Date Aphrodisiac

Dates, the exotic fruit found in the dry deserts, are considered sacred by the Moors. Its dark, moist pungent flesh is reminiscent of other dark, moist delights. Dates are considered aphrodisiacs for women. In Iran, the fruit is reputed to be good for someone whose sex life is in a slump.

Date Health Benefits

Wonderfully delicious, dates are one of the most popular fruits packed with an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are required for normal growth, development and overall well-being.

Fresh dates compose of soft, easily digestible flesh and simple sugars like fructose and dextrose. When eaten, they replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly. For these qualities, they are being used to break the fast during Ramadan month since ancient times.

The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption in the gut. Additionally, the fiber works as a bulk laxative. It, thus, helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.

They contain health benefiting flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants known as tannins. Tannins are known to possess anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic (prevent easy bleeding tendencies) properties.

They are moderate sources of vitamin-A (contains 149 IU per 100 g), which is known to have antioxidant properties and essential for vision. Additionally, it is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

They compose antioxidant flavonoids such as ß-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthin. These antioxidants found to have the ability to protect cells and other structures in the body from harmful effects of oxygen-free radicals. Thus, eating dates found to offer some protection from colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

Zea-xanthin is an important dietary carotenoid that selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea, where it thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. It thus offers protection against age-related macular degeneration, especially in elderly populations.

Dates are an excellent source of iron, contains 0.90 mg/100 g of fruits (about 11% of RDI). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Further, they are very good in potassium. 100 g contains 696 mg or 16% of daily-recommended levels of this electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They, thus, offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases.

They are also rich in minerals like calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Calcium is an important mineral that is an essential constituent of bone and teeth, and required by the body for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve impulse conduction. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Magnesium is essential for bone growth.

Further, the fruit has adequate levels of B-complex group of vitamins as well as vitamin K. It contains very good amounts of pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. These vitamins are acting as cofactors help body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Vitamin K is essential for many coagulant factors in the blood as well as in bone metabolism.

To cut it short, the fruit is really healthy for your body which translates into healthy sexual functions as well.

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Apricot Aphrodisiac

Apricots and their seeds contain abscisic acid (B-17), a cancer-preventing substance that activates, invigorates and sustains sexual hormones. Consumption of apricots does not provide the comprehensive benefits provided by their seeds, so you should have 5 to 15 apricot seeds several hours before any anticipated intimacy.

In Europe, apricots were long considered an aphrodisiac, and were used in this context in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and as an inducer of childbirth, as depicted in John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi.

The unique mix of compounds found in apricots makes this fruit a good choice for helping to fight heart disease. Along with potassium, apricots contain powerful anti-oxidants: beta-carotene, Vitamin C and lycopene. Combined, these compounds help protect against cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Research shows, of any food, apricots possess the highest levels and widest variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids as antioxidants help to prevent heart disease, reduce "bad cholesterol" levels, and protect against cancer.

Apricot oil (extracted from kernel of the nut) is dominated by the presence of unsaturated fatty acids with oleic acid comprising 70 to 75 % and linoleic acid at 22%.

Oleic acid, also known as Omega 9 fatty acid, is a mono-unsaturated fatty acid that is found in almost all natural fats. Oleic acid lowers the risk of a heart attack, arteriosclerosis, and aids in cancer prevention.

Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is part of the Omega 6 fatty acids family. an essential fatty acid the body cannot produce, it is important for growth and development of infants.

Vitamin-A in the fruit enhances or promotes good vision and reduces the risk of developing cataracts. It also promotes and protects brain cognitive functioning and memory.

The high content of magnesium and phosphorus also improves functioning of the brain and help to normalize blood pressure effectively.

Apricots also contain salicylates - the basic ingredient of aspirin. Salicylates help reduce coronary disease by preventing blood cells from clumping and forming clots.

Due to their high fiber to volume ratio, dried apricots are sometimes used to relieve constipation or induce diarrhea. Effects can be felt after eating as few as three.

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Cinnamon Aphrodisiac

As far back as the first page of recorded history, cinnamon has been held in esteem for its powerful medicinal qualities. A spice used in Asia to guard against colds, the bark of the cinnamon tree is also used around the world as flavoring for both sweet and savory dishes as well as an aromatherapy agent for relaxation.

In the Old Testament's Proverbs and Psalms romantic verses extolled the sensory excitement offered by cinnamon: "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come let us take our fill of love till morning." (Proverbs 7, 17-18). Indeed, in Rome the word cinnamon was equivalent to the current use of "sweetheart" or "darling".

Among the spices considered useful for producing “heat” within the body, cinnamon has been measured to increase appetite, both physical and sexual. Eating cinnamon heats up your body and, in turn, your sex drive. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help normalize blood sugar. To some extent, it also possesses anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties.

A drop of cinnamon oil rubbed onto the genitals is famed for producing powerful sexual stimulation. It arouses both men and women, but the smell seems to really get men going. Besides its direct effect on desire, Cinnamon also strengthens the heart.

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Tuna, an Aphrodisiac

Tuna stars on plates in many popular ways, such as in sushi, seared, as a burger, or in the traditional tuna sandwich. Nutritionally, like all other oily fish, it is rich in calcium and B vitamins, both valuable in maintaining sexual health.

It is an excellent source of vitamin A, with over 30 percent of the recommended daily value in just a 3-oz. serving. Tuna also has a lot of B vitamins, such as niacin, B-1 and large amounts of folic acid which improves sperm quality. It also has vitamin B-6, which along with folic acid helps to prevent atherosclerosis.

Besides vitamins, tuna is also a great source of three main minerals. Three ounces of tuna provide almost 50 percent of the daily value for selenium, 20 percent for phosphorus and 10 percent for magnesium. Selenium has been linked to being helpful for prevention of heart disease and cancer, so this pumps up the nutritional value of eating tuna. Also, selenium and aid in sperm production and have been shown  to be beneficial in enhancing mood.

Other minerals are present in tuna in small amounts. A 3-oz. portion of tuna has about 4 percent of the daily value for iron, 3 percent zinc and 6 percent potassium. A bit of sodium is present at about 1 percent, and calcium is present at less than 1 percent of the recommended daily value.  It also offers omega-3 fatty acids, touted for their role in lowering cholesterol and promoting the production of sex hormones.

The Japanese, who shunned tuna until the mid-twentieth century, now consume an estimated fifth of the world tuna supply, In Japan, the tuna is often served raw as sashimi, a noted Japanese aphrodisiac.

In the year 2000, British scientists discovered that a blend of fish oil from tuna coupled with vitamin E aided in the friskiness of male pigs used as studs. (Early studies showed Prosperm, the name with which the oil blend was anointed, to increase both semen output and the quality of sperm.) The plan was to develop the product as a human dietary supplement. Unfortunately, makers were unable to eliminate one rather disturbing side effect: the product enlarged the pigs’ testicles by twenty percent.

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Cucumber, an aphrodisiac

Besides its phallic shape, cucumber is an aphrodisiac according to recent studies. Dr. Alan Hirsch found that the scent of cucumbers, in combination with black licorice, is extremely arousing to women.

