Cobra an Aphrodisiac

It is quite uncertain how and why it started; but it hasn’t gone unnoticed for many psychologists that most aphrodisiacs, especially from the east, are derived mostly from creatures that are either dangerous, or are so rare that it is difficult to come by. Because of these beliefs of power being drawn from the bellies of rare poisonous and fierce animals, it often lead to disastrous consequences such as lives sacrificed for obtaining such precious (and most often highly priced) elixirs, and the demise of a species hunted down to extinction. One such animal is the cobra. The more poisonous the species is, the more potent its aphrodisiac qualities. (Of course, it follows that the more powerful the effect is the more expensive, right?)

Drinking these serpents’ blood is the usual method to derive its aphrodisiac power. It is done by mixing the cobra’s blood with a strong alcoholic beverage. Most say, the alcohol serves as a neutralizer to kill the taste of the snake’s blood. Other ways include infusing a whole cobra into a jar or bottle filled with alcohol (such as whiskey, rice wine, etc) with several other herbs to add-up to the sexual revitalizing effect and left for several years or months to produce a certain aged brew that most believe would yield better results. Most often, to avoid unnecessary wastage of the animal, the body (beheaded and dripped-off of blood) is usually cooked into a tasty culinary delight. Another rare and crazier process of getting the libidinous magic out of the cobra is by mixing a pint, perhaps just a miniscule, of its venom to a an alcoholic beverage. Now that, my friend, I believe, will definitely injure if not kill you, instead of causing your snake to throb inside your pants.

There had been no scientific research conducted to provide an answer to the claims of cobra’s aphrodisiac powers but there has been an insightful thought that crossed my search for answers about this controversy:

“It is clear that the cobra toxin has a powerful effect on smooth muscle and vascular endothelium (the things that cause erections) ... initially, cobra venom has a very powerful relaxing effect (which could cause the corpus callosum to relax and trap blood in strategic reproductive areas). The initial relaxation/expansion is followed by an opposing, contracting effect.”

---aphrodisiology.com (from PubMed Reference)

Because of the “pants-tightening” characteristic of cobras most eastern nations believe in, it elevated snake farming, particularly that of cobras, to both an art and a profitable business for enterprising farmers. As with virtually all foods, a fresh product is considered best. It is common practice for some unscrupulous proprietors though to substitute other substances for cobra blood. It is probably best to insist that the blood be extracted while you watch.

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Soup No. 5

Soup No. 5, or Lanciao in the Visayan region of Philippines, is a soup whose primary ingredient is a bull’s dick. It is believed to be a very potent aphrodisiac similar to Viagra. These claims of course come from those who are regularly eating the soup dish.

To the unsuspecting eye or palette, Soup No. 5 may simply look and taste like a regular meat soup. And since it’s made with an animal’s loins, many people–mostly Filipino men–believe that they can take on the physical attributes of the consumed animal and swear by the soup as a libido enhancer.

Beef penis and testicles are washed and cleaned, then scalded in boiling water. The genitalia are then cut into pieces and set aside. Various other ingredients such as pork or chicken, ginger, and vegetables are combined in a stock pot with the beef penis and testicles, covered with enough water and simmered until tender. It is then seasoned with salt or pepper and served hot.

The genitals along with the meat were all chopped to innocuous, bite-sized pieces which make it easy to get over the fact that you’re consuming the beef’s “tenders.” Eating the peen and balls isn’t daunting at all since they are tender like cartilage, slightly spongy and gummy.

A google search about a bull's testicles nutrition fact would yield you this:

Serving Size: 100g (3.5oz)
Calories: 135
Protein: 26g
Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 375mg
Carbohydrates: 1g

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Ants in Pants, When Ants are Used as Aphrodisiac

Nope it’s not one of those Chinese controversies where millions of investors lost big money to a company that had a plan to produce aphrodisiacs from ants. Actually, there is a tradition of using ants as aphrodisiacs, and some science that suggest how it might actually have a real effect.

Ants have been widely used and very highly regarded in China as a tonic for over 3000 years. Ant has been referred to in a number of famous Chinese medicinal classics, including Li Shi Chen’s Ben Cao Gang Mu, where the great master praised ants as a superior tonic with excellent curative powers. It has been universally touted as a superb Liver and Kidney tonic of the highest order. Its name, which it received in ancient times, means "black horse." Imperial records indicate that numerous emperors and other noblemen have consumed ant tonics to promote sexuality and to increase longevity.

In Amazon, a rare delicacy involves the world’s largest species of ant. Hormigas Culonas are harvested in the Colombian Amazon by the Guane Indians, during the short rainy season between March and June. They are then toasted in a mud pot over an open fire by the Indians. The Guane Indians believe that these Ants have youth giving and aphrodisiac properties and they are often served as fertility giving marriage food during nuptial ceremonies.

During the middle ages, an Arab doctor named Saduck wrote that ants can be used as an aphrodiac. He believed that if you take one hundred large, black ants and macerate them for three weeks in half an ounce of light oil you can then use the solution to anoint the urethra orifice to accelerate erections.

