Aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. An aphrodisiac may be any of various forms of stimulation thought to arouse sexual excitement. Aphrodisiacs may be classified in two principal groups:

• Psychophysiological (visual, tactile, olfactory, aural)
• Internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions, medical preparations)

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. Procreation was an important moral and religious issue and aphrodisiacs were sought to ensure both male and female potency.

Food aphrodisiacs can vary from the delicious to the dubious.

Many foods have been used throughout the ages to increase sexual drive, including "sensuous" food in your diet may help.

Consider the psychophysiological reaction that a well-prepared meal can have upon the human organism. The combination of various sensuous reactions – the visual satisfaction of the sight of appetizing food, the olfactory stimulation of their pleasing smells and the tactile gratification afforded the oral mechanism by rich, savoury dishes - may bring on a state of general euphoria conducive to sexual expression.

In ancient times a distinction was made between a substance that increased fertility versus one that simply increased sex drive. One of the key issues in early times was nutrition. Food was not so readily available as it is today. Undernourishment creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates.

Substances that "by nature" represent "seed or semen" such as bulbs, eggs, snails were considered inherently to have sexual powers. Other types of foods were considered stimulating by their "physical resemblance to genitalia".

It's important to realize these food substances were identified (documented) by the likes of Pliny and Dioscordes (ancient Greeks) first century AD and later by Paul of Aegina from the seventh century. Later more credence was given to foods that "satisfied dietary gratification".

Other foods deemed to have these aphrodisiac qualities were derived from mythology. Aphrodite, the love goddess was said to consider "sparrows" sacred because of their "amorous nature" and for that reason were included in various aphrodisiac brews.

Food with aphrodisiac power

Of the various foods to which aphrodisiac powers are traditionally attributed, fish, vegetables, and spices have been the most popular throughout history. In none of these foods, however, have any chemical agents been identified that could effect a direct physiological reaction upon the genitourinary tract.

It has also been suggested that man's universal attribution of libidinous effects to certain foods originated in the ancient belief in the therapeutic efficacy of signatures: if an object resembled the genitalia, it possessed, so it was reasoned, sexual powers.

Aphrodisiac Food List

Almond

A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. Many Australians would be familiar with white chocolate covered almonds as fertility symbols at wedding receptions. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits (or other shapes if you're cheeky) for a special after-dinner treat.

Aniseed

A very popular traditional aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is believed by some to increase their desire.

Asparagus

Given its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Enjoy asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, or steamed with cracked pepper and butter, or a hollandaise sauce.

Avocado

The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl" which translated means "testicle tree". This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice and freshly ground pepper.

Bananas

The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape which is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

Basil (sweet basil)

Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

Chocolate

The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. It is important to note that in order to be significantly beneficial the chocolate must contain at least 70% cocoa solids. Much of the commercial bars contain high amounts of fat and sugar and additives. Look for chocolate made with cocoa butter rather than fats such as palm and coconut oil, which are much worse for your heart.

Additionally you need to watch your chocolate intake due to the amount of calories packed into one little bar. Your best bet is to purchase a high quality dark chocolate bar.

Carrots

Another good reason to eat carrots; believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

Coffee

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

Coriander

The book of The Arabian Knights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history.

Figs

An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. In Australia figs usually come into season arouns Valentine's Day, and are a favourite

Garlic

The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together – or use parlsey to ease 'bad breath', and also try mouthwash. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments.

Ginger

Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

Honey

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their 'Honeymoon' drank mead and it was thought to 'sweeten' the marriage. Honey can also be used as a natural lubricant.

Liquorice

The Chinese have used liquorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, glycrrhizin, is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of liquorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to women.

Mustard

Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (fillet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup may help spice up your evening.

Oysters

Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating 'giant oysters'. An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the 'female' genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious as a source of zinc, and high in protein. Many regard seafood as having aphrodisiac qualities, as Aphrodite herself came from the sea.

Pine Nuts

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert, or sprinkle pine nuts through pasta sauce or over salads.

Pineapple

Rich in vitamin C and is included in some homeopathic treatments for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

Raspberries and Strawberries

Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as 'fruit nipples'. Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

Rocket Seed

Arugula or 'rocket' seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

Truffles

The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitise the skin to touch.

Vanilla

The scent and flavour of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

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. Let your eyes feast on the colour of the liquid. Caress the glass, savour the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to 'arouse' but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

In fact, many foods considered to be aphrodisiacs are really everyday items. That's why context, and a little attention to detail, is so important, and maybe even more so than the foods themselves. If you've set the mood with romantic colours, flowers, soft music, a bottle of wine, and candles, even a sandwich could become an aphrodisiac.
Why not enjoy sex as often as possible?