Aphrodisiacs

Of course, there’s more to life than that, that’s true. But let it be one of the finest side issues (no, not soccer): sex. Carnal love, lust, making love. There are dozens of other terms for it (Van Kooten and de Bie’s Klisjeemannetjes once came up with 23 in a sketch), but most of them are rather crude. And after all, this is a respectable website.

However trivial it may be, people love to indulge in those pleasures. That’s why they’ve been used since ancient times: aphrodisiacs. Substances that (supposedly) stimulate desire. The word “aphrodisiac” (singular: aphrodisiacum) is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of fertility and carnal love. Many “ordinary” foods are said to arouse desire. Who hasn’t heard of them? Asparagus, oysters, lobster… On Wikipedia, under the keyword “aphrodisiacs, ” in addition to many general stimulants (alcohol, cannabis), tomatoes, garlic, coffee, and eggs are also mentioned.

It’s a shame, but… the aphrodisiac effect of most of these substances has never been proven. After a Saturday breakfast of a tomato omelet and a cup of coffee—a highly libido-boosting combination according to the list above—most men tenderly use the sponge on their car instead of on their wife. If these remedies have any effect at all, it’s usually all in the mind: the placebo effect.

But some aphrodisiacs do actually have an effect. They increase desire, potency, or sexual pleasure. A well-known erection stimulant is L-arginine. This substance is found in nuts and soy, and in very high concentrations in a product like Ecstatic. Incidentally, the substance does more than just stimulate erections. It prevents aging, improves kidney function, and helps wounds heal faster.

It should come as no surprise that substances that relax the body can also increase desire. Inhibitions and anxiety can seriously hinder pleasure between the sheets. One remedy for anxiety and inhibitions is the herb damiana. This Mexican plant not only relaxes the muscles, it also promotes blood circulation in the genitals and restores balance to the female hormonal system.

There are more important things than sex. But a satisfying love life certainly helps.