One ant species that has been marketed well as an aphrodisiac is Polyrhachis Vicina Roger, commonly known as "Black Ant". It’s from China and the Chinese believed it has such excellent curative powers that it's various beneficial effects include: increased strength, energy, stamina, strengthens the nervous system, digestive functions, detoxification functions and muscular system, boosts mental and physical energy (one of the probable reason why they were easily scammed with the “Ant Aphrodisiac” controversy).

Tonics made from these black ants were widely consumed to promote strength, sexual vigor and as a powerful antiaging agent. It is considered a premium adaptogenic substance in the same ranks as Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Rhodiola, Schizandra, Cordyceps and Gynostemma, the adaptogenic superstars of traditinal Chinese medicine.

In traditional Chinese medicine, black ant tonic is widely believed to prevent common symptoms associated with aging, such as lumbago, memory loss, joint problems, fatigue, climacteric symptoms, cardiovascular disease, etc. Ant strengthens the entire Kidney system, including the sexual functions, skeletal structures and renal system. It also strengthens the nervous system, digestive functions, detoxification functions and muscular system. Therefore ant products have become extremely popular with middle aged and elderly consumers in Asia. Ants are being called the "forever young" nutritional supplement.

Several varieties of ants are used in traditional Chinese medicine, all with virtually the same attributes. These different varieties come from different regions in China. Each region claims that its ants are superior. Both black ants (primarily from southern and central China) and red ants (primarily from northeastern China) are used. Ants from high, pristine mountain ranges such as the Himalayas in southern China and Tibet, or the Changbai Mountains in northeastern China are considered the finest and most potent. Most of the tonic ants are large ants.

Ants are extremely rich in nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B12, D and E. An ant contains more than 42% protein and provides 8 essential amino acids. It contains enzymes and other active substances. The ATP in ants can provide energy directly to the human body. Ants are rich in more than 20 trace elements such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, and especially zinc.

Polyrachis, or this black ant, is particularly rich in zinc. Its zinc content is the highest among all known living organisms. Every gram of dried ants contains 180 mg. of zinc. This undoubtedly explains part of ant’s strong beneficial influence on sexuality, as zinc is a critical element in the human sexual function. Studies have shown that regular use of ant tonics can prevent and treat disorders associated with zinc deficiency, including senile cataract, night blindness, incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions (i.e. impotence, spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation in men and menorrhagia, frigidity and climacteric symptoms in women).

A unique set of aldehyde compounds found in all edible species of Polyrachis has been demonstrated to have a stronger tonic action than ginseng, and it has thus far been impossible to synthesize this chemical. These aldehydes compounds include geranicaldehyde (C10H16O) and formalindehyde (HCHO, C10H14O). It is believed to be a result of these and several similar aldehydes, as well as some other chemicals in ant, that give ants their enormous physical strength---and ultimately give the consumers of ant the well-established increase in strength and vitality.

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Spanish fly an Aphrodisiac

It’s not a fly from Spain. Neither is it a fly that buzzes Spanish. It's actually an emerald green beetle, commonly known as the blister beetle which is commonly used today for animal husbandry (animal mating particularly). The beetle is 15-22 mm long and 5-8 mm wide and is found on plants from the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) and Oleaceae (olive) families. Using it on animals incites the beasts to mate; it is for this reason that it was considered ages ago as a potent aphrodisiac.

The Spanish fly can be found in Spain but it certainly can also be found in other countries in the Mediterranean region, including Russia and some Asian countries. The reason it's known as the “blister beetle” is that when it feels threatened it secrets a caustic substance from its leg joints which, upon contact with human skin, causes irritation and can easily produce blisters. This colorless, odorless, crystalline substance is called cantharidin or cantharides. The traditional way of obtaining the cantharidin is not to collect or extract it in any way, but simply to gather beetles and to dry and crush them into a powder which will therefore contain cantharidin. The crushed powder of Spanish fly is of yellowish brown to brown-olive color with iridescent reflections, of disagreeable scent and bitter flavor.

The reason why it’s considered an aphrodisiac is because, once the beetle powder has been ingested, our body will excrete it in urine; and there, subsequently, it will irritate the urethral passages that leads to itching and swelling of genitals. In the early days, this swelling was mistaken for sexual arousal and gave rise to the belief that the powder had aphrodisiac qualities. In reality the swelling of the genitals is a result of serious inflammation and can be very painful, not pleasurable, and unfortunately the kidneys will suffer inflammation as well and may be permanently damaged. Today cantharidin is considered highly toxic and its presence in the body can result in severe gastrointestinal disturbances, sometimes leading to convulsions and even a coma that will further lead to death. It might have been successfully used as an aphrodisiac before since it was well documented as so (perhaps people back then loved it all swollen and irritated when making love); but considering the amount required is just a miniscule to be both harmful and aphrodisiac-like, and the difference between the effective dose and the harmful dose is quite narrow, why the hell should you play with it in the first place?

