Chilies, curries, and other spicy foods have been viewed as aphrodisiacs because their physiological effects--a raised heart rate and sometimes sweating--are similar to the physical reactions experienced during sex. And some foods were glorified as aphrodisiacs based on their rarity and mystery. While chocolate was once considered the ultimate aphrodisiac, the reputation wore off as it became commonly available.
Many ancient peoples believed in the so-called "law of similarity," reasoning that an object resembling genitalia may possess sexual powers. Ginseng, rhinoceros horn, and oysters are three classical examples. Because Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, many types of seafood have reputations as aphrodisiacs. Oysters are particularly esteemed as sex aids, possibly gaining their reputation at a time when their contribution of zinc to the nutritionally deficient diets of the day could improve overall health and so lead to an increased sexual activity.
A recent Italian visitor to the market stalls of a Turkish spice bazaar met aphrodisiac vendors at every turn. On closer inspection, these supposed love potions turned out to be mixes of common household spices: cloves, coriander, cumin. But when confronted, the salesmen barely missed a beat. "It's the combination!" they insisted. For thousands of years, people in every culture have sought a magical substance that could stir the embers of an ebbing libido. Scientists have generally pooh-poohed such notions. Now the arrival of the clinically proven impotence drug Viagra may have increased the allure of herbal aphrodisiacs. Many people, it seems, believe herbal remedies are safer than the drug. People who are afraid of Viagra take these things instead. Others want to avoid the embarrassment of asking for a prescription. Just how effective are these supposed aphrodisiacs? Most vendors can't cite much evidence to back up their claims. And some products touted for sexual problems can cause serious side effects. Still, a few supplements have shown tantalizing promise in preliminary studies.


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