This vegetable provides several nutrients essential to maintaining sexual health, including manganese and vitamin C. The silica in cucumbers makes our connective tissues stronger which will not only keep us stronger and robust for action but can also help maintain young, vibrant skin. Cucumbers also prevent water retention which means they not only work as a cure of morning after eyes but can diminish bloat to keep you feeling your sexiest.

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Carrot, an aphrodisiac

Carrots are believed to be an aphrodisiac. Because of its phallic shape (personally, I don’t think its shape resemble anything close to a dick, aside from the fact that it’s long and sometimes slender), carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern (Afghanistan) royalty to aid seduction. Because of its vitamin A (good for eye-sight) and beta-carotene, it is ascribed the power to feed sexual appetites, but to tell the truth I don't know anyone who gets excited over eating a carrot strictly in terms of just consumption, of course.

Aside from the belief that it is a stimulant to the male, carrots have great medicinal properties which have been shown to be anti-cancerous and protects the arteries. It also has diuretic and abortifacient powers, because its wild carrot seeds regulate menstruation and have anti-pregnancy effect. If you chew a spoonful of seeds few hours before and after sex, it was said to avoid pregnancy. Also, this nutrient-rich vegetable was used as a carminative; it stops or prevents gas-pains by bringing it all out at once.

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asparagus, a love food

This is nature’s answer to Viagra. Asparagus does not only appear phallic in shape and taste sublime; it is also widely reputed to be an aphrodisiac.

Boost your sex drive naturally! There is actually a lot of truth behind the legend that asparagus "stirs up lust in man and woman" (Nicholas Culpepper 1616-1654, a legendary figure in the field of herbal medicine). Its broad base of nutrients including potassium and vitamin A provide general well-being which ultimately stimulates the glandular and metabolic function, boosting sex drive. More importantly the inability to reach orgasm in both men and women is linked with a lack of histamines. Histamine production appears to be triggered by folic acid, so asparagus as the leading folic acid containing vegetable can help people reach their sexual peak. Traditionally eaten with the fingers, it is also a seductive eating experience!

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Strawberry as an Aphrodisiac

The strawberry (Fragaria) is a genus of plants in the family Rosaceae, and the fruit of these plants. There are more than 20 named species and many hybrids and cultivars. The most common strawberries grown commercially are cultivars of the Garden strawberry, Fragaria ananassa. Strawberries are a valuable source of vitamin C.

A perfect little red heart, the strawberry is an edible Valentine. Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus. In the French countryside, there was once a tradition of serving newlyweds cold strawberry soup to help promote the aphrodisiac of honeymoon romance. There’s also a legend saying that if you break the strawberry in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you will soon fall in love with each other.

Often a chocolate strawberry is synonymous with being an aphrodisiac. Although no scientific information is available to confirm this belief, chocolate has been proven to increase the energy levels of an individual who consumes the delicious treat.

Chocolate Strawberry

Ingredients:

• Strawberries - large and are not over ripe
• Chocolate - use an expensive variety or simply purchase a package of chocolate bits or chips.

Directions:

• Before beginning the process of making your chocolate strawberry, it is important to rinse off the strawberries and then dry the fruit by simply patting them with a paper towel. It is critical that the strawberries are completely dry as any water that finds its way into the chocolate will spoil the process.
• Then, place the unpackaged chocolate into the mixing bowl and place into the microwave on the highest setting for around 30 seconds. As the chocolate is being melted, cover your cookie sheet with a layer of waxed paper.
• Following the 30 seconds of micro-waving remove the glass bowl and stir the chocolate contents with the rubber spatula. To ensure that the chocolate is completely melted, place the glass bowl back into the microwave and repeat the micro-waving one additional time. Stir again the mixture with the rubber spatula. The resulting chocolate mixture should give the appearance of being like a chocolate creamy soup.
• You're now ready to begin dipping the strawberries into the chocolate mixture. Taking the strawberry by the leafy area or by the stem, dip the strawberry into the chocolate and turn the fruit so that all sides are evenly covered with the chocolate mixture. Then, pull the strawberry out of the chocolate and allow any excess chocolate to drip off back into the mixing bowl.
• After completing this step simply place the chocolate strawberry on to the wax paper that is lining the cookie sheet. After all of the strawberries have been dipped into the chocolate, place the cookie sheet aside and allow the chocolate to set for a couple of hours.

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Papaya an aphrodisiac

The papaya (from Carib via Spanish), is the fruit of the tree Carica papaya, in the genus Carica. It is native to the tropics of the Americas, and was cultivated in Mexico several centuries before the emergence of the Mesoamerican classic cultures. Nowadays, the papaya is also known as fruta bomba (Cuba), lechosa (Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic), mamão, papaw (Sri Lankan English), Papol \ Guslabu (Tree melon - in Sinhalese ), pawpaw or tree melon, as well as tree melon (木瓜) in Chinese and đu đủ in Vietnamese.

Papaya has many medicinal uses. The papain in Papaya fruit has been made into a tablet form to treat digestive problems, it is also very effective as a topical application and used for the treatment of cuts, stings, burns rashes and other such skin complaints. In India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan Papaya fruit was believed to be a contraceptive and an abortion inducing substance in women for centuries. Medical research has proven that Papaya does in fact contain contraceptive capability. Ripe Papaya fruit is used to treat ringworms, and the green fruit is used to treat high blood pressure. The skin of the Papaya fruit is used to treat skin sores and can be applied directly to the wound as it also acts as a natural antiseptic. The seeds are used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, they are used to treat stomach upsets and fungal infections. The leaves of the Papaya tree are used as a heart tonic, analgesic and are also used to treat stomach upsets. The roots have also been found to be useful as an analgesic.

Papaya fruit is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, K and are rich in folate and potassium. They also contain small amounts of niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium and iron. It is low in calories and sodium and high in potassium. Because Papaya fruit are so effective as a digestive aid, they are very beneficial to people who are dieting to lose weight. The papain in Papaya fruit breaks down protein and cleanses the digestive tract, meaning less food settles in the metabolism and becomes fat. The Papaya fruit is an excellent source of fibre and also rich in antioxidants.

The green unripe fruit is believed to be an aphrodisiac. But ironically, the seeds were thought to act as contraceptive to men. Here in the Philippines, the ripe papaya fruit serves as a cure for constipated bowel movement and at the same time controls excessive libido for men. Additionally, according to one site I looked into, Papaya is estrogenic, meaning it has compounds that act as the female hormone estrogen. Could it be? This must be the culprit why you lose touch with your burgeoning masculinity inside your pants once you take in a ripe papaya. Now I’m clueless if papaya is really an aphrodisiac or maybe it’s just the vitamins that are gradually taking over one’s vitality and lust over time of green papaya consumption.

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Cherry an aphrodisiac

The word cherry refers to both the tree and the fleshy fruit (drupe) that contains a single stony seed. The cherry belongs to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus, along with almonds, peaches, plums, apricots and bird cherries. The subgenus, Cerasus, is distinguished by having the flowers in small corymbs of several together (not singly, nor in racemes), and by having a smooth fruit with only a weak groove or none along one side. The subgenus is native to the artic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with two species in America, three in Europe, and the remainder in Asia. The word "cherry" comes from the French word "cerise," which comes in turn from the Latin words “cerasum” and “Cerasus”. Dating as far back as 300 B.C., cherries were valued over the centuries for taste as well as beauty. Historically, the fruit was also thought to be both an aphrodisiac and an analgesic, able to relieve the pain of gout and arthritis, hence the stories of old men seeking young brides with "lips like cherries."

