15 Weird Aphrodisiacs You Can Try if You Want to Increase Your Sexual Performance
If you’re looking for ways to pleasure your partner more (we’re not just talking about sex toys), then the thought of buying products with libido-boosting effects might have crossed your mind. You will find a lot of drugs on the market, each carrying its own promise of increasing one’s sexual performance. However, some people want to stay on the safe side and rely on aphrodisiacs instead. They are quite literally the natural alternatives – no matter how unlikely they might be. While these do not have the backing of scientific evidence, there’s no harm in trying it first. Keep reading to learn more about some really weird aphrodisiacs that might help you during your sexy time.
Before We Get to the 15 Weird Aphrodisiacs Said to Increase Sexual Performance…
We need to get a background of aphrodisiacs first.
It pertains to food or drug that arouses sexual instinct and increases sexual pleasure or performance. There is no scientific backing for aphrodisiacs and the understandings for the said phenomena are mostly derived from mythology, folklore, superstitions, and logical reasoning.
The belief that aphrodisiacs can make sex more pleasurable dates back to as early as fourth century B.C – with the term being derived from the Greek goddess of love herself, Aphrodite.
According to most stories, aphrodisiacs were used to increase male and female potency. Back then, they weren’t observed or studied due to certain chemical properties, but for their visual symbolism. If it bore resemblance to a certain body part, some would think of it as an aphrodisiac. People back then believed that that “like causes like,” (Law of Similarity) and foods that are suggestively shaped or textured can also affect one’s sexual performance.
There are also rumors about the ancient Aztec ruler Montezuma who supposedly consumed more than 50 cups of chocolate before visiting his harem; or the famous goddess of sexual love Aphrodite being born from the sea, therefore causing all kinds of seafood to be aphrodisiacs.
There Are Many Weird Aphrodisiacs Said to Boost a Person’s Libido. Here Are Some of Them:
1. Balut
Source: Instagram
A boiled duck egg that contains a duckling embryo may not be appetizing to look at, but apparently, it’s one of the famous yet weird aphrodisiacs! Balut is highly rich in calcium and protein content, thus, it makes people feel energetic. Some even go far as saying that this food is comparable to Viagra by men in the Philippines. It can immediately stir someone’s desire and because it is a conductor of heat and give power boosts of energy to people who have eaten it.
You will find this ubiquitous street food found throughout the Philippines, and it’s only cheap! Not to mention, it serves other good purposes – it is actually a hangover cure, and it is believed to strengthen one’s knees. Now that’s what you call hitting two birds with one stone!
In terms of consumption, it was found that Balut is indeed consumed by males for the alleged aphrodisiac properties. But it’s not the same for females. They mostly eat it because they believe it helps with energy and nutrition.
2. Leaf Cutter Ants
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Wait, do ants help one’s sexual drive? That’s weird. Yes, that’s why we are covering the list of weird aphrodisiacs! Leaf Cutter Ants are supposedly popular aphrodisiacs in Colombia and other South American countries. In fact, people gift these as wedding presents to couples.
You can also find these ants which are high in protein and low in fa in local shops. They are typically fried or roasted alive to retain their delicious flavor, before being mixed with salt. Once cooked, the Leaf Cutter Ants will be dark reddish-brown and crispy. You can enjoy its crunchy texture and slightly smokey yet nutty taste. Most people prefer roasted ants because the fried ones will get soggy and greasy.
If you want a fancier spin to the Leaf Cutter Ants, you might want to visit upscale restaurants a visit. Sometimes, the said aphrodisiac is served in bread, dips, and filet mignon sauces! As long as it’s yummy and can really help with the sexual drive – we’re all for it!
3. Spanish Fly
Source: Instagram
Spanish Fly will always appear in a list of weird aphrodisiacs or regular aphrodisiacs. This is the most popular one, yet also the most dangerous. The consumption of this food is risky because it might cause skin irritation (blisters, even), burning mouth and throat, urinary infections, scarring of the urethra, and in some rare cases, death.
Apparently, this was used since ancient times. The body of the beetle contains a chemical compound called cantharidin, and it is extracted after it passes through a male or female body.
You really need to consult your doctor or do your own research before taking this. If you’re not too desperate for sex, maybe you can just skip this aphrodisiac to be safe.
4. Pistachio Nuts
Source: Instagram
These nuts have been around for such a long time (6,000 B.C.) and people came to like them for their taste, as well as their nutritional value. Pistachio Nuts are actually rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
If you are looking for aphrodisiacs, this one is definitely on the list. There is one study that had a promising result! In the experiment, there were males who consumed 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of pistachio nuts per day for 3 weeks. By the end of the test, they experienced increased blood flow to the penis and firmer erections. This may be attributed to the ability of the famous nuts to improve blood cholesterol and stimulate better blood flow.
However, the study also isn’t 100% sure. There needs to be stronger evidence before such conclusions are made.
5. Honey
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As sweet as delightful honey is, it is actually one of the weird aphrodisiacs around. According to stories, honey was used to bring romance into marriages. Hippocrates also apparently prescribed honey for sexual vigor.
