Aphrodisiacis the term used for foods, drinks and substances that enhance sexual desire and arousal, or improve erectile dysfunction and fertility. It can also mean a psychological or visual association, smell, memory and so on that acts as a stimulant.

Origins

The word aphrodisiac derives from the name of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) who, according to Greek mythology, rose from the foam of  the sea and was driven ashore on a giant  scallop shell.  On stepping out ​​onto the land, flowers and plants sprouted in her footsteps. These flowers and herbs are the original aphrodisiacs, and many other things that are associated with the life of the Greek goddess.

What is an aphrodisiac?

For thousands of years almost every culture, folk medicine, superstition and literature attributes libido enhancing qualities to certain foods, drinks, herbs and other substances. These vary from culture to culture, some are wrapped in myths and legends, others have obvious visual associations – many of them are said to be effective just because we believe in their effectiveness. However, researchers have found the some chemical in food can indeed enhance the chemistry between us! So aphrodisiacs can affect us on both physical and psychological levels and can enhance desire and pleasure.

Physical aphrodisiacs

The main are physical Aphrodisiacs include:

Foods– most ancient cultures and folk medicines include superstitions that associate an aphrodisiac effect to certain foods. Some of them have been now been shown to be rich in chemical compounds that are necessary for optimal function of our genitals or the production of sex hormones. Most of them, however, are only symbolic (such as eggs) or have a placebo effect. Aphrodisiac fruits and vegetables>> Drinks– sedative and mind-altering drinks & brews relieve tension, reduce inhibitions and calm the nervous system. Champagne and mulled wine are thought to be erotically stimulating (but only in moderation) – the fizz in Champagne warms up the body quickly, while the combination of the spices in mulled wine stimulates desire. For thousands of years certain fruit juices, teas (such as peppermint) and other spiced drinks have played important roles in rituals before love-making. Spices– many spices and herbs are seen to have an effect on our libido and performance. Some of these are everyday herbs such as parsley, basil, sage, rosemary, peppermint, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, nutmeg and mustard; or more exotic such as ginger, ginseng, ginkgo, anise, vanilla and chilli. More about aphrodisiac herbs>> Essential oils– most oils extracted from the above-mentioned spices and herbs are also considered to be effective, together with the essential oils of some flowers (such as roses & jasmine).  The fragrance of vanilla erotically effects women, while basil arouses men. Hormones– testosterone is believed to be the hormone responsible for libido in men and women. The higher the hormone-production  of the body, the higher our sex drive. This explains the aphrodisiac effect of seafood (especially oysters and scallops) – they have a high zinc content which stimulates testosterone production . Red meat on the other hand can reduce testosterone levels by 30%! Animal parts– in Chinese medicine, powders and extracts made of tiger penis, rhino horns and other symbolic parts are used as remedies for sexual dysfunctions. In India, seahorses are popular, while in Africa the life-threatening cantharides (Spanish fly) are still available.

Psychological aphrodisiacs

Our libido can be improved on a psychological level by sensual factors such as:

Colours– the colour of love has long been red, which is not surprising, as in the animal world red sexually arouses most mammals. Red has a similar effect on men, while women seem to get aroused by green (the color of fertility) and orange (the color of happiness). Fragrances– the smell of flowers (rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang etc.), spices&herbs (vanilla, basil etc.), food (pumpkin and lavender cake, popcorn, strawberry etc.), and the essential oils of these used in incense, perfumes, creams, candles can be seductive, intoxicating and stimulating. The most effective smells are pheromones, the “excitement carrier” chemical compounds produced by our bodies, and with which we are attracted subconsciously to potential sexual partners. The higher our pheromone production, the more attractive we are. For this reason it’s recommended that we should avoid perfumed creams and cleansing products because our natural scents make our loved one more attracted to us than any perfume! Shapes and forms–  many foods have become aphrodisiacs because of their suggestive forms  ( bananas, asparagus, avocados, figs, cucumbers, almonds, etc.). For romantic  occasions any evocative shape would be effective  – such as shells, hearts, lips, rose petals or even long candles. Memories– our romantic, erotic and sensual experiences are stored in our brain. Subconsciously these can be evoked by certain details (smell, environment, food, music, etc.) resulting in increased sexual desire.

It is important to emphasize that the most effective aphrodisiacs are within our brain and body. Happiness, serenity, confidence and trust are the basis of a successful sex life.

Most of the alleged aphrodisiac foods do happen to be particularly healthy – they are full of vital vitamins and minerals. A holistically healthy diet has a positive effect on our libido. Furthermore, a healthy body is more fertile and the reproductive organs are optimal, as their functions are influenced by a healthy and harmonious combination of a balanced hormone production, circulatory system and nervous system.

Experiments have also shown that regular exercise is an aphrodisiac, because during exercise endorphins are produced in the brain, which bring a sense of well-being and stimulates the libido.