Cherries have been shown to have several health benefits which perhaps contribute to its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Cherries are a significant source of potassium, and contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron, folate and selenium. The fruit also contains several phytonutrients that research suggests may help fight cancer. One such compound, perillyl alcohol, binds to protein molecules to inhibit cancer’s growth signals. Another is anthocyanins, which is the red pigment in berries. Cherry anthocyanins have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants that isolate certain destructive by-products of metabolism and usher them safely from the body.

Cherries have also been shown to contain high levels of melatonin. Research has shown that people who have heart attacks have low melatonin levels. Besides being an anti-oxidant, melatonin has also been shown to be important for the function of the immune system. Research also indicates that melatonin suppresses COX-2. There is considerable interest at present in the use of fresh cherries or cherry juice to treat gout - a painful inflammatory joint condition.

The slang term cherry is used to refer to “virginity” or the “hymen”, hence the expression “pop their cherry” which can be a reference to the destruction of hymen during the act of sexual intercourse.

Cherry flavors and aromas have also been used in several products which can also include sexual enhancers and paraphernalia such as cherry flavored condoms, cherry scented candles oils and perfumes, cherry flavored sexual enhancing drinks or pills, etc. In addition to this, cherries are also added as ingredient to many aphrodisiac themed recipes.

These delectable fruits are said to arouse desire, and thought to be a strong aphrodisiac for women in particular. Red, ripe cherries are pleasurable eaten freshly washed or plucked out of a bowl of its own juices. This sensuous liquid can also be used to moisten lips, nipples and other body parts for licking clean. You don't have to prepare anything fancy in the kitchen: just have a cherry rubbed up and down your body, then fed to your partner slowly. Dip in dark chocolate for a more tasty revelation and sensual treat.

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Salmon an aphrodisiac

Salmon is the common name for several species of fish of the family Salmonidae. Several other fish in the family are called trout. Salmon live in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Great Lakes and other land locked lakes.

Typically, salmon are anadromous: they are born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, then return to fresh water to reproduce. Folklore has it that the fish return to the exact spot where they were born to spawn; research indicates that at least 90% of the fish that spawn in a particular stream were born there. In Alaska, the crossing-over to other streams allows salmon to populate new streams, such as those that emerge as a glacier retreats. The precise method salmon use to navigate has not been entirely established, though their keen sense of smell is involved. In all species of Pacific salmon, the mature individuals die within a few days or weeks of spawning, a trait known as semelparity. However, even in those species of salmon that may survive to spawn more than once (iteroparity), post-spawning mortality is quite high (perhaps as high as 40 to 50 %.) Those species average about two or, perhaps, three spawning events per individual.

Salmon is a popular food. Consuming salmon is considered to be reasonably healthy due to the fish's high protein and low fat levels and to its high Omega-3 fatty acids content. Salmon is also a source of cholesterol, ranging 23 - 214 mg/100g depending on the species. According to reports in the journal Science, however, farmed salmon may contain high levels of dioxins. PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) levels may be up to eight times higher in farmed salmon than in wild salmon. Omega-3 content may also be lower than in wild caught individuals, and in a different proportion to what is found naturally. Omega 3 comes in three types, ALA, DHA and EPA, and it is DHA and EPA (important for brain function and brain structure, amongst other things) which traditionally wild salmon has been an important source of. This means that if the farmed salmon is fed on a meal which is partially grain then the amount of Omega 3 it contains will be present as ALA (Linoleic acid). The body can itself convert ALA Omega 3 into DHA and EPA, but at a very inefficient rate (2-15%). Nonetheless, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the benefits of eating even farmed salmon still outweigh any risks imposed by contaminants. Type of Omega 3 present may not be a factor for other important health functions.

Salmon, especially the expensive ones, are rich, deeply flavorful fish that stimulates the appetite. It has been underrated yet equally as stirring as strawberries, champagne, caviar and chocolate. Eating them is considered to be truly healthy which could possibly induce that aphrodisiac-like feeling after consumption. Anyways, be it an aphrodisiac or not, eating it will surely benefit you.

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Caviar as an aphrodisiac

Caviar is the processed, salted roe of certain species of fish, most notably the sturgeon. It is commercially marketed worldwide as a delicacy and is eaten as a garnish or a spread. Given its high price in the West, caviar is synonymous with luxury and wealth. In Russia and other Eastern cultures, though still expensive, caviar is commonly served at holiday feasts, weddings, and other festive occasions.

The word caviar entered English from Turkish, but there are various purported etymologies of the word. While some claim that it was the Turkish who first generated the word khavyar, some say it derives from the Persian word خاگ‌آور (Xâg-âvar), meaning "the roe-generator"; others say chav-jar, which means "cake of power", a reference to the ancient Persian practice of eating caviar in stick form as a kind of elixir. In Persian, the word refers to both the sturgeon and its roe; in Russian, the word икра (ikra), "roe", is used.

Contemporary black caviar is roe from sturgeon fished from the Caspian Sea, by Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Kazakhstan. The highest prices paid are for the Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga varieties. The rare, golden Sterlet caviar once was the favorite of czars, shahs, and emperors, but now that species is nearly extinct. Current, dwindling fishing yields, consequent to overfishing and pollution, have resulted in the creation of less costly, yet popular, caviar-quality roe alternatives from the whitefish and the North Atlantic salmon.

Caviar has been regarded as a love food with few peers precisely because it is so elusive, expensive and delicious. No delicacy, save truffles, would be more appreciated by anyone's paramour at today's prices, but much medical opinion also vouches for the vaunted food's aphrodisiac powers. Through chemical analysis it has been revealed that caviar does contain 47 vitamins and minerals. There are 68 grams of fat in a pound (16 ounces) of caviar, consisting of 25% cholesterol and 75% lecithin. There are only 74 calories in an ounce or 1,188 calories in a pound of caviar.

Caviar’s reputation as an aphrodisiac is perhaps also because fish and their by-products have been linked to the myth of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, who was born from the foam of the sea. Another reason for its reputation could also be that eggs were known to be a symbol of fertility. But more than anything else, because of its highly medicinal properties, most people were led to believe that it can nourish and enhance nerve cells, hence an extremely heightened romantic instincts.

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Vanilla as an aphrodisiac

Vanilla is an orchid. There are about 60 species scattered around the globe, but most are not suitable for the production of Vanilla beans, that culinary delight which is found in delicatessens. Yes, Vanilla is one expensive spice, second to Saffron. If you’re wondering why you have a cheap one in your kitchen, they are most probably the “cheap imitation vanillas” whose mixture is made from synthetic substances which imitate the vanilla smell and flavor. The one commercially used as a spice is Vanilla planifolia (formerly known as Vanilla fragrans). It is mostly from Mexico. It is a robust, climbing vine producing a single leathery leaf about 12cm long at each node together with its roots which cling tenaciously to its host tree or, in cultivation, trellis. The vine itself can be 20mm in diameter. Vanilla planifolia comes in two varieties - the plain and the variegated form. The plant usually does not flower until at least 3 metres tall and it can reach a size of 20 metres and more.

