As we get older and our bodies start to deteriorate its becoming more and more important to maintain our sexual potency and boost our interest in sex itself. By using sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs we can not only enhance our sex lives but also recapture and strengthen the feelings that make us feel young and more alive.

There is a clear difference between the modern laboratory developed aphrodisiacs such as Viagra and Cialis, and the ancient plant based aphrodisiacs such as Ginseng and Yohimbine. Modern aphrodisiacs are meant to be used as medication to solve specific problems such as erectile dysfunction and impotence whereas ancient aphrodisiacs are meant to be used as a way of increasing sex drive and sexual pleasure.
The most popular erection inducing drug on the market is Viagra which contains Sildenafil and works by widening the blood vessels in the penis to make attaining an erection easier as long as adequate stimulation is provided. Another popular drug is Cialis which contains Tadalafil and works in a similar way to Viagra by making blood flow into the penis easier. Both of these drugs are supposed to be prescription only in most countries around the world.

Although Viagra and Cialis work in a similar way, there are some differences between the two with the major one being how long the effects of the drug last. The effects of Viagra last for about four hours but the effects of Cialis last for about twelve hours or even up to eighteen hours which is why its known as the "weekend pill" which is a common nickname.

The problem with both Viagra and Cialis is that there are now known to be many different side effects that can effect people after they have taken the drug. These side effects can include headaches, dizziness, indigestion, muscle pain, and visual disturbances. Most of these side effects will go away after a few hours although back pain and muscle aches can continue to occur up to a day later. Both of these drugs can interact with other medications so its important to consult with your doctor before taking them.

As an alternative to modern laboratory developed aphrodisiacs, many people prefer to use ancient plant based aphrodisiacs such as Ginseng and Yohimbine. Although many different tests and studies have been done, the results have been inconclusive and its hard to prove just how effective both Ginseng and Yohimbine really are.

Ginseng is found mostly in China and Korea and is a slow growing herb which consists of a light coloured root, a single stalk, and long oval green leaves. Ginseng can improve blood circulation which may help with erectile dysfunction and also increase libido. The side effects can include nausea and diarrhoea but this may be due to the fact that many products contain other substances and are not pure Ginseng.

Yohimbine is made from the bark of the tropical West African Yohimbe tree and is available as a herbal supplement or as a prescription medicine. Yohimbine can increase the dilation of blood vessels which can help men achieve and maintain an erection and it may also increase libido. The side effects can include nausea but at higher doses it can be more harmful and cause high blood pressure and insomnia.

Its important to note that all sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs will effect people in different ways and not everyone will have the same results or the same side effects. Some people will achieve the desired effects while others will not so its just a case of finding out which one works best for you and caters for your specific needs.