Throughout history, men and women consumed aphrodisiacs for essentially two reasons: to increase fertility or to enhance performance.  According to its definition, an edible  aphrodisiac is a food, potion, or drug taken to stimulate and arouse sexual excitement.  Many people swear that these work; albeit, some better than others.  Critics say that the foods may have a placebo effect when it comes to enhancing sexual performance, but are not likely to be authentic love potions.

In the ancient world, many food items were seen as having sexual powers.  Not surprising, many of these foods sometimes resembled human genitalia.  Bulbs and eggs and other foods that may have appeared like a seed were often tried for their aphrodisiac properties.  Food was immensely popular to the ancients and its collection was linked to many aspects of life.  Poor nutrition was commonplace and could cause people to experience a drop in both fertility and libido.  Consequently, some foods that could stimulate energy could certainly be thought to have other stimulating effects.

If one is to judge an aphrodisiac by shape alone, it’s not shocking that asparagus tops many lists of sexually enhancing foods.  Asparagus, either boiled or steamed, and eaten for a period of three days is supposed to unlock hidden stores of sexual energy.  The fact that asparagus is also nutritious may make experimenting with it worth try.

Almonds have long been considered an amorous food.  Their shapes have long been compared to the eyes of beautiful eastern women.  In regard to sex, almonds are said to increase the power of fertility and enhance female passion.  Keeping a few on the nightstand is easy and almonds are also a nutritious snack; so, one way or another, you are likely to benefit by eating handful.

Translated, the Aztec name for avocado means “testicle tree,” so it is little wonder that avocados were eaten to increase desire and enhance sexual pleasure.  Like many fruits, avocados have a delicious texture that lends itself well to aphrodisiac lore.

The Aztecs were also some of the first chocolate connoisseurs and they were not shy about consuming it for its aphrodisiac benefits.  With more antioxidants than a glass of wine and a caffeine kick to boot, chocolate can provide a bit of a heady rush that lends itself well to the sex department.

Still, if a box of chocolates doesn’t work for her this Valentine’s Day, try offering a package of licorice.  The Chinese believed that licorice could stimulate lust in a woman and increase passion.  Licorice root has been used in folk medicines since ancient times.

Honey is a well-known aphrodisiac that has been used in potions, medicines, and cooking since ancient Egyptian times.  Honey is also a main ingredient in mead, an alcoholic beverage that was consumed in ancient times as well.  Medieval couples were known to drink mead on the wedding night to induce passion.

The Romans made oysters out to be popular aphrodisiacs.  Even today, many people are aware of this food’s amorous past and eat them accordingly.  Nutritious and full of protein, the Romans may not have valued these traits, but they believed that oysters and wine could lead a woman to lose her inhibitions and act with wanton abandon.

Vanilla—both the taste and smell—have been linked to sex over the centuries.  In fact, some studies by perfume companies have found that the scent chosen most often as a favorite among men and women was vanilla.  Add a touch of vanilla to coffee or a vanilla bean to champagne and you may have the makings of an erotic evening.

Perhaps less romantic than chocolate and vanilla, bananas and carrots (for obvious reasons) were also known aphrodisiacs.  Their suggestive shapes ranked them high on the list of aphrodisiacs and they have been eaten by various royal pairs from history in order to increase fertility.

Other important aphrodisiacs from history include fennel, coriander, garlic, figs, ginger, basil, broccoli, aniseed, strawberries, celery, squash, mustard, cinnamon, parsley, chili peppers, nutmeg, papaya, raspberries, caviar, crab, pomegranates, peaches, oats, mangoes, tomatoes, pistachio nuts, snails, turnips, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, and truffles.  Of course, these foods are easy enough to find in your local markets, but some cultures included more exotic edibles that will not likely top your grocery lists like a tiger’s testicles or a Spanish fly.

Keep in mind, just as the ancients suggested that some foods could powerfully enhance sex and fertility, they also believed that other types of food could greatly detract them.  Some of these include lettuce, rue, dill, and watercress.

It’s also interesting to note, that while there have been studies of drugs used to treat male impotence, there have been very few inquiries from modern science into the value of aphrodisiacs.  While disbelievers may scoff at their abilities to work wonders for our sex lives, others believe they have the ability to work sexual miracles.  Of course, since many taste great, are basically nutritious for you and far safer than illicit drugs like the notorious sex drug Ecstasy, it may not hurt to give some of these ancient love elixirs a try!

By J. A. Young