The scent and flavor of Vanilla, which is believed to arouse sexual desires, comes from its black beans. The seed pod develops over a period of 8 to 9 months, and to about 200mm in length. The pod is green, plump and still immature. It does not have any aroma at this stage. A good vine can produce 100 pods per year. There are several methods of treating the pods to turn them into the black beans you know. They are dipped in hot water for two to three minutes, then sweated and dried, or the pods are spread on trays in the sun to heat for two to three hours, and then folded in blankets to sweat until the following morning. This process continues until the beans become pliable and are deep brown (this may take several months). The pods are then dried in well ventilated shade or drying rooms for a further two to four weeks.

Historically, the Aztecs used vanilla mixed with chocolate as an aphrodisiac which can be proven by the adventures of a Spanish conquistador named Herman Cortez during his conquests of the new world in 1518.

According to history, Herman Cortez met with Emperor Montezuma while seeking treasures of the New World. He observed that the Emperor enjoyed a royal beverage of vanilla scented chocolate, Chocolatl (sometimes referred to as "tlilxochitl" or "xoco-latl"). Cortez was so impressed by this regal drink that when he returned to Europe, he took bags of cocoa and vanilla along with the gold, silver and jewels of Montezuma’s fallen empire. In the written accounts of Bernal Diaz, Cortez’s right hand, the Aztec Emperor Montezuma ate frugally at the great events, but drank as many as 50 cups of Chocolatl, which was said to be the reason for his success with women.

The Aztecs used vanilla beans as tribute to their Emperor who was believed and revered as a god. They place great value to this spice the same way they value cocoa. Aztecs generally frowned on the use of alcoholic beverages; Chocolatl was their drug of choice and was enjoyed by royalty, nobility, and warriors. It was served after banquets along with smoking tubes of tobacco.

Ironically, Chocolatl did not begin with the Aztecs, but with the Maya. The Maya called the magic beans “cacao” from which we created the words "chocolate" and "cocoa." The generous Maya shared with other Mesoamericans their fabulous beverage which, in addition to chocolate, included vanilla, corn, allspice, chile, and other flavorings. We can assume the Mesoamericans knew of chocolate and vanilla’s alleged power since both cocoa beans and vanilla pods were valuable enough to be used as money. When money grows on trees and vines it’s bound to be a source of interest with the locals. The Aztecs claimed the drink as their own after conquering the people of the lowland tropics. They then taxed the Maya, Totonaca, and others, and demanded payment in cacao and vanilla beans. This insured that the king always had a supply of sexy ingredients in the royal pantry.

The belief of vanilla as an aphrodisiac was perhaps from the old Totonac lore about Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, who 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. She became the vanilla orchid so that she could forever belong to her human love and his people.

In any case, The Spaniards were, sufficiently enough, impressed that they returned to Spain with news that chocolate and vanilla were an erotic duo. Chocolate and vanilla were made into an all-purpose drink that quenched one’s thirst, warmed the body, served as a medicine, and acted as an aphrodisiac. In the curious medical beliefs of the time, chocolate was considered "cold." It therefore was good for the body. Vanilla, on the other hand, was considered "hot." Denis Diderot, a French intellectual in the 1700s, and a prolific writer on many topics, believed that while chocolate was good, many of the additional flavorings added to it were bad, unless you were in an amorous mood. Like many of his contemporaries, he warns: "The pleasant scent and heightened taste it (vanilla) gives to chocolate has made it very popular, but long experience having taught us that it is extremely heating, its use has become less frequent, and people who prefer to care for their health rather than please their senses abstain completely." It makes one wonder how many people then – and now – cared more for their health than their chocolate.

By the 1600s, vanilla was considered a flavor worthy of being served on its own merits. As vanilla was "hot," the doctors of the time believed that those who used it got "hot" as well. In the 1700s vanilla was recommended by physicians and alchemists to be drunk as a tincture or infusion in order to ensure male potency. Bezaar Zimmermann, a German physician, in his article, "On Experiences" (1762) claimed that, "No fewer than 342 impotent men, by drinking vanilla decoctions, had changed into astonishing lovers of at least as many women."

Thomas Jefferson is credited with vanilla’s arrival in the United States. When he returned from his ambassadorship in France in 1789, he was dismayed to discover that no one in the States knew about vanilla, so he wrote his French attaché requesting that he send him 50 vanilla pods. Clearly Jefferson’s personal passion was well received since soon it was used as a flavoring and a medicine, and – you’re right – an aphrodisiac. In the 1800s Dr. John King, advised in the American Dispensatory, that one should use vanilla to, "stimulate the sexual propensities." He went on to give a very carefully detailed recipe for a decoction promising amorous evenings. If the good doctor was right, a hefty swig of vanilla extract before bedtime could work like a charm.

While some drank vanilla in their pursuit of love, many others found that its delicate persuasive aroma was just as powerful. The Totonaca wore vanilla beans in their hats and used it to perfume their homes, a practice they continue today. They used the oil from the drying vanilla beans to rub on their skin until their bodies glistened. The Europeans – especially the French – created perfumes from vanilla pods, not only to wear but also to fragrance their tobacco and snuff. When vanilla extracts came onto the market at the end of the 19th century, more than a few savvy women dabbed a little behind their ears and onto their wrists, thereby creating the ultimate in perfumes – a sensual aroma that also conjured up the homey pleasures of food fresh from the kitchen. Smart modern women have found that fragrances with strong vanilla notes draw an attentive audience with minimal effort.

There’s something about the scent of vanilla that’s at once sexy and erotic, sweet and innocent. It’s an ingredient in sultry, exotic, and mysterious Oriental fragrances, romantic floral bouquets, sophisticated and confident modern perfumes and even in sensual, relaxing, and calming scents. Judging by its popularity as a fragrance in everything from bodycare to candles and air fresheners, vanilla has that secret something that draws us in. This brings us to some tests done by neurologist Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

In controlled tests designed to better understand the connection between smell and sexual arousal, Dr. Hirsch had volunteers wear masks scented with an array of odors. Several fragrance combinations were found to be very effective in increasing penile blood flow. These included lavender and pumpkin pie, doughnut and black licorice and pumpkin pie and doughnut. However, mature men were most aroused by just one simple smell, vanilla. Modern science has proven what native people figured out centuries ago, and many of us discovered on our own -- whether you prefer to eat, drink, or smell it, vanilla is definitely a potent character in the arena of love.

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Nutmeg as aphrodisiac

Nutmeg has been well-known for centuries because of its medicinal properties. Nutmeg has been widely used since AD 540 when it was brought from India to Constantinople. It was used as a cosmetic to remove freckles. Medicinally, it was first mentioned by Avicenna in the 11th century, who called it "the nut of Banda." It was given for stomach upsets, headaches, and to ease gas. It has also been taken as a hallucinogen. The essential oil is good for rheumatic pain.

Among the Arabs it has been used to treat digestive problems and also been valued as an aphrodisiac; the Indians used it to combat asthma and heart complaints and still use it as a sedative. The Hindus embraced the spice for its more sensual properties as a stimulant in raising body heat and sweetening breath.

St. Hildegard, the sibyl of the Rhine, wrote down her medical discoveries in 1147, including the pharmaceutical properties of nutmeg. In this period, popular belief held that getting a nutmeg at New Year and keeping it in your pocket throughout the year would prevent you from breaking even the smallest bone.

