Traditional Aphrodisiacs

We thought you may be interested in some facts on aphrodisiacs. So here are just some of the so called aphrodisiacs that you may or may not have heard of.

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"An aphrodisiac is an agent which increases sexual arousal. The name comes from the Greek goddess of Sensuality Aphrodite."

Here are some so called aphrodisiacs that you may or may not have heard of:

Ashwaganda - also known as Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi and Samm Al Ferakh, is a plant in Solanaceae or nightshade family. All parts of the plant are used in herbal medicine. The fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk, prior to drying, in order to leach out undesirable constituents. The berries are used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese making. It has been also used for sexual vitality, an aphrodisiac, and as an adaptogen.

Asparagus - Asparagus is very low in calories, and is a calorie negative food due to the amounts of cellulose contained. Asparagus contains no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. Asparagus is a great source of potassium and fiber. Asparagus is also widely reputed to be an aphrodisiac maybe due to its phallic shape?

Chocolate - Romantics identify chocolate as an aphrodisiac. The reputed aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are often associated with the simple sensual pleasure of its consumption. Chemicals found in chocolate, most notably phenethylamine, can act as mild sexual stimulants.

Damiana - A shrub native to Central and South America. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its reputed aphrodisiac effects. The leaves of damiana are sometimes smoked for relaxation and for its mild psychoactive properties, described as similar to those of cannabis.

Eurycoma longifolia - A plant native to Indonesia and Malaysia that has become popular for its testosterone enhancing properties. It is included in certain herbal supplements for bodybuilders and has been used as a libido enhancer and to treat various sexual dysfunctions.

Ginkgo biloba - also known as the Maidenhair Tree. Ginkgo biloba was thought to be extinct, but is now known to grow wild in two small areas in Zhejiang province in eastern China. Ginkgo nuts are used in congee, served at occasions such as weddings and the Chinese New Year (Buddha's delight). In Chinese culture, they are believed to have health benefits - some also consider them to have aphrodisiac qualities.

Ginseng - A wide variety of ginseng is generally available in many Chinese or Korean herbal medicine shops. The rhizome is taken orally as an adaptogen, aphrodisiac, stimulant, and in the treatment of type II diabetes, including sexual dysfunction in men.

Kava - (Piper methysticum) is an ancient crop of the western Pacific. The word kava is used to refer both to the plant and the beverage produced from it. Kava may be effective in the treatment of ovarian cancer and leukemia. Kava is used as a religious and visionary herb and an aphrodisiac.

Maca - an important traditional food and medicinal plant in its growing region, the high Andes of Peru. It is regarded as a highly nutritious food and as a medicine that enhances strength and endurance and acts as an aphrodisiac.

Mama Juana - a drink made from allowing rum, red wine, and honey to soak into a bottle together with tree bark and herbs. It is advertised as an aphrodisiac.

Oysters - are often cited as an aphrodisiac. According to a  research team they are rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. A joking theory states, "If you can get a woman to eat a raw oyster, you can get her to do anything!

Yohimbe - is used for dilating the pupil of the eye, and has been used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is claimed to be an aphrodisiac. It is also used as a weight loss supplement as it increases noradrenaline (norepinephrine) levels. Studies suggest that it is not a particularly effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of increased sex drive (libido) is anecdotal only.

Eringoes (the Sea holly, Eryngium maritimum) - is a species of Eryngium in the plant family Apiaceae and native to most European coastlines. The protected dune plant grows to a height of 20 to 60cm and although widespread it is considered endangered. In Elizabethan times in England, these plants were believed to a strong aphrodisiac.

Potatoes - In olden times were ruputed to be a powerful aphrodisiac. Herbalists insisted that the potato could cure everything from diarrhea to tuberculosis. People in Shakespeare's time viewed the potato as an aphrodisiac and labeled them "Apples of Love."

Spanish fly (Cantharidin) - Spanish fly is actually the dried, crushed body of the green blister beetle known as Cantharis Vesicatoria. Spanish fly, or cantharides, is often given to farm animals to incite them to mating. Cantharides are illegal in the United States, except for use in animal husbandry. Some internet or mail order suppliers of sex stimulants advertise such products like "Herbal Spanish fly", "Mexican Spanish Fly", or "Spanish Fly Potion". Most of these products are simply cayenne pepper in capsules, sometimes blended with the powder of ginseng, kelp, ginger or gotu kola. Research done in 1996 by the FDA shows that the drug has no so-called sexual effects.

Rhinoceros Horn - Contrary to popular belief, the Chinese do not use rhino horn as an aphrodisiac - a few tribes in the north of India are practically the only people who use rhino horn as an aphrodisiac. Rhino horn is said to make men sexually unstoppable.

Tiger penis - The tiger penis is much revered as an aphrodisiac in China, Taiwan and South Korea. The price of soup made from the supposed aphrodisiac, tiger penises, can reach $350 a bowl.

Turtle eggs - eaten raw with salt and lime juice, are said to be an aphrodisiac.

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.

Fish Milt - is the seminal fluid of fish, mollusks, and certain other water-dwelling animals who reproduce by spraying milt onto roe (fish eggs).

Sea Cucumber - The sea cucumber is an echinoderm of the class Holothuroidea, with an elongated body and leathery skin, which is found on the sea floor worldwide. Sea cucumbers are an important food source in many parts of the world, known as trepang, and have renowned aphrodisiac properties.

See how many calories you burn having sex

To put a damper on aphrodisiacs medical science has not substantiated claims that any particular food increases sexual desire or performance. However a fairly new drug called Bremelanotide seems to be the first real aphrodisiac. Its effect stimulates sexual desire in men and women, and clinical trials are currently testing it for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder and erectile dysfunction.

Source: Disabled World

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