Sexual stamina and reproductive
health are one among the major factors that contribute to happy family life and
self-esteem. It is the same in the case of men and women, though our
patriarchal culture is still reluctant to attach much significance to women’s sexuality.
It is the ability to satisfy a woman
that makes up every man. According to
the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are over 48.5 million infertile
couples worldwide. Sound sexual health
can be achieved through sex therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Ayurveda views poor sexual
performance as the result of low sexual desire (libido) owing to emotional
disturbances and excessive use of substances with pungent, acidic or saline
taste or heat, which leads to loss of Saumya Dhatu (watery principle).
Impotency can happen on account of inadequate
semen in persons addicted to excessive sexual pleasure, diseases such as
syphilis, Sahaja impotency (sexual incapacity from birth) and destruction of
local Marma (spermatic cord).
Impotency in males or erectile
dysfunction is caused mainly by cardiovascular leakages and diabetes, among
other factors. Androgens, or the male hormone, play an important role in male
reproductive health as it is involved in the initiation of sexual activity and
intercourse.
The response to androgens is either
up-regulated or down regulated by steroids (testosterone). Erectile dysfunction
can be treated effectively through psychotherapeutic approach using certain
plants or drugs made from them.
Herbal way to sexual
health
In Ayurveda, properties of food items
(Ahara Varga) are discussed contextually. Proper processing and consumption
of food can have excellent therapeutic effect on sexual health of a person. Dravya,
which can increase sexual potency, is mentioned using different terms such as Vajikarana,
Vajikara, Vrishya, Shukrala, Sukra Rechaka, Shukra
Janaka, etc. There are many Ahara Dravyas specially mentioned in
various texts of Ayurveda, which have the power to increase sexual potency.
Unfortunately, many such herbs are unavailable today.
Still, here goes a list of Ahara
Dravyas which are commonly available:
Poovan Pazham (Mysore Banana)
Poovan Pazham is a banana variety made famous by the short
story by the same name authored by Vaikom Muhammed Basheer. The short fat fruit
with its thin yellow skin and sweet taste has made it one among the best
dessert bananas in India.
Known in English as ‘Mysore Banana’
or ‘Fat Lady’s Finger’, it is an excellent source of potassium which helps in
maintaining the proper function of muscles and blood pressure. Eating Poovan
Pazham aids vitality and enhances the release of more energy both mentally
and physically.
The sex-enhancing power of Poovan
Pazham could be due to the presence of Tryptophan, which is bio-activated
to Serotonin which, in turn, can improve the mood and make one feel happier. As
it is a rich source of fructose and sucrose, it can revitalize the body
instantly just after mating too.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate, known in Malayalam as ‘Maathalam’
is less-known as an aphrodisiac, though its other medicinal properties are well
known. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can increase testosterone
levels in men, one of
the main hormones
behind sex-drive.
It can also increase the number of
motile sperm and the quality of semen. Pomegranate is a rich source of Vitamin
K and Vitamin C. It is very rich in Potassium and contains significant amount
of Phosphorus and Calcium. This is beneficial for women too, as it keeps
shielded against bone-related ailments.
The estrogenic flavenoids can
function as female hormones (Seeram N.P. et al., Journal of Nutritional
Biochemistry, 2005). Freshly made pomegrante juice can function as ‘natural
viagra’ in young people, if taken daily.
Cocoa
Recent research has proved that Cocoa
has a beneficial effect on human sexuality as it increases sexual desire and
improves sexual pleasure. This is attributed to presence in Cocoa of a chemical
substance known as phenyl ethylamine, which can stimulate the hypothalamus, thereby
inducing pleasurable sensations.
Phenyl ethylamine triggers two
neurotransmitters in the brain namely serotonin and endorphin which, in turn,
enhances the sex-mood. These chemicals are produced naturally by the brain
during situations of happiness and feeling of love and lust, but can be induced
by Cocoa also.
This causes a rapid rise in blood
pressure, an increase in heart rate and could induce a feeling of ‘euphoria’.
As a home-remedy, the seed of Cocoa can be fried well and powdered for use. One
tea-spoon full of this powder, along with milk, can increase the sex-drive.
Gooseberry
The aphrodisiac potential of Amla
or Gooseberry (Embelica officinalis) has been proved by recent studies. Known
as ‘Nellikka’ in Malayalam, it is one of the most celebrated herbs in
Ayurveda, which contains high concentration of most minerals and amino acids
than apples.