Its medical use dates back to descriptions from Hippocrates. Plasters made from wings of these beetles have been used to raise blisters. In ancient China, cantharides beetles were mixed with human dung, arsenic and wolfsbane to make the world's first recorded stink bomb. It is also one of the world’s most well-known aphrodisiacs. In Roman times, Livia, the scheming wife of Augustus Caesar, would slip it into food hoping to inspire her guests to some indiscretion with which she could later blackmail them. Henry IV (1050-1106) is known to have consumed Spanish fly at the risk of his health. In 1572, the famous French surgeon Ambroise Paré wrote an account of a man suffering from "the most frightful satyriasis" after having taken a potion composed of nettles and cantharides. In the 1670s, Spanish fly was mixed with dried moles and bat's blood for a love charm made by the black magician La Voisin. It was slipped into the food of Louis XIV to secure the king's lust for Madame de Montespan. In the 18th century cantharides became fashionable, known as pastilles Richelieu in France. Marquis de Sade is claimed to have given aniseed-flavored pastilles that were laced with Spanish fly to prostitutes at an orgy in 1772. Two of the prostitutes nearly lost their lives. He was sentenced to death for poisoning and sodomy, but later reprieved on appeal. In 1954 in London, Arthur Ford became infatuated with his office colleague, Betty Grant, and decided to give her and another female co-worker coconut bon bons which he laced with cantharidin powder. The women started vomiting blood within an hour and collapsed in extreme pain. The next day they died. He was later convicted and was sent to prison.

Cantharidin is extremely dangerous but the advertised products like "Herbal Spanish fly", "Mexican Spanish Fly", and "Spanish Fly Potions" are simply cayenne pepper in capsules, sometimes blended with the powder of ginseng, kelp, ginger or gotu kola. They are just substitutes to produce that spicy flavor for the palette, of course, and not to swell the genitals. The products with the name "Spanische Fliege (Spanish fly)" that are available in Germany is the one that contains the active cantharidin substance but represent no danger with a normal application since they are actually only a homeopathic dosage level, diluted to be effectively non-existent.

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Balut Aphrodisiac

Balut is a Filipino delicacy mostly described as FDE or fertilized duck egg. It is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly developed embryo inside; that is boiled and eaten in the shell. It is one of Asia’s delicacies for countries like Philippines, China, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The word “balut” probably came from the Malay word “balot” which means wrap, which describes this not so exotic food because you need to eat it from the shell.

Health Benefits

Although balut might not sound appealing if you haven't grown up with it, it does make a nutritious snack, high in protein and calcium. A serving of balut contain 188 calories, including 14 grams each of protein and fat, 2 milligrams of iron and 116 milligrams of calcium. Calories serve as our energy boosters. They help our bodies to work, our cells to live, and internal organs to function. Proteins on the other hand help our body to build and repair tissues. These are important building blocks of most of the important parts of our body like our bones, muscles, skin, blood, and cartilages. Each balut egg also contains Iron, which helps our body’s blood circulation and will make our body last through out the busy day. And last but not the least, calcium. Calcium plays a big role in strengthening our bones and teeth. Calcium also helps protect us from osteoporosis and cancer.

Unfortunately, duck egg is also rich in cholesterol. While chicken egg contains 213 mg of cholesterol, duck egg contains more than 250 mg of cholesterol. That’s a lot if you consider that experts recommend that normal adults ingest no more than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day. It’s this very same reason why doctors warn their patients with high-blood pressure to avoid this food as much as possible.

Aphrodisiac Properties

Filipino men regard it as a readily available source of much needed stamina for one hot bout in bed, simply because you can buy it almost anywhere on the streets. Filipinos believe it increases stamina and sex drive. There’s a folk saying that “balut is a cure to a feeble or shaky knee.” The knee represents the body’s energy level and constitution. Perhaps the aphrodisiac effect might be the result of consuming lots of calories, protein, calcium and cholesterol. Of course the claims about its virility boosting potency still remains part of the local lore and no studies regarding its authenticity are being done.

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The Best Aphrodisiac That Adds Happy Years to Your Life

Norman Cousins used this tool to recover from a serious illness. Savvy couples have used it to revive excitement in a relationship. Singles have used it to calm nerves and rev up enjoyment during dates. What is the free tool that can heal your body, increase intimacy, and prolong your life?

Laughter is the best aphrodisiac that also adds happy years to your life.

How?

The health benefits of laughter have been proven in plenty of scientific research. Laughter releases endorphins, the brain's feel-good chemicals, giving us a natural high. A belly laugh also reduces the stress hormone cortisol and boosts your immune system by almost 40%. A strong immune system helps you fight disease and stay healthy.

A hearty bout of laughter also stimulates circulation and gives your abdominal muscles a good workout. Good blood flow and fit muscles help you enjoy an active sex life throughout life.

I once worked on a film for television, directed by JoAnne Woodward who'd said, "Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but a man that can make you laugh everyday, ah, now THAT'S a real treat."

Joanne Woodward was happily married to Paul Newman for over 40 years until his recent death. I feel for her as she grieves the loss of their true love and daily laughter.

Since we know the health and happiness benefits of laughter, why aren't we all using this tool more often?

You may not feel like laughing when worries weigh you down in challenging times. Yet, this is when you need a big dose of laughter to lift your spirits. Researchers tell us that your body doesn't know the difference between genuine or faked laughter -- the health benefits are the same.

Should you fake it until you feel it?

It's definitely worth a try. Some spas now use laughter exercises to warm up a group as they bellow a hearty, "ho, ho, ho--ha, ha, ha," while they look in the eye of each person in the room. This faked laughter often leads to the real thing, stimulating a twinkle in the eye and a rosy glow in your cheeks.

