In aromatherapy, ylang ylang essential oil is known as one of the most aromatic and relaxing essential oils. It is extracted by steam distillation from Cananga odorata, a large tree with beautiful yellow flowers with very long petals. Pleasant floral captivating scent of these flowers is used in perfumery and cosmetics. This tree is native to Indonesia and Malaysia, but now it is cultivated in Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries. Ylang ylang can be translated as something like “flower of flowers“.

Ylang ylang essential oil has a fresh sweet floral aroma, and in aromatherapy it is one of the key oils with excellent calming and relaxing effects. This oil can be blended with other high quality essential oils for effective use directed on calming down the effects of stresses, relieving the symptoms of depression, anxiety, shocks, anger and other types of psychological tension. Sedative and calming effects on the nervous system are among the principal benefits of ylang ylang, therefore it can be used for any type of nervous condition.

Besides, ylang ylang essential oil is known as an effective natural aphrodisiac, which can be used on a regular basis to treat such problems as infertility, frigidity and impotence without any unwanted side effects. Also, ylang ylang oil can help people who suffer from hypertension and rapid heartbeat. It can help to combat insomnia and can be a very effective remedy for hyper-activity in infants and children.

This oil can be effectively applied externally to treat such conditions as too dry and too oily skin, acne, wrinkles and so on. In addition, ylang ylang oil promotes hair growth, that is why it is frequently used as an ingredient or hair care products. Benefits of ylang ylang oil also include its antibacterial properties and the powers to help with intestinal infections. However, using this oil orally should only be recommended and controlled by a specialist in order to avoid unwanted side effects of using this herbal remedy.

Pumpkin is not only a famous pie ingredient and an essential decoration for Halloween, it is also a very useful natural food packed with very valuable natural microelements and nutrients, including vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, phytosterols, proteins and essential fatty acids. Such a product as pumpkin seed oil is received by cold pressure. It has a strong nutty flavor and is widely used in Australia, almost as much as olive oil is used in Spain and Italy. Around the world, it is used with various therapeutic and medicinal purposes.

Centuries ago, pumpkin seeds were used as an effective natural aphrodisiac, and recently, many studies show pumpkin seed oil is able to improve men’s health and lower the risks of prostate cancer. This is, undoubtedly, one of the main health benefits of pumpkin seed oil, as in our times the number of men suffering from prostate problems is firmly increasing. Pumpkin seed oil can inhibit cancerous cell formation and reduce an enlarged prostate. During the studies in Hungary, the participants after a certain pumpkin seed oil therapy demonstrated improvements in urinary system and bladder function.

Positive effects on our skin, including moisturizing, nourishing and smoothing actions, are other important pumpkin seed oil benefits. This natural product can be used for preventing stretch marks, as well as for combating such a problem as dandruff. High content of carotenoids and antioxidants give us an opportunity to enjoy regenerative and rejuvenating heath benefits of pumpkin seed oil. Filled with essential fatty acids, this oil can help us to lower bad cholesterol levels in our blood and be more effective in our weight management efforts.

Besides, pumpkin seed oil is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, and as a natural remedy for various eye problems, including macular degeneration. Using this natural product on a regular basis is linked to a better bone health, less intense arthritics pains, musculalr cramps, etc. Finally, one of the most commonly used pumpkin seed oil benefits is using calming properties of this oil to get rid of stresses, insomnia and other similar problems. Do not forget to consult a specialist before coming to any therapy involving pumpkin seed oil.

Every spring brings us new feelings, new inspirations and new romances. For those who want to add some spice to the sexual life, there are 5 most effective spring aphrodisiacs.

1. Artichokes. This natural aphrodisiacs are rich in such substance as inulin, which in conjunction with vitamins A, B and C can substantially improve metabolism. This can stimulate and tone the body, as well as increase the libido.

2. Asparagus. This is one of the most effective spring aphrodisiacs which is rich in phosphorus, potassium, calcium and vitamin A. At that, asparagus can be used by both men and women.

3. Eggs. This natural product is rich in proteins, and for centuries eggs have been used as the best natural aphrodisiacs.

