A little guide to aphrodisiacs as tweeted about

31/03/2012

Aphrodisiacs –

There’s a long and rich history of aphrodisiac usage spanning centuries. The ancient Mexican Emperor, Montezuma, used 50 cups daily of pure chocolate to fuel his exploits with his 600 strong harem. Cleopatra was reputed to drink a mixture of ground almonds, spices, honey and yoghurt believed to be an energising aphrodisiac.

A word of caution here - it's easy to get carried away believing that an aphrodisiac will enhance sexual libido. Some aphrodisiacs have a little research supporting their energising properties. However others that promise an aphrodisiac affect may only have a placebo or psychological effect. That is, because you think it's going to work then it appears to work!

The following diverse selection of plants, fruit, foods and chemicals is renowned for varying degrees of aphrodisiac properties. I certainly can’t guarantee they'll work for you! However as well as some having fairly well researched properties (e.g., horny goat weed), others may simply have properties that seduce you through your senses of sight and taste.

If you’re taking any medication you should check with your doctor before taking an aphrodisiac preparation, many of which are available over the counter at health food shops or on the Internet. Don't get over-keen and overdose as an overdose of, e.g., Yohimbine can cause nausea and vomiting – not sexy! Don't get ripped off by Internet companies unless they’re a company you know and trust.

Almonds – Contain properties said to revive flagging desire. Traditionally a symbol of love and fertility in Mediterranean cultures almonds are baked into savouries, sweets and desserts.

Asparagus – Greens are good for you! Asparagus is highly rich in vitamin E that's necessary to keep your bits in working order. And hand feeding your lover an asparagus spear dripping with warm butter is a sensual experience.

Avocado - These are loaded with essential fatty acids and anti-oxidant which both help and the production of sex hormones. Their smooth and creamy texture is very sensuous. The Aztecs called the avocado tree the "tree with testicles".

Avena Sativa (green oats) – Sometimes it mixed into preparations with other aphrodisiacs, it seems to boost their effects. Research seems to support the view that it boosts libido particularly in people with low testosterone. Usually  found in extract form it may be added to food and drinks.

Bananas – As well as being great for your health bananas are said to have energy giving properties. They’re ideal to share baked with honey, cinnamon, and hot cream as many people love them. Try spoon-feeding each other. For best effect, bake them in their skins as it’s actually an alkaloid in their skin that has an ‘aphrodisiac’ effect. This is released by baking.

Chocolate – Chocolate is rich in chemicals that give energy. The darker the variety the better. It contains the chemical phenyl ethylamine that stimulates the brain giving a euphoric effect and energy. It usually contains caffeine too so potentially it is ‘energy giving’ and mood enhancing. Certainly where mood is concerned Casanova’s use of chocolate ‘love tokens’ to romance potential lovers – selecting shapes that gave some sort of message to them. Something very simple like feeding your lover strawberries dipped in warm chocolate can raise temperatures.

Damania – having a botanical name that speaks above lust – Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca – is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs. Grown in hot countries Mexican women have served hot drinks from damania before lovemaking said to create a mild euphoria. The presence of several alkaloids in it boosts circulation thus aiding sexual arousal. Sold in capsule form or as a tincture to be taken a couple hours before lovemaking commences.

Epimedium grandiflorum - Historically the use of this as a sexual enhancer dates back 2000 years to the Chinese. The plants are pulverised and then sold in capsule form. As with any capsules bought from health food stores you can take them as advised or mix them into cooking.

Figs - Not only do they look gorgeous and sexy but they’re full of vitamins. The ancient Greeks supposedly indulged in orgies once the fig harvest was complete.

Ginger, cinnamon, and ginseng powder – For 3,000 years the Chinese have used ginger as a stimulant and other eastern cultures do the same with cinnamon. These can be baked into delicacies or sprinkled into dressings.

Gingko Biloba – Taken from trees found in Japan and China this is well known to increase blood and oxygen flow. It is also said to enhance mood and have a knock on effect to lovemaking. Now very popular in the USA and it is grown there. You can buy Sage Healthy Woman and Healthy Man capsules containing this and other stimulant herbs like ginseng.

Horny goat weed - A herb that was traditionally seen as a sex remedy for men has now been marketed for women, too. Try the Energy 69 drink that contains this and other energy ingredients.

That's a brief list of A to H - don't have time to do the A to Z [but there are some classics including oysters just don't have time to get to] a couple things to remember: you could cook/serve practically anything as long as you serve it in a beautiful way with, e.g., candlelight and flirt with your partner it can become an aphrodisiac!