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LOS ANGELES WEEKLY
May 2, 2003
For Men Only A Look at Love Potions and Other Amatory Stimulants By Linda LaRoche
Throughout
the ages men have eagerly swallowed substances considered to be
aphrodisiac, no matter how unappetizing. In an attempt to heighten
sexual potency, some bizarre things have been ingested: elephant tusks,
lion blood, bull testicles, tiger blood, rhinoceros horn, pig genitals,
ginseng, alcohol, mushrooms, onions, eels, oysters and marijuana. The word “aphrodisiac” derives from Aphrodite, Greek Goddess of love and desire who was herself
a gift from the sea. Not surprisingly, the sea is considered a rich source of aphrodisiacs. Also
polluting the mythical world she inhabited was Dionysus- god of wine
and fertility. His lovemaking exploits lent alcohol, with its
ability to loosen inhibitions and provoke amorous urges, the
aphrodisiac label as well. ♦A Love Lecture♦ Although
we live today in a world stripped of such classical myths, we can still
evoke beauty, desire and romance in order to consummate love. The
recipe for doing so entails three stages; desire, arousal and orgasm. Aphrodisiacs
can enhance stages one and two, but the last depends on how an
efficient functioning of bodily systems as well as the psychological
and emotional capacity to enjoy sex. Oils such as cedar wood and patchouli, and music running from the “Dance of the Seven Veils” to
rock and roll or romantic ballads can create a mood and awaken desire, evoking emotions conducive to lovemaking. Passion and food have also enjoyed a long-standing relationship. In his Memoirs of Jacques Casanova,
the famous lady’s man professes a predilection for oysters which he
felt increased his sexual prowess. A delicacy, oyster’s texture
and shape may conjure up sexual images, but it’s the zinc they contain
which may actually serve as the sexual stimulant, according to Michael
Tierra’s The Way of Herbs. Many
fruits, by their very sweetness, are considered aphrodisiacs. The
Chinese have long associated the banana, because of its shape and
creamy texture, the peach, with its succulent nectar and evocative
core, and strawberries with their bright redness, as visual and
physiological stimulants to passion. ♦Roots of the Matter♦
Certain
roots, vegetables and fruits are known as sexual stimulants simply
because of their resemblance to human genitals, according to Dr. Denis
Alvino, a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of oriental medicine. The
ginseng root, which is shaped like a man’s torso with two legs and two
arms, long ago convinced the Chinese of virility-enhancing qualities. An
ideal tonic herb, ginseng is considered king of all tonics. Blessed
with the balancing properties of yin and yang, it provides stimulation
to the entire body and elevates levels of testosterone, thereby stoking
the libido.
Alvino
says, “I recommend ginseng to my patients that complain of a low sex
drive because there are no side effects, as opposed to those prescribed
in western medicine that may cause irritability, dizziness and
aggression.” Alvino
suggests that a decrease in sexual drive may indicate problems
elsewhere in the mind or body. “The body is a total organism and
must be treated as such. Aphrodisiacs won’t hurt, but they won’t
cure a dysfunction,” he observes. Dr.
Ian Marsh, an osteopathic physician, views both the remedy and a
patients’ belief in it as critical factors in treatment.
“Aphrodisiacs have a placebo effect, since modern medicine aims at
placing something in the patients’ mouth,” he points out. “For
proper treatment, sexuality cannot be isolated. The beauty of
sexuality, along with love of the self, must be integrated for it to
normalize and balance”. In
Mexico, the herb damiana is commonly used in the treatment of men’s
impotence, premature ejaculation and prostrate ailments. The herb
contains alkaloids similar to caffeine which stimulates blood flow to
the genital area and increase sensitivity. Effective, safe
natural and widely used as a cereal crop Avena Sativa is the newest fad
to hit the alternative health market and is gaining popularity over
ginseng. How
potent is it? The Zag Group Nutriceutica CD ROM program considers
them one of the best methods for increasing strength of mind, spirit
and body. Oats are useful against debility and depression and are
effective in removing Cholesterol 3.
♦Folkloric Roots♦ Belief
of aphrodisiacs has its roots in folklore. A Chinese grain farmer
raised Koi, a type of carp found in the fish ponds of Asia, for the
Emperor’s festive occasions. He asked his son to feed the fish
with oats. When the boy came back requesting more food the father
was surprised. Expecting
to find the fish dead from over-eating; he discovered, instead,
hundreds of baby fish swimming in the pond. Something in the oats
caused the fish to breed more aggressively. Thus sown, the wild
oats became known as an aphrodisiac.
Whether
man is beginning to sow his oats, or has put his days of propagation
behind him, love is essential for sex to flourish. Although
aphrodisiacs reputed powers include physiological effects often akin to
the sex act or the first stages of love, the sheer joy of them can
accuser lovers to become more intimate.
But
when a man comes to understand that his sexuality is enhanced when he
gives from his heart, he immediately becomes aroused. With this
experience he begins to indulge his partner and his gift may be the
most erotic love potion yet. |