4. Oysters. Stimulating action of this natural aphrodisiac is connected with a high content of zinc and iron. In order to receive maximum effects, you should try eating fresh raw oysters.

5. Leafy vegetables. These spring aphrodisiacs are great sources of vitamins and mineral elements, like vitamins A, C and B. The most effective leafy stimulants include arugula, dill and parsley.

Basil or Holy Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant herb, a relative of peppermint, which is widely used in culinary, especially for sauces, soups and salads. The plants originates from India, but received its name after a Greek word “basileus” meaning “king”. Basil health benefits are numerous, and for many nations this herb symbolizes love. One of the prominent herbalists an botanists, Nicholas Culpeper, mentioned basil in his famous fundamental work, the Complete Herbal (published in 1653) as one of the most powerful natural aphrodisiac which has great effects on women.

Basil is valued for its high content of many nutrients and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, C and K, dietary fiber and other useful components. Also, basil is a source of volatile oils like eugenol, cineole, estragole, limonene, linalool, myrcene, sabinene and others. These oils have very strong anti-bacterial properties and can be effectively used for killing many bacterial infections, such as enterococcus, staphylococcus, and so on.

However, very high content of flavonoids is one of the most important health benefits of basil linked to protecting our body cells from damage and blocking aging processes in the tissues. This herb is also known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it is especially recommended to those people who suffer from arthritis as eugenol inhibits production of an enzyme which causes swelling. Basil health benefits also include positive effects on heart and cardio-vascular system: in particular, this herbal remedy can improve blood circulation by relaxing vessels and preventing cloths formation in arteries.

Basil teas and tinctures are used for treatment of throat infections, influenza, cold, cough, asthma and other various respiratory system disorders. In particular, very effective herbal remedies can be made by combining basil with ginger and honey. Basil herbal tea can ease the symptoms of urinary infections, colics, anorexia, gastric ulcers and diarrhea. Finally, valuable health benefits of basil also include good effects when treating such problems as skin rushes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, wounds, insect bites and so on.

Basil essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to calm down tension, nervousness, migraines and other negative effects of stresses. It can effectively treat depressions and help to focus and concentrate. This oil is recommended to those who suffer from cold, bronchitis and whooping cough. In terms of traditional Ayurvedic approach, basil can be used to treat such diseases and ailments as allergies, diabetes and blood sugar problems, impotence, and even infertility. Do not forget to talk to your health care specialist before starting any treatment involving basil and basil products.

Arugula (Eruca sativa), which is also called rocket seed, rocket salad, rukola and rucketta, is famous for its powerful aphrodisiac qualities. Centuries ago, those were ancient Romans, who discovered such properties of this leafy green with rich and strong peppery taste. They used to mix green leaves of arugula with other natural aphrodisiacs and spices (like lavender, lettuce, dill and chicory) and add these mixtures to their special sauces or salads to increase potency.

The plant originates from the Mediterranean region and grows throughout the area from Lebanon to Morocco. It is very easy to grow arugula: it can be cultivated even in a small pot in front of your window giving you an opportunity to enjoy fresh leaves every day. In addition to its excellent love-inspiring properties and aphrodisiac powers, arugula is also considered one of the most useful and healthiest natural superfoods. It is very low in calories (20 g of arugula have only 5 cal) and can be a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins C, A, K and P, iron, potassium and other nutrients and minerals we all need. Experts say that one of the most significant health benefits of arugula is improve our blood quality.

Arugula is a very effective stimulant, it gives power and energy, and can stop cough. Vitamins P and K in this plant are reported to have positive effects on liver function. Arugula leaves and seeds are widely used in modern culinary, and potatoes with arugula is one of the most popular ways to consume this natural aphrodisiac. As a matter of fact, arugula can be added to any sort of meals and dishes. It is especially good with fish and red meat. Also, you can combine arugula with such spices as parsnips, pine nuts and pistachio for dressing your favorite vegetable salads and pasta. Enjoy aphrodisiac properties and health benefits of arugula year round!

