Old Pueblo Almanac

With the advent of Valentine’s Day, I was invited a while back to participate in a discussion of
aphrodisiacs for an article in the local paper. What follows is a summary of some of my
gleanings.

The term aphrodisiac comes from Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love.

The best aphrodisiac is your mind.

Over the years dozens of substances have been used. If they have an actual physiologic effect, it
is often due to an irritating effect on the urethra or a vasodilating effect, bringing blood to the
skin surface. Interpreting these sensations as sensual depends on the amount of the substance, the
individual associations with that substance, the setting and mood.

More is not necessarily better. Too much of a good thing can not only be painful, but can also be
dangerous. Don’t try the more exotic of these at home.

1) Mandrake is a biblical herb used by Leah to bribe her sister Rachel so that she could sleep
with Rachel’s husband Jacob, and give him a son. The biblical herb is presumed to be
Mandragora officinarum or European Mandrake; which has been used traditionally as a pain
remedy and anesthetic- it is presumed to be the concoction that Socrates was made to drink to
kill himself (yeah, yeah I know, hemlock), and in larger doses can have far reaching toxic effects
on the body’s organs.

2) Spanish Fly is not made from a fly, but from dried parts of a blister beetle that cause a burning
sensation in the nether regions. Mostly it causes pain, and in larger doses it can cause priapism,
an erection that won’t go away and may needs surgical treatment, and kidney failure. Most
current renditions of supposed “Spanish Fly” are simply hot pepper, so you might as well save
your money and use Tabasco sauce, or have a nice dinner at a restaurant in South Tucson.
3) Damiana (Turnera spp.) is a popular herb used in Hispanic cultures for its aphrodisiac
qualities. It does contain some chemical compounds that mimic valium, causing relaxation
(which may or may not be helpful if you fall asleep), and probably works, like Spanish Fly, by
causing urethral irritation. In larger doses, it has been reported to cause hallucinations,
convulsions, vomiting, and liver toxicity. Very romantic.

4) Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestis) is a noxious weed found throughout the US. It is known
locally as goat’s head, bull head, caltrops, and that damn thorn that punched through my flip-
flops into my foot. It is getting a bit of notoriety lately as a testosterone supplement for building
muscles and increasing sexual potency. Keep in mind that testosterone, which makes men manly,
in small doses increases sexual desire in women, as well. Studies in humans have not shown
increased level of testosterone in humans, but rats and primates have demonstrated more active
sexual behavior under its influence (yes, scientists do study that).

5) Zestra, the “feminine arousal oil” has been getting a lot of buzz lately, mostly due to
advertising. It contains Borage and Evening primrose oil, Dong Quai (Angelica spp.), coleus, and
Vitamins C and E. The first two herbs contain omega -3 oils that may support nerve function.
Angelica is an Oriental herb considered to be the “women’s ginseng,” and has estrogen-like
properties. The buzz on-line is that about 50% of women believe it works great, and about 30%
said it didn’t do diddly…

Some more commonly available and less dangerous sensual substances include:
6) Garlic: Ezra, a Hebrew prophet and scribe in the 5th century, urged the Jewish people to go eat
garlic and multiply. Eastern European Jewish traditions held that the Sabbath, which started on
Friday night, was the time to make love-(a Mitzvah-a blessing from God), such that garlic was

commonly used to spice the Sabbath dinner. Rat studies show increase sperm count and testicular
size with garlic. Other studies show that garlic can reduce blood pressure and increase vascular
tone, a sort of mini-herbal Viagra.

7) Chocolate is a product of the Middle Americas, held in high esteem by the Aztecs, and more
recently tweaked in it chemical compositions by chocolate manufacturers in Europe. Montezuma
reportedly consumed several glasses of chocolate a day to build and maintain his personal power.
Theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine, was first thought to cause chocolate’s effects, but
more recent studies suggest that chocolate contains some unique fats that mimic cannabinoid
receptors (yes, that cannabis), that slow the breakdown of neurotransmitters and induce a good
feeling. As anyone can tell you, dark chocolate contains more of these unique chemicals than
milk chocolate. And it would be remiss not to mention that if you use M & Ms for their sensual
chocolate effects, young people will insist that the green ones are the best.

8)Alcohol decreases inhibition and causes relaxation; moderate alcohol (1 drink/day) can
increase testosterone levels in women. Used indiscriminately, alcohol “increases the desire, while
it diminishes the performance.” Moderation, indeed.

9) Honey: The term “honeymoon” reportedly comes from the Viking tradition of setting the
newlywed couple on an island by themselves with a supply of mead (fermented honey wine) for
a month (moon) with the expectation of activity that would lead to more little Vikings. Honey
contains trace amounts of boron and zinc, both critical to the production of testosterone, and
studies suggest that honey may help to block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Myself,
I’ll take mead.

10) Grapes: Grapes contain antioxidants that help support capillary structure and improve
vascular tone, increasing blood flow. Grapes have been shown to stimulate the production of
nitrous oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and may increase blood flow to the genital area. Not
to mention it can be fermented into wine…

11) Figs: an opened fig is considered by some cultures to represent the female sex organ, and is
viewed as a sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is
considered the ultimate sexual precursor in some cultures. We also note that it is the fig leaf
which covers the “naughty bits” in most classical paintings and sculpture.

12) Chili pepper: Chilies stimulate the blood vessel, causing flushing, heat, burning and
sweating, sensations associated with sensual activity. They also contain a fair amount of Vitamin
C with support capillary structure and may improve blood flow. We’re talking ingestion here,
folks, not rubbing on the skin. Yowch! The film, Chocolat, highlighted the melding of chocolate
and chili in a most sensual manner. Hot is hot, however, and moderation is recommended,
especially for beginners…

13) Other spices: Strong aromatic spices, such as rosemary, basil, oregano, stimulate the most
primitive part of the brain, and can be associated with (and therefore enhance) sensual activity.
Massage oils infused with aromatic herbs are warming and stimulating to the skin. Essential oils
should not, under any circumstances, be taken internally.

The effectiveness of an aphrodisiac has more to do with the association of the individual than to
any physiologic properties of the substance. If you think it is erotic, it probably is. If your partner
also thinks it is erotic, then let the games begin…
Happy Valentine’s Day!