Horny Goat Weed
The Science: The Ronseal of sexual supplements, this does exactly what it says on the tin. “According to Chinese folk law this was discovered by a goatherd who noticed his male goats became sexually aroused after eating it,” says Goddard. According to research by University of Michigan neurologists, it contains a compound called lacariin, which stimulates nerves and boosts testosterone levels. Just steer clear of goats afterwards.
The Application: Take 200mg 90 minutes before any ‘herding.’
The MH Rating: “Makes you feel tingly and pleasantly focused on the task in hand”
Total: 7/10
Maca
The Science: Swap ‘Colombian marching powder’ for some of this ‘Peruvian Viagra’ for real endurance. According to the journal Urology, the root extract contains ‘macamides’ and ‘macaenes’ – unique photochemicals, which restore hormone levels and boost energy in both sexes. “For men, it’s one of the most potent aphrodisiacs available – it not only helps maintain erections but also increases seminal volume, sperm count and sperm motility,” says Sarah Dobbyn, author of The Fertility Diet (Simon & Schuster, £12.99). So you could well be seeing the fruits of your labour soon, too.
The Application: 500mg twice daily.
The MH Rating: A smoother hit that keeps the main sail raised for hours
Total: 7/10
Cordyceps
The Science: A double whammy: this mushroom extract boosts testosterone and blood flow, giving it instant sex appeal. It’s secret? The aptly named sugar ‘fucose’ (also found in human breast milk). “It’s a natural sugar which plays an anti-ageing role in the body, facilitating cell communication and increasing blood flow to the sexual organs,” says Dr John Briffa of University College London’s Medical School. A word of warning from Dobbyn: “I’ve had complaints from single men taking this, saying they couldn’t sleep for feeling so aroused.” Not one to be taken before speed-dating, then.
Application: 650mg daily.
The MH Rating: “Produces a jittery, rather anxious sensation – along with the requisite boost”
Total: 5/10
L-Tyrosine
The Science: “This powerful amino-acid causes a dramatic spike in levels of the pleasure-enhancing chemical dopamine, with a knock-on aphrodisiac effect that promotes erections,” says Dobbyn. Careful though: it also raises your metabolism and blood pressure. Speak to your GP before taking it, or you might go red in the face for all the wrong reasons.
Application: 400mg daily
The MH Rating: “Definitely produces more energy, but no noticeable change in lasting power”
Total: 3/10
Korean Red Ginseng
The Science: This purest form of the Asian root increases strength and energy by boosting the nervous system, according to Goddard. In 2002, the BMJ reported clinical trials in which 45 men lapped up the benefits of ‘more successful erections, more sexual desire and lower stress levels’. So even if you don’t get your oats, you’ll be pretty chilled out about it.
Application: 0.5-2g daily. “Best results are seen with a two-week-on, two-week-off cycle,” says Goddard.
The MH Rating: “Less animal than intimate; top notch sleep after main event”.
Total: 5/10