For the human brain, all roads lead to aphrodisia. We can be sexually stimulated through any of our five senses — thanks to a bit of imagination, memory, and a really big brain. Although mankind continues to ransack the planet for anything that might raise his expectations, the most authentic aphrodisiac is a lot closer than we think.
In the morning of the world, when mortal man first encountered the original aphrodisiac, he got mixed results. Paris, a young prince of Troy, had to choose "The Fairest" of three goddesses. Hera offered him riches and dominion over all men. Athena promised him wisdom and renown as the bravest, most invincible of heroes.
Then the goddess of love and beauty spoke. In a sweet voice, teasing with laughter and understanding, Aphrodite said, "Choose me and I will give you love and the most beautiful woman in the world for your wife."
Without hesitation, Paris chose Aphrodite. True to her word, the enchanting goddess introduced him to the lovely Helen, whom Paris promptly proceeded to abduct from her husband, the King of Sparta, which didn't go down too well with him and his boys. (Did somebody say Trojan War?) The rest is mythstory. . . .
Casualties of Lore
Aphrodite herself had a somewhat violent origin. Known to the Romans as Venus, she was born of the sea, having emerged from the white foam (aphros) produced by the god Uranus's severed genitals. Today, mankind's eternal quest for an aphrodisiac — a food, drink, drug, or scent that can arouse or increase sexual desire — continues to bring its share of violence.
Many innocent creatures have suffered abuse from our insatiable appetite that continues to devour creatures large and small, from seahorse to rhinoceros. Animals aren't the only ones who suffer, though. A legendary aphrodisiac called Spanish fly is made from the dried bodies of blister beetles that contain cantharidine. This irritating chemical causes a rush of blood to the sex organs. Spanish fly is a poison that can lead to genitourinary infections, scarring of the urethra, and even death.
Stimulant vs. Tonic
Herbs can be used to stimulate the genitals, but in the long run it's safer and more effective to use tonics — botanicals that strengthen the sexual system — not ones that stimulate it. "If you take an aphrodisiac that creates the illusion of more energy, then you're ripping yourself off," cautions Felice Dumas, Ph.D., author of Passion Play: Ancient Secrets for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness Through Sensational Sex. "You will have used more of your life force. It's like emptying the cup very quickly to feel more in the short term."
Coffee is an empty stimulant; it doesn't strengthen anything. Alcohol is another example. "Venus drowned in Bacchus" was the proverbial Roman expression for the debilitating effects of alcoholic intoxication. Drinking, said Shakespeare in Macbeth "provokes the desire but takes away the performance."
Size Matters
Unlike other primates, who are sexually active only when females are in estrus, human beings have evolved the capacity to engage in year-round sexual activity. Perhaps our 24/7 sexuality is related to our relatively large brain. (Dolphins, too, have proportionately large brains and have been observed to be very sexual.)
Ultimately, the human brain is the greatest aphrodisiac of all. Like the legendary philosophers' stone that transforms whatever it touches into gold, our brains can imbue most anything with aphrodisiacal qualities.
Men and women have devised and believed in love charms since the beginning. Aphrodite herself possessed an enchanting girdle, called Cestus, which was embroidered with arousing amulets that made its wearer quite irresistible. One can only imagine. . . .
The Touch of Kindness
We get sex on the brain through imagination and memory, as well as through all our sensory portals: eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and of course touch. We are easily turned on by the caress of a lover, or even from casual contact with an attractive stranger. Massage relaxes and sets the mood for love, or arouses in the extreme.
Affectionate touching — especially the breasts, lips, and earlobes — can raise levels of oxytocin, a powerful neurohormone. Dubbed the "cuddling chemical," oxytocin is released during female orgasm and nursing. In men, moderate concentrations of oxytocin facilitate both erection and ejaculation.
Singing Me Softly
Sounds can certainly be an aphrodisiac. (It works for birds.) That special tone of a lover's sweet whisperings, even over the telephone, can stir the loins. For the Greek poet, Homer, Aphrodite was "a lover of laughter." Whether the flirtatious giggling and coy cooing of young maidens or the tender tenor of a Cyrano or a Bocelli — the human voice has arousing possibilities.
Charles Darwin suggested that early human females originally acquired musical powers and used their high voices as musical instruments in order to attract the opposite sex. Love songs are certainly a hallmark of our society. We will never know to what extent our population explosion was coaxed along by the seductive sound of Sinatra or Sade, the romantic resonance of Enya or Iglesias.
Who has not been swayed by the music of the world: caressed by jazz; rolled with rock; lifted by arias; transported by Caribbean rhythms. The primal beat of different drums — from Ravel's "Bolero" to Jagger's "Moonlight Mile" — has lit a fire under many a bedspread.
Another auditory aspect is story-telling and its stimulating effect upon the imagination. The word "romance" originated from the fanciful medieval love tales, often in verse, about a hero and his lady. Later written, they were the beginning of erotic literature (Eros is the son of Aphrodite). In ancient Greece, "pornographos" was one who wrote about prostitutes.
First Sight
Studies show that humans everywhere strongly respond to the same visual signals, such as smooth skin, dilated pupils, and a symmetrical face and body. Young women throughout the world have been observed to flirt in exactly the same manner: first she smiles at her admirer and lifts her eyebrows in a swift, jerky movement. This briefly displays more of her eyes until she turns her head sideways, looks back, and drops her eyelids. (Even King Solomon warned his son not to be "ensnared by her eyelids.")
More than skin deep, beauty is a certificate of health. Men are attracted to youthful fertility suggested by rounded buttocks and breasts, full lips, wide eyes, a heart-shaped face, and a particular figure. Whether Rubenesque or Twiggyesque, men unconsciously prefer women with about a 2 to 3 waist-hip ratio — one that suggests a high reproductive status. Although Miss America's weight has decreased over the past fifty years, her waist to hip ratio has been a consistent 7.2, according to David M. Buss, Ph.D., author of The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating.
For women, power is an aphrodisiac. In a global survey of more than 10,000 people in 37 cultures, Dr. Buss found it universally true that women prefer confident, ambitious, and successful men with money, resources, power, and high social status — men who will invest in them and their children.
Visual stimuli such as tallness and broad shoulders are physical cues indicating the potential of a man to protect and provide. The reproductive success of taller men was recently demonstrated in a study of 3,200 Polish men, aged 25 to 60. Those who had fathered at least one child were on average 1.2 inches taller than the men without children. (Nature, Jan. 13, 2000)
Brain chemicals are also affected by visual stimuli. The sight of an infant's face can increase levels of oxytocin, which helps a mother to bond with her child, or a woman with her lover. The chemical basis of "love at first sight" might be phenylethylamine (PEA), a neurotransmitter that can surge at the sight of an attractive partner, or even in response to a romantic movie.
The Dance of Imagination
Thanks to imagination, the flash of a Victorian ankle was a turn-on. The allure of lingerie is a combination of what you see and what you imagine you will get.
Dance is a universal turn-on. From indigenous tribes to trendy clubs, women shake their booties and men strut their stuff in various versions of the human mating dance, from the Masai leap and the flamenco stomp, to the hula, belly dance, and now the lap dance.
The Shape of Things to Come
Sight plays another role in aphrodisia: the notion that animal organs or plants resembling genitalia may impart sexual powers. For example, because of their shape, the tuberous roots of orchids were used as an aphrodisiac. The plant is even named after the Greek word for testicle (orkhis). More well-known examples include rhinoceros horn, oysters, and ginseng.
Rhinoceros horn contains polypeptides, sugars, phosphorus, calcium, ethanolamine, and free amino acids. If one were seriously malnourished, this could possibly provide a boost, but a good multivitamin would do as well.
Based on their shape, foods such as bananas, carrots, and cucumbers were once considered aphrodisiacs. Perhaps the enzyme bromelain found in bananas and other tropical fruits may influence erectile function due to its positive effect on circulation.
Nineteenth-century French bridegrooms were advised to consume mass quantities of warm asparagus at their prenuptial dinner. In West Africa, the mucilage seeds of the okra pod are considered an aphrodisiac. They are rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Venus on the Half-Shell
Cleopatra's favorite fruit was said to be figs, and the ancient Greeks celebrated the arrival of a new crop of figs by ritual copulation. Other foods that may suggest female genitalia include oysters, clams, and mussels. Many seafoods such as eels, octopus, conch, fugu, sashimi — as well as savory soups like bouillabaisse and chowder — have a reputation as an aphrodisiac, in part because of their association with Aphrodite's emergence from the sea.
In a sense, human beings also emerged from the sea. Recent archeological findings show that early humans thrived along seacoasts and lakeshores where foods high in omega-3 fatty acids were plentiful. The evolution of the large human brain depended on these rich sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). (Click here for more information about essential fatty acids and brain structure.)
The omega-3 fatty acids obtained from seafood are also needed by the body to make anti-inflammatory PGE3 prostaglandins, which support proper blood circulation by preventing blood platelets from clumping.
Oysters and Pearls, Boys and Girls
Rich in zinc, selenium, and other minerals, oysters may have gained their reputation at a time when diets were more apt to be deficient. High concentrations of zinc are found in the testes and prostate, and zinc is essential for hormonal activity and reproductive health in both men and women. Zinc is vital to healthy immune and circulatory systems, and is depleted by stress.
Zinc deficiency in children has been linked to a failure of sex organs to properly mature. A deficit of this vital mineral substantially reduces testosterone levels, sperm production, and muscle endurance, as well as decreases the ability to taste and smell.
Raw oysters can be risky due to pollution. Other good sources of zinc include lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, peas, lima beans, and wheat germ. Although whole grains contain zinc, they also contain phytates that inhibit the absorption of zinc and other vital minerals. By soaking grains overnight, phytates can be neutralized so the grains, in effect, are predigested and their nutrients more available. These alternatives, however, are no match for fresh fleshy oysters, even if you don't find the pearl.
Seeds of Construction
Eggs and seeds are strong fertility symbols. Chicken eggs are one of the most sexually nutritious foods available. Caviar and a number of plant seeds, especially pumpkin, were considered to be aphrodisiacs. We now know they are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids essential for reproduction. Pumpkin seeds are also high in zinc and selenium.
Then there's the truffle. Ever since the Romans raved about it, this musky mystery has been a perennial favorite in the realm of aphrodisia. A famous French epicurean claimed truffles were "not vegetables, but miracles." Their great rarity, cost, and indescribable aroma adds to their fame.
Ginseng — "the Man Root"
Ginseng's reputation as an aphrodisiac may have originated from its marked similarity to the male body. By far the most widely used herbal tonic, ginseng has been used for millennia because of its invigorating and rejuvenating effects.
Chemical evidence supports the stimulatory influence of ginseng; several steroids, peptides, sugars, and saponins have been isolated from root extracts. Animals treated with ginseng have demonstrated a sexual response, however no successful animal model for assessing aphrodisiacs has been developed that can be applied to humans. Our psychological and socioeconomic factors cannot be replicated.
Just Say NO — Nitric Oxide
A study at the Yale University School of Medicine found a link between Panax ginseng and nitric oxide (NO). Researchers concluded that the aphrodisiac action of the root could be due to enhanced NO synthesis that contributed to ginseng-associated vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum. (Biochem Pharmacol 1997 Jul 1;54.1:1-8) A later animal study showed that crude extracts of Panax ginseng acted as a nitric oxide donor and induced the relaxation of smooth muscle of rabbit penises through the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. (Br J Urol 1998 Nov;82.5:744-8)
The corpus cavernosum is a sponge-like structure that forms the erectile tissue which expands with blood in the penis and in the clitoris. Nitric oxide — not nitrous oxide, the "laughing gas" used by dentists — enables the corpus cavernosum (and the corpus spongiosum in the penis) to relax, fill with blood, and become erect.
For both men and women, healthy sexual arousal depends on a sufficient flow of blood to the genital area. Poor circulation can be a major cause of sexual dysfunction, which is perhaps why many hot foods gained their claim to aphrodisiac fame. Peppers, chilies, curries and other spices can raise heart rate and sometimes cause sweating: physiological effects similar to the physical reactions experienced during sex. Damiana, a Mexican herb, is reputed to stimulate blood flow to the genitals, (but it can interfere with iron absorption).
Arginine, Viagra, and Yohimbe
In the body, the amino acid arginine is the primary source of nitrogen for the production of nitric oxide. In turn, nitric oxide increases levels of a substance called cyclic GMP. A shortage of cyclic GMP interferes with the erectile tissue relaxation response that is necessary before blood can engorge the clitoris and penis. Foods high in arginine include chocolate, carob, and oats.
Viagra works by prolonging the effects of cyclic GMP, allowing the penis to engorge with so much blood that the outflow of blood is blocked. Because Viagra will not work without sexual stimulation, it is not considered an aphrodisiac. It is only promoted as an impotence drug, however Hugh Hefner regards Viagra as a good deal more than that: "It takes the uncertainty out of performance. . . It redefines the boundary between fantasy and reality."
NO may help account for the sexually stimulating effects of yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of the West African yohimbe tree, which natives have long regarded as a tonic to enhance sexual power and virility. Yohimbine has been used in the West as a sexual stimulant for domestic animals and, more recently, to treat impotence in men. A 1999 study with humans found that certain compounds of yohimbine functioned as nitric oxide donors. (J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999 Jul;290.1:121-8) The FDA considers yohimbine an unsafe herb, due to its potentially dangerous effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Padre, Is That a Rocket in Your Garden?
Arugula, also known as garden rocket, had a good reputation in Europe as an aphrodisiac, except for one 17th-century French monastery where arugula was grown and consumed regularly by the monks. An 1869 book on aphrodisiacs reported they "were so stimulated by its aphrodisiacal virtues that, transgressing alike their monastic walls and vows, they sought relief for their amorous desires in the fond embraces of the women residing in the neighborhood."
Europeans have long appreciated parsley and savory for their aphrodisiac properties. More recently, nettles, oats, and saw palmetto berries have been studied for their ability to maintain levels of free testosterone, which stimulates sexual activity in both men and women. Compounds in these plants seem to inhibit the breakdown of testosterone into di-hydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite that causes the prostate gland to enlarge and lose its vitality.
Montezuma's Romance
While many sweet herbs, such as skirret and licorice root, were at one time considered sexual stimulants, chocolate's designation as an aphrodisiac has remained undisputed for centuries. In the early 1500s, the Aztecs introduced the Spanish to the bitter seeds of the cacao tree, which was concocted into a sacred drink associated with Xochiquetzal, the goddess of fertility. (The Spanish reciprocated with small pox, the god of decimation.)
Besides added sugar, chocolate contains significant amounts of caffeine (5-10 mg per ounce), iron, plus an amphetamine-like substance called phenylethylamine (PEA). In the brain, PEA is a neurotransmitter involved in states of arousal and activation. It may be responsible for the excitement and euphoria of falling in love. It's not certain, however, that the PEA in chocolate actually reaches the brain. (The essential amino acid phenylalanine is known to raise PEA levels in the brain, and D-phenylalanine inhibits enzymes that break down endorphins.)
The psychological effect of indulging in chocolate, especially when received from a lover, certainly adds to its aphro-mystique. The power of mind to imbue food with passion is well-illustrated in Like Water for Chocolate, where cooking is used to enchant a lover.
Cornucopia and Coition
Many foods are exotic and sensual in their own right. From peaches and apricots to strawberries and grapes, the texture, color, taste, and aroma of these botanical delights can, in the right circumstances, jump-start amorous intentions. Aphrodite herself was associated with golden apples and red pomegranates.
Around the Mediterranean, pine nuts have a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Nineteen-hundred years ago, the Greek physician Galen recommended drinking a glassful of thick honey, and eat 20 almonds and 100 grains of the pine tree before going to bed. After three nights, a man will acquire "vigour for coition."