Writing a small article about medicinal uses of garlic is quite a difficult task because this herbal remedy has such a vast variety of therapeutic properties and benefits which can be covered and discussed only in a 500-page book. Presently, health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum) are pretty well explored and studied. Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, which is mentioned in famous Ebers Papyrus, a medical encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (dated back to 1500 BC) as a key ingredient of 22 most important natural remedies of that epoch. In ancient Roman and German national epic, garlic consumption was associated with courage, bravery and good health. It seems that people of those epochs were quite tolerant to garlic odor!

It is a known fact that garlic can frighten away not only vampires and evil spirits, but also such terrible things as cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease, colds, etc. Excellent antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties of garlic can be attributed to the high content of allicin, the key medicinal element of this herbal remedy. One of the most important garlic health benefits is its property to prevent and treat such common aliments as cold and bronchitis. In New York or Mumbai, in London or Capetown – all around the world people know that taking one or two cloves of garlic on the onset of colds, coughs or throat irritations will help to avoid serious consequences linked to this diseases.

Anti-cancer properties of garlic became a subject of hundreds of studies and researches. It was discovered that a combination of two components of garlic, s-allycystein and diallye disulphide have a property to inhibit tumors. That is how this herbal remedy can stop or at least slow down cancerous cells development, as well as prevent cancer by improving our immune system. Two more elements containing in garlic, namely selenium and ajoene, also play a role in protecting us against cancer by removing heavy metals from our body and stimulating other types of detoxification.  Garlic is considered to be especially effective for lowering the risks of having stomach, breast, prostate, colon and skin cancer.

Lowering the risks of having heart disease, helping to control our blood pressure (by thinning our blood) and lower blood cholesterol levels are other key health benefits of garlic consumption on a regular basis. Therefore, eating garlic is essential for those who are concerned about their cardio-vascular health. Another property of garlic to lower sugar levels in our blood makes it an effective natural remedy for type 2 diabetes treatment and prevention. Antibacterial action of garlic can be used to calm down toothache and cure various skin problems, as well as to prevent tuberculosis and food poisoning. The specialists say that consuming 2 cloves of fresh garlic a day can protect you from developing such conditions as ulcers, vaginal yeast infections, bladder infections and so on.

Finally, garlic is considered to be one of the oldest known natural aphrodisiacs which has excellent natural powers to improve blood circulation and help men to fight  impotence. In addition, garlic is also very useful to all pregnant women since, according to the results of a recent study at a London hospital, it can aid in weight gaining for babies decreasing their chances to be born with low weight. At the same time, many specialists point on the fact that for all the above mentioned therapeutic purposes it is better to use fresh natural garlic rather than supplements (though supplements can help to avoid unpleasant garlic odor).

As you can see, garlic is a really wonderful herbal remedy for many diseases and ailments, but we must be careful with its dosages. If you have consumed excessive amounts of garlic, this can cause skin reactions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other unwanted side-effects. Do not forget to consult your therapist or other health care specialist if you want to start using garlic as a remedy or a part of your individual health care program. Remember that garlic is very useful, so do not be afraid to add more of garlic seasoning to the meals you cook, and let you and your family enjoy the full variety of valuable garlic health benefits!

Along with garlic, onion (Allium) should be considered the most important natural aphrodisiac that have been known for centuries. Along with excellent nutritional abilities, onion has very powerful properties to boost libido and enhance sexual performance in both men and women. Known as an effective herbal remedy for such diseases as high blood pressure, tuberculosis, influenza, asthma, insomnia, vertigo and many others, this natural remedy is valued for its numerous therapeutic properties.  Blood sugar lowering, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant are among the most important health benefits of onions.

Onion as a food is mentioned in many holy books. For example, it is referred in Sanskrit as “palandu“.  In Bible, onion is mentioned as a delicious and nourishing meal eaten which the Israelites (leaded by Mose) tried in Egypt on their way to to the land of Canaan. Garlic and onion were used by warriors in ancient Rome to improve their health and generate the energy necessary for long and exhausting battles. Strong aphrodisiac properties should be added to numerous health benefits of onions. Due to this natural property of onion, in the middle ages this food was banned in many religious houses and convents for its aphrodisiac powers.

