This week we will discuss the exotic foods and spices humans have used for thousands of years to boost their libido and enhance their fertility.
An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, drug, scent, or device that can arouse or increase sexual desire or libido. It is named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty.
People have used items that they believed contained aphrodisiac properties for thousands of years.
Many ancient peoples believed in the so-called 'law of similarity', which means that an object resembling the genitalia may possess sexual powers. Ginseng, rhinoceros horn and oysters are three typical examples.
Aside from resemblance to sex organs, people throughout history have made aphrodisiac associations with animals that are known to be virile and prolific reproducers such as rabbits, tigers, goats and bulls.
The sex organs of these animals were eaten to achieve an aphrodisiac effect and/or to enhance sexual performance
Folklore
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the alleged sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact. In 1989, the agency declared that there is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work to treat sexual dysfunction and that they were ineffective and sometimes even dangerous. However, many people still use them to give their sex lives a boost.
Aphrodisiacs work in many ways. They may directly increase the physical desire to have sex, stimulate the strength and endurance of an erection in men, and increase lubrication and genital sensitivity in women. But there are very few substances that are scientifically proven to do this on a consistent basis. Most alleged aphrodisiacs act as tonics, increasing virility over time.
They may be classified in two principal groups:
Psycho-physiological (visual, tactile, olfactory and aural).
Internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions and medical preparations).
Aphrodisiac herbs and spices
The following supplements are used for their aphrodisiac effects
Chromium picolinate can be used to treat decreased libido.
Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiac) contains alkaloids that directly stimulate the nerves and organs. It has a long history of use as herbal medicine in Mexico, dating back to the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisations. In Jamaica, it is called Ram Goat Dash Along.
No cautions have been noted for the use of this herb, except an occasional slight laxative effect.
Deer Antler Velvet has been prized in Chinese medicine for its use as a sexual stimulant, as well as a tonic. A 2000-year-old silk scroll describes the use of deer antler as a remedy for more than50 illnesses.
It is considered one of the strongest 'yang' or 'male energy' tonics. Yang energy is an important aspect of sexuality and libido in both men and women, as well as a primary indicator of overall health, strength and vitality.
According to pharmacognosist Albert Leung, PhD, and Arkansas herbalist Steven Foster, the epimedium herb has been proven to improve the sexual function of male animals in experiments. It acts somewhat as an androgen (sex hormone) and might stimulate sexual desire in women who are androgen-deficient.
Fennel is reported to increase the libido of both male and female rats. Fennel has compounds that mimic the female hormone oestrogen. However, in doses greater than about a teaspoon, it can be toxic.
Ginseng is another well-known aphrodisiac. The word ginseng means 'man root', and the plant's reputation as an aphrodisiac probably arises from its marked similarity to the human body. Ginseng has been regarded as an invigorating and rejuvenating agent for centuries in China, Tibet, Korea, Indochina and India.
Ginseng use should be monitored by a physician in patients using warfarin, ticlopidine and other blood thinning medications because it may enhance the blood-thinning effects of these medications.
Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant that enhances circulation and increases the supply of oxygen to the brain and sexual organs.
Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) and Go-Qi-Zi have traditionally been used in China for thousands of years for their rejuvenating effects on sexuality and fertility.
Wolfberry is a small red berry which is dried and prepared as a tea. Scientific studies have found that polysaccharides found in wolfberry fruit protect both male and female sex organs from free radical damage.
Although adverse reactions are rare, there is one reported case of a possible interaction between warfarin and Lycium barbarum. It should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing because it contains betaine which may cause abortion.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous vegetable like kale and broccoli that grows in the Andes mountains in Peru. Native people dig up the root-like tuber and brew it into a strong drink. Both men and women partake of this brew shortly before going off in couples for connubial enjoyment.
Spanish fly is one of the most famous aphrodisiacs. It is made from a beetle that secretes an acid-like juice, called cantharidin, from its leg joints when threatened. Because it would be more difficult to remove the juice only, the entire beetle is dried and crushed to produce.
Sarsaparilla contains a testosterone-like substance that is effective in men.
Tribulus and maca have been dubbed the natural Viagra. Tribulus works by slightly increasing hormone levels, while maca strengthens semen and improves libido.
Vitamin B complex calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
Vitamin E is necessary for proper functioning of the reproduction system and glands.
Wild yam rejuvenates and gives vigour to lovemaking.
Dr Alverston Bailey is a medical doctor and immediate past president of the Medical Association of Jamaica. Send comments and questions to editorial@gleanerjm.com or fax 922-6223.
