Aphrodisiacs were first sought out as a remedy for various sexual
anxieties including fears of inadequate performance as well as a need to
increase fertility
Source: Cambridge World History of
Food
Aphrodisiacs were
first sought out as a remedy for various sexual anxieties including fears of
inadequate performance as well as a need to increase fertility. Procreation was
an important moral and religious issue and aphrodisiacs were sought to insure
both male and female potency.
In ancient times a distinction was made between a substance that increased
fertility versus one that simply increased sex drive. One of the key issues in
early times was nutrition. Food was not so readily available as it is today.
Undernourishment creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates.
Substances that "by nature" represent "seed or semen" such as bulbs, eggs,
snails" were considered inherently to have sexual powers. Other types of foods
were considered stimulating by their "physical resemblance to genitalia"
It's important to realize these food substances were identified
(documented) by the likes of Pliny and Dioscordes (ancient Greeks) first century
AD and later by Paul of Aegina from the seventh century. Later more credence
was given to foods that "satisfied dietary gratification".
Other foods
deemed to have these erotic qualities were derived from mythology.
Aphrodite, the love goddess was said to consider "sparrows" sacred because of
their "amorous nature" and for that reason were included in various aphrodisiac
brews.
There was not always agreement upon
what foods were actually aphrodisiacs or "anaphrodisiacs" (decrease potency).
But the ancient list included Anise, basil, carrot, salvia, gladiolus root,
orchid bulbs, pistachio nuts, rocket (arugula), sage, sea fennel, turnips, skink
flesh (a type of lizard) and river snails.
The ancients suggested you
steer clear of dill, lentil, lettuce, watercress, rue, and water
lily.
Aphrodisiac Foods List
-
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.
-
Aniseed
A very popular
aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. The Greeks and the Romans believed
aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases
your desire.
-
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, powedere herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.
-
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".
-
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.
-
Bananas
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.
-
Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens)
The ground seeds of
various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase
virility. In the case of broccoli rabe its more likely a myth created to
get people to eat this bitter vegetable.
-
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".
-
Coriander (Cilantro seed)
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 "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 a 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 a 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
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.
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