If you want to improve your sexual desire using this natural remedy, you can prepare the following mixture. Peel off a middle-size onion, crush it and fry in a small amount of butter till it goes soft. Then, add a cup of fresh honey and mix thoroughly. Take a teaspoon of this mixture every morning, and you will always be in a good shape and sexual health. Besides, you can eat fresh white or red onion. A perfect source of zinc and Vitamin E, which can stimulate testosterone production and enhance reproductive function, onions can help you feel strong and powerful in bed.

There are many natural solutions to improve our sex life. Natural aphrodisiacs are the safest, the most effective and the most passionate ones. They are always available and affordable for almost everyone. Let’s examine your kitchen and see, what do you have to make your life a little spicier.

Natural Aphrodisiac From Your Kitchen No. 1: Tomatoes. Tomatoes have very strong erotic context and very interesting story. Centuries ago, tomatoes were yellow color, that is why in ancient Rome they were called “pomo d’oro“, or “the apple of gold” referring to the historical temptation of Adam. However, a French tourist misunderstood the name of this magic vegetable and thought it to be “pomo d’amour“, or “the apple of love“. Regular consumption of tomatoes aids sexual performance, as well as helps to improve muscle control and relax nervous system.

Natural Aphrodisiac From Your Kitchen No. 2: Spices. Many experts claim that spicy foods and various spicy meals (cooked with curry, chilly, etc.) can effectively boost our sexual desire in a natural way. This can be achieved at the expense of our natural reaction on spicy foods. What do we feel after eating some hot and spicy meatballs, for example? Usually, our heart beat increases and we feel a little sweaty, right? A natural reaction of our mind on this condition is looking for ways to prologue this excitement…

Natural Aphrodisiac From Your Kitchen No.3: Chocolate. In many people, chocolate evokes sexual arousal, and since the times of the Aztec civilization cocoa beans are strongly linked to increased sexual desire. Chocolate contains two chemicals, phenylethylamine and tryptophan, which stimulate our brain and cause increased sexual desire. Moreover, regular consumption of chocolate has very high effects of women and substantially increase their sex drive, Italian scientists suggest (according to a research, published in the journal Sexual Medicine).

Natural Aphrodisiac From Your Kitchen No.4: Avocado. Avocado salad is a perfect idea for Valentine’s meal. This exotic fruit has been recently gaining popularity and used more in the kitchens. Aphrodisiac effects of avocado can be explained by a high content of bromocriptine, which is supposed to boost our sexual desire. In addition, avocados are perfect sources of Vitamins E and D which can assist in releasing body energy you receive from foods. Therefore, you will be more successful in the bedroom.

Natural Aphrodisiac From Your Kitchen No.5: Oysters. One of the oldest known natural sex aids, oysters have double effects on our sexual drive. First of all, this seafood contains some amino acids, which boost the levels of certain hormones and trigger our sexual desire. Also, oysters are a perfect natural source of zinc, an important element for maintaining high testosterone levels in men. Besides, this magic seafood can have strong mental effects on our mind due to its appearance and texture.

Nowadays, there are hundreds of effective medicines and supplements created to boost our sexual desire and improve our sexual life. However, herbal medicine offers much safer and healthier natural solutions for everyone who is looking for some new approaches to sexual satisfaction. Aphrodisiac herbs and plants such as Ginseng, Damiana, Tongkat Ali, Goat Weed and many more, have been used for centuries in folk medicines of many cultures throughout the world. But, actually, you do not need to seek exotic stuffs, expensive supplements or imported natural products of arguable quality. Let’s take a look at our garden and see, what we have there to assist us in boosting our sexual activity:

