An agent that increases sexual activity and libido and/or improves sexual performance.
An herb that increases sexual inclination or function.
Substances thought to increase sexual desire as part of a cultural belief about sexual performance. There is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
A drug or food thought to arouse sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of physical love. Many substances are reported to be aphrodisiacs, but almost all have no such effect. Certain foods are reputed to be aphrodisiacs, such as asparagus, eggs, chilies, curries, and ginseng. Some substances with a supposed aphrodisiac effect actually change mood rather than increase desire and may, therefore, make a person less inhibited and more open to sexual stimulation. Alcohol and certain amphetamine like drugs are examples. One reputed aphrodisiac, known as Spanish fly or cantharidis, is a poison that burns the mouth and throat and can lead to serious infection of the urinary tract and even death. In some individuals, aphrodisiacs may appear to work simply because the person believes strongly that the substance has power. In recent years, injectable and oral medications medications have become available that produce erections in men who have had problems. These drugs are not actually aphrodisiacs, however, because they do not increase sexual desire; rather they overcome the physical problems that block erections.
Derived from the name of the Ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, a drug, a potion, or any other agent that is said to induce sexual potency in human beings, especially men. Sexual performance in men reaches a peak in late adolescence and from then on undergoes an inevitable steady decline throughout life. Consequently there has been an agelong search for substances to restore men’s youthful teenage vigor, but so far there is no evidence at all that any of the remedies are effective.
Although many drugs and foods are supposed to have an aphrodisiac effect, scientists have been unable to confirm that they work for everyone all the time. Because of this, they have dismissed most aphrodisiac stories as folklore. In fact, most materials popularly believed to enhance sexual desire actually depress it if taken in large amounts.
Aphrodisiacs are substances believed to stimulate sexual desire and improve sexual performance. They derive their name from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess associated with love, beauty, and fertility. Aphrodisiacs have been historically attributed with the ability to heighten erotic sensations and promote intimacy, drawing inspiration from the goddess of love herself.
Throughout history, numerous substances, including oysters and rhinoceros horn, have been widely regarded and utilized as aphrodisiacs. However, it is important to note that no substance has been scientifically proven to have a genuine aphrodisiac effect. Despite the longstanding cultural beliefs surrounding certain items, there is a lack of conclusive evidence supporting their efficacy in enhancing sexual desire or performance.
Any substance that enhances sexual desire or performance. These substances work by reducing inhibitory signals from the brain, as in the case of alcohol, by stimulating nerve centers in the spinal cord, as with strychnine, or by promoting congestion of the sexual organs. However, many of these substances are too hazardous for use, such as cantharidin, which can be a potent irritant if ingested and may lead to kidney problems. Yohimbine, extracted from the bark of an African tree and applied locally, can produce its effects within ten minutes by stimulating spinal cord nerve centers. Such drugs are employed to address sexual frigidity and impotence, although the majority of these cases, when not related to old age, are primarily rooted in psychological factors.