Aphrodisiacs – Magical or Mythical?

by Susan Schachterle April 9, 2020

Throughout history, certain foods have been regarded as aphrodisiacs, having the power to stimulate sexual excitement. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, aphrodisiacs can be classified in two groups – 1) psychophysiological (visual, tactile, olfactory, aural) and 2) internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions, medical preparations). The first records of the effect of aphrodisiacs came from the Greeks in the first century, and later Paul of Aegina acknowledged the power of food to enhance sexual experiences in his writings from the 7^th century.

Aphrodisiacs were first used as a remedy for various sexual anxieties including the fear of inadequate performance, and also to help increase fertility. The ability to procreate was a major concern, both morally and religiously, and aphrodisiacs were thought to ensure potency for both men and women.

There's been very little scientific research to determine the validity of long-accepted aphrodisiacs aside from occasional studies of drugs or hormones intended to address male impotence. There is no scientific evidence that the foods, herbs, and spices considered to be aphrodisiacs are, truly, significant in the increase of libido or sex drive, and the long-held belief in the power of these elements comes primarily from folklore.

However, there's been no evidence indicating that aphrodisiacs don’t work, and believing in their power goes a long way toward the desired result. Sex and romance, like everything in life, begin in the mind; so believing in and anticipating the effects of aphrodisiacs is, in many cases, enough to ensure the desired outcome.

However, there is also no evidence indicating that aphrodisiacs don’t work, and believing in their power goes a long way toward the desired result. Sex and romance, like everything in life, begin in the mind; so believing in and anticipating the effects of aphrodisiacs is, in many cases, enough to ensure the desired outcome.

There is a reason people for centuries have regarded oysters, strawberries, artichokes, asparagus and more as sexy bits of a romantic meal; who’s to say they are wrong?

Read through the following list of historically accepted aphrodisiacs and give them a try. We’ll let you be the judge.

Aniseed

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

Asparagus

Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "Eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".

Almond

A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

Arugula

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

Asafetida

Any Indian dried, powedered herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.

Avocado

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

Banana

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

Basil (Sweet Basil)

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

Chocolate

The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat or let us temp you with our recipe for Chocolate Espresso Pots de creme.

Carrots

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

Coffee

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

Coriande (Cilantro Seeds)

The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

Fennel

In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".

Figs

An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

Garlic

The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

Ginger

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

Honey

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.

Liquorice (Licorice)

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

Mustard

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

Nutmeg

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

Oysters

Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality, oysters are very nutritious and high in protein.

Pine Nuts

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

Pineapple

Rich in vitamin C and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

Raspberries and Strawberries

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

Truffles

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

Vanilla

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

Wine

A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

The Romance Chef will be offering a recipe including at least one historically regarded aphrodisiac every week. Check back with us to build up your repertoire of romantic dishes!