Honey Do
The Greeks frequently referred to Aphrodite's beauty as "golden," and golden honey is another classic food for lovers. Cavemen no doubt used sweet honey to win female favors (and vice versa). Since honey was obtainable only seasonally and at great personal risk, its annual collection and sharing may be echoed by our annual Valentine's Day, although rejection is now the primary risk.
The wedding ceremonies of many cultures include honey, and that month of tender pleasures is called the honeymoon — also named because love is as changeable as the moon.
Made from the nectar of flowers, honey is a natural candidate for aphrodisia. Bee pollen is the male sexual grains of seed-bearing plants, and royal jelly nurtures queen bees. The ultimate preservative, honey never spoils. A Haitian text describes honey on bananas as an "exquisite" aphrodisiac.
Aphrodite: A Memoir of the Senses is Isabel Allende's evocative personal odyssey to aphrodisia. In it, she tells how Cleopatra beautified her skin by applying honey and ground almonds, and how her lovers, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, were "fond of licking dessert from the intimate goblet of that seductive queen."
Olfactory Alchemy
Aromas such as pumpkin pie and freshly baked cinnamon buns can be more sexually stimulating than fine perfume, according to research done by neurologist Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., author of Scentsational Sex: the Secret of Using Aroma for Arousal. He reports that the smell of certain foods, especially licorice and doughnuts, actually increased penile blood flow.
Older men experienced the greatest enhancement with vanilla. Those who felt sexually satisfied responded most to strawberry. Lavender was most stimulating for men whose sexual partners wore cologne.
Aphrodite's favorite flower was the rose, and for multitude of Valentines, roses will do the trick. Cleopatra supposedly perfumed the sails of her gilded yacht with the scent of Damascus rose, so the desert winds would announce her arrival.
"A rose is a rose is a rogue," novelist Tom Robbins reminds us in Jitterbug Perfume, his erotic ode to aroma. In his signature style, Robbins salutes the magnificent nose of a legendary perfume formulator: "It functioned as a catalytic laser, oxidizing the passion that slept unaware in a violet, releasing the trade winds bottled up in orange peel; identifying by name and number the butterflies dissolved in chips of sandalwood and marrying them off, one by one, to the wealthy sons of musk."
Reminiscents — Aroma and Memory
The sense of smell is closely connected with the sense of taste, and much of a food's emotional impact is due to its scent. The olfactory pathway is a direct route to the brain's limbic system, the cerebral crossroads of emotion and memory. That's why smell is the most nostalgic of all the senses. One whiff of eucalyptus can transport an octogenarian back to his kindergarten playground faster than you can say "sinful Caesar sipped his snifter, seized his knees and sneezed."
Probably the most renowned aphrodisiacs are essential oils, especially those derived from white, night-blooming flowers that are moth-pollinated, such as jasmine and narcissus.
The Oil of Olé
"Jasmine has the poise of a wild creature, some elusive self-sufficient thing that croons like an organic saxophone in the tropical night." (Robbins again, who also bemoans the modern trend of naming perfumes after "glorified tailors" — in contrast to the epic scents of yesteryear: Tabu, My Sin, Love Potion, and Sorcery.) Cleopatra used jasmine to distract Marc Antony during business meetings.
Essential oils used in aphrodisia start by promoting physical relaxation. Their fragrance can then trigger more subtle sensations of bodily pleasure. Neroli, named after an Italian princess, is distilled from the white blossoms of the evergreen orange tree. Patchouli is obtained from the fermented leaves of a perennial herb that grows in tropical Asia. Ylang-ylang is distilled from the freshly picked yellow flowers of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It's said that when a man is aroused, he releases an aroma similar to sandalwood (extracted from the roots and heartwood of a small Asian evergreen tree).
The Essence of Aphrodisia — Pheromones
Many romantic fragrances are essentially the sexual attractants of flowers that beckon insects to help with pollination. Humans also react to chemicals from animals, especially musk from the East Asian musk deer, castoreum from the scent glands of certain beavers, and civit, a honey-like secretion from the Ethiopian civit cat. No surprise then that we have our own natural scents, and ones that do a much better job at attracting a mate.
Hormones are potent "local" chemicals that travel throughout your body to help regulate metabolism and behavior. "Hormone" means to set in motion, excite, stimulate. You also produce similar "long distance" chemicals called pheromones, which work outside the body and can affect the hormones of others. "Pherein" means to bring, to bear along. Your pheromones literally entice and excite the opposite sex.
Numerous glands in the skin around your armpits and genitals produce these sexual scents, and the tufts of hair that begin sprouting at puberty collect and help broadcast your fragrant chemicals (some so subtle, they're considered odorless). Trapped beneath layers of clothing, however, these potentially erotic scents can become stale and deteriorate.
Fragrant Tokens
In her classic 1992 book, Anatomy of Love: A Natural History of Mating, Marriage, and Why We Stray, Helen Fisher, Ph.D., tells how a woman in Shakespeare's time would hold a peeled apple under her arm until it was ingrained with her scent. She would then offer this "love apple" to her lover to inhale. In parts of Greece and the Balkans today, some men successfully invite women to dance after offering them a handkerchief which had been carried in the armpit.
In Aromantics: Enhancing Romance, Love, and Sex with Nature's Essential Oils, Valerie Ann Worwood reports that men find a woman's odor most alluring during ovulation, when she is most likely to conceive. In response, men produce an odor of their own that has an aphrodisiac effect on women. Also, during ovulation women were found to be a thousand times more sensitive to a testosterone-like chemical.
A poor sense of smell will dull your love life. In tests with mice and monkeys, when the males' noses were plugged, they ignored females in heat. Good nutrition, especially enough zinc, is important to a healthy sense of smell. Sickness exudes an ill wind of its own that some people say they can sense — a good evolutionary adaptation that we probably all have to some degree. Unfortunately, though, the prefrontal cortex in the human brain can override an instinctual response to olfactory input.
Excessive bathing or use of deodorants and perfumes can overwhelm your sexual scents. Napoleon knew this. He asked his sweetheart Josephine to abstain from bathing several days before he returned to her.
Sweat T-Shirt Contest
In her 1998 book, Sex on the Brain: The Biological Differences Between Men and Women, Deborah Blum tells about a revealing Swiss experiment with a group of college students. Each woman was seated alone in a room at the time of ovulation, when her sense of smell was most acute. She then sniffed the T-shirts slept in by different men over the previous weekend. The women rated each shirt for sexiness, pleasantness, and intensity of smell.
What's remarkable was that the sexiness of the shirts correlated with the degree of difference in MHC genes. This is good, because these MHC (major histocompatibility complex) genes code for the disease detectors in the immune system — the more variety, the better. The women had a stinkual attraction to males whose MHC genes were least like their own.
Be the Aphrodisiac
Our natural scents and sensitivity thus play a vital role in identifying and attracting an ideal mate, one with whom we have the best chances of producing a healthy child capable of withstanding the onslaughts of life. And that's the name of the evolutionary game.
Our smell is as unique as our face. While it won't be alluring to everyone, we can count on having real chemistry with the ones we do attract. And the feeling will be mutual.
Not surprisingly, the quest for aphrodisia brings us full circle back to ourselves. This is good news for all Earth's creatures and gives new meaning to the words: "in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
Showing posts with label Aphrodisiacs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aphrodisiacs. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Ukrainian Aphrodisiacs
The traditional Ukrainian folk medicine does not contain that many recipes for aphrodisiacs or 'privorotnoye zelje' (best translated as "love potion"). Ukrainian men are supposed to possess great natural sexual powers and Ukrainian women are, in the same way, supposed always to be interested and willing.
Thus, the major purpose of the Ukrainian love potions is not to increase the sexual capacity but to direct the desires towards a particular individual. Largely, the love potions ar used by women who want to attract the attention of specific members of the opposite sex. Another purpose of the love potions could be to increase fertility. Furthermore, there is a small group of recipes aimed at curing impotency and mainly intended for older people.
Hemp seeds
Hemp, in Latin Cannabis sativa, is a plant that is very popular in Ukraine and has many medical applications. As an aphrodisiac, the most powerful preparation according to popular believes are the roasted and salted hemp seeds. However, they should only be used by men. Earlier, it was customary to feed the bridegroom roasted hemp seeds during the wedding dinner. The seeds could be served as a part of a special wedding bread or as an ingredient of a wedding night drink.
Periwinkle
An oil prepared from the flowers of Vinca major is believed to increase the sexual capacity of man. It can either be consumed or applied externally.
A more traditional periwinkle recipe to increase sexual desire (to be used by men only!) is as follows:
Cover 20 grammes of the fresh, blossoming plant with 250 ml of vodka or whisky and let the mixture simmer, covered, for at least 0.5 hour. Take 8 drops of the filtered potion twice a day for four days, then make a two-day-break after which you can continue taking the potion for another four days.
Golden root
The roots of Rhodiola rosea L. have been known as a powerful stimulant for centuries and were a favoured ingredient in many folk love potions. The legendary Ukrainian prince Danila Galitsky (XIII century) who had a considerable reputation for remarkable amorous feats used to say that he took strength from the 'golden root of Karpaty' (it grows in the Karpatian mountains). The major use of the golden root is in the form of an alcoholic drink called "nastojka". Fresh roots are mixed with 40% alcohol (e.g. vodka) and are kept in dark place for at least one week (if you are not in a hurry it is better to let the extraction continue for a few weeks). Use equal parts (by weight) of roots and alcohol solution.
A teaspoon of the resulting "nastojka" after breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2-3 weeks will produce remarkable effects both in men and women.
Golden root has recently been approved as an official Ukrainian medicinal drug. Its use and applications are similar to those of ginseng. One of Mrs. Zubar's acquaintances reported that he once drank a bottle of golden root 'nastojka' (150 gr.) and 'had wonderful sex all night long'. But three days later he had strong headaches and 'no desire at all'.
Ruta
Ruta, in Latin Ruta graveolens L., is the most popular 'female' aphrodisiac. There are numerous folk rhymes and songs about its ability to charm men. A must of love potions. Women drank a decoction of ruta, "ruta-nastojka" to become loved and wanted.
According to a folk legend witches used to bring teenage boys to fields where the ruta was blossoming. The strong scent made the boys became 'possesed by witch desires', whereupon they lost their virginity.
Even today experienced women meet their lovers near blossoming ruta fields because of the effect of the scent. "I have ruta in my garden and I experienced its effect myself" says Mrs. Zubar.
Carrot and Celery
There is an old Ukrainian belief that carrot will increase the sexual capacity of a man. There is old Ukrainian saying: 'If your husband is old and weak you must have him to drink juice from two big carrots and one celery'. Celery is a very popular folk aphrodisiac in Poland and the Czech Republic, possibly due to the "doctrine of similarities".
"Lubistok"
Levisticum officinale, in Ukranian "lubistok" was and is still believed to be useful for attracting lovers. It is used in a similar way all over Europe, however in Ukraine dried as well as fresh roots instead of the leaves. A bath containing leaves is recommended as relaxing treatment of when being tense and nervous.
A decoction or "nastojka" made from the root is still used to cure impotency and increase the sexual power, however only for men. "I cannot vote for it," says Mrs. Zubar, "but a herbalist I know personally makes special portion based on Lubistok root extract and claims it cures impotency. I only know for sure it sells well."
Modern beliefs
In an opinion-poll made among the readers of the magazine "Kopilka" the most popular aphrodisiac turned out to be a mixture of sour cream and beer (1:1). The idea that this mixture stimulates sexual activity first appeared in the mid 1970s and still lives on.
Thus, the major purpose of the Ukrainian love potions is not to increase the sexual capacity but to direct the desires towards a particular individual. Largely, the love potions ar used by women who want to attract the attention of specific members of the opposite sex. Another purpose of the love potions could be to increase fertility. Furthermore, there is a small group of recipes aimed at curing impotency and mainly intended for older people.
Hemp seeds
Hemp, in Latin Cannabis sativa, is a plant that is very popular in Ukraine and has many medical applications. As an aphrodisiac, the most powerful preparation according to popular believes are the roasted and salted hemp seeds. However, they should only be used by men. Earlier, it was customary to feed the bridegroom roasted hemp seeds during the wedding dinner. The seeds could be served as a part of a special wedding bread or as an ingredient of a wedding night drink.
Periwinkle
An oil prepared from the flowers of Vinca major is believed to increase the sexual capacity of man. It can either be consumed or applied externally.
A more traditional periwinkle recipe to increase sexual desire (to be used by men only!) is as follows:
Cover 20 grammes of the fresh, blossoming plant with 250 ml of vodka or whisky and let the mixture simmer, covered, for at least 0.5 hour. Take 8 drops of the filtered potion twice a day for four days, then make a two-day-break after which you can continue taking the potion for another four days.
Golden root
The roots of Rhodiola rosea L. have been known as a powerful stimulant for centuries and were a favoured ingredient in many folk love potions. The legendary Ukrainian prince Danila Galitsky (XIII century) who had a considerable reputation for remarkable amorous feats used to say that he took strength from the 'golden root of Karpaty' (it grows in the Karpatian mountains). The major use of the golden root is in the form of an alcoholic drink called "nastojka". Fresh roots are mixed with 40% alcohol (e.g. vodka) and are kept in dark place for at least one week (if you are not in a hurry it is better to let the extraction continue for a few weeks). Use equal parts (by weight) of roots and alcohol solution.
A teaspoon of the resulting "nastojka" after breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2-3 weeks will produce remarkable effects both in men and women.
Golden root has recently been approved as an official Ukrainian medicinal drug. Its use and applications are similar to those of ginseng. One of Mrs. Zubar's acquaintances reported that he once drank a bottle of golden root 'nastojka' (150 gr.) and 'had wonderful sex all night long'. But three days later he had strong headaches and 'no desire at all'.
Ruta
Ruta, in Latin Ruta graveolens L., is the most popular 'female' aphrodisiac. There are numerous folk rhymes and songs about its ability to charm men. A must of love potions. Women drank a decoction of ruta, "ruta-nastojka" to become loved and wanted.
According to a folk legend witches used to bring teenage boys to fields where the ruta was blossoming. The strong scent made the boys became 'possesed by witch desires', whereupon they lost their virginity.
Even today experienced women meet their lovers near blossoming ruta fields because of the effect of the scent. "I have ruta in my garden and I experienced its effect myself" says Mrs. Zubar.
Carrot and Celery
There is an old Ukrainian belief that carrot will increase the sexual capacity of a man. There is old Ukrainian saying: 'If your husband is old and weak you must have him to drink juice from two big carrots and one celery'. Celery is a very popular folk aphrodisiac in Poland and the Czech Republic, possibly due to the "doctrine of similarities".
"Lubistok"
Levisticum officinale, in Ukranian "lubistok" was and is still believed to be useful for attracting lovers. It is used in a similar way all over Europe, however in Ukraine dried as well as fresh roots instead of the leaves. A bath containing leaves is recommended as relaxing treatment of when being tense and nervous.
A decoction or "nastojka" made from the root is still used to cure impotency and increase the sexual power, however only for men. "I cannot vote for it," says Mrs. Zubar, "but a herbalist I know personally makes special portion based on Lubistok root extract and claims it cures impotency. I only know for sure it sells well."
Modern beliefs
In an opinion-poll made among the readers of the magazine "Kopilka" the most popular aphrodisiac turned out to be a mixture of sour cream and beer (1:1). The idea that this mixture stimulates sexual activity first appeared in the mid 1970s and still lives on.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Spices as Aphrodisiacs
Spices have not only been used to hide signs of putrefaction in food but also to make dishes delicious and mouth-watering. The way to a man's heart goes through his stomach, but perhaps even more through his taste buds, and what better way is there to affect the taste buds than the use of spices?
