In the past, many foods were considered aphrodisiacs simply because their shape resembled the male or female sexual organs. However, there are actually plants that can help counteract the decline in desire or small dysfunctions in both men and women. Let's look at them together.

• Muira Puama

This plant of Brazilian origin is a shrub with small white flowers whose scent is reminiscent of jasmine. The beneficial properties of muira puama reside in the bark, which can be dried and transformed into an infusion. Not very pleasant to the palate, it can be made acceptable with sweeteners, but the game is still worth the candle: researchers are examining the aphrodisiac properties of the plant, which so far has proven effective for a number of problems, from menstrual cramps to premature ejaculation, to a decrease in libido and nervous disorders.

• Catuaba

Catuaba is also a plant native to Brazil. It is one of the most used natural aphrodisiacs by the ancient indigenous populations of the area, who used it as a remedy for impotence. A local saying even went: "If you become a father before the age of sixty, the child will be yours; after that, it will be the child of catuaba". Although catuaba is not very well known in our country, in Brazil it is one of the most used natural aphrodisiacs.

• Andean Maca

Maca is a tuberous plant native to the Andean regions and also called "Peruvian ginseng": the functional part for the aphrodisiac purpose is that of the root. Maca, like the more well-known ginseng, has stimulating properties that have made it quite famous in the West, where it is often used in the field of supplementation for athletes. However, maca also has stimulating virtues for the sexuality of men and women, so much so that alternative medicine experts use it to combat erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness and in general the decrease in libido.

• Damian

The herbal name of damiana is very significant: “Turnera aphrodisiaca”. In fact, for a long time, decoctions and infusions of damiana have been recommended to those who are experiencing problems in the intimate sphere and relational conflicts.

• Yohimbe

This plant is the only herbal remedy approved as a medicine by the FDA, the US government agency for the approval of drugs. This plant native to Africa has demonstrated excellent properties against impotence, which reside in an alkaloid present in the bark. Daily consumption, regulated at 20-42 mg per day of active ingredient, has proven effective in 34% of cases, which is a lot for a natural remedy.

• Cordyceps

Cordyceps is not a plant, but a mushroom. Its origin is in China, where it has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. According to some studies, the consumption of cordyceps can increase sexual activity by 30%. In addition, the consumption of this mushroom stimulates the production of DHEA, the so-called youth hormone. The main reason why cordyceps is consumed is, however, the fact that it helps to strengthen compromised immune defenses.

• Cow

Mucuna is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, although it is still little known in Europe. It is effective mainly to combat the psychogenic causes of sexual problems, being a mood regulator.