About Aphrodisiacs
Aphrodisiacs are foods and substances believed to increase sex drive and sexual arousal. The word comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Because sex, more specifically reproduction, is crucial to human survival, it stands to reason that every culture has manifested some form of aphrodisiac. In one culture, it may be a plant that resembles a human phallus, in another it could be the sex organs of a particular animal. Even today, sex is a major driving force, and modern pharmaceutical companies have gotten into the act with pills designed to enhance sexual response.
Rhinosceros Horn & Oysters
A lot of aphrodisiacs get their reputation based on shape. A rhinoceros horn looks like an erect penis, while the oyster resembles a vagina. Both substances have a reputation for increasing desire and virility. In reality, the rhinoceros horn doesn't have any effect on the libido or on sexual function. Oysters, on the other hand, contain zinc--a mineral essential to sperm production. Zinc does not affect desire or arousal, but it may ensure a fertile outcome.
Spanish Fly
Of all the purported aphrodisiacs, Spanish fly does cause an involuntary reaction in the genitals, but it does not necessarily cause desire. In fact, when ingested, Spanish fly iritates the urinary tract, causing a rush of blood to the genital area. So the end result may be an erection, as well as a very unpleasant burning sensation.
Spanish fly is neither Spanish nor a fly. It is actually the ground-up body of a specific type of beetle, which is poisonous and illegal in the U.S.
Asparagus
Asparagus, like the rhinoceros horn, is penis-shaped and is, therefore, highly prized as an aphrodisiac in some cultures. However, unlike the rhinoceros horn, it actually has nutrients beneficial to sexual health. Asparagus is rich in vitamin E, which stimulates the production of sex hormones--like testosterone. Testosterone controls libido in both men and women, and testosterone deficiencies can lead to a diminished sex drive. Eating asparagus won't cause an immediate rise in testosterone levels, so it won't instantly jump-start the libido. But asparagus definitely contributes to overall sexual health.
Chili Peppers and Chocolate
Chili peppers and chocolate both cause us to release chemicals that promote relaxation and a positive mood, and can even give us a slight "buzz." Some gourmets may even enhance the feel-good effects by combining cayenne pepper with chocolate. Neither substance actually causes physical arousal or desire, but they may make us more emotionally receptive to sex.
Chemical Romance
Modern pharmaceuticals, like viagra, and alcohol are both widely used as aphrodisiacs. Women and men--those with or without erectile dysfunction--use drugs like Viagra to have sex on-demand. In reality, these drugs don't create instant erections, and they don't cause desire. They merely lay the foundation for erection to occur if the person is so inclined. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which is often mistaken for desire and arousal. In reality, alcohol can actually dampen sexual response.
The Real Thing
The brain--more specifically our thoughts and feelings--plays a large role in human sexual response. Desire and sexual arousal are based largely on how our brains react to the idea of having sex with a particular person, or to a specific situation. While drugs like Viagra and some foods may pave the way, they only work if you're "into it" in the first place. What makes any aphrodisiac work, ultimately, is desire, attraction and the willingness to have sex.