If you can't find someone to laugh with or something to laugh about, you may be overlooking the greatest source of amusement--yourself. When you can laugh at your quirks instead of being self critical, you know a secret to a happy life.

Is laughter an aphrodisiac?

Who says sex has to be so serious? Humor is a secret of a happy love life. A playful attitude is sexy, when you leave your worries and inhibitions behind. Put-down humor is cruel--never a turn on for your partner.

You can spark up your romantic routine by telling an erotically-charged joke as foreplay or between caresses. There are books of hot jokes so you don't have to write them--only share your favorites to heat up your libido and lovemaking.

I suggest you find ways to use laughter to relieve stress, revive intimacy and rev up sexual vitality and happiness in your relationship.

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Licorice as an aphrodisiac

Licorice (or liquorice) is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, from which a sweet flavour can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume (related to beans and peas) and native to southern Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia where it grows wild. It is a herbaceous perennial, growing to 1 metre in height, with pinnate leaves about 7–15 centimetres (3–6 inches) long, with 9–17 leaflets. The flowers are 0.8–1.2 cm (1/3 to 1/2 inch) long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose inflorescence. The fruit is an oblong pod, 2–3 centimetres (about 1 inch) long, containing several seeds.

Licorice gets its name from the Greek glyks, meaning “sweet” and rhiza meaning “root”. It is the sweet tasting rhizomes (underground stems) and roots that are used as flavorings. Licorice is mentioned in the Hippocratic texts, and to the Romans, who made licorice extract as we do today. Ancient Chinese herbalists used licorice, distilling the root’s essence and prescribing it for a wide range of conditions. It was cultivated in England since the 16th century by Dominican monks in Pontefract, Yorkshire, where the confectionery trade began.

Licorice is popular in Italy, particularly in the South, in its natural form. The root of the plant is simply dug up, washed and chewed as mouth-freshener. Throughout Italy unsweetened liquorice is consumed in the form of small black pieces made only from 100% pure liquorice extract; the taste is bitter and intense. Dried liquorice root can be chewed as a sweet.

Licorice is more well-known, perhaps, as a confectionery flavoring. It is usually found in a wide variety of liquorice candies. The most popular in the United Kingdom are very sweet "Liquorice allsorts" and “Pontefract” cakes. Additionally, liquorice is found in some soft drinks (such as root beer), and is in some herbal teas where it provides a sweet aftertaste. The flavour is common in medicines to disguise unpleasant flavors.

Licorice has also been known for its medicinal properties. Roman legions considered licorice an indispensable ration for their long grueling campaigns. It was said soldiers could go up to 10 days without eating or drinking as the licorice properties helped to build stamina and energy, which relieved both hunger and thirst.

Ancient Chinese used their related Chinese Licorice (G. uralensis) extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, although their licorice contains extracts that are in much greater concentration. (Ordinary licorice extracts are 50 times sweeter than sugar.)

Ten different bio-flavonoids have been found in licorice; hence it helps cleanse the colon, supports lung health, and promotes adrenal gland function. Licorice is a common ingredient in throat-soothing herbal supplements. Its natural sweetness makes it a favorite flavor in herbal teas and many food products. Herbal preparations containing Licorice Root are used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, lower acid levels and coat the stomach wall with a protective gel. Rarely used alone, Licorice is a common component of many herbal teas as a mild laxative, a diuretic, and for flatulence. It has also been known to relieve rheumatism and arthritis, regulate low blood sugar, and is effective for Addison's disease. The Root extract produces mild estrogenic effects, and it has proven useful in treating symptoms of menopause, regulating menstruation, and relieving menstrual cramps. Licorice may also be used for night sweats.

Licorice has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac; the Kamasutra and Ananga Ranga contain numerous recipes for increasing sexual vigor which include licorice; in ancient China, people used licorice to enhance love and lust. It is widely believed that chewing on bits of licorice root can enhance one’s sexual vigor.

Liquorice affects the body's endocrine system. It can lower the amount of serum testosterone which affects the amount of free testosterone.

According to research, its smell is particularly stimulating especially to women. Alan R. Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted a study that looked at how different smells stimulated sexual arousal. He found that the smell of black licorice increased the blood flow to the penis by 13 percent. When combined with the smell of doughnuts, that percentage jumped to 32. “Black licorice”, by the way, has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries.

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Balls on the Menu, Testicles as Aphrodisiac

"All testicles can be eaten - except human, of course."

That’s according to the Serbian chef named Erovic who just released the world’s first testicle cookbook. The Testicle Cookbook - Cooking With Balls includes author Ljubomir Erovic's favorite dishes, like testicle pizza and battered testicles.

"Wash testicles thoroughly for 30-45 minutes," begins the recipe for testicles pie. "Once softened, mince them in a mincer."

Erovic, 45, is self-taught in the art of testicle cuisine but his 20 years of "cooking with balls" make him a world authority in the field.

"The tastiest testicles in my opinion probably come from bulls, stallions or ostriches, although other people have their own favorites," he said.

