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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!!!
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