Love potions can take many shapes and forms from all over the globe. One such attainable “love potion’ is an Aphrodisiac, defined as an element that evokes or stimulates sexual desire, and used for centuries to aid in the act of a night of passion. The name comes from the Greek word aphrodisiac, pertaining to Aphrodite and sexual desire. Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and thus, aphrodisiacs are taken as a way to request help from her for all things involving love making.
Forget the usual chocolate and wine, we have curated a guide to the most powerful love elixirs used around the world.
by: Samantha Ibrahim
Pomegranates
Pomegranates have been a symbol of passion and temptation for thousands of years. It has been said that it was a pomegranate, and not an apple that tempted Eve to take a bite into, thus giving her and Adam a moment of lustful desire before being condemned out of paradise. The deep red color of the fruit triggers a sense of passion in a person when eaten. Pomegranates are native to Persia and are heavy in vitamins and antioxidants. It is also rich in vitamin C which aids in a woman’s fertility.
Its juices have been said to raise a man’s testosterone levels which prompts him to want sexual intercourse. The smell of a pomegranate also inspires sexual arousal, heat and lustful tendencies.
The Spanish Fly
The Spanish Fly is a famous potion that goes back to the days of Ancient Rome; It’s a powder made from dried beetles. The beetles contain a chemical called cantharidin, so when it passes through a male or female body, it tends to ‘tingle’ the groin area and increases blood flow in those areas. The powder creates sort of a tingle that brings on a more ecstatic orgasm for both men and women. It accelerates the libido that strengthens the overall sex drive. But be warned lovers: too much can cause damage to vital organs.
Truffles
Since the times of ancient Greece and Rome, truffles are one of the world’s finest aphrodisiacs.They contain a high concentration of protein and amino acids which make the heart beat faster. Their scent and taste are alluring as well as their rarity. The scent of truffles is similar to male pheromones. Napoleon Bonaparte are truffles to increase his masculine potency.
Cobra Blood
In many parts of Asia, cobra blood is a powerful aphrodisiac that is known to drive senses wild. The blood is mixed with alcoholic drinks like wine and vodka to neutralize the toxins still left in the cobra. Herbs are added to the serpent’s blood to increase its sexual power. The cobra blood and alcohol cocktail must be left to age for months before any sexual encounter for better results. The mix is said to also have a sexual revitalizing effect that can create a so-called “pants-tightening effect.” This means that by drinking the blood, it can cause a larger erection in males; thus creating a better sexual experience for both.
Blowfish
The Japanese have used this next method of seduction for more than a few centuries. The blowfish or fugu, is an aphrodisiac that if not prepared properly, can actually be highly toxic and dangerous. When ingested, the fugu leaves a tingling sensation on diners’ tongues, cheeks and lips. It gets the blood pumping and in a few minutes and increases erotic arousal.
Ginseng
The Chinese believe that ginseng increases sexual performance by increasing mental stimulation. It lowers the risk of erectile dysfunction in males which leads to a healthy and a more productive sex life. Studies have shown that after eating ginseng infused recipes or simply the root itself, men and women soon experience a warm and pleasurable feeling after chewing.
Licorice
Many don’t like the taste of licorice as it has always been the last thing to be eaten at the candy store. But for some, licorice has become a new way to experience sexual pleasure. This unusual aphrodisiac has been shown to increase the need for sex by simply smelling and eating it. The smell awakens sexual arousal in both males and females. This food goes back a few millennium when the Egyptians and the Hindus ate licorice for stronger sexier time with their consorts. Those licorice whips increase performance and stamina which are both key players in the game of love.
-SI