• Spinach. It is a very powerful antioxidant which can help both men and women to reach new heights in their sexual life. Spinach contains lots of useful elements and vitamins, it speeds up protein digestion and improves fat metabolism. This way, spinach stimulates weight loss.
• Garlic. Garlic is one of the oldest known aphrodisiacs which was widely used by our ancestors in Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt. Aphrodite and her maidens believed that eating several cloves of garlic (washed out first in water and then in olive oil) can help women fall in love and enhance sexual power of men.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). This is one more natural aphrodisiac known so well by our ancient ancestors. Fennel was an ingredient of the most powerful love portions, as well as many modern time’s stimulants (like absinthe). Moreover, in some cultures there’s a belief that a glass of beer mixed with cut fennel is a matchless drink for those men who want to impress their lovers.
• Horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia or Armoracia rusticana). This plant is a known spice, a relative of mustard and wasabi. It is among the best natural stimulants which can speed up blood circulation and stimulate the function of nerve system. In order to receive good effects, you can eat a vegetable salad with some cut horseradish root before leaving for a promising date.
• Celery. This natural remedy has very strong properties to stimulate our sexual desire and restore our sexual vitality. These properties of celery were used in Ancient Rome. Celery root was a part of wedding ceremony in the Empire, and green leaves of celery plant were used as an element of marital bed decoration for a newly married couple.
• Carrot. Recuperative properties of carrot were discussed centuries ago in the writings of Avicenna. In our folk medicine, carrots were used to improve blood circulation of the women who lost their sexual desire. Carrot juice was the best treatment both for women and men to be stronger in bed.
• Onions. Onions were used as a stimulant in Ancient Egypt. Pliny the Eldest, a philosopher from Ancient Rome, praised therapeutic and stimulant properties of red onions (the Tropea red), and in the Renaissance period it was prohibited to eat onions in monasteries and religious houses. Therefore, onions should be the most favorite foods of modern sex-bombs. Besides, onions have excellent rejuvenating and anti-cancerous properties.

In our epoch of fast business life and constant lack of time for a good rest, relaxation and pleasure, a lot of people are not satisfied with their sexual health and performance. That is why recently, pubic interest in certain vitamins, stimulants, supplements or medications, which are recommended for improving sexual desire, has been increasingly growing. However, we should not forget that our Mother Nature has the keys to many problems, and herbal medicine can offer very effective solutions for all possible health related concerns.

Before we start talking about the herbal remedies which can be used to boost sexual desire and performance, it is necessary to look closer at possible causes of the most common problems related to our sexual life. Undoubtedly, such factors as our life-style and our diet play the key role in both our overall and sexual health. In addition to that, such issues as stresses and depression, our bad habits, our ailments and health concerns, possible hormonal changes and many other ones can also affect our sexual health. Specialists define several areas, including mental, chemical, hormonal, psychological, neural and other ones, through which our sexual health should be considered.

Ancient folk medicines of the world have a great deal of effective options to assist modern people in having greater sexual health, increase sexual drive and desire, enhance sexual potency and so on. There are many special herbal tonics, teas or “aphrodisiacs”, which were created and successfully used by ancient Oriental and Asian health practitioners in order to improve sexual desire and function, receive more of sexual pleasure, as well as in preventing sexual dysfunctions and frustrations.

Increasing your sexual energy is one of the first ways to boost your sexual performance, and such natural remedies as Ginkgo, Spirulina and Ginseng are known herbal energizers and stimulants. A great number of herbs like Chamomile, Peppermint, Willow bark, Damiana, Catnip, Guarana, as well as Hawthorn berries and Bayberry, can help you reduce stress and nervousness. Using Valerian, Lemon Balm and Sweet Flag (can be used as a part of aromatherapy while having bath) is a great way to relax and create a romantic atmosphere. For the baths you can also use Cinnamon, Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus, St. John’s Wort or even Parsley, and for aromatherapy it is the most effective to use the oils of Lavender, Jasmine, Basil, Vanilla or Cardamon

Now, there is a great deal of various natural supplements, pills or capsules available in our herbal or health food stores, which are claimed to enhance our sex life and performance. Those are, first of all, various teas, herb blends, herbal beverages and supplements. Some of them are designed for special needs of women, some are created for men, but some can be used by both ladies and gentlemen. For example, the products containing Ginkgo Biloba can help both men and women by improving blood circulation to men’s genitals, and balancing hormonal levels in women.

Finally, it is very important to remember that in order to maximize the effects of herbal therapy for improving your sexual life, it is essential to have positive and optimistic phsycological attitude toward this type of treatment. Having an open mind and believing in excellent therapeutic properties of the herbs you are about to use will substantially boost and fasten the effects of the procedures. If you opted for aromatherapy, take some time off your daily worries and troubles, find a calm and pleasant environiment together with your partner, set your mood, relax and let the essential oils help you in finding new ways of enjoying yourselves.