Crescent Shadows On-Line Newsletter of the Hudson Valley Pagan Network, Inc.

...sexual desire in men and women is much more complicated than the mere hydraulics of erections...

Just what is a aphrodisiac? According to my dictionary, an aphrodisiac is a substance that excites sexual desire. After some reading, I have reached the conclusion that there are at least three relevant types of substances that are often considered aphrodisiacs. These include performance enhancing substances, such as Viagara or ginseng (lots more research out there on the guys than the gals, believe me) that have a physiological effect on the body. Foods that put you in the mood by either visual or aromal suggestion. And then there are the substances that lower our inhibitions.

For centuries...By the way, there are at least four great articles posted on the WebMD site with a more detailed discussion on this topic.

As I was saying...For centuries humans have been ingesting substances to enhance performance. Some aphrodisiacs work, by suggestion, because they resemble human genitalia - peaches and asparagus for example. Ah, the power of suggestion.

Various animal parts have been ingested because it was believed that the physical characteristics would transfer to sexual function. As a result, rhinoceros are nearly extinct because of the mistaken notion that ground rhino horn will enhance male performance. Tigers have suffered a similar demise. How on earth Asians figured that the gall bladders of bears would activate the hydraulics is beyond me.

Many native cultures in the new world have concoctions of ground bugs and herbs that do have similar chemical characteristics of Viagara, according to recent chemical analysis. If you're curious, Viagara works by creating or releasing nitric oxide (nitrous oxide is the stuff of laughing gas, it's a bit different) which relaxes the artery walls, thus alllowing increased flow and retention of blood in vital areas. Other compounds that have been studied seem to have a similar effect, that is they increase blood flow to the genital area of both men and women.

So that boosts performance, but what if you're just not in the mood?

Perhaps a bit of suggestion might help, either food or pictures. By the way, oysters are supposed to be one heck of an aphrodisiac, but some studies suggest that they really don't do anything to enhance performance or stimulate arrousal (and personally, I don't care for them so don't waste your money on my account). Oysters are, however, a great source of zinc. So back in the days when we didn't know about food pyramids, a big dose of minerals lacking from your diet would help, because, as more recent studies have shown, good physical health is important to a healthy libido.

Researchers at the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago have tested the arousal factor of a number of aromas on both men and women (I believe they looked at vaginal and penile blood flow as an objective measure, instead of a more subjective, personally reported, change in arousal). Interestingly, the most effective smells for men and women were not the same, although cinnamon, licorice and vanilla seemed to have significant affects for both. So, entice your mate with the smell of home cooking and the satisfaction of a good meal.

All of which just further convinces me that the best and most potent aphrodisiac of all is your mind. If you're not in the mood, it just isn't going to happen. But, oh you can help your mind along...

- be healthy and have fun, Susan

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Last Updated: September 24, 2002
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