The following is an incomplete collection of spices, which have been attributed aphrodisiacal properties; many more remain to be added. When you try them out, it is important that they be used in combination with food that would be delicious and appetising even whithout the spices in order to achieve maximal effect.
If external use is suggested (as in some of the recipes from "The Perfumed Garden"), stay away from the most sensitive mucous membranes!
Asafoetida
Asafoetida is a preparation made out of the plant Ferula foetida (Umbelliferae), also known as devil's dung, ferula or under it's Hindi name hing, which can be found in Indian groceries. It occurs both as a light brown resin and as a powder. Besides being an aphrodisiac it is also used as a laxative and a colic cure, although the main use is as a spice in cooking. The taste is peculiar: either you love it or you hate it.
Cardamom
Powdered cardamom seeds, boiled with milk, forms an excellent remedy against impotence and premature ejaculation when taken together with honey in the evening. (At least according to traditional Indian herbal medicine. But be careful: excessive use might lead to impotency according to the same sources.)
Cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of Jambosa caryophyllus, also called Eugenia caryophyllata and Caryophyllus aromaticus. They were early considered as an aphrodisiac in Asia; in China since the 3rd century B.C.. Even in Europe they quickly aquired some fame. The Danish medieval herbalist H. Harpenstreng realised the value of cloves, stating that they "makes the man desire the woman", and that they promote digestion.
The Swedish herbalist Anders Månsson Rydaholm wrote in 1642 in "En myckit nyttigh Örta-Book" that:
if a man loses his ability, he should stay sober and drink milk spiced with 5 grammes of cloves. This will fortify him and make him desire his wife.
The main constituent of cloves and oil of cloves is eugenol, but small quantities of furfural, vanillin and methyl amyl ketone are also present. Eugenol is a high-boiling liquid with a spicy, pungent odor and taste. It was earlier used as a dental analgesic.
Garlic
Garlic, Allium sativum, belongs to the same genus as another reliable (?) aphrodisiac, onion. Its use as a staple food already during Pharaonic time is mentioned in the Bible (Numeri, chapter 11). Hippocrates suggests garlic as a remedy for a variety of illnesses, including fevers, flu and intestinal parasites.
Its use as an aphrodisiac is (or was) widespred, not only among Egyptians, but also among Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Japanese (Ainu). It has persisted. The Swedish pharmaceutical chemist Matts Bergmark quotes (in "Vallört och vitlök" (1961)) the East German pharmaceutical journal Die Pharmazie, saying that garlic is especially well suited for men and women of climacteric age because it contains (unspecified) compounds related to sex hormones.
In some cases garlic is used externally. David Berman, a professor of the USC Medical School, suggests a few cloves of garlic be crushed and mixed with lard, the mixture then to be rubbed on to an unwilling male member.
The main constituents of garlic (besides nutritive chemicals) are the amino acid alliin and the related allicin (CH2=CH-CH2-SO-CH2-CH=CH2). It is allicin which causes the "true" garlic odour. The smell which occurs later after garlic consumption (possibly a truly anti-aphrodisiacal smell?) is caused by bis-allyl-disulfide, a metabolic product of allicin. No aphrodisiacal properties have (yet) been demonstrated for allicin, but the compound is a good antibiotic.
Possibly, most of the aphrodisiacal effect of garlic is associated with the fact that it makes food more appetising, stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, increases the appetite and, generally contributes to a feeling of well-being. Long live garlic!
Ginger
Through the entire Asia, from China to Turkey, ginger has a solid reputation of being a powerful aphrodisiac, known already to Pliny and Avicena.
"The Perfumed Garden" strongly favours the use of ginger externally as well as internally. One recipe calls for a mixture of ginger, ointment of lilac and pyrethrum (the plant Anthemis pyrethrum, not the insecticide obtained from Chrysanthemum cinerariefolium) to be pounded and then used for rubbing the abdomen, the scrotum and the anus.
An alternative is to masticate a mixture of ginger, cinnamon, pyrethrum and cubebs just before coitus, then moisten the penis with saliva before entering.
From that moment she will have such an affection for you that she can scarcely be a moment without you.
Indian literature recommends a mixture of ginger juice, honey and half-boiled eggs, taken at night for a month, as a remedy against impotence.
Ginger consists of the dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae). The active compounds are called gingerols, the most important being [6]-gingerol, 5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-decanone.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg, also known as myristica or nux moschata, is the ripe seed of Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae), a tree native to Southern Asia and Moluccas. The seed is deprived of its seed coat (see photo to the right) before drying.
Nutmeg is supposed to be a "legal hallucinogenic", and has been used for this purpose, e.g. in jails. However, the side effects of the high doses required can be severe and completely overshadow the desired effects.
It is alleged to have a subtle aphrodisiac effect in far smaller doses (less than half a nut should suffice), and has been used as such by Hindus, Arabs, Greeks and Romans. In the Orient it was especially highly priced among women.
According to the Indian herbalist H. K. Bakhru, nutmeg mixed with honey and a half-boiled egg will prolong the duration of the sexual act if taken an hour before intercourse.
The compound allegedly responsible for the hallucinogenic and possibly also the alleged aphrodisiacal effects of nutmeg is myristicin, 4-methoxy-6-(2-propenyl)-1,3-benzodixole. It has some structural similarity with mescaline, the hallucinogen from peyote cactus. Myristicin also occurs in parsley and carrot (mainly in the seeds), although at far lower concentrations.
Pepper
The aphrodisiacal qualities of pepper are not quite clear. The name pepper was long used as a collective name for all spices imported to Europe (in contrast to the herbal spices cultivated in Europe). Thus, older references to pepper as an aphrodisiac could actually concern a different spice.
Pepper is nowadays a collective name for various forms of the fruit of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae). Black pepper are the dried, unripe fruits, and white pepper the dried, ripe fruits. If the fruits are preserved in a salt brine, milder forms are obtained: green pepper from the ripe fruit and rose pepper from the unripe fruit.
The reputation of pepper being an aphrodisiac goes back to Antiquity, when it was used by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The Arabs not only added pepper to food, but used it other ways. According to "The Perfumed Garden", you should:
Masticate a little pepper or cardamom-grains of the large species; put a certain quantity of it upon the head of your member and then go to work. This will produce for you, as well as for the woman, a matchless enjoyment.
A way to increase the size of the penis is, according to the same source, to prepare a powder out of pepper, lavender, galanga and musk, mix it with honey and preserved ginger, and rub the penis vigourously with it.
[The penis] will then grow large and brawny, and afford the woman a marvellous feeling of voluptuousness.
Indian sources recommend a daily consumption of a glass of milk with six crushed black peppers and four crushed almonds. This will act as a nerve tonic and as an aphrodisiac.
The pungent principles of pepper are first and foremost the stereoisomeric pair of chemicals piperine (E,E form) and chavicine (Z,Z form). It is believed that the loss of pungency of ground pepper upon storage is due to the isomerisation of chavicine into piperine. Other pungent substances, present in pepper, are piperettine and the somewhat volatile piperidine (which can also be formed by alkaline treatment of piperine. Thus, do not use pepper on lutefish, the most alkaline dish known.
Saffron
saffron.jpg - 9.0 K Saffron are the stigmas of Crocus sativus (Iridaceae) and one of the most expensive spices. It can reputedly make erogenous zones even more sensitive and also have a hormone-like effect. It is not known which of the constituents that are responsible for saffron's reputation as an aphrodisiac. However, the orange colour is due to crocin, a di-gentiobiose ester of crocetin, a carotenoid compound. Both crocin and crocetin have been shown to play a very important role in the sex processes of algae of the Chlamydomonas group. (No, they have nothing to do with Clamydia!)
The bitter principle is picrocrocin, which, according to Merck's Index, "exerts sex-determinig influences"!
Saffron is a key ingredient in many erotic dishes, e.g. in our pine nut soup, Amorous pesto and in our love snails.
Salt
Salt, sodium chloride, can be regarded as the most basic spice. In the Indian Ayurvedic medicine, rock salt obtained from the salt mines of Sindh was considered to be an aphrodisiac and a heart tonic.
Vanilla
Vanilla is the cured, full-grown, unripe fruit of an orchid, Vanilla planifolia. Already the name hints at amorous properties. It derives from the Spanish word vainila, a diminutive of vaina meaning vagina (or pod) It was used already by the aztecs to flavour chocolate (which they got from the seeds of Theobroma cacao (Sterculiaceae), a tree native to the area around the Gulf of Mexico and northern Sout America.
It is a well-known powerful aphrodisiac, as stated, e.g. by N.J. Berlin in a commentary to the Swedish pharmacopoedia (1849), acting through its odour as much as through its taste. It is important to use the natural product. Synthetic vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde) is far cheaper, but less effective, especially now when it is synthesised from the waste (lignin) of the wood pulp industry.
Vanilla essence (extracted from the real vanilla) can be added to your bath to produce a mild love-arousing effect, especially when you and your partner take the bath together.
Herbal spices
Numerous herbal spices have been used as aphrodisiacs. More information on mint, rosemary, salvia and thyme will be added shortly.
The following is an incomplete collection of spices, which have been attributed aphrodisiacal properties; many more remain to be added. When you try them out, it is important that they be used in combination with food that would be delicious and appetising even whithout the spices in order to achieve maximal effect.
If external use is suggested (as in some of the recipes from "The Perfumed Garden"), stay away from the most sensitive mucous membranes!
Asafoetida
Asafoetida is a preparation made out of the plant Ferula foetida (Umbelliferae), also known as devil's dung, ferula or under it's Hindi name hing, which can be found in Indian groceries. It occurs both as a light brown resin and as a powder. Besides being an aphrodisiac it is also used as a laxative and a colic cure, although the main use is as a spice in cooking. The taste is peculiar: either you love it or you hate it.
Cardamom
Powdered cardamom seeds, boiled with milk, forms an excellent remedy against impotence and premature ejaculation when taken together with honey in the evening. (At least according to traditional Indian herbal medicine. But be careful: excessive use might lead to impotency according to the same sources.)
Cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of Jambosa caryophyllus, also called Eugenia caryophyllata and Caryophyllus aromaticus. They were early considered as an aphrodisiac in Asia; in China since the 3rd century B.C.. Even in Europe they quickly aquired some fame. The Danish medieval herbalist H. Harpenstreng realised the value of cloves, stating that they "makes the man desire the woman", and that they promote digestion.
The Swedish herbalist Anders Månsson Rydaholm wrote in 1642 in "En myckit nyttigh Örta-Book" that:
if a man loses his ability, he should stay sober and drink milk spiced with 5 grammes of cloves. This will fortify him and make him desire his wife.
The main constituent of cloves and oil of cloves is eugenol, but small quantities of furfural, vanillin and methyl amyl ketone are also present. Eugenol is a high-boiling liquid with a spicy, pungent odor and taste. It was earlier used as a dental analgesic.
Garlic
Garlic, Allium sativum, belongs to the same genus as another reliable (?) aphrodisiac, onion. Its use as a staple food already during Pharaonic time is mentioned in the Bible (Numeri, chapter 11). Hippocrates suggests garlic as a remedy for a variety of illnesses, including fevers, flu and intestinal parasites.
Its use as an aphrodisiac is (or was) widespred, not only among Egyptians, but also among Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Japanese (Ainu). It has persisted. The Swedish pharmaceutical chemist Matts Bergmark quotes (in "Vallört och vitlök" (1961)) the East German pharmaceutical journal Die Pharmazie, saying that garlic is especially well suited for men and women of climacteric age because it contains (unspecified) compounds related to sex hormones.
In some cases garlic is used externally. David Berman, a professor of the USC Medical School, suggests a few cloves of garlic be crushed and mixed with lard, the mixture then to be rubbed on to an unwilling male member.
The main constituents of garlic (besides nutritive chemicals) are the amino acid alliin and the related allicin (CH2=CH-CH2-SO-CH2-CH=CH2). It is allicin which causes the "true" garlic odour. The smell which occurs later after garlic consumption (possibly a truly anti-aphrodisiacal smell?) is caused by bis-allyl-disulfide, a metabolic product of allicin. No aphrodisiacal properties have (yet) been demonstrated for allicin, but the compound is a good antibiotic.
Possibly, most of the aphrodisiacal effect of garlic is associated with the fact that it makes food more appetising, stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, increases the appetite and, generally contributes to a feeling of well-being. Long live garlic!
Ginger
Through the entire Asia, from China to Turkey, ginger has a solid reputation of being a powerful aphrodisiac, known already to Pliny and Avicena.
"The Perfumed Garden" strongly favours the use of ginger externally as well as internally. One recipe calls for a mixture of ginger, ointment of lilac and pyrethrum (the plant Anthemis pyrethrum, not the insecticide obtained from Chrysanthemum cinerariefolium) to be pounded and then used for rubbing the abdomen, the scrotum and the anus.
An alternative is to masticate a mixture of ginger, cinnamon, pyrethrum and cubebs just before coitus, then moisten the penis with saliva before entering.
From that moment she will have such an affection for you that she can scarcely be a moment without you.
Indian literature recommends a mixture of ginger juice, honey and half-boiled eggs, taken at night for a month, as a remedy against impotence.
Ginger consists of the dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae). The active compounds are called gingerols, the most important being [6]-gingerol, 5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-decanone.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg, also known as myristica or nux moschata, is the ripe seed of Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae), a tree native to Southern Asia and Moluccas. The seed is deprived of its seed coat (see photo to the right) before drying.
Nutmeg is supposed to be a "legal hallucinogenic", and has been used for this purpose, e.g. in jails. However, the side effects of the high doses required can be severe and completely overshadow the desired effects.
It is alleged to have a subtle aphrodisiac effect in far smaller doses (less than half a nut should suffice), and has been used as such by Hindus, Arabs, Greeks and Romans. In the Orient it was especially highly priced among women.
According to the Indian herbalist H. K. Bakhru, nutmeg mixed with honey and a half-boiled egg will prolong the duration of the sexual act if taken an hour before intercourse.
The compound allegedly responsible for the hallucinogenic and possibly also the alleged aphrodisiacal effects of nutmeg is myristicin, 4-methoxy-6-(2-propenyl)-1,3-benzodixole. It has some structural similarity with mescaline, the hallucinogen from peyote cactus. Myristicin also occurs in parsley and carrot (mainly in the seeds), although at far lower concentrations.
Pepper
The aphrodisiacal qualities of pepper are not quite clear. The name pepper was long used as a collective name for all spices imported to Europe (in contrast to the herbal spices cultivated in Europe). Thus, older references to pepper as an aphrodisiac could actually concern a different spice.
Pepper is nowadays a collective name for various forms of the fruit of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae). Black pepper are the dried, unripe fruits, and white pepper the dried, ripe fruits. If the fruits are preserved in a salt brine, milder forms are obtained: green pepper from the ripe fruit and rose pepper from the unripe fruit.
The reputation of pepper being an aphrodisiac goes back to Antiquity, when it was used by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The Arabs not only added pepper to food, but used it other ways. According to "The Perfumed Garden", you should:
Masticate a little pepper or cardamom-grains of the large species; put a certain quantity of it upon the head of your member and then go to work. This will produce for you, as well as for the woman, a matchless enjoyment.
A way to increase the size of the penis is, according to the same source, to prepare a powder out of pepper, lavender, galanga and musk, mix it with honey and preserved ginger, and rub the penis vigourously with it.
[The penis] will then grow large and brawny, and afford the woman a marvellous feeling of voluptuousness.
Indian sources recommend a daily consumption of a glass of milk with six crushed black peppers and four crushed almonds. This will act as a nerve tonic and as an aphrodisiac.
The pungent principles of pepper are first and foremost the stereoisomeric pair of chemicals piperine (E,E form) and chavicine (Z,Z form). It is believed that the loss of pungency of ground pepper upon storage is due to the isomerisation of chavicine into piperine. Other pungent substances, present in pepper, are piperettine and the somewhat volatile piperidine (which can also be formed by alkaline treatment of piperine. Thus, do not use pepper on lutefish, the most alkaline dish known.