Erovic also organizes the World Testicle Cooking Championship, held annually in Serbia since 2004. It draws in chefs from Australia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Norway and Serbia. One metric ton of testicles are prepared.

Testicles are rich in testosterone and they are believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac in countries such as Serbia and China. Of course, it’s not only limited to the “germ sack” but could also include the meaty male genitals. Asian cuisine is rich in such notably weird and exotic dishes which are typically consumed to gain better sexual prowess.

One piece of history worth mentioning involves such experimentations with folksy aphrodisiac beliefs just for pure sexual fervors. The French king Louis XV and his lover the Madame de Pompidour ate rams' testicles in the Palace of Versailles before nights of passion.

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Mustard is an aphrodisiac

Mustards are several plant species in the genera Brassica and Sinapis whose small mustard seeds are used as a spice and condiment also known as “mustard.” The seeds are also pressed to make mustard oil, and the edible leaves can be eaten as mustard greens.

The mustard condiment is a thick yellow or yellow-brown paste with a sharp taste that is prepared from the ground seeds of mustard plants (white or yellow mustard or Sinapis hirta, brown or Indian mustard or Brassica juncea, and black mustard or Brassica nigra), by mixing them with water, vinegar or other liquids, and adding ingredients such as flour. A strong mustard can cause the eyes to water, burn the palate and inflame the nasal passages. For this reason, mustard can be an acquired taste for some.

Mustard is the oldest condiment known to the human race, although no one knows for sure who first used it to flavor food. It is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt where seeds have been found in the tombs of the ancient pharaohs. Prepared mustard dates back to the Romans, who ground the seeds and mixed them with wine to create their own pasty blend of crude sauces. The spice was then spread throughout Europe via their conquering legions.

It was at first considered to be a medicinal plant rather than a culinary one. In the sixth century BC, Greek scientist, Pythagoras, used mustard as a remedy for scorpion stings. Later, Hippocrates utilized it in a variety of medicines and poultices. Mustard increases blood circulation, hence its use as a mustard plaster, which is a dressing used to bring increased blood flow to inflamed areas of the body. In the ancient world they were applied to "cure" toothaches and a number of other ailments.

The Romans most likely developed the prepared mustards we know today. They mixed unfermented grape juice, known as "must," with ground seeds (called sinapis) to form “mustum ardens,” or "burning must" (also “burning wine”). This is a reference to the spicy heat of the crushed mustard seeds mixed with grape juice.

Mustard, aside from being considered as medicinal, has also once been associated with superstition. The mustard seed is a prominent reference for those of the Christian faith, exemplifying something small and insignificant, which when planted, grows in strength and power. German folklore advises a bride to sew mustard seeds into the hem of her wedding dress to insure her dominance of the household. In Denmark and India, it is believed that spreading mustard seeds around the exterior of the home will keep out evil spirits. (If you add crushed garlic to the mixture, any vampire hiding out in your house will immediately fall down and die.)

Mustard is believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. In European history, mustard has long been considered a potent aphrodisiac. Throughout much of recorded time, monks were not permitted to ingest mustard for it was believed to lead the men of God down the path to temptation. The ancient Chinese also considered mustard an aphrodisiac due to its spicy hot taste.

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Truffles as an aphrodisiac

The true truffles are a group of several valuable and highly sought-after edible species of underground ascomycetes belonging to the fungal genus Tuber. All are ectomycorrhizal and are therefore found in close association with trees.

The ascoma (fruiting body) of truffles is highly prized as food. It has a smell similar to deep-fried sunflower seeds or walnuts, though not all people are able to catch the odor of this fungus. The water after soaking truffles can taste a bit like soy sauce. Brillat-Savarin called the truffle "the diamond of the kitchen" and praised its aphrodisiacal powers.

While the aphrodisiacal characteristics of truffles have not been established, it is still held in high esteem in traditional French, northern Italian and Istrian cooking, and in international haute cuisine.

Strictly speaking, the true truffles are those several species of the genus Tuber; however the term has been applied to several other genera of underground fungi around the world. These include the genera Terfezia and Tirmania of the family Terfeziaceae, known as the Desert truffles of Africa and the Middle East. The term "Hart's truffle" has been used to refer to Elaphomyces while "Bohemian truffle" has been used to describe Pisolithus tinctorius, which was historically eaten in parts of Germany.

True truffles form symbiotic relationships with several varieties of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, hazel and poplar, but cannot be found on maples or on cedars. They flourish throughout the fall, winter and spring, and can be found buried between the fallen leaves and twigs and the mineral soil.

Their growth beneath the earth's surface is thought to be an adaptation to forest fires, drought, or severe cold, where the mushrooms on the surface of the soil are more prone to getting destroyed.

The origin of the word truffle appears to lie in the Latin term tuber, meaning "lump" or "truffle", which early on became tufer- and gave rise to the various European terms: French Truffe, Spanish Trufa, German Trüffel and Dutch Truffel. Interestingly the Italian tartufo and Piedmontese tartifla suggest an affinity with the German Kartoffel "potato".

---Wikipedia

For as long as truffles have been collected -- nearly 4,000 years -- they have held us in their spell. Their extravagant history as inducers of romance and as the pinnacle of haute cuisine began when the ancients attributed them with magical powers. Not knowing what to make of them, sages identified truffles as calluses of the earth, the product of lightening striking the ground, the children of the gods, or things that grew from the spit of witches.

