What are aphrodisiacs? And are they harmful?

“What Are Aphrodisiacs? And Are They Harmful?” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Have you ever heard of aphrodisiacs? It sounds like something exotic from a fairy tale, but it’s actually very real, and many people swear by them. Aphrodisiacs are substances said to increase sexual desire and performance. From ancient Egyptians to modern-day Casanovas, everyone seems to want to experiment a little with these seductive aids. But what exactly are they, and more importantly, can they be harmful?

The Greek goddess of love

Let’s start at the beginning. Aphrodisiacs come in many shapes and sizes. The word itself is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, which immediately lends it a romantic touch. These substances can range from foods and herbs to pills and drinks. Think of classic examples such as oysters, chocolate, and ginseng. But more obscure options like Spanish fly and yohimbe bark are also used for this purpose.

The culinary powers

Many aphrodisiacs can be found right in your kitchen. Oysters, for example, are famous for their libido-boosting properties. They’re rich in zinc, which helps with testosterone production. Chocolate, especially the dark kind, contains phenylethylamine and serotonin – substances that make you feel happy, which is obviously not a bad thing for a romantic evening.

Other kitchen heroes include honey, which is packed with B vitamins that stimulate testosterone, and garlic, which improves blood circulation thanks to allicin. So if you want to seduce your partner, you might want to try a dish with lots of garlic – though I would recommend an overdose of peppermint afterward!

Folic acid & bromelain enzyme

Did you know that asparagus is also an aphrodisiac? Asparagus contains folic acid, among other things, and this acid increases histamine production. This production is necessary to achieve an orgasm (for both men and women). One downside to eating asparagus: it gives semen (and urine) a nasty taste and smell. Perhaps avocado is a better alternative. Avocados also contain a lot of folic acid.

And have you heard that the aroma of almonds is said to increase passion in women? At least according to many poets and writers. Is it really true? Perhaps. Maybe it’s no coincidence that almonds have been a symbol of fertility throughout human history. By the way, did you know that eating bananas boosts male libido? This is supposedly due to the presence of bromelain in bananas. And here I was thinking it was because of the shape.

Don’t forget basil (arousing) and figs (a symbol of the female sex organs). I think you can make something pretty tasty out of all these ingredients.

The Dark Side

But not all that glitters is gold. There are also aphrodisiacs that can be downright dangerous. Spanish fly, for example, also known as cantharide, is a toxic substance that can cause blisters and, if ingested, can cause serious damage to your body. Despite these risks, it remains a notorious substance in the world of aphrodisiacs.

In addition to Spanish fly, there are also synthetic aphrodisiacs on the market that are questionable. These are often sold illegally and sometimes contain harmful substances that do more harm than good. Think of substances similar to Viagra but without the safety and quality testing. Using these substances can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attacks or permanent damage to the reproductive system.

Healthy Alternatives

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy options if you’d still like to give it a try. Ginseng is a popular natural aphrodisiac that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s considered an energy booster that can also give your libido a boost.

Maca root, also known as “Peruvian ginseng,” is another healthy choice. It is often praised for its ability to improve fertility and support sexual function. Studies suggest that maca can help improve sexual function in both men and women.

The Power of the Mind

And let’s not forget the power of the mind. The effectiveness of aphrodisiacs is often attributed to the placebo effect. If you believe that something improves your sex life, there’s a good chance you’ll experience it that way. Your mindset plays a major role in your sexual health. That’s why communication with your partner is important. Talking together about desires, expectations, and any concerns can make a big difference – often even more so than any aphrodisiac.

More information

The Risks of Spanish Fly
What are poppers? And are they harmful?
Safety & hygiene – Theme page

Source

Text & image: Mistress Moriah