Saffron
saffron.jpg - 9.0 K Saffron are the stigmas of Crocus sativus (Iridaceae) and one of the most expensive spices. It can reputedly make erogenous zones even more sensitive and also have a hormone-like effect. It is not known which of the constituents that are responsible for saffron's reputation as an aphrodisiac. However, the orange colour is due to crocin, a di-gentiobiose ester of crocetin, a carotenoid compound. Both crocin and crocetin have been shown to play a very important role in the sex processes of algae of the Chlamydomonas group. (No, they have nothing to do with Clamydia!)
The bitter principle is picrocrocin, which, according to Merck's Index, "exerts sex-determinig influences"!
Saffron is a key ingredient in many erotic dishes, e.g. in our pine nut soup, Amorous pesto and in our love snails.
Salt
Salt, sodium chloride, can be regarded as the most basic spice. In the Indian Ayurvedic medicine, rock salt obtained from the salt mines of Sindh was considered to be an aphrodisiac and a heart tonic.
Vanilla
Vanilla is the cured, full-grown, unripe fruit of an orchid, Vanilla planifolia. Already the name hints at amorous properties. It derives from the Spanish word vainila, a diminutive of vaina meaning vagina (or pod) It was used already by the aztecs to flavour chocolate (which they got from the seeds of Theobroma cacao (Sterculiaceae), a tree native to the area around the Gulf of Mexico and northern Sout America.
It is a well-known powerful aphrodisiac, as stated, e.g. by N.J. Berlin in a commentary to the Swedish pharmacopoedia (1849), acting through its odour as much as through its taste. It is important to use the natural product. Synthetic vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde) is far cheaper, but less effective, especially now when it is synthesised from the waste (lignin) of the wood pulp industry.
Vanilla essence (extracted from the real vanilla) can be added to your bath to produce a mild love-arousing effect, especially when you and your partner take the bath together.
Herbal spices
Numerous herbal spices have been used as aphrodisiacs. More information on mint, rosemary, salvia and thyme will be added shortly.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Spanish Fly and Cantharidin
The Spanish fly is the emerald-green blister beetle, in Latin Cantharis vesicatoria or Lytta vesicatoria which is found in the southern parts of Europe. The body is usually 15-22 mm long and 5-8 mm wide with a strong smell and a burning taste. The dried and crushed body of the beetle was earlier used medically as a irritant and diuretic, but was also regarded as a potent aphrodisiac, especially for elderly gentlemen.
The earliest descriptions of its use as a medicine dates back to antiquity. The drug is mentioned by, e.g. Hippocrates, Celsus and Pliny. The Roman empress Livia (58 B.C. - A.D. 29) purportedly slipped it into the food of other members of the imperial family to stimulate them into committing sexual indiscretions that could later be used against them. (Livia was originally the wife of Tiberius Claudius Nero but was given by him to Octavianus, later known as Emperor Augustus, as a part of a reconciliation agreement.)
During the medieval age, however, Spanish fly was almost forgotten.
Even today, the legend of Spanish fly as a powerful aphrodisiac persists. Urban folklore sometimes gives it a prominent role.
The Latin name of the beetle derives from the Greek word lytta, meaning rage, and the Latin word vesica, meaning blister. This points to the main effects of poisonous doses: internally mental illness and externally a vesicant action.
The beetle, which thrives on plants of the families Oleaceae and Caprifoliaceae, contains 0.5-1 % of the active ingredient cantharidin. This chemical is sparingly soluble in water and most polar organic solvents but dissolves in oils.
A beautiful synthesis has been described by W.G. Dauben in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 102, 6893 (1980).
An African Variety
In Zimbabwe, traditional healers sell "vuka-vuka" ("vuka" means "wake up!"), which consists of dried beetles of the genus Myalabris. As in the blister beetle, the active component is cantharidin. The strongest variety offered in Harare's Mbare market is called "Squirrel's jump", possibly because squirrels are believed to be very romantic animals.
Toxicity
It must be handled with extreme care. It is highly toxic by ingestion, but can also be taken up through skin and mucous membranes. The poisoning is called cantharidism and can consist of severe gastrointestinal disturbances and nephritis. Collapse occurs in severe cases and death might follow. For references, please consult the literature list.
A consumption of 1.6 grammes of pulverized beetles led to death after 26 hours. Ten milligrammes of pure cantharidin resulted in a fatality, whereas a poisoning by 1.3 milligrammes did not.
Cantharidin is excreted by the kidney and will, during excretion, irritate the entire urinary tract. The irritation of the urethra will increase the blood flow to this region and might result in priapism. It is likely that the priapism is the origin of the use of Spanish fly as an aphrodisiac.
In 1772 the infamous Marquis de Sade doctored some aniseed sweets with Spanish fly and offered this to some prostitutes who took part in a flogging orgy. However, there was no aphrodisiac effect but, instead, the girls became very ill, so ill that the Marquis was brought to trial for poisoning.
A more sensible use for catharidin is for the removal of digital warts. For this purpose a 0.7 % solution in equal parts of acetone and collodion can be applied.
Priapism
is a persistent abnormal erection of the penis. It is usually a quite painful condition, not associated with any sexual desire. The name is derived from Priapus, the Greek god of male procreative power.
The earliest descriptions of its use as a medicine dates back to antiquity. The drug is mentioned by, e.g. Hippocrates, Celsus and Pliny. The Roman empress Livia (58 B.C. - A.D. 29) purportedly slipped it into the food of other members of the imperial family to stimulate them into committing sexual indiscretions that could later be used against them. (Livia was originally the wife of Tiberius Claudius Nero but was given by him to Octavianus, later known as Emperor Augustus, as a part of a reconciliation agreement.)
During the medieval age, however, Spanish fly was almost forgotten.
Even today, the legend of Spanish fly as a powerful aphrodisiac persists. Urban folklore sometimes gives it a prominent role.
The Latin name of the beetle derives from the Greek word lytta, meaning rage, and the Latin word vesica, meaning blister. This points to the main effects of poisonous doses: internally mental illness and externally a vesicant action.
The beetle, which thrives on plants of the families Oleaceae and Caprifoliaceae, contains 0.5-1 % of the active ingredient cantharidin. This chemical is sparingly soluble in water and most polar organic solvents but dissolves in oils.
A beautiful synthesis has been described by W.G. Dauben in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 102, 6893 (1980).
An African Variety
In Zimbabwe, traditional healers sell "vuka-vuka" ("vuka" means "wake up!"), which consists of dried beetles of the genus Myalabris. As in the blister beetle, the active component is cantharidin. The strongest variety offered in Harare's Mbare market is called "Squirrel's jump", possibly because squirrels are believed to be very romantic animals.
Toxicity
It must be handled with extreme care. It is highly toxic by ingestion, but can also be taken up through skin and mucous membranes. The poisoning is called cantharidism and can consist of severe gastrointestinal disturbances and nephritis. Collapse occurs in severe cases and death might follow. For references, please consult the literature list.
A consumption of 1.6 grammes of pulverized beetles led to death after 26 hours. Ten milligrammes of pure cantharidin resulted in a fatality, whereas a poisoning by 1.3 milligrammes did not.
Cantharidin is excreted by the kidney and will, during excretion, irritate the entire urinary tract. The irritation of the urethra will increase the blood flow to this region and might result in priapism. It is likely that the priapism is the origin of the use of Spanish fly as an aphrodisiac.
In 1772 the infamous Marquis de Sade doctored some aniseed sweets with Spanish fly and offered this to some prostitutes who took part in a flogging orgy. However, there was no aphrodisiac effect but, instead, the girls became very ill, so ill that the Marquis was brought to trial for poisoning.
A more sensible use for catharidin is for the removal of digital warts. For this purpose a 0.7 % solution in equal parts of acetone and collodion can be applied.
Priapism
is a persistent abnormal erection of the penis. It is usually a quite painful condition, not associated with any sexual desire. The name is derived from Priapus, the Greek god of male procreative power.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Pheromones, Scents as Aphrodisiacs
Small, volatile organic molecules are of extreme importance among many animals for the transmission of information on sexual availability to members of the opposite sex. Such molecules are called pheromones, after a Greek word meaning "to transfer excitement".
Pheromones among animals
Female butterflies of the genus Bombyx release a chemical called bombycol. As little as 100 molecules is sufficient to evoke a sexual response from a Bombyx male. This could be compared with the one million molecules of botulinual toxin A (the most toxic substance known) required to kill a mouse.
Some flowers fool insects by using pheromones. The orchid Ophrys insectifera releases a mixture of chemicals which attracts male hymenopteras (insects) of the genus Argogorytes. Because of the odour the males believe the orchid flowers are females of their own species, and they try to copulate. Naturally, they are unsuccessful, but pollen grains of the orchid attach to them. The next time they try to copulate with an orchid flower, the pollen grains are transferred and they succeed in pollinating the flower even if not in impregnating a female of their own species.
Elephant pheromones
Even large animals can make use of pheromones. Two researchers from the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science in Portland, Oregon, USA, (as reported in Nature, 22 Feb. 1996) used 4000 litres of elephant urine, looking for a substance released by female elephants just before ovulation. Apparently, this substance lets bull elephants know that the time is right for romance. Surprisingly, it turns out that this elephant pheromone, cis-7-dodecenyl acetate is the same compound used by some insects.
Pheromones among humans?
The human body secrets several compounds with strong smells, as well as compounds which can be transformed by bacteria into chemicals with a strong odor. Volatile aliphatic acids occur in the normal vaginal secretions of many primates, including humans. Their strong odors (e.g., butyric acid with its smell of rancid butter) have been shown to stimulate male monkeys to increased sexual activity.
Many steroidal hormones and related chemicals have a noticeable odor, including chemicals called androstenones. In one experiment, some seats in a theater were sprayed with one androstenone. Women among the audience showed a statistically significant preference for these sprayed seats.
In another trial, subjects had to choose the most attractive women from a collection of photographs. It turned out that when a subject could smell an androstenone at the same time as he or she regarded a certain photo, it increased the probability that the lady on the photo would be selected.
Humans have glands at the base of the hair follicles, especially in the armpits and in the genital region, which produce yet unidentified chemicals, the odors of which might affect members of the opposite sex. The chemicals are spread over the hair surface and then very efficiently dissipated.
One interesting phenomena in this context is the "women's dormitory syndrome", a condition in which women living closely together after a while begin to synchronize their menstrual cycles. This has been attributed to the effect of a pheromone present in the underarm sweat of women.
The great commercial interests in human pheromones make it virtually impossible to obtain reliable information on this subject. Already two compounds isolated from female and male sweat respectively are being marketed as perfumes with real activity as sexual pheromones. The price tags are, however, almost prohibitive and their effects unproven.
An old American custom, quoted in "The Scent of Eros", was for the man to keep a handkerchief in his armpit while dancing. After the dance he would present it to his partner. Supposedly the anticipated effect was that of an aphrodisiac. Maybe the arrival of easily available soap has changed the perception of human pheromones?
Scents and perfumes
Man has probably always used various odorous preparations to increase his or her attractiveness to the opposite sex. Is it possible that this actually is an attempt to mimic "human pheromones" or is it just to create an atmosphere of positive associations? One of the most popular perfume smells, that of musk, has been shown to resemble closely the smell of testosterone, the male sex hormone.
The Romans used perfumes lavishly, including perfumes based on civet and ambergris. The former is derived from the secretion of the civet-cat, and the latter from the sperm whale. Ambergris is more a carrier of scents than a perfume of its own. It has been used to restore vital powers to those exhausted for various reasons.
Other smells
Even the smell of food can act as an aphrodisiac. Chicago neurologist Alan Hirsch rated male response to various smells by measuring changes in penile blood flow and found that food outperformed perfumes. The food highest on the rating list included cinnamon buns, roast meat and cheese pizza (but also, and less surprisingly so, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and peppermint). In some cases the average increase of penile blood flow was 40 %!
Pheromones among animals
Female butterflies of the genus Bombyx release a chemical called bombycol. As little as 100 molecules is sufficient to evoke a sexual response from a Bombyx male. This could be compared with the one million molecules of botulinual toxin A (the most toxic substance known) required to kill a mouse.
Some flowers fool insects by using pheromones. The orchid Ophrys insectifera releases a mixture of chemicals which attracts male hymenopteras (insects) of the genus Argogorytes. Because of the odour the males believe the orchid flowers are females of their own species, and they try to copulate. Naturally, they are unsuccessful, but pollen grains of the orchid attach to them. The next time they try to copulate with an orchid flower, the pollen grains are transferred and they succeed in pollinating the flower even if not in impregnating a female of their own species.
Elephant pheromones
Even large animals can make use of pheromones. Two researchers from the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science in Portland, Oregon, USA, (as reported in Nature, 22 Feb. 1996) used 4000 litres of elephant urine, looking for a substance released by female elephants just before ovulation. Apparently, this substance lets bull elephants know that the time is right for romance. Surprisingly, it turns out that this elephant pheromone, cis-7-dodecenyl acetate is the same compound used by some insects.
Pheromones among humans?
The human body secrets several compounds with strong smells, as well as compounds which can be transformed by bacteria into chemicals with a strong odor. Volatile aliphatic acids occur in the normal vaginal secretions of many primates, including humans. Their strong odors (e.g., butyric acid with its smell of rancid butter) have been shown to stimulate male monkeys to increased sexual activity.
Many steroidal hormones and related chemicals have a noticeable odor, including chemicals called androstenones. In one experiment, some seats in a theater were sprayed with one androstenone. Women among the audience showed a statistically significant preference for these sprayed seats.
In another trial, subjects had to choose the most attractive women from a collection of photographs. It turned out that when a subject could smell an androstenone at the same time as he or she regarded a certain photo, it increased the probability that the lady on the photo would be selected.
Humans have glands at the base of the hair follicles, especially in the armpits and in the genital region, which produce yet unidentified chemicals, the odors of which might affect members of the opposite sex. The chemicals are spread over the hair surface and then very efficiently dissipated.
One interesting phenomena in this context is the "women's dormitory syndrome", a condition in which women living closely together after a while begin to synchronize their menstrual cycles. This has been attributed to the effect of a pheromone present in the underarm sweat of women.
The great commercial interests in human pheromones make it virtually impossible to obtain reliable information on this subject. Already two compounds isolated from female and male sweat respectively are being marketed as perfumes with real activity as sexual pheromones. The price tags are, however, almost prohibitive and their effects unproven.
An old American custom, quoted in "The Scent of Eros", was for the man to keep a handkerchief in his armpit while dancing. After the dance he would present it to his partner. Supposedly the anticipated effect was that of an aphrodisiac. Maybe the arrival of easily available soap has changed the perception of human pheromones?
Scents and perfumes
Man has probably always used various odorous preparations to increase his or her attractiveness to the opposite sex. Is it possible that this actually is an attempt to mimic "human pheromones" or is it just to create an atmosphere of positive associations? One of the most popular perfume smells, that of musk, has been shown to resemble closely the smell of testosterone, the male sex hormone.
The Romans used perfumes lavishly, including perfumes based on civet and ambergris. The former is derived from the secretion of the civet-cat, and the latter from the sperm whale. Ambergris is more a carrier of scents than a perfume of its own. It has been used to restore vital powers to those exhausted for various reasons.
Other smells
Even the smell of food can act as an aphrodisiac. Chicago neurologist Alan Hirsch rated male response to various smells by measuring changes in penile blood flow and found that food outperformed perfumes. The food highest on the rating list included cinnamon buns, roast meat and cheese pizza (but also, and less surprisingly so, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and peppermint). In some cases the average increase of penile blood flow was 40 %!