Babylonian royals were partial to truffles wrapped in papyrus and roasted in ashes. The chefs of Egyptian pharaohs embellished dishes with them. They won rave reviews from the likes of Pythagoras and Theophrastus.

But “truffle-mania” really took off when the Greeks introduced them to the Romans, Cicero, Pliny, and Plutarch classified them as aphrodisiacs, inspiring their country men, characteristically, to take pleasures to extremes.

It is narrated in Sahih Muslim (sayings of Muhammad) that Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said 'Truffles are (a kind of) 'Manna' which Allah (Arabic, God), the Exalted the Majestic, sent to the people of Israel through [Moses], and its juice is a medicine for the eyes.
-Sahih Muslim, Book 23, Chapter 27, Hadiths5084-5089.

The fall of Roman civilization prompted the tubers' near oblivion from historical records for 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages, truffles were rarely used and monks were prohibited from eating truffles because it was probably considered satanic possessing the power to make them forget their calling and get "hot under the frock" for medieval maidens.

The long embargo on the forbidden fungi ceased with the Renaissance. François I surrendered to their charms and made them a favorite delicacy at sumptuous banquets at Fontainebleau. Louis XIV commissioned the first research devoted to cultivating them. Truffles were very popular in Paris markets in the 1780s, imported seasonally from truffle grounds, where peasants had long enjoyed their secret. They were so expensive they appeared only at the dinner tables of great nobles —and kept women. The greatest delicacy was a truffled turkey. But not until the early 1800s, when Brillat-Savarin, a brilliant gastronome, spread the word that truffles should be cooked for their own gastronomical merits, did they get the attention they deserved:

"Truffle. As soon as the word is spoken, it awakens lustful and erotic memories among the skirt-wearing sex and erotic and lustful memories among the beard-wearing sex. This honorable parallelism comes not only from the fact that this esteemed tuber is delicious, but also because it is still believed to bring about potency, the exercise of which brings sweet pleasure."

Jean-Anthelme Savarin, 1825

The dawn of the golden age of the truffle -- when annual production reached almost 2,000 tons in the late 19th century and Périgoridans gorged on the tubers as if they were turnips-soon faded to dusk. World War I took the lives of so many peasants that survivors had to turn their attention from truffles to staple crops. By World War II, yearly harvests had plunged to 400 tons. A postwar exodus from the country side left most truffières derelict. Production hit bottom in the 1960s.

It has been said that the truffle is not exactly an aphrodisiac, but it tends to make women more tender and men more likeable. The appeal of truffles is undeniable. These mysterious mushrooms are as elusive as they are captivating, hunted in the foggy mornings, as trufficulteurs delve deeply into the dark forest in the silence of the frosty winter dawns. There is something unquestionably exotic and seductive about the truffle, and for many centuries – and even today- it was attributed aphrodisiac qualities. In the highest of social circles, gourmet truffles were highly coveted and consumed to enhance the amorous experience; even the great Napoleon submitted its sensuous charms, as well as the infamous Marquis de Sade, who fed it to his paramours to entice them into the throes of passion. In Renaissance Italy, it was rumored that Lucrezia Borgia and Catarina de Medici were downright addicted to the victual.

These days, science has helped shed some light (albeit if somewhat diminishing the mystique) over the intensely erotic status of gourmet truffles, which also helps explain why traditionally boars have been the man’s best friend in the search of truffles. Truffles contain alpha-androstenol, the equivalent of boar’s pheromones, which appears to attract the animal to the mushroom, indicating truffle-hunters as to the location (today the weight of the boar limits its use in modern “truffi-culture”, so highly-trained dogs are used). Pheromones are also found in humans – our bodies release them during perspiration, contributing to the musky scent of body odor, and are intricately related to physical attraction and arousal, thereby explaining somewhat the truffle’s erotic reputation. However magical and sensual it might seem, the truffle has other positive and even therapeutic characteristics. It is very nutritious, and low in fat. It is composed mainly of water, and has a high protein and mineral content (including calcium and magnesium). So it’s delicious, and good for you!

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Placebo Aphrodisiac

This post was guest blogged by Donna Turner, who writes about erotic stories, sex advice, and sex toys at Shop Sex Toys Online. Get the best sex toys at The AdultToyShoppe.

If you want to try something fun, then collect all the aphrodisiac foods that you can and share them together. What will happen to your sex drive? Does slurping oysters really enhance the mood and increase your sex drive? We are about to find out!

Aphrodisiacs originated from a few known places, the first was back in the days of Greek mythology, the reason behind the sexual enhancement brought on by aphrodisiacs that at that time is that food was at times scarce. Full and complete nutrition is a basic need for life and once this need was met, then a person could focus on other needs, hence sex. Also a mal-nourished body has no libido, so a fully nourished body is more likely to want to engage in sex whereas a hungry body will focus on filling the belly! This basic need for human survival is another reason that foods are considered aphrodisiacs. It's all about satisfying the basic needs and then reproduction comes after.