Freshly made gooseberry juice is used
as a tonic to prevent infertility and cancer (Khaled SE, et al., Food and
Function Journal, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2019). As a traditional home
remedy for impotency, the gooseberry fruits are sun-dried and then powdered.
One spoon of this powder is mixed with a spoonful of honey and sugarcane
jaggery (Kalkkandam) and the mix should be taken internally, before bed
time.
Pumpkin
According to a recent research paper,
seed extracts of ginger and pumpkin-seed (Cucurbita maxima) taken together
internally can increase the number of germ-cells in seminiferous tubes and has
a positive effect on the recovery of impaired spermatogenesis (Mohammadi, F.,
et al. Anatomical science, 2014).
In a clinical trial involving around
2,000 men, the pumpkin seed oil was found have a positive effect on men
suffering from Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH). It was also found to be
helpful in curing urinary disorders such as overactive bladder (OAB).
The presence of Zinc, Manganese,
Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium and Selenium makes pumpkin-seed extracts
an adjuvant for immune-modulation and a drug for reproductive therapy.
Drumstick
Drumstick is a very common
aphrodisiac known to people of Kerala, and is part of the daily diet of the
State’s population. It can function as a cheap and simple approach to improving
sexual dysfunction among those leading stressful lifestyles (Thawatchai
Prabsattroo et al., 2015).
According to Ayurveda, it is Sukrakruthparam,
which means that it is excellent in increasing sexual potency. Drumstick,
especially its seeds, are helpful in maintaining strong and long erections. It
contains saponin which enhances libido.
As a home remedy, 4-5 seeds of
Drumstick, one tea-spoon full of powdered pepper are mixed with ginger extract
and diluted to one glass of water. This is then boiled slowly in low flame for
5 minutes. It can be taken 2 to3 times daily which can solve even the problems
related to motility of the sperm.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek or Uluva, as it is
known in Malayalam, has been proved to be effective as an aphrodisiac in men suffering
from erectile dysfunction due to diabetes. (RB. Gupta et al., 2015,
International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Research).
In women, Fenugreek seeds help in the
synthesis of hormones that are responsible for the enlargement of breasts.
There are numerous other reports of aphrodisiac activity of Fenugreek in
traditional Indian medicine. The seeds
can be boiled in milk and then taken internally with sugarcane jaggery. It is
said that men should consume Fenugreek seeds regularly which can help in
increasing blood-flow to the sex organs.
Dates
Various parts of Date palm (Phoenix
dactylifera) are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of
disorders including nervous and sex-related disorders. The fruits are rich in
carbohydrate, protein and minerals like Fe, Ca, Mg and vitamin B6. It is one
among the best fruits for enhancing male fertility.
As it contains high amount estradiol
and flavonoids, it can increase sperm count and mobility. Dates can increase
size of the testis in men and DNA quality with a concomitant increase in the
weight of the testis. It can increase the size of the breast in women. Dates
can be put in goat-milk overnight and then ground with cow-milk and then taken
internally.
Almond
Almond (Prunus amygdalus), as per
Ayurveda, has Vrishya (aphrodiasic) property. It is rich in protein and
carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Almond seeds are rich sources of
Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, which are all important for
testosterone production.
Almonds are a good
source mono-unsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty
acids (PUFA) which are all good for the
health of the heart. The presence of
magnesium, zinc folate and vitamin B6 stimulates the hypothalamus to increase
testosterone which affects total sexual behaviour, ejaculation frequency,
ejaculation latency and sperm count. Almond can also help reduce stress and
increase libido.
Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a
spice which is used as a flavouring agent. Apart from this, cardamom is also
used as a medicine. In the Middle East, cardamom is widely considered as a sex-enhancer.
Cardamom seeds are chewed to prevent
unpleasant smell in mouth, indigestion, nausea and vomiting due to sickness. It
can also prevent pyrosis (excessive watering in mouth). Vatsyayana advices
sex-mates to chew Cardamom seeds before sexual activity.
Powdered seeds of cardamom boiled
with tea can be used as medicine for scanty urination, diarrhoea, palpitation
of the heart, exhaustion due to over work, depression, etc. One cardamom
capsule per day with a tablespoon of honey can improve eyesight and strengthen
the nervous system and thus improve the sexual health of the person.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a common
ingredient in many recipes. It is used in the treatment of Rakthapitta (bleeding
diseases), Gulma (bloating), Arsha (piles) and Prameha
(diabetes), Krimi (intestinal worms).