During the Renaissance, nutmeg was still considered a preventive medicine by western medical authorities but its properties were usually used to treat memory loss, dizziness and blood in the urine.

Nicholas Culpeper (1616-54), the famous English herbalist, attributes to nutmeg the capacity to induce sleep delirium. William Salmon, on the other hand, said that the oil of mace or nutmegs, if rubbed on the genitals, excited sexual passion (thereby echoing the Arabs' use of its aphrodisiac qualities).

Nutmeg also was seen as having magical properties and is one of the ingredients of a magical perfume described in the most famous of all the grimoires, or black books of the sorcerers, The Key of Solomon the King. The use of nutmeg as a magical medicine continued far into the twentieth century in England. The belief that carrying nutmeg in the pocket could cure various complaints has been recorded from various parts of the country. In Yorkshire it was considered as the best way to relieve rheumatic pain, in Lincolnshire it was said to cure backache and in Devon it was eaten to clear up boils. Elsewhere it was used by gardeners as a prophylactic measure against the occupational hazard of backache. As late as 1966 a Hampshire coalman who suffered from lumbago was told to carry nutmeg, and when he did so he swore he never suffered from it again.

Nutmeg was also believed to be lucky in gambling. A newspaper article from the mid-1960s reported that an individual sprinkled nutmeg powder on their football pools coupon and, on the advice of a gypsy, left it for twenty-four hours before posting it.

This baking spice with a bite is well known in the medical community to be a narcotic. In large doses it can be hallucinogenic. In even larger doses, it is strongly stimulant, hallucinogenic, and toxic. The consumption of just 2 whole nutmegs has been known to cause death. Myristicin is the constituent most responsible for this toxicity, and it is also hallucinogenic.

Because of its psychoactive properties it has been known as a substitute for narcotic substances that for one reason or another were unavailable or unaffordable. Thus prisoners, soldiers, seamen and struggling musicians were among its users. A jazz musician who played regularly with the legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker (known as 'Bird') recalled that: 'Bird introduced this nutmeg to the guys. It was a cheap and legal high. You can take it in milk or Coca-Cola. The grocer across the street came over to the club owner and said, "I know you do all this baking because I sell from eight to ten nutmegs a day." And the owner came back and looked at the bandstand and there was a whole pile of nutmeg boxes.'' In 1946, before his conversion to Islam, Malcolm X used nutmeg whilst in jail when his supplies of marijuana ran out. In his autobiography he wrote: 'I first got high in Charlestown [prison] on nutmeg. My cellmate was among at least a hundred nutmeg men who, for money or cigarettes, bought from kitchen worker inmates’ penny matchboxes full of stolen nutmeg. I grabbed a box as though it were a pound of heavy drugs. Stirred into a glass of cold water, a penny matchbox full of nutmeg had the kick of three or four reefers.' When the authorities became aware of such uses of nutmeg it was removed from many prison kitchens.

Researches dealing with the potency of nutmeg as an aphrodisiac substance found out that at low dosage it is capable of increasing the sexual activity, increasing both libido and potency which might be attributed to its nervous stimulating property, of most males without any conspicuous adverse effects; thus providing a scientific rationale for the traditional use of nutmeg in the management of male sexual disorders.

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Ginger, an aphrodisiac

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Fennel as an Aphrodisiac

Fennel’s botanical name is Foeniculum vulgare and it belongs to the Apiaceae family which also includes plants like parsley and carrot. Fennel is native to southern Europe though it is now naturalized in northern Europe, North America and Australia besides being cultivated almost all over the world. Fennel is related to plants like cumin, dill, anise and caraway in that all these herbs bear small, aromatic fruits which are popularly called seeds.

Fennel has a long history of magical, medicinal and culinary uses. The first known use of the herb was made by the ancient Egyptians who regarded fennel as a potent nutritional supplement and libido booster and employed the herb in various medicinal and culinary recipes. In ancient China, fennel was believed to treat cases of snake bite too. In Ancient Greece, fennel was called marathon for its association with strength, longevity and courage. Pliny the Elder, the legendary Roman scientist and scholar, promoted fennel’s medicinal properties and recommended approximately two-dozen remedies using fennel.

From the medicinal, it was a small step to the magical when fennel was started to be used in the Middle Ages as protection against witches and evil spirits and accordingly hung over the doorway of houses on Midsummer Eve. Eventually fennel came to be used as an important ingredient in love potions, a tradition which continued with modifications till recent times as evidenced by fennel’s presence in modern stimulants like absinthe.

The key to fennel’s reputation as an aphrodisiac lies in the fact that the plant contains certain compounds that are similar to the female hormone estrogen. These plant-based estrogen-like compounds are known as phytoestrogen and are believed to stimulate sexual desire among women. Probably for this reason too, fennel was used as a breast enlarger in folk medicine. In fact, so rich is fennel in phytoestrogens that in the 1930s, the herb was considered as a source for producing synthetic estrogens.

Besides working directly to enhance the libido, fennel is packed with valuable nutrients essential for building up immunity and the proper functioning of all systems of the body including the sex organs. The herb is rich in fiber, vitamin C and minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron, all of which are essential for a healthy sex life. Being stocked with essential vitamins and minerals, fennel has powerful antioxidant properties which prevents signs of aging and helps to boost immunity, longevity and sexual vigor.

Fennel has been known to alleviate several types of gynecological disorders. One example is its ability to encourage menstruation among women suffering from absence of or scanty periods. According to traditional medicine, the herb is also an effective means of reducing distressing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings related to pre-menstrual syndrome and menopause.

Fennel oil is sweet and aromatic which has been traditionally used to stimulate sexual desire in women by appealing to the olfactory senses. In fact, fennel seeds were chewed to obtain sweet-smelling breath in the past when artificial mints and breath fresheners were not available. And everyone knows how conducive a fresh, sweet smelling breath is to amorous encounters! This is also one reason why the essential oil made from fennel seeds has emerged as a significant ingredient in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in modern times.

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Thyme an aphrodisiac

Thyme is used most widely in cooking. Thyme is a basic ingredient in French and Italian cuisines, and in those derived from them. It is also widely used in Lebanese and Caribbean cuisines. Thyme is often used to flavour meats, soups and stews. It has a particular affinity to and is often used as a primary flavour with lamb, tomatoes and eggs.

Traditionally, thyme has been associated with the occult. Ancient Egyptians used thyme in embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing that thyme was a source of courage. For them, thyme came to denote elegance, and the phrase "to smell of thyme" became an expression of stylish praise. Thyme was widely used: medically, in massage and bath oils, as incense in the temples and as an aphrodisiac. It was thought that the spread of thyme throughout Europe was thanks to the Romans, as they used it to purify their rooms. In the European Middle Ages, the herb was placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares. In this period, women would also often give knights and warriors gifts that included thyme leaves as it was believed to bring courage to the bearer. Thyme was also used as incense and placed on coffins during funerals as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life.

In literature, thyme is often associated with the activities of fairies. Shakespeare's Oberon, king of the fairies, speaks of knowing "...where the wild thyme grows." The English variety of wild thyme referred to has the highest concentration of volatile oils. Perhaps this accounts for its use as one of the main ingredients in a 17th century recipe which "enables one to see the Faeries."

