Aphrodisiac definition: What Are Aphrodisiacs?
Aphrodisiacs are substances - usually foods, herbs or scents - that are said to trigger an increase in sexual desire and / or enhance sexual awareness, performance or pleasure.
The word Aphrodisiac comes from same root as Aphrodite, Greek Goddess of Love and Passion.
A scientific article classifies Aphrodisiacs into three types - those which affect Libido, potency or pleasure.
Note that in some countries, care must be taken with the use of the word "aphrodisiac"; in particular when specific claims are made about the properties of a product. Use of the term, in particular on product labeling, may be restricted to items for which official scientific / medical proof has been accepted. The term "aphrodisiac" is in these cases considered a medical claim; and this is one of the reasons why products on the marketplace may often be described in vague terminology, such as "Male enhancement formula". Obtaining medically accepted proof is typically expensive and time consuming - and this is one of the reasons why in general, "medical" claims are often not made about supplement products. (Note - the above is not legal advice.)
This web site investigates substances, in particular plants and herbs, about which there have been legends or reports of an aphrodisiac quality. We ask the question "Is X an aphrodisiac?" and attempt to form the best answer we can, drawing from historical sources, folklore, scientific literature and general information available online.
