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Sexual relationships are among the most important social and biological relationships in human life. India played a significant role in the history of sex, right from writing of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science. Since ancient times, India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. This subject was not considered taboo in Ayurveda and it was included as separate branch ''vajikarana'' in which various aspects related to sexuality are scientifically dealt. If we see the literal meaning of ''vajikarana'', we find that this word is made up of two words – ''Vaji'' and ''Karana''. ''Vaji'' refers to horse and karana refers to power. So, ''vajikarana'' can be said to be a modality by which one can perform sexual activity for long time and frequently like a horse. But the effect of this branch is much more and helps to achieve good physique, potency, strength and complexion; it revitalizes the reproductive power; helps in getting healthy and good progeny; resolves various sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction, infertility, premature ejaculations etc. Hence it can be said that subject is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny.

Sexual relationships are among the most important social and biological relationships in human life. India played a significant role in the history of sex, right from writing of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science. Since ancient times, India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. This subject was not considered taboo in Ayurveda and it was included as separate branch ''vajikarana'' in which various aspects related to sexuality are scientifically dealt. If we see the literal meaning of ''vajikarana'', we find that this word is made up of two words – ''Vaji'' and ''Karana''. ''Vaji'' refers to horse and karana refers to power. So, ''vajikarana'' can be said to be a modality by which one can perform sexual activity for long time and frequently like a horse. But the effect of this branch is much more and helps to achieve good physique, potency, strength and complexion; it revitalizes the reproductive power; helps in getting healthy and good progeny; resolves various sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction, infertility, premature ejaculations etc. Hence it can be said that subject is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny.

Literature related to ''vajikarana'' is present in all the three great treatises which show that this subject was considered paramount for betterment of humans. In [[Charaka Samhita]] it is placed before describing treatment of various diseases and in ''Sushruta Samhita'', it is described after discussion of disease treatment. In ''Ashtanga'' it is mentioned in ''Uttara Sthana'' and is last chapter of this text. The order of placement depends upon basic theme of a text. Charaka has given prime importance to promotion and preservation of health, whereas Sushruta and Vagbhata emphasized upon the treatment of diseases. This shows with time, Ayurvedic concept of promotion and prevention of health became less important in comparison to disease management.  

Literature related to ''vajikarana'' is present in all the three great treatises which show that this subject was considered paramount for betterment of humans. In [[Charak Samhita]] it is placed before describing treatment of various diseases and in ''Sushruta Samhita'', it is described after discussion of disease treatment. In ''Ashtanga'' it is mentioned in ''Uttara Sthana'' and is last chapter of this text. The order of placement depends upon basic theme of a text. Charak has given prime importance to promotion and preservation of health, whereas Sushruta and Vagbhata emphasized upon the treatment of diseases. This shows with time, Ayurvedic concept of promotion and prevention of health became less important in comparison to disease management.  

[[Vajikarana]] is divided in four sections - ''Samyoga Sharamooliya'', ''Asikti Kshirika, Mashaparnabhritiya'' and ''Pumana Jata Baladika''. If we analyze the name of these sub-sections we will find that out of four, name of three sections (''Samyoga Sharamooliya, Asikti Kshirika, Mashaparnabhritiya'') are based on the first formulation described. Last section is named to give emphasis on their effect. The name of four sub-sections or ''pada'', itself suggests that in [[Vajikarana]] chapter, accentuation is given more to formulations. On analyzing these formulations one interesting fact which comes out is that out of 50 formulations mentioned very few can be considered as therapeutic preparations. Only four ''gutika'' or ''vati'' (tablets) are mentioned whereas seven ''mamsarasa'' (meat soup), ten types of milk preparations, four types of eggs, six types of ''pupalika, audana, payasa, rasala'' (different rice and milk preparations), etc. are given. Most of them are common dietary preparations included in normal diet and can be easily prepared. While stating difference in ''rasayana'' and ''vajikarana'', it is stated that ''vajikarana'' should be administered regularly to an individual.  

[[Vajikarana]] is divided in four sections - ''Samyoga Sharamooliya'', ''Asikti Kshirika, Mashaparnabhritiya'' and ''Pumana Jata Baladika''. If we analyze the name of these sub-sections we will find that out of four, name of three sections (''Samyoga Sharamooliya, Asikti Kshirika, Mashaparnabhritiya'') are based on the first formulation described. Last section is named to give emphasis on their effect. The name of four sub-sections or ''pada'', itself suggests that in [[Vajikarana]] chapter, accentuation is given more to formulations. On analyzing these formulations one interesting fact which comes out is that out of 50 formulations mentioned very few can be considered as therapeutic preparations. Only four ''gutika'' or ''vati'' (tablets) are mentioned whereas seven ''mamsarasa'' (meat soup), ten types of milk preparations, four types of eggs, six types of ''pupalika, audana, payasa, rasala'' (different rice and milk preparations), etc. are given. Most of them are common dietary preparations included in normal diet and can be easily prepared. While stating difference in ''rasayana'' and ''vajikarana'', it is stated that ''vajikarana'' should be administered regularly to an individual.  

