Aphrodisiacs were first sought out to increase fertility and as a remedy for a variety of sexual anxieties including fears of inadequate performance. Procreation was an important moral and religious issue and aphrodisiacs were sought to insure both male and female potency.

Why Certain Foods?

In ancient times, a distinction was made between substances that increased fertility versus ones that simply increased sex drive. Food was not readily available as it is today, undernourishment creates a loss of libido and reduces fertility rates. Substances that “by nature” represent “seed or semen” such as bulbs, eggs, snails” were considered inherently to have sexual powers. Other types of foods were considered stimulating by their “physical resemblance to genitalia”.

Interesting to note that these foods were identified (documented) by the likes of Pliny and Dioscordes (ancient Greeks) first century AD and later by Paul of Aegina from the seventh century. Later more credence was given to foods that “satisfied dietary gratification”.

Other foods deemed to have aphrodisiac qualities were derived from mythology. Aphrodite, the love goddess was said to consider “sparrows” sacred because of their “amorous nature” and for that reason were included in her aphrodisiac brews.

There was not always agreement upon what foods were actually aphrodisiacs or “anaphrodisiacs” (decrease potency). But the ancient list included Anise, basil, carrot, salvia, gladiolus root, orchid bulbs, pistachio nuts, rocket (arugula), sage, sea fennel, turnips, skink flesh (a type of lizard) and river snails. If love is what you are after the ancients suggested you avoid dill, lentil, lettuce, watercress, rue, and water lily!

Foods List

Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses; It has been used as an aphrodisiac since ancient Greek and Roman times. They believed aniseed had special powers and sucking on the seeds would greatly increase desire.

Asparagus
Given its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. It is suggested that eating asparagus for three days will have the most powerful affect.

Almond
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages; the aroma is thought to induce passion in a woman

Arugula
Arugula or “rocket” seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D when it was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and combined with pine nuts and pistachios.

Asafetida
Any Indian dried, powdered herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicky flavor.

Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl which translated means “testicle tree”. The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male’s testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture.

Banana
The banana flower has a marvelous evocative shape, partially responsible for the popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac. An Islamic myth relates that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the “Apple” they covered their “nudity” with banana leaves rather than fig leaves. Practically, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

Basil (sweet basil)
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens)
The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility.

Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate as “nourishment of the Gods”. Chocolate contains more antioxidants than in red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two; try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat.

Carrots
Another good reason to eat carrots–believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.

Coffee
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but too much and it becomes a depressant. Drink small amounts of rich dark coffee. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind

Coriander (Cilantro seed)
The Arabian Nights, a tale that is over 1000 years old tells of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and was cured by a concoction that included coriander.

Fennel
In the 1930’s fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as a “libido enhancer”.

Figs
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as a sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act, be sure to eat with your fingers!

Garlic
The ‘heat’ in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together!

Ginger
Ginger root raw, cooked, or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system.

Honey
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their “Honeymoon” drank mead and it was thought to “sweeten” the marriage.

Liquorice (licorice)
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plant, glycrrhizin, is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to women.

Mustard
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.

Nutmeg
Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.

Oysters
Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating “giant oysters”. An additional hypothesis is that the oyster resembles the “female” genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

Pine Nuts
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Pineapple
Rich in vitamin C and included in homeopathic treatments for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

Raspberries and Strawberries
Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. “Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples”

Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Vanilla
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase desire. According to the Australian Orchid Society, “Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and  happiness.

Wine
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be a sensuous experience; allow your eyes to feast on the color of the liquid, caress the glass and savor the taste on your lips.