Fast forward to the modern day, famine is no longer a threat and our bodies tend to be over-nourished, not undernourished! What place do aphrodisiacs have now? Modern day science suggests that there are a couple of main traits given to a food that classifies them as aphrodisiacs:

First, is the resemblance of human genitalia, hence the oyster, however I personally find this a far stretch and cannot see how looking at an oyster can bring on the slightest hint of sexual
attraction or a libido increase!

The second aspect classifying a certain food as an aphrodisiac is foods that increase the blood flow, for example spicy foods. An increased blood flow is a side-effect of sexual arousal, a natural response to a heightened sexual environment.

One of the most effective aphrodisiacs is sex toys, but that's a whole different topic all together, sexual enhancing products are just as much an aphrodisiac as a bubble bath filled with rose petals however some people might not like the idea and for them, it will not be as much as a mood enhancer as it will be for the next person. Personal taste definitely comes into consideration when we speak of aphrodisiacs and sexual attraction and mood.

There are many other aphrodisiacs such as pheromones and even certain drugs however again no proof exists about these aphrodisiacs. At this point, it seems to be a placebo. We cannot completely disregard the power of the placebo, after all, major drug companies have studied the effect of drugs on two groups of people and often the placebo group demonstrates the same results as the actual drug-using group. Interesting how the placebo effect plays on our minds!

Even if there is no proof of an aphrodisiac working, let's continue to use them simply for the placebo effect. Spray on pheromones, get a rabbit vibrator for yourself, light candles around the room, dress in sexy lingerie and eat oysters! So try the aphrodisiac foods, it may not increase the passion, but it may lead to some laughter and a very fun and playful night. If this is is what it accomplishes, then in fact it has increased the mood! Now enjoy your memorable night for you and your partner, after all, you have been entranced under the spell of the mysterious power of the aphrodisiac!

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Wine as an aphrodisiac

Wine is an alcoholic drink and can give beneficial effects to the body, especially its anti-aging properties, but did you know that it’s an aphrodisiac as well. Many substances have been said to induce sexual desires as well as to enhance intercourse. The use of alcoholic beverages is one of the most ancient forms of libido stimulation and it is still one of the most widely used aphrodisiacs worldwide. Wine is one of them.

Drinking wine can be an amazingly erotic experience, enhancing a romantic interlude by relaxing our bodies and stimulating our senses. Alone, it adds a sophisticated “sex appeal” to social events and personal meals. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid, caress the glass, and savor the taste on your lips. Pair it up with many of the classic “love foods” and your night will surely sizzle, but watch out the intake. Drink more than the right dose and your sizzling night will fizzle in dismay. It makes you too drowsy thus ugly.

So what does wine do to one’s libido?

Wine relaxes people’s thoughts. A moderate quantity of wine reduces anxiety hence releasing their inhibitions. Having a drink or two will help men get over their shyness and facilitate approaching women.

Aside from one’s inhibitions, wine can also calm the mood helping a nervous lover get rid of a stuttering jaw or flighty feet and have freedom to express his sexual feelings. Whether you are in a relationship or at a club looking for a one-night stand, if you are looking to spice things up, try loosening up with a drink or two and let your backbone slide. It will simply bring down barriers that one would normally not cross.

Of course, wine does not only affect men but women as well. Studies published from the 1994 British scientific journal, Nature, have claimed that the intake of alcohol can increase the levels of libido in women. According to this research, alcohol raises the testosterone level of women, which coincidently entices those who lack sexual interest and desire. According to Dr. Weil, "additional small amounts can dramatically increase the libido. For women who lack sexual interest and desire, the treatment can be life-changing."

To enhance the aphrodisiac effects of wine, I mentioned something about “love foods” earlier. These are: Asparagus, Avocado, Basil, Chiles, Chocolate, Honey, Oyster, and Strawberries.

Port wine is said to be one of the most aphrodisiac alcoholic beverages around. This drink, which originated in Portugal, is said to promote lovemaking especially when served with strawberries. White port wine appears to have more aphrodisiac properties instead of the red variety. Classic wine aphrodisiacs include additional spices to become effective. For instance, red Burgundy wine mixed with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and sugar is known as Hippocras' Aphrodisiac.

Discovering ways to make wines more fruitful, spicy, or seductive can also help us uncover new secrets to seduction. Whether making wine or love, exotic layers add a wave of sensuality to the whole experience. The taste of the wine, the bouquet, the tang on the tongue and the soothing reactions that wine inspires makes it such a fabulous drink for romance. Carefully crafted wine combinations can turn this magnificent experience into something truly magical. Many ancient aphrodisiac wine recipes are tightly interwoven with myth. During the 17th century, a strengthening aphrodisiac was created from adding cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary and thyme in wine and allowing it to rest for a week before straining. The resulting spiced wine was drunk each day to enhance sexual prowess.