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Oysters as Aphrodisiacs
Already during the time of the Roman Empire oysters enjoyed a randy reputation, which only increased over the ages. During the "Golden Century" in the Netherlands (the 17th century) oysters were the symbol, the very incarnation of an aphrodisiac.
Is this reputation based on physiological facts? Well, oysters are low in fat and high in minerals, and thus a quite healthy food. Phosphorus, iodine and zinc can do a lot of good, especially zinc, which is said to increase both sperm and testosterone production as well as the secretion of a vaginal lubricant.
On the other hand... According to Norman Lewis in his book "Aphrodisiacs I Have Known", a group of male pearl-divers on the island of Kamaran (off the Arabian coast) get most of their nourishment from oysters -- and have very low sex drives.
However, Casanova is said to have been a firm believer in oysters, eating 50 of them raw every morning in the bath together with the lady he fancied at that moment.
Ilene Polansky, the owner of the oyster bar "Maestro S.V.P." in Montreal, Canada, reports that Roman emperors paid for them by their weight in gold. When Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, sprang forth from the sea on an oyster shell and promptly gave birth to Eros, a working aphrodisiac was born.
Ilene recommends oysters au naturel, best served simply with crushed ice and seaweed. Fresh lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce are both good accompaniments. There are two classes of sauce to be served with oysters. The first is mignonette sauce with shallots and red wine vinegar and the second is a chili sauce. Wines that go well with oysters are, e.g. such as a Chardonnay, whether it be Australian, Chilean, French or Californian. A tall glass of dry Spanish sherry is also perfect.
As the owner of the oyster bar, Ilene's favourite oyster drink is the "Maestro S.V.P. oyster shooter": Take an oyster, put it in a shot glass, add a little cocktail sauce, fresh horseradish and jalapeno vodka. You then drink it like a shooter. It is a very refreshing treat.
Normally, oysters are eaten raw, but Gordon Hamersley, the owner and executive chef of the Boston restaurant Hamersley's, suggests a topping of sea urchin roe (which he asserts is a well-known aphrodisiac) and caviar to amplify the effects.
Erik Blauberg of American Renaissance proposes serving the oysters with a cucumber, lime and dill dressing.
Is this reputation based on physiological facts? Well, oysters are low in fat and high in minerals, and thus a quite healthy food. Phosphorus, iodine and zinc can do a lot of good, especially zinc, which is said to increase both sperm and testosterone production as well as the secretion of a vaginal lubricant.
On the other hand... According to Norman Lewis in his book "Aphrodisiacs I Have Known", a group of male pearl-divers on the island of Kamaran (off the Arabian coast) get most of their nourishment from oysters -- and have very low sex drives.
However, Casanova is said to have been a firm believer in oysters, eating 50 of them raw every morning in the bath together with the lady he fancied at that moment.
Ilene Polansky, the owner of the oyster bar "Maestro S.V.P." in Montreal, Canada, reports that Roman emperors paid for them by their weight in gold. When Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, sprang forth from the sea on an oyster shell and promptly gave birth to Eros, a working aphrodisiac was born.
Ilene recommends oysters au naturel, best served simply with crushed ice and seaweed. Fresh lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce are both good accompaniments. There are two classes of sauce to be served with oysters. The first is mignonette sauce with shallots and red wine vinegar and the second is a chili sauce. Wines that go well with oysters are, e.g. such as a Chardonnay, whether it be Australian, Chilean, French or Californian. A tall glass of dry Spanish sherry is also perfect.
As the owner of the oyster bar, Ilene's favourite oyster drink is the "Maestro S.V.P. oyster shooter": Take an oyster, put it in a shot glass, add a little cocktail sauce, fresh horseradish and jalapeno vodka. You then drink it like a shooter. It is a very refreshing treat.
Normally, oysters are eaten raw, but Gordon Hamersley, the owner and executive chef of the Boston restaurant Hamersley's, suggests a topping of sea urchin roe (which he asserts is a well-known aphrodisiac) and caviar to amplify the effects.
Erik Blauberg of American Renaissance proposes serving the oysters with a cucumber, lime and dill dressing.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Satyrion, stones and pearls
For this post I have tried to collect a variety of strange aphrodisiacs which do not fit in elsewhere, as well as some truly fictitious material
Satyrion
Judging from Greek and Roman accounts, satyrion must have been very close to the perfect aphrodisiac. According to Theophrastus, it produced on one occasion seventy consecutive acts of coitus. Another Roman author suggests that it is sufficient to use it on the soles of the feet to produce erotic arousal. Yet another source suggests that it was sufficient to hold a part of the plant in the hand to produce the desired erotic effects.
Unfortunately, the precise identity of satyrion is not known today. It was a plant with reddish leaves and a double root, possibly similar to the orchids producing salep.The most common way of using it was to pulverize the dried root and add it to wine.
According to some sources, not only the root but also the nectar was used as satyrion. You could try the nectar of the wild orchid Orchis mascula (found in many parts of Europe) and mix it with warm goat's milk. The nectar from one plant is sufficient for two tablespoons of milk.
The popularity of satyrion, however, led to its eradication, a fate it shared with silphion (laserpitium), a plant known to be a rich nourishment, a delicious spice and a powerful medicine.
Precious stones and pearls
Precious stones and pearls have long been associated with powers to stimulate the sexual desire, not only when presented as such (just consider the effect of the gift of a dimond ring!) but also when consumed. Pulverised agate is reportedly specially effective.
Cleopatra, born 69 and dead 30 B.C., was queen of Egypt. In order to provoke her amorousness she used to dissolve pearls in vinegar and drink this beverage. Since she managed to get both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony as lovers, the potion must be considered successful.
Persians made pastilles out of crushed pearls and rubies, gold dust and ambergris, and ate this as an aphrodisiac.
Literary aphrodisiacs
One of the most remarkable aphrodisiacs is the starting point for Richard Dahl's hilariously indecent novel My Uncle Oswald (1979). The Sudanese Blister Beetle, Cantharis vesicatoria sudanii, is a highly improved version of the Spanish fly:
It builds a fire under your genitals. It is both a violent aphrodisiac and a powerful irritant. It not only makes you uncontrollably randy but it also guarantees you an enormous and long-lasting erection at the same time.
However, anyone who has read the novel will hesitate to try the Sudanese Blister Beetle. But, still...
Modern mythical aphrodisiacs
On 22 May 1984 the Dallas Morning News carried the following story under the byline of Stephen G. Bloom:
Chaucer recommended garlic, onions and leeks. Mushrooms, frog's bones and dried chicken tongues also were said to do the trick.
Then came oysters, Spanish fly, olives, strawberries, ginseng and Vitamin E.
Now, the latest substances thought to induce a frenzy of wild passion are green M&Ms.
At East Texas State University anthropology student Denise Boesewetter recently spent weeks interviewing people about what they thought were aphrodisiacs. Of 46 respondents, Boeswetter reported last month that almost half mentioned green M&Ms as a powerful inducer of sexual desire.
At a University of Texas sorority house in Austin, a large jar filled with green M&Ms is reserved for "special occasions."
And at Dallas' Arts Magnet High School, the candy's reputed powers also are a hot item on the teen grapevine. "They make you look sexually attractive," says Jana Hodges, a 17-year old senior. "Green M&Ms are the first ones to eat when you tear open the package."
If you are interested in learning more about these remarkable properties of green M&Ms, you can consult the Urban Legends Reference Pages or Jan Harold Brunvand's book The Mexican Pet - more "new" urban legends and some old favorites (1986).
Satyrion
Judging from Greek and Roman accounts, satyrion must have been very close to the perfect aphrodisiac. According to Theophrastus, it produced on one occasion seventy consecutive acts of coitus. Another Roman author suggests that it is sufficient to use it on the soles of the feet to produce erotic arousal. Yet another source suggests that it was sufficient to hold a part of the plant in the hand to produce the desired erotic effects.
Unfortunately, the precise identity of satyrion is not known today. It was a plant with reddish leaves and a double root, possibly similar to the orchids producing salep.The most common way of using it was to pulverize the dried root and add it to wine.
According to some sources, not only the root but also the nectar was used as satyrion. You could try the nectar of the wild orchid Orchis mascula (found in many parts of Europe) and mix it with warm goat's milk. The nectar from one plant is sufficient for two tablespoons of milk.
The popularity of satyrion, however, led to its eradication, a fate it shared with silphion (laserpitium), a plant known to be a rich nourishment, a delicious spice and a powerful medicine.
Precious stones and pearls
Precious stones and pearls have long been associated with powers to stimulate the sexual desire, not only when presented as such (just consider the effect of the gift of a dimond ring!) but also when consumed. Pulverised agate is reportedly specially effective.
Cleopatra, born 69 and dead 30 B.C., was queen of Egypt. In order to provoke her amorousness she used to dissolve pearls in vinegar and drink this beverage. Since she managed to get both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony as lovers, the potion must be considered successful.
Persians made pastilles out of crushed pearls and rubies, gold dust and ambergris, and ate this as an aphrodisiac.
Literary aphrodisiacs
One of the most remarkable aphrodisiacs is the starting point for Richard Dahl's hilariously indecent novel My Uncle Oswald (1979). The Sudanese Blister Beetle, Cantharis vesicatoria sudanii, is a highly improved version of the Spanish fly:
It builds a fire under your genitals. It is both a violent aphrodisiac and a powerful irritant. It not only makes you uncontrollably randy but it also guarantees you an enormous and long-lasting erection at the same time.
However, anyone who has read the novel will hesitate to try the Sudanese Blister Beetle. But, still...
Modern mythical aphrodisiacs
On 22 May 1984 the Dallas Morning News carried the following story under the byline of Stephen G. Bloom:
Chaucer recommended garlic, onions and leeks. Mushrooms, frog's bones and dried chicken tongues also were said to do the trick.
Then came oysters, Spanish fly, olives, strawberries, ginseng and Vitamin E.
Now, the latest substances thought to induce a frenzy of wild passion are green M&Ms.
At East Texas State University anthropology student Denise Boesewetter recently spent weeks interviewing people about what they thought were aphrodisiacs. Of 46 respondents, Boeswetter reported last month that almost half mentioned green M&Ms as a powerful inducer of sexual desire.
At a University of Texas sorority house in Austin, a large jar filled with green M&Ms is reserved for "special occasions."
And at Dallas' Arts Magnet High School, the candy's reputed powers also are a hot item on the teen grapevine. "They make you look sexually attractive," says Jana Hodges, a 17-year old senior. "Green M&Ms are the first ones to eat when you tear open the package."
If you are interested in learning more about these remarkable properties of green M&Ms, you can consult the Urban Legends Reference Pages or Jan Harold Brunvand's book The Mexican Pet - more "new" urban legends and some old favorites (1986).
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Onions, an Aphrodisiacal Gift of the Gods
Onions have, almost since prehistoric time, been attributed aphrodisiacal properties. They are mentioned in many classic Hindu texts on the art of making love, they were the most used aphrodisiac in ancient Greece, and they are frequently included as an ingredient in Roman and Arab recipes.
During Pharaonic times celibating Egyptian priests were prohibited to eat onions because of the potential effects. Later on, in France, newlyweds were served onion soup on the morning after their wedding night to restore their libido.
The Romans
Ovid, in "Ars Amatoria" book 2, suggests:
"Let white onions be taken that are sent from the Pelasgian city of Alcathous."
The Romans seldom used onions alone, and usually only after cooking. Thus Apicus in "De re coquinaria" includes onions cooked in water and mixed with pine seeds. One exception is the recommendation of the Roman epigrammatist Martial:
"If your wife is old and your member is exhausted, eat onions in plenty."
The Perfumed Garden
"The Perfumed Garden", an Arab sixteenth century erotic manual written by Sheik al-Nefzawi, bears a testimony to onions.
"The member of Abou el Heiloukh has remained erect For thirty days without a break because he did eat onions."
More specifically, he ate onions cooked with meat and, for drink, had the juice pressed out of pounded onions mixed with honey.
The same source suggests an even more powerful preparation:
Take one part of the juice pressed out of pounded onions and mix it with two parts of purified honey. Heat the mixture until the water of the onion-juice has evaporated, and let the residue get cool, to be used whenever required.
But be careful. A man using this for several consecutive days will constantly have his member rigid and erect without intermission, the sheik warns (or promises?). Furthermore, the medicine should never be used for three consecutive days except by old and cold-tempered men.
Onions mixed with egg yolks and eaten during three days will provide "an energetic stimulant toward coitus." As an alternative peeled onions can be fried in oil in a saucepan together with egg yolks and (unspecified) condiments. You will acquire a surpassing and invaluable vigour for the coitus if you partake this spicy onion paste for several days.
Chemical aspects
Onion, as well as garlic, contains the amino acid alliin and the related allicin (CH2=CH-CH2-SO-CH2-CH=CH2). Alliin, which is devoid of any odour or taste, can be transformed into allicin by the enzyme allinase. Whenever an onion (or a garlic) is crushed this enzyme is released from the plant tissue and starts to enact the transformation. It is allicin which causes the "true" garlic odour. No aphrodisiacal properties have (yet) been demonstrated, but the compound is a good antibiotic.
During Pharaonic times celibating Egyptian priests were prohibited to eat onions because of the potential effects. Later on, in France, newlyweds were served onion soup on the morning after their wedding night to restore their libido.
The Romans
Ovid, in "Ars Amatoria" book 2, suggests:
"Let white onions be taken that are sent from the Pelasgian city of Alcathous."
The Romans seldom used onions alone, and usually only after cooking. Thus Apicus in "De re coquinaria" includes onions cooked in water and mixed with pine seeds. One exception is the recommendation of the Roman epigrammatist Martial:
"If your wife is old and your member is exhausted, eat onions in plenty."
The Perfumed Garden
"The Perfumed Garden", an Arab sixteenth century erotic manual written by Sheik al-Nefzawi, bears a testimony to onions.
"The member of Abou el Heiloukh has remained erect For thirty days without a break because he did eat onions."
More specifically, he ate onions cooked with meat and, for drink, had the juice pressed out of pounded onions mixed with honey.
The same source suggests an even more powerful preparation:
Take one part of the juice pressed out of pounded onions and mix it with two parts of purified honey. Heat the mixture until the water of the onion-juice has evaporated, and let the residue get cool, to be used whenever required.
But be careful. A man using this for several consecutive days will constantly have his member rigid and erect without intermission, the sheik warns (or promises?). Furthermore, the medicine should never be used for three consecutive days except by old and cold-tempered men.
Onions mixed with egg yolks and eaten during three days will provide "an energetic stimulant toward coitus." As an alternative peeled onions can be fried in oil in a saucepan together with egg yolks and (unspecified) condiments. You will acquire a surpassing and invaluable vigour for the coitus if you partake this spicy onion paste for several days.
Chemical aspects
Onion, as well as garlic, contains the amino acid alliin and the related allicin (CH2=CH-CH2-SO-CH2-CH=CH2). Alliin, which is devoid of any odour or taste, can be transformed into allicin by the enzyme allinase. Whenever an onion (or a garlic) is crushed this enzyme is released from the plant tissue and starts to enact the transformation. It is allicin which causes the "true" garlic odour. No aphrodisiacal properties have (yet) been demonstrated, but the compound is a good antibiotic.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Muira Puama or Potency Wood, a traditional Brazilian Aphrodisiac
Muira puama, marapuama or liriosma is a bush occurring in the northern and northeastern parts of Brazil. The white flowers have a jasmine-like pungent and aromatic smell. It is also known under the name potency wood or under its latin name Ptychopetalum uncinatum (also known as P. olacoides)The active constituents are contained in the bark from which a concentrated water extract or a dilute herbal tea can be prepared. The herbal tea is slightly bitter but can, of course, be sweetened to make it more palatable. A daily dose of muira puama would correspond to the order of magnitude of one gramme of bark.
