No matter what country you are from, we can bet that there is an abundance of aphrodisiacs within your vicinity. They are lurking in your farms, blossoming in your forests, and blooming in your oceans. There is no denying that the word “aphrodisiac” has a certain ring to it. It kind of rolls off your tongue gracefully, as if it’s a word that’s trying to seduce you. Kind of like the goddess Aphrodite after which the term aphrodisiac was named.
Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty, known for being extremely attractive, having various flings with the other gods, and her impressive powers of seduction, making it appropriate that libido-increasing consumables should be named after her.
An aphrodisiac is commonly known as a “love drug.” A wide array of foods, drinks, and/or drugs found in nature are avaiable for you to increase your sex drive. Here are some aphrodisiacs from around the world.
Let’s look at a few foods that put you in the mood!
Cocoa beans
Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa beans come from four West African countries: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. However, the first record of cocoa beans being used as an aphrodisiac is by the Aztecs. Aztec emperor Montezuma was said to consume cocoa beans in large amounts to charge his sexual desires. Scientists now have the backing to prove that cocoa beans are magical in their own way. Cocoa beans contain two chemicals that can be credited for their aphrodisiac qualities. The first one is tryptophan, a building block of serotonin which is the chemical involved with sexual desire. The second is phenylethylamine, which is released in the brain when people fall in love.
West African Yohimbine Chai Latte
Yohimbine is an oil that comes from the West African Pausinystalia Yohimbine tree. For centuries African natives have turned this oil into tea which they used as a treatment for impotency and as an aphrodisiac. Yohimbine operates by blocking the blood vessel-constricting effects that adrenaline has on the nerves. The results are the smooth flowing of blood to the genitals, an elevated heart rate, and an increased blood pressure.
Indian Pomegranates
Rumored to be the real forbidden fruit, pomegranates are filled with antioxidants making them great for stimulating blood flow. This boost in blood flow increases genital sensitivity. Fun fact, pomegranates have been used to help treat erectile dysfunction.
Red hot chili pepper salsa
In the 1970s, the Peruvian government banned chili sauce from their prisons declaring it inappropriate for men “forced to live a limited lifestyle.” There is actually scientific proof behind the fact that chili peppers cause your body to mimic a state of arousal. Chili peppers stimulate the brain’s feel-good chemicals which are endorphins. Not only that, they speed up heart rate and make you all nice and sweaty. Isn’t that exactly how you feel when you’re ready to get it on?
Japanese and Chinese Gingko nuts
The Ginkgo Biloba tree is one of the oldest surviving plants in the world. Used for hundreds of years as a pleasure facilitator, gingko nuts and leaves are said to aid in stress and improve moods. Native to China and Japan, the leaves and nuts of the Gingko biloba tree are integral for improving the body’s circulatory system pumping blood flow to all the body’s major organs (wink wink).
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey, commonly known as ‘healing’ honey has been used for many different things ranging from treating acne to healing wounds. Derived from Manuka trees that grow almost exclusively in the East Cape region on New Zealand, Manuka honey is also an aphrodisiac. The word ‘honeymoon’ doesn’t exist by coincidence. Long ago in Scandinavian countries, an alcoholic drink made from honey was given to newlyweds. Honey contains boron which regulates estrogen and testosterone levels.
Iranian saffron
Cleopatra is said to have bathed in milk mixed with Kesar (Saffron) because ancient Egyptians believed in its aphrodisiac qualities. The Kamasutra also believed in saffron as an aphrodisiac, believing it to have a calming and soothing effect on men and women as well as a pleasing smell. Scientific research has also unveiled that saffron helps with sperm motility in men thus promoting male fertility.
Turkish cherries
Cherries basically do it all. They are packed with some crucial feel-good vitamins (A, C, and E), potassium, magnesium, folate, and iron. Cherries also have melatonin, an antioxidant to help regulate your heart. Never skip these on your next milkshake. On the topic of milkshakes, didn’t they help bring something to the yard?
Bahamian Conch
Just like oysters and many other fruits of the sea, conch is considered an aphrodisiac. One piece of conch, the “pistol” has become popular in the Bahamas so far as to be referred to as “Bahamian viagra." In addition to being high in lean protein, conch is a good source of calcium and iron making it great for a boost of energy.
Caribbean Irish moss
Irish moss is a type of sea herb found in the Caribbean used to make a traditional drink that is widely enjoyed. Seaweed boasts unexplored aphrodisiac potential and it is also low in fat and calories. It is rich in Vitamin B1 which aids in fatigue and depression, and also in vitamin B2 which aids in hormone production. But wait...there’s more. Seaweed contains iodine, selenium, soluble fiber and manganese, a mineral known to help maintain a healthy sex drive ;-)
So, there’s a little something for everyone out there. Valentine's day is over but who says you can’t decide when you want your valentine's day to be. Surprise your significant other with something you learned in this article. You’ll thank us later.