Apart from its Hrudhya (good
for the heart), Snigdha (unctuous) and Dipana (increased
digestive power) properties, it has Vrishya (aphrodiasic) power too.
According to Ayurveda, Garlic can cure erectile dysfunction. This is due to the
presence of an active compound called ‘Allicin’ which can increase blood flow
to the sex organs (Hamdard Medicus, 2004; 47 (2): 30-35).
Taking Garlic and Coriander leaves
together is good medicine for enhancing libido. Garlic can be boiled in milk
and can be taken internally. It can be
put in honey and stored or can be consumed in fried form using Gingelly oil
(Sesame Oil) or cow-ghee.
Amukkuram
Amukkuram, known in Sanskrit as Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) is a commonly used to combat stress-induced infertility. Aqueous
root extract of Amukkuram can improve sperm count and motility in
infertile men.
Powdered root of Amukkuram, if
given to an infertile male, in the dosage of 5 g/day for 3 months, would improve
the overall semen quantity and quality, according to a study published in the
journal Fertility and Sterility in 2010. (vol. 94, no. 3, pp. 989–996).
As a home remedy, extract of Amukkuram
root can be made and one-fourth of it can be taken along with cow-ghee in the
dosage of one table spoon per day for 15 days. This will improve the sexual
efficiency of men. Powdered root (10 g), if taken along with milk before
bedtime for 15 days, would also have the same effect and increase the
production of semen.
Adapathiyan
Adapathiyan (Holostemma ada-kodien), known in Sanskrit
as Jivanti, is traditionally used for maintaining vigour, strength and
vitality. In folk-medicine, it is used to treat gonorrhoea and diabetes.
Paniya tribes of Kerala are reported
to be taking the tubers of Adapathiyan, boiled in water, to get relief
from diseases relating to gynaecology as documented in International Journal of
Pharma and BioSciences (2012 3(4): 493 –
501).
Besides the medicinal virtues, the
leaves, flowers and fruits are eaten as vegetables. As a home remedy, the root of Adapathiyan
is boiled along with milk and then dried in the sun. This is powdered and 6 g
of the powder is taken internally with milk daily to boost sexual power. This
can also improve the sperm-count.
Naykkurana
Naykkurana (Mucuna pruriens) is a very popular Indian
medicinal plant, the seeds and root of which have long been used in traditional
Ayurvedic medicine to increase spermatogenesis and weight of the testes,
seminal vesicles and prostate. It can also increase the quantity of semen and
stimulate the production of semen.
Naykkurana can delay the time of ejaculation and
improve the ejaculatory performance. Treatment with Naykkurana seeds increases
sperm concentration and motility in infertile men (Evidence-Based Complementary
and Alternative Medicine, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 137–144, 2010).
Research has also proved that it can
help in the management of stress, which can adversely affect sex life. The
decoction made from roots and seeds can be taken twice daily in the dosage of
30 ml, for 15 days, to increase libido and sperm count.
Shatavari
Asparagus is known in Sanskrit as ‘Shatavari’
which can be translated as “one who possesses a hundred husbands”. It is hailed
in Ayurveda as ‘Queen of herbs’ as it promotes love and devotion. Shatavari (Asparagus
racemosus) is the main rejuvenating tonic for women and it is highly effective
in treating problems related to ovulation and to increase fertility.
The major active constituents of
Shatavari are steroidal saponins like ‘Shatavarins-I-VI’. The tubers, rich in
nutrients like Vitamin A, C, B6 and minerals like Ca, Mg and Fe, can be boiled
in water and eaten to induce libido. It can help women to control hot flush and
dryness of vagina even after menopause. It can make males more passionate
during mating and help in maintaining erection time.
Saffron
Saffron is the dried stigma of the
plant Crocus sativus. It is the most prescribed and strong aphrodisiac in the
history of mankind. It grows in the Mediterranean region and it is widely
cultivated in Iran and other countries, including India and Greece.
Saffron contains Crocin, Picrocrocin and
Safranal as its major constituents. Among these, Safranal and Crocin are
scientifically proved to have aphrodisiacal activity in males. The effect of
saffron has also been proved in erectile dysfunction patients.
Traditionally it is
taken with almond milk. It is found to be effective even in patients who have
lost their erection and libido due to use of anti-depressive drugs.