Aphrodisiac Wine Recipes:

Citrus Spice
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine or white wine (Your favorite brand)
• 2 drops sweet orange essential oil (Sweet, fresh and fruity, this oil warms the heart. Its popular scent is lively yet calming. It's cleansing and may help eliminate toxins from the body. It has a clean, sweet citrus taste.)
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil (Sweet and stimulating, cinnamon can increase blood flow. Cinnamon is a classic aphrodisiac spice. Using the essential oil is a high-concentrate way of adding the essence of the spice without the mess and bulk of using the entire herb. The scent of cinnamon can be powerfully attractive to both men and women. Cinnamon oils contribute to a wonderful aftertaste in wines.)
• 1 drop nutmeg essential oil (In mythology, this oil has been recommended for blends to add physical and metaphysical energy as well as clairvoyance. In aromatherapy, it has been used to lift fatigue and is thought to work as an antioxidant. Its scent is warm and exotic and is considered to have aphrodisiac properties. Arabs have long valued nutmeg for its aphrodisiac and medicinal effects. Nutmeg has slight narcotic and hallucinogenic properties. This is not to be exploited. Eating as little as one whole nutmeg can be deadly. Do not add more than one drop of nutmeg to this recipe.)

Preparation:
Add all ingredients to the wine. Let it sit for at least 24 hours for the oils to marry, after which it is ready to be imbibed with your lover.

White Wonder
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine (Your favorite brand)
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid honey (Many early Egyptian medicines contained honey to help cure both sterility and impotence. Mead [an alcoholic drink made from honey] was commonly used in medieval times by men looking to seduce maidens. It was also consumed by lovers on their honeymoon to sweeten the marriage. Honey not only dresses up this drink, but gives it an aphrodisiac kick. Honey is rich in B vitamins and amino acids. This sweet, sticky substance is fun to work with. It can be messy, but you can find ways to enjoy licking up the spills.)
• 3 drops vanilla essential oil (Vanilla is smooth, clean, and can act as a euphoric. The scent of vanilla alone is often enough to stimulate both the male and female libido. When consumed, vanilla - like chocolate - can aid the central nervous system. Its flavor is rich, sweet and comforting. It adds very soothing qualities to this blend, which can contribute to trust and enhance feelings of ease with your partner.)
• 1 drop rose essential oil (Flowers, being the reproductive organs of plants, are sexual in nature. Roses are the flowers which historically and culturally possess the most sexual power. Roses have been a cherished aphrodisiac since biblical times. They have been around for over 3,000 years, yet they still hold mystery. Roses have been extensively written about in poetry and prose. Nothing else tastes or smells quite like a rose. Its scent is deep, rich and floral. On the tongue, it tastes clean, smooth and surprisingly delicious.)

Preparation:
Add the liquid honey to the white wine. Warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Add each drop of essential oil. Mix. Take off heat. Pour in mugs and enjoy sipping with your partner.

Red Dream
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red (Your favorite brand)
• 1 drop rosemary essential oil (Rosemary is the herb of love and remembrance. The essential oil is recognized as an aphrodisiac. Its scent may help with memory and concentration. It has been said to strengthen both the brain and the nervous system. It adds a grounding flavor to this truly intoxicating blend.)
• 1 drop garden sage essential oil (In lore, this oil was used by the American Indians as a cleansing agent to banish evil spirits. Legend says that sage can bring about wisdom. It is fresh, clean and herbaceous. Its scent can help clear the mind, thus enhancing focus and concentration. It may help regulate the central nervous system, act as an anti-inflammatory and work as an anti-oxidant.)
• 2 drops lemon essential oil (Lemon oil can be extremely uplifting. It is sometimes employed to help fight infections during the cold and flu season and in the proper dosage, it may act as a restorative and general tonic. Its flavor is clean and refreshing.)
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil (Hot and sweet, cinnamon oil warms, stimulates and revives tired nerves. It is often used to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu. The scent of cinnamon has been noted to improve libido in both men and women. Cinnamon oil contributes a wonderful aftertaste in wines.)

Preparation:
Add all essential oils to the bottle of wine. Thoroughly mix. Once well-blended, immediately serve. However, it may be allowed to sit for 24 hours (in a dark cool place) to allow the flavors to marry. Or, better yet, drink some now and some later.

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Aspirin a Miracle Aphrodisiac

The study of more than 4,000 nurses showed that those who took aspirin - usually to prevent heart disease reported an increase in their libido by more than 50%.

According to resent research findings woman would become more aggressive prior to menstruation and more that 10% of the 4,000 nurses studied said they found ICU heart patients looked extremely attractive to them during normal rounds in their wards.

This is the first study to find that aspirin can significantly increase the libido in woman "If these findings are confirmed in other clinical trials, taking aspirin may become another simple, low-cost and relatively safe tool to help women with low sex drives.

A few women reported that the aspirin kept on falling out when they would stand up or jog and were not getting the reported benefit with increased aspirin consumption.

The research team studied 4,164 female registered nurses taking part in the Nurses' Health Study, an ongoing analysis of a wide range of health issues.

Women who took aspirin two to five days a week reported they got horny at least 2 times a day. Six to seven aspirins put this woman into frenzy. Most of the women had already been taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke but found the increased dose just drove them crazy.

But there was not enough data on these drugs to give a clear answer as to why the nurses got horny while attending patients in the heart ward. It was reported that one nurse had a heart attack after taking 2 aspirins and using a vibrator. However, researchers could not say if this was asymptomatic or just a blown fuse.

And aspirin can cause stomach bleeding so it should not be taken while woman menstruate


Original article from: www.thespoof.com

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