The flowering thyme tops contain an essential oil consisting primarily of thymol (20-55%) and carvacrol, along with tannins, bitter compounds, saponins, and organic acids. Thymol, an antiseptic, is the main active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash. Before the advent of modern antibiotics, it was used to medicate bandages. It has also been shown to be effective against the fungus that commonly infects toenails. The antiseptic property of thyme has been recorded as far back as 3000 BC when it was used by the Sumerians.

A tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for cough and bronchitis. Medicinally thyme is used for respiratory infections in the form of a tincture, tisane, salve, syrup or by steam inhalation. Because it is antiseptic, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled 3 times a day. The inflammation will normally disappear in 2 - 5 days. Other infections and wounds can be dripped with thyme that has been boiled in water and cooled. Besides being an effective antiseptic, it also has expectorant, antispasmodic, and deodorant properties. It aids in digestion, and as such, is excellent when combined with fatty meats that often cause gastrointestinal problems such as duck, lamb, and pork. Herbalists use thyme in infusions, extracts, teas, compresses, bath preparations and gargles. Recent studies indicate that thyme strengthens the immune system.

With its elfin leaves, delicate blossoms, subtle woodsy flavor, and medicinal properties, it is easy to see why thyme might be associated with things elusive and magical, even as an aphrodisiac.

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Saffron an aphrodisiac

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), a species of crocus in the family Iridaceae. The flower has three stigmas, which are the distal ends of the plant's carpels. Together with its style, the stalk connecting the stigmas to the rest of the plant, these components are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and colouring agent. Saffron, which has for decades been the world's most expensive spice by weight, is native to Southwest Asia. It was first cultivated in the vicinity of Greece.

Saffron is characterised by a bitter taste and an iodoform- or hay-like fragrance; these are caused by the chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. It also contains a carotenoid dye, crocin, that gives food a rich golden-yellow hue. These traits make saffron a much-sought ingredient in many foods worldwide. Saffron also has medicinal applications.

The word saffron originated from the 12th-century Old French term safran, which derives from the Latin word safranum. Safranum is also related to the Italian zafferano and Spanish azafrán. Safranum comes from the Arabic word aṣfar (أَصْفَر‎), which means "yellow," via the paronymous za’farān (زَعْفَرَان‎), the name of the spice in Arabic.

Saffron tastes bitter and contributes a luminous yellow-orange coloring to foods. Because of the unusual taste and colouring it adds to foods, saffron is widely used in Persian, Arab, Central Asian, European, Indian, Iranian, Moroccan and Cornish cuisines. Confectionaries and liquors also often include saffron. Medicinally, saffron has a long history as part of traditional healing; modern medicine has also discovered saffron as having anticarcinogenic (cancer-suppressing), anti-mutagenic (mutation-preventing), immuno-modulating, and antioxidant-like properties. Saffron has also been used as a fabric dye, particularly in China and India, and in perfumery.

According to medical studies, saffron can be used to treat depression. Beware though that too much dosage of this spice can prove lethal to one’s health. The typical dose of saffron used to treat depression was 30 mg per day, divided in two doses. At this low level, some studies found no side effects. Saffron has also been shown to be a form of sedative for some types of pain. Other research suggests that saffron may be useful for preventing cancer. The bright yellow pigment (crocetin, an unusual carotenoid) has strong antioxidant properties, and is being tested for other biological effects. Other medicinal uses of saffron includes: fevers, cramps, enlarged livers, whooping cough, gas pains, gastrointestinal colic, insomnia, asthma, anemia, hemorrhoids, headaches, and several others which are mostly anecdotal.

Historically, saffron played an essential part in the arena of ancient medicine and magical potions. Besides its value as spice and dye to clothing, the Assyrians during 7th century BC documented saffron’s use in the treatment of some 90 illnesses. Minoans portrayed saffron in their palace frescoes by 1500–1600 BC, showing saffron's use as a therapeutic drug. Ancient Mediterranean people—including perfumers in Egypt, physicians in Gaza, townspeople in Rhodes, and the Greek courtesans—used saffron in their perfumes, ointments, potpourris, mascaras, divine offerings, and medical treatments. In late Hellenistic Egypt, Cleopatra used saffron in her baths so that lovemaking would be more pleasurable, while Egyptian healers used saffron as a treatment for all varieties of gastrointestinal ailments. Aulus Cornelius Celsus, of Rome, prescribed saffron in medicines for wounds, cough, colic, and scabies, and in the mithridatium. It has been ritually offered to divinities, used in dyes, perfumes, medicines, body washes, scattered across beds, and mixed into hot teas as a curative for bouts of melancholy by ancient Persians during the 10th century BC. During his Asian campaigns, Alexander the Great used Persian saffron in his infusions, rice, and baths as a curative for battle wounds. Alexander's troops mimicked the practice and brought saffron-bathing back to Greece. Ancient Chinese medical texts were also found to document Saffron’s use in treating various medical disorders including impotence.

Part of saffron’s magical property is the enhancement of “lust”. Given that the medical findings show saffron as a substance capable of affecting the neurotransmitters, perhaps saffron may in fact be an aphrodisiac. Its ingestion is found to be a soothing relaxant capable of lowering blood pressure and stimulating the respiration. Perhaps, it could also contain properties that stimulate the libido and the erogenous zones. Some attest to its sexual properties which they believe is most effective when used by women.

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Rosemary an aphrodisiac

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs. Forms range from upright to trailing; the upright forms can reach 1.5 m tall, rarely 2 m. The leaves are evergreen, 2-4 cm long and 2-5 mm broad, green above, and white below with dense short woolly hairs. The flowers are variable in color, being white, pink, purple, or blue.

The fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine as an herb; they have a bitter, astringent taste, which complements oily foods, such as lamb and oily fish. A tisane can also be made from them. They are extensively used in cooking, and when burned give off a distinct mustard smell, as well as a smell similar to that of burning which can be used to flavor foods while barbecuing. Rosemary, in the dried form, is extremely high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6. It is in fact more nutrient rich in its dry form than fresh rosemary across the board.

The Ancients were well acquainted with the shrub, which had a reputation for strengthening the memory and has been used as a symbol for remembrance. On this account it became the emblem of fidelity for lovers. It holds a special position among herbs from the symbolism attached to it. Not only was it used at weddings, but also at funerals, for decking churches and banqueting halls at festivals, as incense in religious ceremonies, and in magical spells. Mourners would throw it into graves as a symbol of remembrance for the dead.

Tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant; oil of Rosemary has the carminative properties of other volatile oils and is an excellent stomachic and nervine, curing many cases of headache. It is employed principally, externally, as spiritus Rosmarini, in hair-lotions, for its odor and effect in stimulating the hair-bulbs to renewed activity and preventing premature baldness. An infusion of the dried plant (both leaves and flowers), combined with borax and used when cold, makes one of the best hair washes known. It forms an effectual remedy for the prevention of scurf and dandruff.

