Do Aphrodisiacs work?
The subject of Aphrodisiacs has been one of the greatest controversies and debates throughout the ages - and there are still those who do not believe that foods or herbs can affect the libido. The jury is still out: It's amazing to note the enormous discrepancy in belief as to whether aphrodisiacs actually work.
So is it superstition or is it science? It's said by some that no aphrodisiac has been proven by science - but what does that really mean? If one investigates scientific literature, one can easily find papers (for example this one) in which herbal substances have shown marked aphrodisiac qualities in the lab. It would appear that there's plenty of scientific evidence that certain aphrodisiacs work. But the subject is highly charged - and part of the "reaction" from scientific quarters seems to be one of an assumption that anything herbal is based on superstition. And of course, safety is another factor entirely.
Some supposed aphrodisiacs, such as rhino horn - long believed in China to have aphrodisiac qualities - appear, to western minds, to fall under the category of pure superstition and auto-suggestion. Since ancient times, it has been believed in many tribal, animistic and pantheistic cultures that consuming parts of the body of animals noted for specific qualities, will confer those qualities - especially virility - upon the consumer. The scientific community claims that there is no actual scientific evidence that such substances produce an "actual aphrodisiac effect" - and that any such effects are merely psychological; caused by the mere suggestion or belief that the alleged aphrodisiac is going to confer increased sexual power.
We're not in favour of any threat to endangered species caused by the trade of their body parts; however is it really wise to discredit and dismiss without deep investigation the beliefs, knowledge and traditions of all indigenous cultures - possibly far more ancient and experienced than our own?
In recent years many discoveries have been made in the field of herbalism that have demonstrated that we are unwise to ignore ancient lore.
It turns out that it may just contain much wisdom after all.
legs - image © Alexander Oshvintsev - Fotolia.com
During the research undertaken to create this web site, I uncovered a large number of published scientific studies undertaken at many acclaimed medical facilities around the world, which demonstrated the aphrodisiac effects of a wide variety of herbs and other plants. Are the "aphrodisiac debunkers" going to attempt to tell me that all of these studies are fraudulent? It's almost as if they are saying "We have already decided that aphrodisiacs are a sham, therefore we are only going to accept the studies that successfully debunk them; anything else must be false, therefore we will ignore it." Such an attitude is not science!
There are many types of herb, foods and preparations from plant sources which are known affect the body and mind in various ways - and many different types of effect can be interpreted as aphrodisiac. Consumption of certain food substances may increase blood flow - including to the genitals. Certain foods contain vitamins and minerals which may assist or increase the production of sex hormones, sperm, neurotransmitters - and other bodily chemicals which may enhance the desire for, and the experience of sex. Certain foods and substances lead to feelings of enhanced energy and vitality. Certain foods affect the natural scent your body emits. Also, some foods can be intensely pleasurable to eat - and some of the sensations of eating and of sex are similar. Do these things count as aphrodisiac effects? It's not outside the bounds of possibility that certain things may have a real aphrodisiac effect.
However according to some scientific definitions, a true aphrodisiac must "create desire" - and therefore, they say, even modern chemical products which assist erectile function, are "not true aphrodisiacs". However if inability to maintain erection is leading to inhibition and loss of libido; and the product removes this inhibition, it might be said to increase arousal - by proxy, if you will - but what is the difference? The end result is the thing that really counts. Another example - it's known that fatigue can have a negative effect on libido. Eating healthy, vitamin-rich foods may give an energy boost, thus decreasing fatigue and increasing libido. Does that make them aphrodisiacs?
An arguably better scientific definition classifies Aphrodisiacs into three types - those which affect libido, potency or pleasure.
Arousal is often a highly complex process. Physical response can be triggered by many different things - touch, sight, smell, sounds, taste. Arousal is perhaps the only bodily response that can in theory be triggered by any of the senses. Arousal is part body, part mind. People can be aroused by being shown erotic pictures. There was no touch or chemical trigger, the physical response is generated completely by the mind. And yet in other cases, purely physical sensations of touch can be arousing. However, it seems that in many cases, arousal is triggered by the suggestion that physical stimuli place in the mind - and this is often partly based on association. In most cases, it seems that arousal is a complex process caused by a combination of stimuli - and is different for different people. Certain things may make it more likely - but can anything guarantee it?
So, where should we draw the line as to what is an aphrodisiac and what is not? It may be that the boundaries of the realm of Aphrodite may remain forever undefined. But the quest is on for the ultimate aphrodisiac formula. We think it's going to come from the world of herbs - what do you think?
If a certain food or scent leads to an enhanced love life, our humble opinion is that it should rightfully be considered an aphrodisiac. And if it has no harmful side effects, what's the problem? Whether eating a strawberry produces an actual direct chemical bodily response in a laboratory test, or whether the sensation of a succulent strawberry placed upon the lips of one's lover is arousing through a complex chain of stimulation of the senses and of the mind... if it turns you on, then whatever the mechanism, surely it is producing an aphrodisiac effect...
Have fun - and play safely!
