| APHRODISIA
What is
an APHRODISIAC?
Aphrodite, from
Greek mythology, was the Goddess of Love and Sex. Thus stemmed the word
Aphrodisiac from the Greek language meaning sexual pleasures. To this day,
folklore and mythology plays a significant role in peoples beliefs as to what
is and what is not an Aphrodisiac. There is much research today on this
highly admirable topic of what gives people sexual stimulus, increases peoples
libido, and what increases people's sexual arousal.
Many foods
and herbs are claimed to be Aphrodisiacs such as chocolate, oysters, saffron,
ginseng and Spanish fly. Whether or not there are such things as Aphrodisiacs
is much debated, but researchers do know that certain foods, herbs and of course
drugs can have effects on our bodies and in particular to our brain, in the hypothalamus.
This part of our brain not only governs our appetites for food and drink, but
also governs our sexual desires.
A healthy mind, body and diet is most
certainly important in being able to perform. Bottom line is that Good Sex
needs plenty of energy!!! That is why it is encouraged to eat plenty of
fresh fruit and vegetables, as they are high in vitamins and minerals for our
bodies. Shellfish, such as oysters, are considered the strongest aphrodisiacs.
They all contain phosphorus, calcium, iodine, iron, vitamin B and glycophosphates,
which are the basic essentials for an aphrodisiac. All oily fish, such as salmon,
tuna, shark, eel, herring, mackerel and sardines, and many forms of white fish,
including sole and turbot, contain phosphorus, calcium and vitamins A, B and D,
important elements in a variety of aphrodisiac treats.
Many online sites
claim to sell what they call an aphrodisiac. Let's make this point short.
Would you buy anything from a site claiming credibility that has been sent to
you through Spam mail? I wouldn't. Well, I guess if food coloring
and additives turn you on then why not. Let me ask you this: What would
you prefer-- fresh crab and oysters or imitation by--product fish meats?
People
have been adventurous in love making, and with aphrodisiacs, for as long as our
history has been recorded. In every land people and different cultures continue
to create love recipes to entice and seduce the opposite sex, and to enhance our
performance in the act itself. However, the reasons for attraction and desire
are almost as much a mystery today as they were in ancient times.
Here
is a list of foods, herbs and other substances that are believed to be aphrodisiacs
which is being provided for informational purposes only
Bananas
If you need me to explain why this sweet, creamy, soft-fleshed fruit
that's generally between 7 and 9 inches long is an aphrodisiac you need a lot
more than our dictionary for amorous inspiration
Cayenne
In this case, the taste itself is spicy and erotic. Not only is cayenne
pepper hot and warms up the body, it's enriched with vitamin C and helps the immune
system. The well being of the immune system has a very strong effect on the brain
Ginseng
Ginseng is another great aphrodisiac for
men. This herb works pretty much like Viagra to increase a man's endurance almost
immediately after consumption (once again, anything that does the body good can
affect one's lovemaking). It's best to buy Ginseng in its raw form - as a root.
Ginkgo Biloba
The Ginkgo tree is the world's
oldest known living species. It has survived over 200 million years and has been
valued for its beneficial properties for at least 2000 years. Ginkgo is also known
for its tonic effects for sexual potency as it has been known to increase blood
flow throughout the body, especially in the brain. It may also increase penile
blood flow resulting in better erections.
Lamb
Rack of lamb for two is one of life's most romantic foods. Vegetarian? Too bad.
Saffron
This expensive spice has been reputed
to work like a sex hormone and make erogenous zones even more sensitive. Saffron
is made from the dried stigmas of a type of crocus. About 225,000 stigmas are
needed to make one pound of saffron. (Each crocus has about 3 stigmas, which must
be picked by hand.) Try adding a pinch of saffron to Mediterranean, North African
or Middle Eastern grain dishes such as Paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish
that contains sausage and seafood.
Spanish Fly
An extract of dried canthardies beetles causes intense irritation in the
urinary tract and genital organs. Some people misinterpurt this as sexual
stimulus. In reality the Spanish Fly is a potentially fatal drug. The only
result from swallowing Spanish fly might be an ugly bout with "the back-door
trots" and possibly a painful death by poisoning. So I don't recommend a
beetle hunt to any eager individual.