Rosemary oil helps to clear the mind and strengthen the memory. The penetrating actions of Rosemary oil are beneficial in the treatment of muscular pain and arthritic conditions. It has a very intoxicating aroma. According to Cynthia Mervis Watson, author of “Love Potions: A Guide to Aphrodisiacs and Sexual Pleasures,” rosemary plays on our scent memory – our strongest tie to emotional experiences. Therefore, if the scent of rosemary is present during an amorous event the smell of the herb will act as a Pavlovian “call to love” in the future.

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Coriander as an aphrodisiac

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), also commonly called cilantro in North America, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. Coriander is native to southwestern Asia west to north Africa. It is a soft, hairless, fetid plant growing to 50 cm tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the centre of the umbel longer (5-6 mm) than those pointing to the middle of the umbel (only 1-3 mm long). The fruit is a globular dry schizocarp 3-5 mm diameter.

Also referred to as “cilantro” and “Chinese parsley”, it is a fast growing annual reaching 12 - 24 inches tall. The entire plant including the leaves, the seeds and roots are all edible. It has a very pungent odor and is widely used in Mexican, Caribbean and Asian cooking.

Coriander has been cultivated for thousands of years with some evidences pointing back to as early as the Neolithic age. The word "coriander" came from the Greek "koris", which means bug — an allusion to the fetid smell of crushed coriander leaves.

The distinctive smell of fresh coriander leaves is due to the aldehyde in the volatile oil. The leaves are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, the B vitamin riboflavin and dietary fibre. Coriander's use as a medicine is as old as its use as a spice. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to use it as such. The Greeks and Romans used crushed coriander leaves to treat ulcers and rheumatism.

Today coriander is considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices. The essential oils of the cilantro leaves contain antibacterial properties and can be used as a fungicide. Coriander seeds are also considered to have cholesterol lowering properties.

History also attests to its mystical aphrodisiac potency. The Chinese used the herb in love potions believing it provided immortality. 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. In Ayurveda, coriander is an aphrodisiac, digestive, anti-flatulent, tonic, coolant, and diuretic. In the Middle Ages, several herbs such as the coriander, the cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), the clove (Syzygium aromaticum), the ginger (Zingiber officinale) and the cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) were all mixed to make a drink, called “Hipocras” that was commonly used during weddings. This same drink was imported to Europe by the members of the crusades and later on exported to many nations of South America, but it was banned because it stimulated the libido too much.

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Basil as an aphrodisiac

The generic name, ocimum, derives from the ancient Greek word, okimon, meaning smell, which suggests the impressive nature of basil's fragrance. The specific epithet, basilicum, is Latin for basilikon, which means kingly/royal in Greek. Similarly, the word basil comes from the Greek βασιλευς (basileus), meaning "king", as it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross. Henry Beston suggests that basil was so named for the regal "Tyrian" purple color of its flowers. According to Parkinson, basil's scent was "fit for a king's house". The Oxford English Dictionary quotes speculations that basil may have been used in "some royal unguent, bath, or medicine". Many authors suggest that basil's negative associations stem from the similarity of its Latin specific epithet, basilicum, to the name of the basilisk (or basilicus), the mythical serpent with the lethal gaze.

Basil has been associated with many legends and folklore, several of which have something to do with love and sex, the ones we are interested about.

For centuries, people said that basil stimulated the sex drive and boosted fertility as well as producing a general sense of well being for the body and mind. The scent of basil was said to drive men wild -- so much so that women would dust their breasts with dried and powdered basil. Basil is one of the many reported aphrodisiacs that may have the property of promoting circulation.

Basil's love symbolism isn't limited to India. It has been considered an aphrodisiac by some, is associated with the pagan love goddess, Erzuli, and is used in love spells. In Italy, where sweet basil is called "kiss me Nicholas," "bacia-nicola," it is thought to attract husbands to wives, and a pot of basil on a windowsill is meant to signal a lover. In Moldavian folklore, if a man accepts a sprig of basil from a woman, he will fall in love with her. As is typical for its folklore, while being linked to love and attraction, basil has also conversely been associated with chastity. In Sicilian folklore, basil is associated with both love and death when basil sprouts from the head of [L]isabetta of Messina's slain lover.

Basil has a long history as a medicinal and poisonous herb, some of which have been totally farfetched. The first mention of basil was by Chrysippus (pre-206 B.C.E.) who said: "Ocimum exists only to drive men insane". Parkinson, a seventeenth century author, claimed basil could be used "to procure a cheerful and merry heart". Other classic herbalists such as Gerard praised basil as a remedy for melancholy but also warned that too much basil dulls the sight and causes indigestion. Along with him, Culpeper claimed basil would cure scorpion and bee stings, and Gerard mentioned that basil could spontaneously generate worms if chewed and left in the sun. Basil was also reputed to cause the spontaneous generation of scorpions and to cause scorpions to grow in the brain. This connection with scorpions persists to this day in basil's association with the astrological sign, Scorpio.

The Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed basil for headache. Pliny thought it was an aphrodisiac; his contemporaries fed it to horses during the breeding season.

Today basil has been used as a sedative, an expectorant, and a laxative but it is not used much in herbal preparations today. Still, adding basil leaves to food is an aid to digestion. The essential oil of basil is used to treat skin conditions such as acne. In modern aromatherapy, basil is used to cheer the heart and mind. The sweet, energizing aroma seems to help relieve sorrow and melancholy.

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Love Potion (Gayuma)

Love = 1. A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.
2. A feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person with whom one is disposed to make a pair; the emotion of sex and romance.
3a. Sexual passion.
3b. Sexual intercourse.
3c. A love affair.
4. An intense emotional attachment, as for a pet or treasured object.
5. A person who is the object of deep or intense affection or attraction; beloved. Often used as a term of endearment.
6. An expression of one's affection: Send him my love.
7a. A strong predilection or enthusiasm: a love of language.
7b. The object of such an enthusiasm: The outdoors is her greatest love.
8. Love Mythology Eros or Cupid.
9. often Love Christianity Charity.
10. Sports A zero score in tennis.
(The Free Dictionary)

Potion = A potion (from Latin potio, potionis, meaning beverage, potion, poison) is a drinkable medicine or poison. (Wikipedia)

Love Potion = love-potion
n : a drink credited with magical power; can make the one who
takes it love the one who gave it [syn: philter, philtre,
love-philter, love-philtre] (dict.die.net)

Gayuma = love potion in" tagalog." More than being a concocted drink or additive, it is also associated with any object that arouses one's sexual desire towards another person, usually the one who gave or owned the object referred to as gayuma. (my definition)

In the Philippine setting, although accepted as a myth or a superstitious belief, gayuma is still something that most people turn to when it comes to matters of the heart that can't be solved by courtship or any other means of winning one's heart. Concocted most of the time from herbs, plant roots, and other stuffs believed to have extra special magical powers, they aren't hard to find once you know where to look for them (most of the time near prominent churches such as Quiapo church and Baclaran church). Since the early times, its effectiveness, according to its patrons, is proven and will not fail as long as one believes in its mystical properties.

And now, here I am concocting my very own "love potion" in its digital form. Like shamans of time forgotten, I breath magic into my craft hoping it will somehow make Internet people notice at the very least. Carefully, I'm concocting the right mix of mystical ingredients in the form of "content" to my device (blog), slowly but surely learning what is effective and what is a spoiler, what mixes well and what messes up everything when combined. Later, when it becomes a success, who knows what form it will take.

