Aphrodisiac

An aphrodisiac is an agent which causes the arousal of sexual desire. The name comes from the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite. Desire can be stimulated by a variety of events or situations (see sexual arousal), but this article focuses on foods and drugs to which an aphrodisiac effect has been attributed.

Related Topics:
Greek goddess - Aphrodite - Sexual arousal

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Newly introduced exotic fruits or vegetables often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar.

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• Eringoes (the Sea holly, Eryngium maritimum)
• Oysters
• Potatoes
• Spanish fly (Cantharidin)
• Tomatoes

Some aphrodisiacs appear to gain their reputation from the principles of sympathetic magic, e.g. oysters, due to their shape. This also explains the trade in the phallic-looking rhinoceros horn, which is endangering this animal. (See Carl Hiaasen's 1999 novel Sick Puppy.) Other animal-based aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the apparent virility or aggressiveness of the animal source - such as tiger penis - also endangering the species. The use of rhino horn and tiger penis to enhance male sexuality is popular among the Chinese (although no scientific basis has been established).

Related Topics:
Sympathetic magic - Rhinoceros - Carl Hiaasen - Sick Puppy - Tiger

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