Chocolate
Chocolate plays a significant role in love and not just because the lady loves
milk tray. It is often given as a gift between lovers, or eaten in large quantities
when a partner is not forthcoming! It has a dual role of being both sensuous and
comforting. The fat and sugars contained in chocolate are good for a short-term
boost in energy. More technical minded lovers may like to know that chocolate
contains phenyl ethylamine, sometimes described as the "love chemical"
as it promotes a natural high feeling of well being and excitement.
Oysters
Oysters are full of Zinc, which nourishes the body so well and is
said to fulfill couples' love lives. Zinc is said to work wonders on your libido.
As was mentioned previously, the mental state of an individual is most important
when it comes to aphrodisiacs and making them work. Oysters contribute to making
us feel good in many ways.
Figs
Figs, like
oysters, need nothing but their own inimitable qualities. The pale golden quince
was said to be the original apple, which lured Eve, while the serpent that tempted
Eve hid in a bunch of bananas. Banana blossom also appears in Filipino recipes
as an aphrodisiac.
Marijuana
Other aphrodisiacs
include actual drugs such as marijuana, opium, and other narcotics. It's quite
easy to see how these could affect one's brain states and heighten bodily experiences.
Sea turtle eggs
believed in Asia, to have
aphrodisiac properties and effects
Tiger's penis
believed in Asia, to have aphrodisiac properties, including tiger bones.
Perhaps, because a tiger can be a symbol of masculinity and strength, thus creating
this idea.
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. During the ancient Roman times Arugula was grown for both its leaves
and the seed. The seed was used for flavoring oils. On another interesting
note, Rocket or Arugula seed has been used as an ingredient in aphrodisiac concoctions
dating back to the first century, AD.
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.
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.
Coriander
Some people
believe that Coriander is named after "kooris", the Greek word for "bedbug"
as it was said they both emitted a similar odor. The Chinese used the herb in
love potions believing it provided immortality. Coriander is one of the
herbs thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. 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
has been known to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.
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 pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce
on it and lead up to something spicy 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 times sweeter than sugar. Chewing on
bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating
to woman. According to the Chicago Smell and Taste Treatment and Research
Foundation the smell of black licorice combined with donut significantly increase
penile blood flow. Sorry, red licorice doesn't work, and eating double the amount
of licorice does not double your fun. Too Bad!!!
Oysters
the Romans documented Oysters as an aphrodisiac food 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
hypothesis is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality
oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.
Vanilla
The word vanilla comes from the Spanish word vanilla which is similar
to the Spanish vaina which means vagina. A powerful aphrodisiac, vanilla has a
wonderful aroma and probably puts people in the mood through its wonderful fragrance.
Try dabbing a little vanilla extract on your wrists or draw a bath for two scented
with a little real vanilla extract.
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 erections" but much more than that amount with have
the reverse affect.
Yohimbe
This is indeed
the magical potion of pleasure. It will increase blood flow everywhere, so watch
the amount you take and watch your heart. You will sweat and shiver with desire
but start with 1/2 tsp. of the powdered herb made into a tea NO MORE. Everyone
is different so you can build from there IF you can handle it. You've got to give
it a good three hours the first time to see how he likes you (the Yohimbe). If
not, you are asking for trouble with nothing sexy about it like a heart attack
and vomiting. Yohimbe is more a man's herb by African tradition, but the Yohimbe
loves the women very much and is kinder to them in terms of side effects with
all the heart pounding in tact.
People are always on the search
for foods, drugs or toys that will enhance sexual stimulation. However, a few
well-placed kisses still provide the best erotic rush. One can risk man-made chemicals
like Ecxtasy, LSD, and a variety of other narcotics but a skilled lover always
produces the best sensual stimulation.
So, stick with the Kama Sutra
and the proven erogenous zones and save your money. Rely on improving your knowledge
of the human body to cause your lover heightened erotic pleasure. Get to know
your partner or partners a little more by asking them what turns their crank.
Damn, It's safer than drugs...and lets admit it, it's a whole lot more fun.
Remember, most importantly, be smart and be safe!!! |
