Aphrodisiacs are substances or activities that increase sexual interest and desire. Many foods, herbs, and animal products have been used as aphrodisiacs throughout history, but their effectiveness is debated. Some, like rhino horn, put endangered animals at risk. The term comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Some classic examples include chocolate, oysters, and wine. Many believe aphrodisiacs work through the placebo effect.
An aphrodisiac is a substance or activity that is supposed to increase sexual interest and desire. Many substances throughout history have been used as aphrodisiacs, and some cultures have developed their own rituals, such as dances that showcase the beauty of the female form with the aim of arousing the public. The effectiveness of substances used in this way is a matter of debate, because few scientific studies have been done on them. Of greater concern is the problem that some, such as the rhino horn, are putting endangered animals at risk of extinction.
The term comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality and love. The Greeks referred to sexual pleasure as aphrodisia, so it stands to reason that a substance that enhances this experience would be given this name. Many modern foods associated with sexual interest have been used in this way since ancient times, demonstrating a nearly universal human interest in enhancing sexual experiences.
Many foods are considered aphrodisiacs, including some surprising foods like arugula, garlic, mustard greens, and asparagus. In some cultures, consumption of specific herbs is supposed to increase sexual desire, and many societies also prescribe animal products for this purpose. In some cases, these foods are examples of the so-called “sympathetic magic”, and are chosen based on their shape or the properties of the animals they come from. Tiger penises and rhino horn, for example, are used because these animals are virile and strong.
Some classic examples include chocolate, figs, aniseed, almonds, oysters, honey, vanilla, wine and truffles. Some of these foods clearly have psychoactive effects, as is the case with wine, and others have suggestive forms, such as figs. Many of these foods were also exotic and were expensive at one point in the cultures where they are used, suggesting displays of wealth and power could be sexually stimulating for some people. Many also have intoxicating and irresistible scents.
Fruits such as pineapples, bananas, and many berries are also used as aphrodisiacs, perhaps because they can be hand-fed in a taunt game. Many spices such as nutmeg and ginger are also used in this way, as they liven up a meal and any process that may follow. An amazing aphrodisiac is avocado; the Nahuatl word for the avocado tree is ahuacuatl, which means “tree of the testicles,” a reference to the striking shape of the avocados on the branch.
Many psychology students believe that aphrodisiacs actually work on the principle of the placebo effect. Essentially, people expect it to work, so they do. This is obviously not the case with some psychiatric drugs, however, which appear to induce states of euphoria and excitement even when the user is unaware that he or she has taken a drug. There’s no reason not to enjoy these foods on a date; most are delicious and quite healthy too, and finger foods can definitely set the mood.
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