual encounter even more pleasurable.
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*Use code EMILY 20% off VIIA Hemp Company’s High Love THC Libido Gummies + get a free gummy sample with purchase.
