At some point in our lives we may experience low libido and an extra boost is required to keep the passion alive. For centuries people have made use of aphrodisiacs as libido enhancers to achieve greater sexual health and functioning. Stories and legends from the past have told us of various plants, spices and foods that seemed to act as sexual stimulants. Oysters, rose petals, chocolate, chile peppers, licorice etc; there is no shortage of ingredients reputed over the centuries to stir ardor. Aphrodisiacs have even been hailed as being of great help in treating sexual dysfunction and increasing female and male libido. While aphrodisiacs may be considered by some as folklore and mythology, many claims have been made about their potential libido enhancing powers. So is there any truth to these claims?
What are Aphrodisiacs?
An aphrodisiac is a substance such as food, drink, drug, scent or device that can arouse or induce feelings of sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. Aphrodisiacs were first sought out as a remedy for various sexual anxieties including fears of inadequate performance as well as a need to increase fertility. Many of these aphrodisiacs also have strong psychedelic effects and have been used in magic rituals to establish contacts with gods, spirits, ancestors, past and future, during shamanic healing sessions, for prophecy, and to heal many diseases.
How do they Work?
Aphrodisiacs have a powerful impact on the mind as they are thought to trigger the release of chemicals in the brain which then stimulates certain organs. Most aphrodisiacs enhance aspects of the sensory experience such as sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing which in turn increases sexual drive or libido, improves performance and results in greater sexual satisfaction.
Which foods are Aphrodisiacs?
India, with a 5000 year old tradition, has an entire treatise written on the subject. In the Ayurveda various foods were used in the rejuvenating potions designed for the kings and princes. Some of them are listed below:
- Aniseed (Saunf)
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. - Almond (Badaam)
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. - Asafetida (Hing)
This dried, powdered herb is used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor. - Garlic (Lehsun)
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. - Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. - Honey
There are many medicines based on honey which are used as cures for sterility and impotence. - Mustard (Sarson)
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.
Aphrodisiacs were not only popular in Indian culture but the western cultures were also fond of it. Some of the popular aphrodisiacs used by them are:
- Vanilla
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. - Wine
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Any other alcohol except wine acts as a depressant. - Oysters
Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D. An additional hypothesis is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein. - Figs (Anjeer)
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. - Coffee
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. - Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals which effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate also contains more antioxidant.
The reason why this industry, despite a huge potential, is still in the grey zone is because of the complexity of the issue. Experiments done on animals do not show very encouraging results and the few which did show, like the African plan yohimbine, are fraught with danger and side effects. The only safety guideline for the adventure seekers is to consult the specialists and also educate themselves of the products. Buying products off the shelf or through the mail order is not a wise thing to do because the side effects may range from mild burning of body parts to cardiac problems to permanent impotency and of course, in case of Spanish fly even a mild error of dosage has been known to cause deaths. A good diet and a regular exercise program are a more dependable path to better sex than are goats' eyes, deer sperm, and frogs' legs. A good mental state is equally important.
