Aphrodisiacs are substances that increase s**ual desire or libido. Natural
aphrodisiacs include:
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
“Unclothedness” 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 s** organs and traditionally
thought of as s**ual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front
of his lover is a powerful Intimate 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 s**ual 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 s “sweeten” the marriage.
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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 s**ual 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
Intimate literature as fruit Tips” 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 Intimate 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.
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”.
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.