To anyone interested here are the love potions I've managed to write about. Enjoy!!!

• Sweat Power Primer
• Stinky Clothes Under My Pillow
• The Magical Hand Flower
• The "Halina" Potion
• Aphrodisiacs

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Aphrodisiacs, Love Potion5

Aphrodisiacs have long been part of the cultural heritage on all parts of the world. Almost everyone is preoccupied with the propagation of the species; and keeping it all the more worthwhile and exciting became part of every culture’s practices and interests even if considered taboo by the prevailing ideology.

Asia has its share in the use of aphrodisiacs. In fact, even with all these population explosion problems and the demise of the population of several endangered species, consumption of these aphrodisiacs is still practiced and highly sought after.

It’s as if it’s as important as, say, special occasions or community activities. Actually, it’s a personal take but, judging from what I have been seeing, it’s even a lot more.

When it comes to keeping the love alive, nothing is more proven than aphrodisiacs. More than a dose of mystical love potions, these ingestible igniters of sexual desires have been long associated with love, romance and passion.

Most common aphrodisiacs have been known to produce substances in our body that heightens our sensuality and increases our blood flow. If so, in a sense, it is also a sort of love potion. Anyways, here are some common aphrodisiacs that may come your way.


SWEETS
Chocolate, with its rich and sweet flavor and smooth creaminess, has compounds that simulate the feelings you get when you are in love. Eat lots of this and over time you’ll be saying good bye to your beautiful teeth, or worse, there’s a sickness called diabetes. So, take this only occasionally.


HERBS
Herbs are known for their healthful properties as well as aphrodisiac qualities. A happy, healthy love life requires two happy, healthy people. Herbs can help. Be careful though. Take only herbs that are used for cooking. Some medicinal herbs are poisonous when not prepared properly. Maybe instead of leading a happy love life, you end up with an untimely death.

Basil - The fresh leaves have an alluring aroma.
Cilantro -  also known as Coriander, is a pungent herb that promotes vigor, and heightens emotions and arousal, especially for women.
Oregano – O-re-ga-no, O-re-gan, Or-gan. The Italian herb has more going for it than you know!
Rosemary - Heightens memory and improves circulation. Take it and you won’t forget.
Saffron - A stimulating, expensive herb, saffron has an association with luxury.
Thyme - This herb contains many antioxidants that keep your cells humming along. Antioxidants also help reduce the occurrence of cancer.


SPICES
Spices have been considered aphrodisiacs by many cultures around the world. Their intense flavor surely must jump start two sweethearts' love life.

Chili Powder - Highly flavorful and often very hot. Its intensity can add to yours. Caution: Hot. Take only what you can handle.
Cinnamon - Sweet but stimulating, cinnamon increases blood flow.
Clove - Exotic spice that boosts your energy, energy to last the night.
Fennel - This tasty seed increases sex drive.
Ginger - Another flavorful, hot spice that can add a jump to your love life.
Nutmeg- A spice with a complex aroma that excites the imagination.
Vanilla - The smell alone increases blood flow and is especially enticing for older men. When you’re old and nothing happens, try Viagra.


SEAFOOD
Seafood has often been associated with the ability to arouse sensual feelings, because they are rich in protein.

Caviar - An exotic food that promotes sensuousness.
Oyster - Raw oysters, perhaps it’s the texture or the flavor, have long been considered an aphrodisiac.
Salmon - Rich, deeply flavorful fish that stimulates the appetite.
Tuna Steak - A food that creates a boisterous, happy well being (especially when grilled).


FRUITS
Aside from their vitamin and mineral rich properties, fruits often play our imaginations because of their close resemblance to the human organs that are associated and involved in sex.

Apricot - Plump and sweet flavored, apricots where thought by the Chinese to indicate a romantic, sensual nature.
Banana - Shape, sweetness, and texture promotes sensuality.
Cherry - These delectable fruits are said to arouse desire, especially in women.
Date - Rich and exotic, dates are considered aphrodisiacs for women.
Peach - Succulent, juicy, and flavorful, a ripe peach is a sensual treat and promotes interest in other sensual treats!
Pear - A ripe pear with sweet juice... yummmmmmmy.
Fig - A soft, ripe fig has an incredible sweet flavor, just perfect for sharing with your love.
Papaya - Tropical and exotic, excellent for nibbling.
Strawberry - Just-picked, perfect strawberries are ideal for dipping in chocolate, or savoring on their own.
Avocado - Rich and creamy, considered an aphrodisiac especially for women.


VEGETABLES
A lot of people consider vegetables dull like something that they eat because they've been told. "Vegetables are good for you." They are, but perhaps, not in the way you expected. Like fruits, they too are very suggestive.

Asparagus - Long stems and succulent tips that can be quite suggestive.
Carrot - All root vegetables draw power and intensity from the earth and can transfer that power and intensity to your love life.
Celery - Great for pepping up your blood flow.
Cucumber - Just its shape alone gives people ideas.
Radish - Another root vegetable that's crisp, allowing you to sink your teeth into it.
Turnip - A rather dull looking vegetable, but turnips gives strength to soups, stews, and you.
Zucchini - Similar to a cucumber.

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Magic Potion, Love Potion4

Here’s another love potion for you. I got this formula from my mother who also learned it from her father who was an herbalist back when he’s still alive.

Ingredients:

• Payang-payang gubat roots (Mongoose Plant)
• Alagau roots-those found only where the forest foliage is thick or on the foot of a mountain
• The stem of a kind of Bali-bali plant found in the forest
• Roots of a forest Eucalyptus
• Manunggal bark and roots
• Tagpong-gubat leaves and roots
• Kalingag roots
• and a few more roots from trees whose description I can't find in the internet

This is a collection of rare roots from the forest. Take only small amounts of the roots. Mix in all of the ingredients, and place it in a small container, which is filled with coconut oil (note: "not virgin coconut oil"), that you can place in your pocket or in any small corners. Heed this warning: This mixture is not meant to be drunk!!! You only wear it with you when you want it to take effect. The effect of this potion is simple. You easily please other people with your personality making them comfortable and at ease while talking to them.

With women, my mother recalled her father’s words; “Una mahuhuli mo yung ngiti, kasunod ang puso, tapos yung sa ibaba.” When translated in english it goes like; “First, you’ll catch a smile, next is the heart, and later that thing below.” You know what he meant by “below” right? Anyways, it’s an expression for “getting laid.” More than scoring with the opposite sex, the potion was also said to be good at business since you and your business will be much more appealing to your market. Take note that the potion won’t be able to take effect on some people. Be always aware, also, of its don'ts. The potion would lose its powers when you do one of the following:

• (If you’re a female) You touched the potion while having a menstrual period.
• You brought the potion in a funeral or touched it after visiting a funeral.
• You brought the potion near someone giving birth.
• You killed someone.
• You don’t regularly bring the potion to the forest where you took it.
• You don’t regularly pray over the potion.

With regards to bringing the potion to the forest, you should do it once a year during the Lenten week. Its purpose is to recharge the magical properties of the potion. The same applies to praying it over. Any prayer you know will do as long as you pray intimately and from your heart. The ingredients are hard to come by but if you’re really interested you’re always free to try.

Related Resource: Alternative Medecine in the Philippines

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