It is alleged to be effective against a multitude of symptoms. M. Penna in "Notes Sobre Plantas Brasileires" (1930) includes treatment of disorders of the nervous system, impotency, and gastrointestinal and circulatory astenia. D. Schwontkowski in "Herbs of the Amazon" (1993) mentiones not only impotence but frigidity, menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome.
In a French study of 262 patients complaining of erectile impotence or lack of libido, within two weeks of daily treatment 62 % of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had effect. Of the patients with erection failures 51 % felt that muira puama was beneficial.
No constituents, which could give rise to the reported alleged effects have yet been isolated and identified.
Other Brazilian aphrodisiac plants
Three other plants have frequently been used in Brazilian folk medicine as aphrodisiacs: Catuaba (Juniperus brasiliensis, cajueiro (cashew nut, see photo at right)(Anacardium occidentale) and koribo (Tanaecium nocturnum). The main uses of the first plant are said to be for male impotency, for extreme fatigue and as a general tonic. Cajueiro is used as a general tonic for the body, also having aphrodisiacal effects. An additional use of koribo, besides as an aphrodisiac, is to treat diarrhea.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Ginkgo Nuts as Aphrodisiac
The fruits of the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae)(see photo to the left) resembles that of the persimon in colour (pale orange), size and character, with one exception: its flesh stinks. The reason is an abundant production of butyric acid, the same compound that occurs in rancid butter. However, when the hulls fall off the nuts can be collected and dried. When cracked open, the odour-less contents can be eaten.
Ginkgo is possibly the oldest surviving plant in the world. Its origin is in the Permian era, some 200-225 million years ago. The present form of the ginkgo leaf has been essentially unchanged since Jurassic times, about 100 million years ago. Thus, Ginkgo biloba is a fascinating living fossil that can reach an age of over 500 year.
In Chinese herbal medicine ginkgo leaves have been used for more than 5,000 years against ailments ranging from asthma to impotence. Nowadays, the most common preparation is a standardised extract (containing 24 % flavoglycosides). Also the nuts have been used as a kidney yang tonic, which would imply such remarkable and diverse properties as increasing sexual energy, stopping bed-wetting and restoring hearing loss.
Ginkgo nuts can also be roasted and eaten simply because they are delicious. In Japan they are eaten in an egg custard like dish calles chawanmushi. Canned ginkgo nuts are available in Japan and China, and are also imported into some Western countries.
They contain very small quantities of a group of remarkable chemicals called ginkgolides; higher concentrations are found in the leaves and in the wood. The ginkgolides are highly modified diterpenes containing a tertiary butyl group and a lactone ring system that is stable towards strong acids but readily hydrolysed by weak bases. Just guess what that could do to improve your sex life!
Ginkgo is possibly the oldest surviving plant in the world. Its origin is in the Permian era, some 200-225 million years ago. The present form of the ginkgo leaf has been essentially unchanged since Jurassic times, about 100 million years ago. Thus, Ginkgo biloba is a fascinating living fossil that can reach an age of over 500 year.
In Chinese herbal medicine ginkgo leaves have been used for more than 5,000 years against ailments ranging from asthma to impotence. Nowadays, the most common preparation is a standardised extract (containing 24 % flavoglycosides). Also the nuts have been used as a kidney yang tonic, which would imply such remarkable and diverse properties as increasing sexual energy, stopping bed-wetting and restoring hearing loss.
Ginkgo nuts can also be roasted and eaten simply because they are delicious. In Japan they are eaten in an egg custard like dish calles chawanmushi. Canned ginkgo nuts are available in Japan and China, and are also imported into some Western countries.
They contain very small quantities of a group of remarkable chemicals called ginkgolides; higher concentrations are found in the leaves and in the wood. The ginkgolides are highly modified diterpenes containing a tertiary butyl group and a lactone ring system that is stable towards strong acids but readily hydrolysed by weak bases. Just guess what that could do to improve your sex life!
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Fruits and Nuts as Aphrodisiacs
Coco-de-Mer
The most indecent fruit in the world, the nut of Lodoicea maldivica, commonly known as coco-de-mer, is not only visually stimulating by its close resemblance to a certain part of the female body, but also acts as an aphrodisiac when consumed. It is the largest fruit in the plant world, reaching a weight of 10-20 kgs.
Even if commonly called a "double coconut", it is not a coconut but grows on a fan-leaf palm with the two sexes on different trees. The "female" trees do not bear until they are more than 100 years old; furthermore they are confined to two out of the twelve islands of the Seychelles. The annual production is limited to a few thousand nuts.
The interior of the coco-de-mer is jelly-like when ripe and much appreciated, not only because of its aphrodisiacal qualities but also because of the taste.
But even regular coconuts might be useful. The 14th century Arab geographer Ibn-Battuta sent some time on the Maldives, mainly living on fish and fresh coconuts. "I myself had four legitimate wives in this country apart from the concubines. I was potent for them all every day and besides that spent the whole night with whichever of them whose turn it was. I lived like a prince for a year and a half."
Not a bad feat acquiring four wives during such a short period. But maybe it was the fish diet rather than the coconuts...
Pine nuts
A special page is devoted to these nuts, which have such qualities that perhaps they should be X-rated.
Ginkgo
The Ginkgo or Maiden-hair tree has a nut with remarkable properties.
The betel nut
Early Indian writings suggested multiple uses of the betel nut. Not only would it induce love but also expel wind, kill germs and subdue bad body odour.
The betel nut is the seed of Areca catechu, a single-trunked palm tree which can reach a height of 15-30 metre and which is widely diffused among the tropical islands of the southwestern Pacific and adjacent shores.
The reddish-yellow "nuts", which are not true nuts but berries, are 6-8 centimetre long and contain a small kernel. A slice of the nut is taken, sprinkled with finely ground lime and any suitable spices, and wrapped in a leaf of the betel pepper (Piper betle). This small package is then chewed.
Walnut
Already the Latin name of the walnut genus, Juglans, indicates its properties: literally the name means the glans of Jupiter. The origin of the name might be the ancient Roman use of walnut in fertility rites. This included the practice of throwing walnuts instead of rice in marriage ceremonies. Walnut preparations have also occasionally been used in France and Italy to increase the desire.
A walnut festival is celebrated on the second Sunday of October in Vianden, Luxembourg, when useful products, such as walnut liqueur, walnut wine and walnut pate can be bought.
Quince
Quince, Cydonia oblongata (=C. vulgaris) (Rosaceae) has long been cultivated in the entire Mediterranean area. The fruit is, e.g. mentioned by the Greek physician Theophrastos 300 B.C., and is believed to have been the golden apples of the Hesperides. Some even say quince was the apple which lured Eve.
Due to its colour, fragrance and many seeds the fruit was dedicated by the Greeks to Aphrodite and by the Romans to Venus, the goddesses of love, and a symbol for beauty, love, fertility and a happy marriage.
The eating of a Quince pear at weddings is said to be preparative of sweet and delightful days between the married persons The high concentration of mucilage in the seeds made them very popular as an aphrodisiac. Quince jelly has also a good reputation as an amorous adjuvant.
Quince is very rich in pectin. Thus, the addition of small quantity of quince will rapidly solidify any quivering mass of jelly.
Grapes
The Greek god Dionysus was not only the god of wine but also the god of fertility and procreation. Naturally, even unfermented grapes were ascribed stimulating properties.
The most indecent fruit in the world, the nut of Lodoicea maldivica, commonly known as coco-de-mer, is not only visually stimulating by its close resemblance to a certain part of the female body, but also acts as an aphrodisiac when consumed. It is the largest fruit in the plant world, reaching a weight of 10-20 kgs.
Even if commonly called a "double coconut", it is not a coconut but grows on a fan-leaf palm with the two sexes on different trees. The "female" trees do not bear until they are more than 100 years old; furthermore they are confined to two out of the twelve islands of the Seychelles. The annual production is limited to a few thousand nuts.
The interior of the coco-de-mer is jelly-like when ripe and much appreciated, not only because of its aphrodisiacal qualities but also because of the taste.
But even regular coconuts might be useful. The 14th century Arab geographer Ibn-Battuta sent some time on the Maldives, mainly living on fish and fresh coconuts. "I myself had four legitimate wives in this country apart from the concubines. I was potent for them all every day and besides that spent the whole night with whichever of them whose turn it was. I lived like a prince for a year and a half."
Not a bad feat acquiring four wives during such a short period. But maybe it was the fish diet rather than the coconuts...
Pine nuts
A special page is devoted to these nuts, which have such qualities that perhaps they should be X-rated.
Ginkgo
The Ginkgo or Maiden-hair tree has a nut with remarkable properties.
The betel nut
Early Indian writings suggested multiple uses of the betel nut. Not only would it induce love but also expel wind, kill germs and subdue bad body odour.
The betel nut is the seed of Areca catechu, a single-trunked palm tree which can reach a height of 15-30 metre and which is widely diffused among the tropical islands of the southwestern Pacific and adjacent shores.
The reddish-yellow "nuts", which are not true nuts but berries, are 6-8 centimetre long and contain a small kernel. A slice of the nut is taken, sprinkled with finely ground lime and any suitable spices, and wrapped in a leaf of the betel pepper (Piper betle). This small package is then chewed.
Walnut
Already the Latin name of the walnut genus, Juglans, indicates its properties: literally the name means the glans of Jupiter. The origin of the name might be the ancient Roman use of walnut in fertility rites. This included the practice of throwing walnuts instead of rice in marriage ceremonies. Walnut preparations have also occasionally been used in France and Italy to increase the desire.
A walnut festival is celebrated on the second Sunday of October in Vianden, Luxembourg, when useful products, such as walnut liqueur, walnut wine and walnut pate can be bought.
Quince
Quince, Cydonia oblongata (=C. vulgaris) (Rosaceae) has long been cultivated in the entire Mediterranean area. The fruit is, e.g. mentioned by the Greek physician Theophrastos 300 B.C., and is believed to have been the golden apples of the Hesperides. Some even say quince was the apple which lured Eve.
Due to its colour, fragrance and many seeds the fruit was dedicated by the Greeks to Aphrodite and by the Romans to Venus, the goddesses of love, and a symbol for beauty, love, fertility and a happy marriage.
The eating of a Quince pear at weddings is said to be preparative of sweet and delightful days between the married persons The high concentration of mucilage in the seeds made them very popular as an aphrodisiac. Quince jelly has also a good reputation as an amorous adjuvant.
Quince is very rich in pectin. Thus, the addition of small quantity of quince will rapidly solidify any quivering mass of jelly.
Grapes
The Greek god Dionysus was not only the god of wine but also the god of fertility and procreation. Naturally, even unfermented grapes were ascribed stimulating properties.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Aphrodisiacal Food and Drink
The basic rule for selecting aphrodisiacal food is simple: the more expensive the food, the higher the probability that people will believe in it. Of course, if somebody is prepared to spoon-feed you caviar (the real stuff!) it might suggest that the person is seriously interested in you, which, in turn, could stimulate your interest in that person.
Seafood
According to common wisdom, almost any kinds of seafood could act as an aphrodisiac. Lobster, oysters or sole should work equally well as long as they are expensive.
As can be seen from the symbol of this site (Jan Steen: Het oestereetstertje) oysters personified the concept of aphrodisiacs already during the 17th century. Offering an oyster was more than just offering something to eat...
One reason for the popularity of seafood in general and oysters in particular could be that such food generally is light. You do not end up overstuffed (and then underperforming) after half a dozen oysters in their shells, followed by skate wings with a glass of chardonnay.
If you have to select one single seafood, I would recommend chipi-chipi, a small Venezuelan clam widely known for its aphrodisiacal effects.
Fruits and nuts
The aphrodisiacal fruits and nuts have a post of their own. The most impressive nut, the pine nut, is given the special attention it deserves.
Beverages
Most aphrodisiac beverages contain alcohol; these are discussed on the separate page "Alcoholic beverages". Asses' milk had a strong reputation among Romans and arabs, but mainly when used topically. Rubbing the genitals twice a day with this milk had beneficial effects. According to "The Perfumed Garden", the virile member would become "uncommonly strong and vigorous". It is also supposed to have effects on women: Poppea, the wife of the Roman emperor Nero, is said to have bathed in it.
Some non-alcoholic aphrodisiac beverages will soon be added.
Recipies
We have brought together a delightful collection of recipes for aphrodisiacal dishes. If you and your partner believe firmly in them, we can almost guarantee success. And even if you don't, you will have some enjoyable meals.
Other food
Burchard I, bishop of Worms 1000-1025, describes an interesting approach to aphrodisiacs. When the wheat had been harvested but before it was threshed, a woman would undress and roll around over the wheat, which was then threshed and taken to the mill. After milling (counterclockwise!) the flour was used by the woman for the preparation of "love breads". Any man eating such a bread would immediately desire the woman.
Seafood
According to common wisdom, almost any kinds of seafood could act as an aphrodisiac. Lobster, oysters or sole should work equally well as long as they are expensive.
As can be seen from the symbol of this site (Jan Steen: Het oestereetstertje) oysters personified the concept of aphrodisiacs already during the 17th century. Offering an oyster was more than just offering something to eat...
One reason for the popularity of seafood in general and oysters in particular could be that such food generally is light. You do not end up overstuffed (and then underperforming) after half a dozen oysters in their shells, followed by skate wings with a glass of chardonnay.
If you have to select one single seafood, I would recommend chipi-chipi, a small Venezuelan clam widely known for its aphrodisiacal effects.
Fruits and nuts
The aphrodisiacal fruits and nuts have a post of their own. The most impressive nut, the pine nut, is given the special attention it deserves.
Beverages
Most aphrodisiac beverages contain alcohol; these are discussed on the separate page "Alcoholic beverages". Asses' milk had a strong reputation among Romans and arabs, but mainly when used topically. Rubbing the genitals twice a day with this milk had beneficial effects. According to "The Perfumed Garden", the virile member would become "uncommonly strong and vigorous". It is also supposed to have effects on women: Poppea, the wife of the Roman emperor Nero, is said to have bathed in it.
Some non-alcoholic aphrodisiac beverages will soon be added.
Recipies
We have brought together a delightful collection of recipes for aphrodisiacal dishes. If you and your partner believe firmly in them, we can almost guarantee success. And even if you don't, you will have some enjoyable meals.
Other food
Burchard I, bishop of Worms 1000-1025, describes an interesting approach to aphrodisiacs. When the wheat had been harvested but before it was threshed, a woman would undress and roll around over the wheat, which was then threshed and taken to the mill. After milling (counterclockwise!) the flour was used by the woman for the preparation of "love breads". Any man eating such a bread would immediately desire the woman.
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Aphrodisiacal Drugs
The search for drugs which could act as sexual adjuvants is probably almost as old as the human sex instinct. Originally, the interest focussed on plant and animal preparations, which are discussed elsewhere. Here some pure chemicals, synthetic or isolated from plants, are reviewed:
* alkyl nitrites
* anafranil
* anti-Parkinson drugs
* chlorophenylalanine
* Viagra, the active compound being sildenafil
* yohimbe and yohimbine
Alkyl nitrites
Volatile alkyl nitrites have been used during the last decades for "recreational purposes", including to intesify the sexual experience. The alkyl nitrites are normally distributed in glass ampoules, which are opened/broken and the vapours of the contents are inhaled ("popping" and "snorting"). However, because of the route of administration it is very difficult to control the dose and to ascertain that no dangerous quantities are inhaled.
The first alkyl nitrite to be used in this way was amyl nitrite, originally made available as an antidote to hydrogen cyanide poisoning. When this became a prescription drug in the United States, various homologues and isomers began to appear in the market for "recreational purposes" as legal substitues. Among the substitutes were n-butyl nitrite, iso-butyl nitrite, iso-amyl nitrite, sec-butyl nitrite and n-propyl nitrite.
