Basil Aphrodisiac & Health Benefits Including Basil Benefits for Men

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Although most of us probably best know this herb as a flavor booster for foods with an Italian flare, basil was once considered among the earth’s most noble and sacred plants.

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Why is basil an aphrodisiac?

The plant is believed to have originated in Asia, but its use in European culture dates back to Ancient Greece. (The Greeks called the herb “basilkohn” which means “royal.”) In Roman times, basil was a symbol of love.

In ancient cultures, it was regarded as a food of enlightenment. According to Erotic Cuisine: a natural history of aphrodisiac cookery, its aroma was thought to guide both body and spirit into a “unity of perception and acceptance.”

Are flavonoids the key to this herb’s nutritional benefits?

Modern science has traced the herb’s flavonoids, illuminating to us the source of the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. In recent studies, its essential oil has shown promise in inhibiting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

But what are flavonoids? These are plant compounds found in deeply colored fruits and vegetables, as well as cocoa, tea and wine. They are rich in antioxidant activity (which means they fight free radicals) but different flavonoids offer different specific benefits. This is why the health link to basil’s flavonoids is specifically with reducing inflammation.

That being said, although it is typically used for little more than a garnish, basil has a surprising number of additional nutrients that might make you want to rethink how you use this herb.

Basil benefits for men’s and women’s sexual health

Although it might come as a surprise to most pesto lovers, the vibrant, leafy green’s leaves contain a variety of libido-lifting nutrients. It is considered a good source of Vitamin A, offering about 6% of the DV in a two-tablespoon serving.

It also provides manganese, vitamin C and folate, all nutrients linked with sexual health and fertility. Most remarkably, it is a source of vitamin K. (A single serving provides about 27% of the DV.) Vitamin K is most often talked about in association with preventing osteoporosis but it is also known to help prevent the hardening of arteries and may be beneficial in fighting erectile dysfunction.

Although it won’t directly impact your sex drive or sexual performance, it is worth noting that basil is also thought to be beneficial in reducing stress-related depression. And it may help to relax blood vessels. But it is recommended that you talk to a physician before using basil to treat chronic depression or any heart-related illness.

Discover the many varieties of basil

There are over 50 varieties of basil grown around the world. Their shapes vary from long-leafed with pointy tips to broad with blunt edges. In flavor, varieties vary from subtle and anise-like to faintly spicy to a tinge of lemon.

You’re probably most familiar with the green-leafed sweet variety used in Italian cooking. But if you’re ever lucky enough to find a bunch of opal basil, be sure to experience the subtle, smoother flavor of this less popular herb. It’s so good!

Cooking and recipes

The herb is sold both fresh and dried. Fresh basil lasts well on the counter in a cup, the stems in a splash of water. Or store the bunch in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels. To make its flavor last, fill ice cube trays with the minced herb and cover with water or stock and use later for flavoring soups and sauces.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes featuring basil to tempt your tastebuds:

Fig and Basil Lassi

Meyer Lemon Quinoa with Turmeric, Black Pepper and Basil Leaves

Easy, Meatless Lasagna

Watermelon Soup with Jicama Salsa

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods

This article was written in 2010 and most recently updated in February 2022.

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.