===== Rice and its preparation with milk =====

===== Rice and its preparation with milk =====

''Shashitika'' rice is ''snigdha, madhura'' and ''sheeta'' and so by Ayurvedic principle of ''guna samanya'' (similar properties) it helps in improving semen quality.<ref>Chakrapani, Charaka Samhita of Charaka with Ayurveda Dipika commentary, Sutrasthana, 5/3, Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthana, Delhi, 2006.</ref> ''Balya'' and ''brimhaniya'' drugs are added to rice for increasing strength of patient. ''Masha, shali, shashtika, godhuma'' provide combination of both carbohydrate and protein. It can be taken with milk and meat juice which again adds nutritive value. As digestive power varies with persons, dose fixation should be done individually after assessment of ''agni''.

''Shashitika'' rice is ''snigdha, madhura'' and ''sheeta'' and so by Ayurvedic principle of ''guna samanya'' (similar properties) it helps in improving semen quality.<ref>Chakrapani, Charak Samhita of Charak with Ayurveda Dipika commentary, Sutrasthana, 5/3, Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthana, Delhi, 2006.</ref> ''Balya'' and ''brimhaniya'' drugs are added to rice for increasing strength of patient. ''Masha, shali, shashtika, godhuma'' provide combination of both carbohydrate and protein. It can be taken with milk and meat juice which again adds nutritive value. As digestive power varies with persons, dose fixation should be done individually after assessment of ''agni''.

''Payasa'' is dietary preparation which is popular as sweet dish in India. It is prepared from combination of milk and rice. It has property to increase sperm quality. If made from various aphrodisiac drugs its effect is much more. ''Payasa'' is included in normal diet regime so it can be easy aphrodisiac formulation by changing contents of ''Payasa''.

''Payasa'' is dietary preparation which is popular as sweet dish in India. It is prepared from combination of milk and rice. It has property to increase sperm quality. If made from various aphrodisiac drugs its effect is much more. ''Payasa'' is included in normal diet regime so it can be easy aphrodisiac formulation by changing contents of ''Payasa''.

==== Ghee ====

==== Ghee ====

Clarified butter (''ghrita'' or ghee) is used as aphrodisiac because it is considered good for ''rasa, shukra'' and ''ojas'' ([[Charaka Samhita]] [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/14). Intake of regular ghrita and milk is said to be best ''rasayana'' in ''Agrya Prakrana'' by Charaka. Ghee is used as processing media that carries the therapeutic properties of herbs to all the body's tissues. Proper metabolism of drug is crucial in obtaining the maximum benefit. The lipophilic action of ghee facilitates transportation to a target organ and final delivery inside the cell, since the cell membrane also contains lipid. The effect of  herb increases when it is used with ghee as compared to powder or tablet form.<ref> Illingworth D, Patil GR, Tamime AY. Anhydrous milk fat manufacture and fractionation. In: Tamime AY, editor. Dairy Fats and Related Products. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell; 2009.</ref> ''Rasala'' has been said to be ''balya'' and ''shukrala'' (Bhavaprakasha Purva Khanda-12/124-127).  

Clarified butter (''ghrita'' or ghee) is used as aphrodisiac because it is considered good for ''rasa, shukra'' and ''ojas'' ([[Charak Samhita]] [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/14). Intake of regular ghrita and milk is said to be best ''rasayana'' in ''Agrya Prakrana'' by Charak. Ghee is used as processing media that carries the therapeutic properties of herbs to all the body's tissues. Proper metabolism of drug is crucial in obtaining the maximum benefit. The lipophilic action of ghee facilitates transportation to a target organ and final delivery inside the cell, since the cell membrane also contains lipid. The effect of  herb increases when it is used with ghee as compared to powder or tablet form.<ref> Illingworth D, Patil GR, Tamime AY. Anhydrous milk fat manufacture and fractionation. In: Tamime AY, editor. Dairy Fats and Related Products. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell; 2009.</ref> ''Rasala'' has been said to be ''balya'' and ''shukrala'' (Bhavaprakasha Purva Khanda-12/124-127).  

''Pupalika'' is a dietary preparation which increases strength and sexual power. When prepared with potent aphrodisiac drugs as mentioned above its efficacy increases many fold. Such preparation can be easily prepared and can be used as food supplement.

''Pupalika'' is a dietary preparation which increases strength and sexual power. When prepared with potent aphrodisiac drugs as mentioned above its efficacy increases many fold. Such preparation can be easily prepared and can be used as food supplement.