Their use has been associated with methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. (The first term means that your blood hemoglobin is converted into a chemical which cannot transport oxygen, the second term means that your red platlets are destroyed.) It has even been suggested that there could be a link between the inhalation of alkyl nitrites and the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, a disease normally associated with AIDS Numerous references on the use of alkyl nitrites as aphrodisiacs are available. Please consult these before even thinking about using alkyl nitrites!
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is the major active constituent of the bark of yohimbe, Corynanthe yohimbe (Rubiaceae), a tree growing in tropical West Africa (Nigeria) and Cameroon. Yohimbe has long been used by the local population for its perceived high sexual potency. The same alkaloid also occurs in the South American tree White Quebracho, Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco (Apocynaceae).
Yohimbine has had an extensive use in veterinary medicine, e.g. for treatment of impotent breeding stallions. In both animal and man it produces a complex pattern of responses, such as anti-diuresis and central excitation, including elevation of blood pressure and heart rate, increased motor activity and irritability. Sweating, nausea and vomiting are also common after parenteral administration in man.
Roger J has sent his personal observations on the use of yohimbe to the Aphrodisiacs Exchange. His observations should be useful to anybody tempted to try the preparation.
"Having used Yohimbe Bark for more than one year now, I would like to give the following advice to any one who would like to use this herb to its highest effectiveness:-
1. Different brands of commercially prepared products have different dosages, regardless of what it says outside the bottle. One has to 'try it out' before its 'true strength' is known.
2. If you have serious side effects with it, e.g. nausea and sweating, etc. try switching to another brand - it may not be due to yohimbine itself, but the way it is prepared.
3. To avoid side effects, try taking the herb with a full stomach. It slows down the response time but reduces the side effects remarkably.
4. If you take the herb continously (e.g. every day), you will find the effectiveness decreasing cos it seems that the body gets used to it. Try taking it on alternate days or stop it altogether for a while. When you take the herb again after a short hiatus, it works wonders!
All the above is from my experience of using Yohimbe Bark. And finally, I must say that the herb is wonderful - it produces erections as hard as steel, and increases the force and volume of ejaculation tremendously. I feel like as if I were still 20!"
p-Chlorophenylalanine
High levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) are belived to lower or inhibit human sexual activity. Thus, a chemical inhibiting serotonin production might be expected to have a potential as an aphrodisiac. The amino acid p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) is a known serotonin inhibitor, and in 1969 it was shown by Tagliamonte et al. that PCPA has a sexual stimulating effect upon normally sluggish male rats. Out of 80 rats treated with PCPA and pargyline 54 tried to mount at least 6 times during 12 hours.
However, it was pointed out by other researchers that the mounting frequency only referred to homosexual mounts. When PCPA was used in a heterosexual situation the copulation frequency of the treated male rats did not increase.
To this it was objected that the treated rats were known to be vigorous copulators, being able to achieve 6-8 ejaculations before satiation. It might be difficult to raise this number even by using a powerful aphrodisiac.
On the other hand it was also suggested that PCPA works not by enhancing sexual motivation, but rather by altering the male's ability to adequately distinguish appropriate sexual partners. On the third hand, rabbits injected by PCPA displayed a compulsive sexual behaviour that lasted up to 3 days (fortunately, no details given).
For a full account of the PCPA controversy check out the references.
Anafranil
"Three clinical psychiatrists had a paper in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry entitled "Unusual Side Effects of Clomipramine Associated with Yawning," describing 4 patients who, while taking the the anti-depressant drug Clomipramine (brand name Anafranil) reported the unusual side effect of spontaneous orgasm every time they yawned.
The first case of this was a female patient who had been depressed for 3 months, but under treatment "Complete symptom remission occurred within 10 days". She then asked how long she would be allowed to go on using the drug, since she had observed that every time she yawned she had an orgasm, and she was able to experience orgasm by deliberate yawning.
Apparently it can work for guys too. One male patient said that while he found the repeated climaxes "awkward and embarrassing", he elected to continue the medication because of the therapeutic benefit he obtained. The awkwardness and embarrassment were overcome by continuously wearing a condom."
Around five per cent of clomipramine users report the side effect, though for most people the drug inhibits the ability to reach orgasm. The New Scientist says that the drug's users have been comparing notes on the Internet and speculating on its unusual consequences: people who experience it would presumably seek out the most boring person they could find at parties.
Anti-Parkinson Drugs
A side effect of many anti-Parkinson drugs, including L-Dopa is to increase the sexual interest, mainly by restoring the interest to earlier (higher) levels. More information on this will be added shortly, please come back!
Other drugs
Several other drugs have been ascribed aphrodisical properties. Such drugs can be simple amino acids, such as arginine. Elsewhere on the WWW a 21-year old woman is quoted saying:
My god, that stuff! I had to stop taking it. I was doing it with every guy that came along!
But they could also be more complex drugs like piracetam, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), bromocriptine (=Parlodel) or deprenyl. Medline-retrieved reviews on deprenyl are available.
Nitric oxide, NO, was discovered to be a transmittor of nerve impulses only eight years ago. It is know known to be a key substances in the process that leads to erection in the male body. However, since it is a gas, which is only required at a very specific location it has turned out to be extremely difficult to use it for amorous purposes.
More information on the use of "other drugs" as aphrodisiacs will be added shortly.
References
Badoual T, Thyrault M, Anguel N, Jallot A, Auzepy P: Acute voluntary poisoning by inhalation of "poppers" (letter). Presse Med 25 (7): 304 (Feb 24 1996)
Tytgat J, Daenens P: Solvent-free sample preparation by headspace solid-phase microextraction applied to the tracing of n-butyl nitrite abuse. Int J Legal Med 109 (3): 150-154 (1996)
Forsyth RJ, Moulden A: Methaemoglobinaemia after ingestion of amyl nitrite. Arch Dis Child 66 (1): 152 (Jan 1991)
Dunkel VC, Rogers-Back AM, Lawlor TE, Harbell JW, Cameron TP: Mutagenicity of some alkyl nitrites used as recreational drugs. Environ Mol Mutagen 14 (2): 115-122 (1989)
Newell GR, Spitz MR, Wilson MB: Nitrite inhalants: historical perspective. NIDA Res Monogr 83: 1-14 (1988)
Bogart L, Bonsignore J, Carvalho A: Massive hemolysis following inhalation of volatile nitrites. Am J Hematol 22 (3): 327-329 (Jul 1986)
Poulsen PA: Consumption of volatile nitrite in the clientele of a clinic for venereal diseases. Ugeskr Laeger 146 (17): 1280-1281 (Apr 23 1984)
Poulsen PA: Alkyl nitrite as an aphrodisiac. Ugeskr Laeger 145 (29): 2213-2215 (Jul 18 1983)
A. Tagliamonte et al.: Compulsive sexual activity induced by p-chlorophenylalanine in normal and pinealectomized male rats. Science 166, 1433-35 (1969)
J. Ferguson et al.: Science 168, 499-501 (1970)
R.E. Whalen and W.G. Luttge: P-Chlorophenylalanine methyl ester: an aphrodisiac? Science 169, 1000-01 (1970).
A Zitrin et al.: Sexual behaviour of male cats after administration of parachlorophenylalanine. Science 170, 868-70 (1970)
G.L. Gessa et al.: Aphrodisiac effect of p-chlorophenylalanine. Science 171, 706 (1971)
* alkyl nitrites
* anafranil
* anti-Parkinson drugs
* chlorophenylalanine
* Viagra, the active compound being sildenafil
* yohimbe and yohimbine
Alkyl nitrites
Volatile alkyl nitrites have been used during the last decades for "recreational purposes", including to intesify the sexual experience. The alkyl nitrites are normally distributed in glass ampoules, which are opened/broken and the vapours of the contents are inhaled ("popping" and "snorting"). However, because of the route of administration it is very difficult to control the dose and to ascertain that no dangerous quantities are inhaled.
The first alkyl nitrite to be used in this way was amyl nitrite, originally made available as an antidote to hydrogen cyanide poisoning. When this became a prescription drug in the United States, various homologues and isomers began to appear in the market for "recreational purposes" as legal substitues. Among the substitutes were n-butyl nitrite, iso-butyl nitrite, iso-amyl nitrite, sec-butyl nitrite and n-propyl nitrite.
Their use has been associated with methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. (The first term means that your blood hemoglobin is converted into a chemical which cannot transport oxygen, the second term means that your red platlets are destroyed.) It has even been suggested that there could be a link between the inhalation of alkyl nitrites and the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, a disease normally associated with AIDS Numerous references on the use of alkyl nitrites as aphrodisiacs are available. Please consult these before even thinking about using alkyl nitrites!
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is the major active constituent of the bark of yohimbe, Corynanthe yohimbe (Rubiaceae), a tree growing in tropical West Africa (Nigeria) and Cameroon. Yohimbe has long been used by the local population for its perceived high sexual potency. The same alkaloid also occurs in the South American tree White Quebracho, Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco (Apocynaceae).
Yohimbine has had an extensive use in veterinary medicine, e.g. for treatment of impotent breeding stallions. In both animal and man it produces a complex pattern of responses, such as anti-diuresis and central excitation, including elevation of blood pressure and heart rate, increased motor activity and irritability. Sweating, nausea and vomiting are also common after parenteral administration in man.
Roger J has sent his personal observations on the use of yohimbe to the Aphrodisiacs Exchange. His observations should be useful to anybody tempted to try the preparation.
"Having used Yohimbe Bark for more than one year now, I would like to give the following advice to any one who would like to use this herb to its highest effectiveness:-
1. Different brands of commercially prepared products have different dosages, regardless of what it says outside the bottle. One has to 'try it out' before its 'true strength' is known.
2. If you have serious side effects with it, e.g. nausea and sweating, etc. try switching to another brand - it may not be due to yohimbine itself, but the way it is prepared.
3. To avoid side effects, try taking the herb with a full stomach. It slows down the response time but reduces the side effects remarkably.
4. If you take the herb continously (e.g. every day), you will find the effectiveness decreasing cos it seems that the body gets used to it. Try taking it on alternate days or stop it altogether for a while. When you take the herb again after a short hiatus, it works wonders!
All the above is from my experience of using Yohimbe Bark. And finally, I must say that the herb is wonderful - it produces erections as hard as steel, and increases the force and volume of ejaculation tremendously. I feel like as if I were still 20!"
p-Chlorophenylalanine
High levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) are belived to lower or inhibit human sexual activity. Thus, a chemical inhibiting serotonin production might be expected to have a potential as an aphrodisiac. The amino acid p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) is a known serotonin inhibitor, and in 1969 it was shown by Tagliamonte et al. that PCPA has a sexual stimulating effect upon normally sluggish male rats. Out of 80 rats treated with PCPA and pargyline 54 tried to mount at least 6 times during 12 hours.
However, it was pointed out by other researchers that the mounting frequency only referred to homosexual mounts. When PCPA was used in a heterosexual situation the copulation frequency of the treated male rats did not increase.
To this it was objected that the treated rats were known to be vigorous copulators, being able to achieve 6-8 ejaculations before satiation. It might be difficult to raise this number even by using a powerful aphrodisiac.
On the other hand it was also suggested that PCPA works not by enhancing sexual motivation, but rather by altering the male's ability to adequately distinguish appropriate sexual partners. On the third hand, rabbits injected by PCPA displayed a compulsive sexual behaviour that lasted up to 3 days (fortunately, no details given).
For a full account of the PCPA controversy check out the references.
Anafranil
"Three clinical psychiatrists had a paper in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry entitled "Unusual Side Effects of Clomipramine Associated with Yawning," describing 4 patients who, while taking the the anti-depressant drug Clomipramine (brand name Anafranil) reported the unusual side effect of spontaneous orgasm every time they yawned.
The first case of this was a female patient who had been depressed for 3 months, but under treatment "Complete symptom remission occurred within 10 days". She then asked how long she would be allowed to go on using the drug, since she had observed that every time she yawned she had an orgasm, and she was able to experience orgasm by deliberate yawning.
Apparently it can work for guys too. One male patient said that while he found the repeated climaxes "awkward and embarrassing", he elected to continue the medication because of the therapeutic benefit he obtained. The awkwardness and embarrassment were overcome by continuously wearing a condom."
Around five per cent of clomipramine users report the side effect, though for most people the drug inhibits the ability to reach orgasm. The New Scientist says that the drug's users have been comparing notes on the Internet and speculating on its unusual consequences: people who experience it would presumably seek out the most boring person they could find at parties.
Anti-Parkinson Drugs
A side effect of many anti-Parkinson drugs, including L-Dopa is to increase the sexual interest, mainly by restoring the interest to earlier (higher) levels. More information on this will be added shortly, please come back!
Other drugs
Several other drugs have been ascribed aphrodisical properties. Such drugs can be simple amino acids, such as arginine. Elsewhere on the WWW a 21-year old woman is quoted saying:
My god, that stuff! I had to stop taking it. I was doing it with every guy that came along!
But they could also be more complex drugs like piracetam, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), bromocriptine (=Parlodel) or deprenyl. Medline-retrieved reviews on deprenyl are available.
Nitric oxide, NO, was discovered to be a transmittor of nerve impulses only eight years ago. It is know known to be a key substances in the process that leads to erection in the male body. However, since it is a gas, which is only required at a very specific location it has turned out to be extremely difficult to use it for amorous purposes.
More information on the use of "other drugs" as aphrodisiacs will be added shortly.
References
Badoual T, Thyrault M, Anguel N, Jallot A, Auzepy P: Acute voluntary poisoning by inhalation of "poppers" (letter). Presse Med 25 (7): 304 (Feb 24 1996)
Tytgat J, Daenens P: Solvent-free sample preparation by headspace solid-phase microextraction applied to the tracing of n-butyl nitrite abuse. Int J Legal Med 109 (3): 150-154 (1996)
Forsyth RJ, Moulden A: Methaemoglobinaemia after ingestion of amyl nitrite. Arch Dis Child 66 (1): 152 (Jan 1991)
Dunkel VC, Rogers-Back AM, Lawlor TE, Harbell JW, Cameron TP: Mutagenicity of some alkyl nitrites used as recreational drugs. Environ Mol Mutagen 14 (2): 115-122 (1989)
Newell GR, Spitz MR, Wilson MB: Nitrite inhalants: historical perspective. NIDA Res Monogr 83: 1-14 (1988)
Bogart L, Bonsignore J, Carvalho A: Massive hemolysis following inhalation of volatile nitrites. Am J Hematol 22 (3): 327-329 (Jul 1986)
Poulsen PA: Consumption of volatile nitrite in the clientele of a clinic for venereal diseases. Ugeskr Laeger 146 (17): 1280-1281 (Apr 23 1984)
Poulsen PA: Alkyl nitrite as an aphrodisiac. Ugeskr Laeger 145 (29): 2213-2215 (Jul 18 1983)
A. Tagliamonte et al.: Compulsive sexual activity induced by p-chlorophenylalanine in normal and pinealectomized male rats. Science 166, 1433-35 (1969)
J. Ferguson et al.: Science 168, 499-501 (1970)
R.E. Whalen and W.G. Luttge: P-Chlorophenylalanine methyl ester: an aphrodisiac? Science 169, 1000-01 (1970).
A Zitrin et al.: Sexual behaviour of male cats after administration of parachlorophenylalanine. Science 170, 868-70 (1970)
G.L. Gessa et al.: Aphrodisiac effect of p-chlorophenylalanine. Science 171, 706 (1971)
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Chan Su, a Lethal Aphrodisiac
Chan Su is a traditional Chinese medication used, inter alia, as a topical anesthetic. It is prepared from the skin of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans and contains bufadienolides and bufotenine, examples of cardiac steroids. During the last few years it has been sold in New York City as a purported aphrodisiac under names such as "Stone" and "Rock Hard".