Honey contains boron, which may regulate hormone levels. It also has nitric oxide, which is released in the blood during arousal. In some cultures, it is believed to be a symbol of fertility and procreation.
6. Chili Peppers
Source: Instagram
Chili peppers are obviously spicy, and this is believed to stimulate the nerve endings on the tongue, resulting in the release of sex-drive-boosting chemicals. The said aphrodisiac contains capsaicin, and this chemical is known to boost testosterone levels. Not to mention, chili peppers also release endorphins – so that’s probably a good combination, right?
Well, while eating chili peppers really elevate your body temperature and cause a thermogenic effect on your body, there is no scientific study that proves it can really boost your sex drive.
7. Oysters
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Individuals from ancient times think oysters are aphrodisiacs. The famous Casanova was also rumored to enjoy this food as a vitality booster. If you’re not familiar with Casanova, let’s just say he was a complete ladies man’ who was successful in seducing over 100 women!
A 2015 study found that D-Aspartic acid, which is present in oysters, increased testosterone in sedentary men. In addition, it also has zinc which is helpful for the male reproductive system! Well, this may be part of the list of weird aphrodisiacs without scientific backing. But if people believe that it will benefit their sexual performance, then there’s no harm in letting them try it.
8. Tiger Penis
Source: Instagram
We are talking about weird aphrodisiacs after all, so it only makes sense to include a tiger penis! China and other parts of Asia prize this food as an effective aphrodisiac.
It supposedly enhances one’s masculinity and sexuality, so there is a huge demand for it even though it is an endangered species. This is usually served in soup, or soaked in water and simmered in herbs. You might have a hard time finding this dish now, or if you do, you’d need to be prepared to pay generously. Some people spend up to $5700 on a rare tiger penis dish, and you need to order it months in advance! Back in 1990, it was also sold at a steep price, at around $2500 in Singapore and Taiwan.
9. Yartsa Gunbu
Source: Instagram
You may not be familiar with this yet, but it is technically a caterpillar fungus! Yartsa Gunbu is said to be the “Himalayan Viagra” since it helps troubled men with erectile dysfunction or low libidos.
Aside from being one of the weird aphrodisiacs around, Tibetans also use the Yartsa Gunbu for different ailments.
10. Ginkgo Biloba
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This is a traditional Chinese medicine that can help treat different ailments. On top of its benefit to countering depression, it is also used to treat poor sexual function! Ginkgo biloba is definitely one hell of a herbal supplement.
You may be asking, why is this part of the weird aphrodisiacs list? This is believed to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. There are also men and women who experience an increased desire, excitement, and ability to orgasm after consuming 60–240 mg of the supplement daily. The results are inconsistent, though.
11. Figs
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Believed to be Cleopatra’s favorite food, this aphrodisiac is also a symbol of love and sensuality. Figs are high in amino acids and give off a scent that is both aromatic and sensual. If we are being completely honest, it has a sexual appearance too!
Just in case this food doesn’t do the trick in increasing your sex drive, then you can still eat this luscious fruit sexily or feed it to your lover. Use it in your foreplay and it might work wonders! If you want to activate its aphrodisiac flavor sensation, then try them drizzled with honey!
12. Ginseng
Source: Instagram
They say ginseng oddly looks like a man’s leg or penis. That’s probably why its name literally translates to “man root!” The root grows in different countries such as northern China, Korea, and even Siberia. Many people who used this claim that it really has Viagra-like effects.
A Southern Illinois University School of Medicine study found that it helped increased lab rats’ libido. We’ll never know for sure if it is beneficial to humans if we don’t try it!
13. Rotten Cheese (Casu Marzu)
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Here’s something believed to have sexual benefits despite being utterly disgusting. Casu Marzu literally translates to rotten cheese and is a Sardinian product with live maggots. This food is actually banned in many places across the globe because its maggots can be a big problem. If you’re not careful, they can jump out into your (the eater’s) eyes. Another thing is that it could affect your intestines if you eat it and they are still alive.
The larvae in the cheese can jump out and launch themselves up to 6 inches when disturbed, so you really need to be careful. Normally, individuals who want to try this Casu Marzu hold their hands above the sandwich so the maggots wouldn’t leap out.
14. Dog Meat
Source: Instagram
This aphrodisiac might be weird, but it can also trigger many dog-lovin’ individuals. Dog meat supposedly provides a different sensation when eaten and it amplifies one’s passion and romantic urges.
Some Koreans even believe that the tenderer the meat, the more memorable and pleasurable their night will be. You can just go ahead and worry about adventurous sex positions!
15. Mustard
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Who would’ve thought that the sauce you normally put in your hotdog sandwiches is also one of the weird aphrodisiacs known around the world? While mustard isn’t exactly sexy, it has a certain spiciness that makes it appealing to those who are looking for a sexual boost.
It is believed to be an effective aphrodisiac that in the Middle Ages, monks were banned from ingesting the yellow condiment. They thought that eating it would lead them down to the wrong path of temptation!
Have you tried any of these weird aphrodisiacs before?
Check out our other content such as 30 Best Sex Tips to Spice up Your Relationship!
