"Bringing back the heat"

Are you low on sexual appetite? Is the room losing heat? Try the aphrodisiac diet.

Inspired by the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Aphrodite, aphrodisiacs supposedly stimulate sexual desire and arousal, enhance sex drive, and extend sexual energy and "performance". Aphrodisiacs, many still believe, are the key.

In recent times, it has been discovered that drugs which affect the pituitary gland can actually stimulate sexual activity—both in humans and animals. However, aphrodisiacs have existed as early as the Greeks.

At that time, basils, carrots, gladiolus roots, orchid bulbs, pistachio nuts, turnips, skink flesh (a type of lizard), and river snails were much valued as aphrodisiacs. These were even documented by the Greeks Pliny and Dioscordes in first century AD and by Paul of Aegina in the seventh century. And if they had “arousers”, the ancients also have “anti-arousers”; lentils, lettuces, water cresses, and water lilies were considered anaphrodisiacs, which decrease potency.

It is no coincidence that most aphrodisiacs are shaped like the male penis, female vagina, and even animal sex organs. This similarity seemed to strengthen the belief of primeval societies in the mind-blowing powers of aphrodisiacs.

The most famous aphrodisiac is the Spanish fly, which is made from ground-up beetles. Cantharidin, its active ingredient, irritates the bladder and urethra. This increases blood flow to the genitals and causes warm sensations.

In contemporary time, the magic of aphrodisiacs still work. Oysters, clams, and other seafood which look similar to sex organs are favored. The term “horny” is derived from the ground rhinoceros horn, another purported aphrodisiac. Raw bull’s testicles are also considered. Bananas, celery, asparagus, and other phallic foods are not only healthful but “excite-ful”, as well.

Because it looks like vaginal fluid, honey is in the list. Curries, chilies, and other spices and spicy foods—because they increase heartbeat and produce perspiration, which commonly occur during sex—are also believed to be good aphrodisiacs. Ginseng, strawberries, and champagne are all well-known aphrodisiacs. And—would you believe—chocolate, particularly green M&M’s are also considered sexual stimulant?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that no purported aphrodisiac has been scientifically proven as effective in meeting its claims. In most instances, most of them are even dangerous. For instance, the very popular Spanish fly can permanently scar urethral tissue and cause infection to the genitourinary tract. For men, intake can lead to an abnormally prolonged erection (called priapism), which can be permanent. For women, intake can lead to an inflated vulva and vagina, which can both be very painful. This notorious aphrodisiac can also be poisonous and even fatal when repeatedly used.

Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and barbiturates all lessen inhibition and/or elicit pleasurable sensations which could lead to feeling sexually aroused. Instead of this, sexual response is often decreased or even vanished. Dependency and other serious risks are possible. Since these products frequently impair people's judgment, people who take these are more vulnerable to sexual assault, either as the recipient or perpetrator.