What Is an Aphrodisiac, and Do They Really Boost Libido?

Have you ever heard that oysters will boost your libido, or sex drive? Or that chocolate will increase your sexual desire? If so, you were hearing about the concept of aphrodisiacs.

An aphrodisiac is a substance that’s meant to increase sexual desire and improve your sex life. And while many people think this is proven science, it’s actually unclear whether aphrodisiacs actually work to boost sexual libido.

What are aphrodisiacs?

The word “aphrodisiac” comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Aphrodisiacs are substances believed to boost sexual libido and enhance sexual pleasure and performance. An aphrodisiac can be a food, herb, or medication. And they’re typically derived from plants, animals, or minerals. 

Aphrodisiacs are divided into three main categories, including those that:

• Increase libido, or sexual desire

• Boost sexual pleasure

• Improve sexual potency, or the ability to perform

There are a few different theories about how aphrodisiacs work, depending on the type. But there hasn’t been a ton of research in this area. 

That said, aphrodisiacs are thought to:

• Relax smooth muscles and increase blood flow, which can lead to an erection or enhanced sexual arousal in women

• Change brain levels of neurotransmitters that enhance sexual arousal — like dopamine, glutamic acid, nitric oxide, and oxytocin — and those that diminish it, such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

• Increase levels of androgens, hormones like testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which all play a role in sexual arousal, desire, and orgasm

Aphrodisiac foods and herbs

Most natural aphrodisiacs are either foods or herbs. You can find some of these substances in more of a whole-food form, like in tea, and others in over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. Here are some examples of natural aphrodisiacs:

• Chocolate

• Oysters

• Figs

• Dates

• Strawberries

• Honey

• Saffron

• Maca

• Kava

• Ginseng

• Yohimbe

• Tribulus terrestris

• Date palm

• Kaempferia parviflora

• Eurycoma longifolia

• Turnera diffusa

• Apples

• Gingko

• L-arginine

• Saw palmetto

• Fenugreek

Do aphrodisiacs actually work?

If you’re wondering whether aphrodisiacs actually work, the short answer is: not really. Animal studies have shown promising results. But there haven’t been many human studies on aphrodisiacs. Even in the existing human studies, there’s not enough data to make definitive statements.

Researchers from one review looked at data from 50 trials and case studies. They concluded that evidence is limited but supportive of some aphrodisiacs, such as maca, tribulus, ginkgo, and ginseng. But there’s a need for more evidence to determine if they actually work. As for other aphrodisiacs — including yohimbe, Spanish fly, mad honey, and Bufo toad — researchers said the risks outweigh any potential benefits.

But while the scientific evidence behind aphrodisiacs is lacking and inconclusive, you can’t underestimate the placebo effect, which can be pretty powerful. This is the power of suggestion and what several experts say is behind the “effectiveness” of aphrodisiacs.

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In other words, if you think a food or herb might enhance your sexual desire, there’s a chance that it will, even if there’s not an actual physiological response. 

When it comes to foods that are considered aphrodisiacs, there’s also the nutrient breakdown to consider. Think about oysters, one of the most well-known aphrodisiacs. While oysters might not directly boost libido, they’re rich in zinc. Zinc can raise testosterone levels, which affects sexual function in men and women. Zinc can also affect dopamine levels, which affects sexual function.

What are the possible side effects of aphrodisiacs?

While they may not cause a physiological response, many aphrodisiacs are unlikely to cause any harm. For example, oysters and chocolate, which are some of the most well-known, food-based aphrodisiacs, are unlikely to have side effects when you eat them in moderation. 

At small-to-moderate doses, herbal aphrodisiacs — like kava, bitter orange, and ginseng — are generally considered safe. However, in rare cases (and usually at very high doses), they can cause side effects, such as: 

• Dizziness

• Fatigue and sleepiness

• Insomnia

• Agitation

• Headache 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Mania

• Psychosis

Yohimbe has also been connected to heart attacks and seizures. Because of this, the supplements have been banned or restricted in many countries.

How do you use aphrodisiacs?

Since the science behind aphrodisiacs is limited, there’s no standard guidance on how to use them. That said, following some general guidelines can help you stay safe while trying different types of aphrodisiacs.

For food-based aphrodisiacs, eat a serving or two daily. For oysters, this means about three oysters per day. For chocolate, a serving is about 1 oz.

For herb-based aphrodisiacs, like maca or kava, you have a couple of options. You can make your own beverage by mixing powders or liquids into water. Or you can try them in supplemental form, typically as capsules or tinctures that don’t require any preparation. 

Good to know: The FDA doesn’t regulate OTC supplements. So the reported dosage and ingredient information on supplement labels isn’t always reliable. Look for options that have a seal from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) on the label. Those products have gone through additional testing. 

What are proven ways to increase your libido, instead of using aphrodisiacs?

It’s normal for libido to go up and down over time. Lots of different things affect your libido, like hormones, life experiences, and medications.

If you’re looking for research-backed ways to naturally boost your libido, aphrodisiacs aren’t your best bet. Natural, scientifically backed ways to increase your libido include: 

• Getting enough exercise: Research shows that regular exercise can help improve sexual desire, arousal, and performance. 

• Prioritizing sleep: Not getting enough sleep or having disrupted sleep can negatively affect sexual function. Most adults need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

• Managing stress: Stress and anxiety can contribute to a lower sex drive and issues with sexual performance. Tips to manage stress include practicing meditation and mindfulness, spending time outside, making connections with people and animals, and eating nourishing foods.

• Reconsidering your habits: Smoking and drinking alcohol can have negative effects on your sexual desire and function.

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Written by:

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC, is a functional nutritionist, licensed esthetician, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in evidence-based health, wellness, and skincare writing.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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