Supposed to boost the sexual desire of the person who consumes them, aphrodisiacs are not without risk to health. Used and acclaimed for centuries in many cultures, their effects have never been proven by scientific studies. Overview of the possible dangers of these “miracle” products known to boost libido.

This is a product that has the ability to increase libido and sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs can take many forms, including:

• Plant ;
• Food ; 
• Spices ; 
• Essential oils; 
• Medication.

Ginger, cocoa, oysters, strawberries, cinnamon, cloves, Damiana essential oil or even Viagra and Cialis, the list of aphrodisiac products is long and the secrets of their alleged effects have been passed down through the ages. Legend has it that Madame de Pompadour, official mistress of Louis XV, served the King a celery soup in order to stimulate his desire.

Among the most famous for reviving desire, we can cite the essential oil of ylang ylang, the essential oil of rose or the essential oil of ginger. While distributing them using a suitable device does not generally pose any particular danger for adults, ingestion of the incorrectly dosed product can lead to: 

• Intestinal problems;
• Vomitings ; 
• Nausea ; 
• Irritation of the mucous membranes; 
• In the most severe cases, convulsions and respiratory problems. 

Some sites also extol the virtues of aphrodisiac massage with essential oils. In case of skin contact with a pure oil or a mixture of high concentration of the substance, redness, irritation and burns may appear. An unwanted effect that can also occur with diluted oils.

Scientists agree that the fantasies surrounding aphrodisiacs will have more of a psychological effect than a truly physical one. Some plants can have a physiological impact. This is particularly the case with ginger, an aphrodisiac spice par excellence and recognized as an energizing plant. It is in these terms that it can be considered as a libido booster.

Consuming high doses of these foods could lead to stomach and intestinal problems.

The only drugs known to have an effect on libdido – in men only – are Viagra and Cialis. Pills available only on prescription to facilitate erection as part of sexual arousal. These treatments, banned in people with heart problems, are not without health risks. 

Some of these drugs are marketed online and on a self-service basis. Products not approved by the National Order of Pharmacists and likely to contain unidentified substances or dangerous dosages for the consumer.

The poppers, the sale of which is legal in France but prohibited in some of our European neighbors like Belgium, acts on the nervous system. Its inhalation causes a feeling of euphoria and removes inhibitions for a few moments, reasons for which it is attributed aphrodisiac properties. Dangerous for people with heart problems, it can also lead to a lack of oxygen in the body which can cause a state of discomfort.