At least four fatalities have been reported during 1993-95 as a result of ingestion of this topical drug, the deaths being caused by cardiac dysrythmias.
Even when used topically, Chan Su is not in any way an amorous adjuvant. When ingested, its contents of cardioactive steroids such as resibufogenin, bufalin and cinobufagin, is bound to have detrimental effects.
The death of a 23-year-old man in New York City resulting from heart failure was attributed to ingestion of a West Indian aphrodisiac known as "Love Stone." Chemical analysis showed that this preparation was very similar to "Chan Su" By a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, bufotenine was identified as well as a series of bufadienolides, namely resibufogenin, bufalin, and cinobufagin. Allk these are derived from toad venom or secretions, and are cardiotonic steroids.
For further information, please consult Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 44, 853 (1995). as well as following list of references.
References
Brubacher JR, Ravikumar PR, Bania T, Heller MB, Hoffman RS: Treatment of toad venom poisoning with digoxin-specific Fab fragments. Chest 110 (5): 1282-1288 (Nov 1996)
Barry TL, Petzinger G, Zito SW: GC/MS comparison of the West Indian aphrodisiac "Love Stone" to the Chinese medication "chan su": bufotenine and related bufadienolides. J Forensic Sci 41 (6): 1068-1073 (Nov 1996)
Pierach CA: Digoxinlike toxicity and death from a purported aphrodisiac. JAMA 275 (13): 988 (Apr 3 1996)
Weinblatt M: "Rock"--a deadly aphrodisiac. Ann Emerg Med 23 (4): 904 (Apr 1994)
Chan WY, Ng TB, Yeung HW: Examination for toxicity of a Chinese drug, the toad glandular secretory product chan su, in pregnant mice and embryos. Biol Neonate 67 (5): 376-380 (1995)
Wang JD, Narui T, Takatsuki S, Hashimoto T, Kobayashi F, Ekimoto H, Abuki H, Niijima K, Okuyama T: Hematological studies on naturally occurring substances. VI. Effects of an animal crude drug "chan su" (bufonis venenum) on blood coagulation, platelet aggregation, fibrinolysis system and cytotoxicity. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 39 (8): 2135-2137 (Aug 1991)
Fushimi R, Koh T, Iyama S, Yasuhara M, Tachi J, Kohda K, Amino N, Miyai K: Digoxin-like immunoreactivity in Chinese medicine. Ther Drug Monit 12 (3): 242-245 (May 1990)
At least four fatalities have been reported during 1993-95 as a result of ingestion of this topical drug, the deaths being caused by cardiac dysrythmias.
Even when used topically, Chan Su is not in any way an amorous adjuvant. When ingested, its contents of cardioactive steroids such as resibufogenin, bufalin and cinobufagin, is bound to have detrimental effects.
The death of a 23-year-old man in New York City resulting from heart failure was attributed to ingestion of a West Indian aphrodisiac known as "Love Stone." Chemical analysis showed that this preparation was very similar to "Chan Su" By a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, bufotenine was identified as well as a series of bufadienolides, namely resibufogenin, bufalin, and cinobufagin. Allk these are derived from toad venom or secretions, and are cardiotonic steroids.
For further information, please consult Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 44, 853 (1995). as well as following list of references.
References
Brubacher JR, Ravikumar PR, Bania T, Heller MB, Hoffman RS: Treatment of toad venom poisoning with digoxin-specific Fab fragments. Chest 110 (5): 1282-1288 (Nov 1996)
Barry TL, Petzinger G, Zito SW: GC/MS comparison of the West Indian aphrodisiac "Love Stone" to the Chinese medication "chan su": bufotenine and related bufadienolides. J Forensic Sci 41 (6): 1068-1073 (Nov 1996)
Pierach CA: Digoxinlike toxicity and death from a purported aphrodisiac. JAMA 275 (13): 988 (Apr 3 1996)
Weinblatt M: "Rock"--a deadly aphrodisiac. Ann Emerg Med 23 (4): 904 (Apr 1994)
Chan WY, Ng TB, Yeung HW: Examination for toxicity of a Chinese drug, the toad glandular secretory product chan su, in pregnant mice and embryos. Biol Neonate 67 (5): 376-380 (1995)
Wang JD, Narui T, Takatsuki S, Hashimoto T, Kobayashi F, Ekimoto H, Abuki H, Niijima K, Okuyama T: Hematological studies on naturally occurring substances. VI. Effects of an animal crude drug "chan su" (bufonis venenum) on blood coagulation, platelet aggregation, fibrinolysis system and cytotoxicity. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 39 (8): 2135-2137 (Aug 1991)
Fushimi R, Koh T, Iyama S, Yasuhara M, Tachi J, Kohda K, Amino N, Miyai K: Digoxin-like immunoreactivity in Chinese medicine. Ther Drug Monit 12 (3): 242-245 (May 1990)
Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Animal Preparations
Numerous animal preparations with little or no nutritious value have been used as aphrodisiacs. According to a medieval recipe, black ants were dried and mixed with olive oil immediately before consumption. Lizards were highly esteemed both by Arabs and southern Europeans. The easiest way was to dry the lizard, pulverize it and take the powder together with a sweet white wine. The lizard could also be a main constituent of a more elaborate dish.
One lizard, occurring on some Mediterranean islands and in northern Africa, Sticus officinalis, was popular as an aphrodisiac during the 18th century even in such remote countries as Sweden.
In several East Asian countries, the consumption of snake blood is supposed to be beneficial for ailing males. Further details, including an address to a snake blood restaurant, are provided on the snake blood page.
In "The Perfumed Garden" it is suggested that rubbing the penis and the vulva with the bile of a jackal will make those parts vigorous for the coitus. A similar result can also be achieved by rubbing the penis with asses' milk.
A man can also, according to "The Perfumed Garden", melt down fat from the hump of a camel and rub his member with it just before the act; it will then perform wonders, and the woman will praise it for its work, it is asserted. (At least it will act as a lubricant!)
Leeches can be used to increase the size of the male member. They are put in a bottle, which is kept enclosed in the warmth of a dunghill until the leeches have turned into a homogenous mass. This is used as a liniment for repeatedly anointing the member.
In Greenland, the billknob of the king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is eaten as an aphrodisiac.
According to Pliny, the gall of a boar would stimulate to coitus. (xxviii: 261).
Even gallstones are in some Asian countries believed to be an aphrodisiac and can have a market value of up to US$15,000 a kilogramme (US$550 an ounce). On 19 March 1997 Mary Claire Stevens, a meat-packing plant food inspector was charged with felony theft, accused of taking gallstones from the Long Prairie Packing Plant in South St. Paul, Minn., USA, to sell on the international market.
The flesh of the Nilgiri langur and the lion-tailed macaque is reputed for its aphrodisiacal properties, according to Ramachandran et al. (1987).
In Hong Kong certain shark species can fetch $ 150 apiece because of the demand for shark fins as an aphrodisiac. The fins are removed, dried for two days and cooked into shark fin soup.
Ambergris
Ambergris is a product arising from some whales, which occasionally can be found on ocean beaches. It is extremely expensive and used for perfume production. According to Arabic folklore it is also an aphrodisiac, a claim which might have substance. Dr. SA Taha and co-workers have published a scientific paper in which they report that ambrein, a main constituent of ambergris, in male rats produced "recurrent episodes of penile erection, a dose-dependent, vigorous and repetitive increase in intromissions and an increased anogenital investigatory behavior". In other words, the male rats started to copulate like they were crazy.
Antlers
Probably because of the similarity with an erect penis, horns and antlers have long been used as aphrodisiacs, especially in Eastern Asia. Reindeer shred their antlers annually; collected shredded reindeer antlers are imported for aphrodisiac purposes in Japan from Canada, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Since fresh antlers are supposed to be even more powerful, but removal of live antlers from the animals is forbidden in Scandinavia even live reindeers have been imported to provide the best possible aphrodisiac quality.
The Tibet Red Deer, Cervus elaphus wallichi, has long been listed as extinct by the World Conservation Union. A herd of 200 animals was recently discovered about 100 miles east of Lhasa (Tibet) on alpine meadows at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. The reason for the earlier believed extermination, and the reason why these animals still are threatened, is that they are coveted for their velvety antlers, which are highly prized as an aphrodisiac.
Rhino Horns
Powdered rhinoceros horns are regarded as a panacea in Eastern Asia, effective against anything from nosebleeds and headaches to diphtheria and food poisoning. In addition, they are widely believed to increase the male sexual capacity, including the capacity for erection However, it should be noted that the original rhino aphrodisiac was the dried penis and not the horn. Widespread poaching of rhinos, including for the sake of the horn, has led to the inclusion in the list of endangered species of all five rhino species existing today (3 in Asia, 2 in Africa).
A rhino's horn is not attached to the skull and is thus not a true horn. It is a growth from the skin of densely compressed dermal fibers, made up keratin. This is the same material that is found in hair and nails. Consequently, comsumption of powdered nail clippings would be expected to provide the same results as rhino's horn.
Also the low molecular weight constituents have been investigated by Inagaki and Oida. Sugar, phosphorous and ethanolamine are present along with several free amino acids, such as aspartic acid, threonine, ornithine, lysine, histidine and arginine (which has been suggested to increase the intensity of sensation during sex).
The use of rhino horns (and tiger bones) for medical purposes was declared illegal by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. However, some trade appears to continue, as the rhino horn is highly prized. In 1990 horns of Asian origin were sold for $21,000 in Thailand and for $54,000 in Taiwan per kilogram.
Spanish fly
A separate post is devoted to Spanish fly and its active constituent, cantharidin.
Animal genitalia
Also the use of animal genitalia as aphrodisiacs is discussed on a separate post.
Chan Su
The traditional Chinese drug Chan Su is made from the skin of a toad. Internal use of this topical drug as an aphrodisiac caused four deaths in New York City 1993-95.
Tiger preparations
In East Asia many tiger parts are considered as powerful aphrodisiacs, including bones, fat, liver and even penis. A bowl of tiger penis soup can fetch $ 350 in Taiwan and South Korea and will have a marvelous effect: just like the tiger you will be able to make love for a full 15 seconds!
Tiger whiskers are used as an aphrodisiac in Indonesia, but in Malaysia the same preparation is regarded as a strong poison.
Remember, though, that all tiger species are endangered. Why not try pulverized porcupine spines as a substitute instead of the prized tiger whiskers? The spines are far more stiff and erect!
One lizard, occurring on some Mediterranean islands and in northern Africa, Sticus officinalis, was popular as an aphrodisiac during the 18th century even in such remote countries as Sweden.
In several East Asian countries, the consumption of snake blood is supposed to be beneficial for ailing males. Further details, including an address to a snake blood restaurant, are provided on the snake blood page.
In "The Perfumed Garden" it is suggested that rubbing the penis and the vulva with the bile of a jackal will make those parts vigorous for the coitus. A similar result can also be achieved by rubbing the penis with asses' milk.
A man can also, according to "The Perfumed Garden", melt down fat from the hump of a camel and rub his member with it just before the act; it will then perform wonders, and the woman will praise it for its work, it is asserted. (At least it will act as a lubricant!)
Leeches can be used to increase the size of the male member. They are put in a bottle, which is kept enclosed in the warmth of a dunghill until the leeches have turned into a homogenous mass. This is used as a liniment for repeatedly anointing the member.
In Greenland, the billknob of the king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is eaten as an aphrodisiac.
According to Pliny, the gall of a boar would stimulate to coitus. (xxviii: 261).
Even gallstones are in some Asian countries believed to be an aphrodisiac and can have a market value of up to US$15,000 a kilogramme (US$550 an ounce). On 19 March 1997 Mary Claire Stevens, a meat-packing plant food inspector was charged with felony theft, accused of taking gallstones from the Long Prairie Packing Plant in South St. Paul, Minn., USA, to sell on the international market.
The flesh of the Nilgiri langur and the lion-tailed macaque is reputed for its aphrodisiacal properties, according to Ramachandran et al. (1987).
In Hong Kong certain shark species can fetch $ 150 apiece because of the demand for shark fins as an aphrodisiac. The fins are removed, dried for two days and cooked into shark fin soup.
Ambergris
Ambergris is a product arising from some whales, which occasionally can be found on ocean beaches. It is extremely expensive and used for perfume production. According to Arabic folklore it is also an aphrodisiac, a claim which might have substance. Dr. SA Taha and co-workers have published a scientific paper in which they report that ambrein, a main constituent of ambergris, in male rats produced "recurrent episodes of penile erection, a dose-dependent, vigorous and repetitive increase in intromissions and an increased anogenital investigatory behavior". In other words, the male rats started to copulate like they were crazy.
Antlers
Probably because of the similarity with an erect penis, horns and antlers have long been used as aphrodisiacs, especially in Eastern Asia. Reindeer shred their antlers annually; collected shredded reindeer antlers are imported for aphrodisiac purposes in Japan from Canada, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Since fresh antlers are supposed to be even more powerful, but removal of live antlers from the animals is forbidden in Scandinavia even live reindeers have been imported to provide the best possible aphrodisiac quality.
The Tibet Red Deer, Cervus elaphus wallichi, has long been listed as extinct by the World Conservation Union. A herd of 200 animals was recently discovered about 100 miles east of Lhasa (Tibet) on alpine meadows at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. The reason for the earlier believed extermination, and the reason why these animals still are threatened, is that they are coveted for their velvety antlers, which are highly prized as an aphrodisiac.
Rhino Horns
Powdered rhinoceros horns are regarded as a panacea in Eastern Asia, effective against anything from nosebleeds and headaches to diphtheria and food poisoning. In addition, they are widely believed to increase the male sexual capacity, including the capacity for erection However, it should be noted that the original rhino aphrodisiac was the dried penis and not the horn. Widespread poaching of rhinos, including for the sake of the horn, has led to the inclusion in the list of endangered species of all five rhino species existing today (3 in Asia, 2 in Africa).
A rhino's horn is not attached to the skull and is thus not a true horn. It is a growth from the skin of densely compressed dermal fibers, made up keratin. This is the same material that is found in hair and nails. Consequently, comsumption of powdered nail clippings would be expected to provide the same results as rhino's horn.
Also the low molecular weight constituents have been investigated by Inagaki and Oida. Sugar, phosphorous and ethanolamine are present along with several free amino acids, such as aspartic acid, threonine, ornithine, lysine, histidine and arginine (which has been suggested to increase the intensity of sensation during sex).
The use of rhino horns (and tiger bones) for medical purposes was declared illegal by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. However, some trade appears to continue, as the rhino horn is highly prized. In 1990 horns of Asian origin were sold for $21,000 in Thailand and for $54,000 in Taiwan per kilogram.
Spanish fly
A separate post is devoted to Spanish fly and its active constituent, cantharidin.
Animal genitalia
Also the use of animal genitalia as aphrodisiacs is discussed on a separate post.
Chan Su
The traditional Chinese drug Chan Su is made from the skin of a toad. Internal use of this topical drug as an aphrodisiac caused four deaths in New York City 1993-95.
Tiger preparations
In East Asia many tiger parts are considered as powerful aphrodisiacs, including bones, fat, liver and even penis. A bowl of tiger penis soup can fetch $ 350 in Taiwan and South Korea and will have a marvelous effect: just like the tiger you will be able to make love for a full 15 seconds!
Tiger whiskers are used as an aphrodisiac in Indonesia, but in Malaysia the same preparation is regarded as a strong poison.
Remember, though, that all tiger species are endangered. Why not try pulverized porcupine spines as a substitute instead of the prized tiger whiskers? The spines are far more stiff and erect!
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