Throughout history mankind has searched for a magical recipe to help stimulate sexual desire. Indeed, the quest for aphrodisiacs has not ruled out the use of potions, liquors, pills, plants, herbs and fragrances-even certain types of meat have been associated with an intensified longing for sex. Countless consumables have fallen under this mysterious and enticing distinction, named after the Greek goddess Aphrodite, but practically none has actually shone through the cloud of skepticism placed upon them by modern science.

Indeed, science today has gleefully delivered the argument that there is really no empirical evidence pointing to a connection between these certain substances and an increased desire between a man and a woman to make love. But before examining a possible aphrodisiac that really does stand up to the test of science, it will be important to briefly survey the history of how mankind has made use of these supposed sexual “uppers” throughout the ages.

Oysters: The ancient love drug
Up till it could be sent inland over long distances, the oyster has long been the privilege only of those who dwell in coastal regions. Now accessible to nearly everyone, this seafood specialty has long been associated with an increase in sexual drive, or libido, among both of the sexes. It is speculated that among certain fables originating from coastal civilizations there are references to a general increase in sensuality connected to the use of this highly prized shellfish. There was, it seems, a certain level of ritual associated with the oyster’s preparation. Although the stories are sketchy on the details, it is thought that the men would wait outside the dining chamber while the women, draped in silk, would leisurely enjoy the well prepared dish. Then, after some hours had passed, the men would charge in and devour the remaining oysters, after which they would proceed to make ferocious love to the women in what amounted to be a massive group orgy.

However dubious as to the physical effects of the oyster being associated with increased libido, there seem to be a few reasons behind its designation as an aphrodisiac. While its shape resembles the female sexual organ, it is also associated with the invaluable pearl, also symbolic of avarice and the lust for wealth and power, emotions that are sometimes involved in sexual relations.

The phallic shape of aphrodisiacs
But the vast majority of substances crowned with the aphrodisiacal glory have not needed the pearl to be elevated to such a status; more helpful has been a similarity in shape and appearance to some sexual organ. Celery, asparagus, bananas, carrots and other penis-shaped foods have all been implicated, as well as honey-it resembles vaginal fluids-and the strawberry and champagne combination. (With a little imagination it is not difficult to pinpoint the origin of this sexually charged combination). In such cases wherein the appearance of the substance or substances seems to predetermine its aphrodisiacal qualities, an “all-in-the-mind” result, somewhat similar to the placebo effect, is most likely at work. Since scientific tests on all of these products have been performed to yield absolutely no connection between their consumption and a rise in one’s willingness to have sex, it seems likely that such aphrodisiacs have more to do with culture and ritual than they do with actual chemical reactions.

Beer, drugs, lowered inhibitions and the sexual conquest
Of course, the use of controlled substances has commonly been associated with and increased libido in both men and women. Probably the most widely used substance that in America, alcohol is known to reduce inhibitions and increase the probability of people engaging in sexual intercourse. Commonly referred to as “beer goggles” among today’s youth, the phenomenon of turning a normally unattractive person into someone desirable enough to sleep with is a classic aphrodisiacal effect. But while alcohol has been proven to cause an increased probability of sexual encounters, it has not been known to improve the physical act of sex. Indeed, studies show that there is a direct link between alcohol consumption and temporary impotence. Long-term alcohol users are also at a higher risk of developing chronic erectile dysfunction.

Marijuana is another candidate for the aphrodisiac club. The use of this drug increases sensory focus throughout the body, including the sexual organs. This means that normally pleasant sensations acquire an extra “feel-good” quality when someone is high. This can make sex incredibly pleasurable, although for many the hyperactivity of the mind tends to inhibit intimacy, reversing the sought for aphrodisiacal effects. Long-term side effects of marijuana usage may include sterility and hormonal complications.

Today a strange connection between some diet drugs and altered sexual appetites in women has also been noted. These can cause a total loss of or a dramatic increase in the female libido while in men they tend to result in impotence.

Yohimbe: The herb from down south
Although some scientists categorically dismiss the benefits of this herb, the use of Yohimbe as a sexual stimulant has been extremely popular. Yohimbe bark, taken from the Yohimbe tree that grows most abundantly in Africa, contains the active chemical yohimbine. For generations this bark has been used by African tribesmen and tribeswomen as a hallucinogen, pre-battle stimulant and antiseptic. More importantly, however, it was used as an aphrodisiac and also ingested to combat impotence.

As an herbal medication used also to treat erectile dysfunction, this product, taken orally in pill form, is known to affect the brain and cause an increased sexual drive in men. Because helping the libido is often the key to treating impotence, yohimbine has enjoyed success as a remedy to this common male sexual problem. In addition, despite the fact that some institutions speak against yohimbine, there is conclusive scientific evidence that reveals how this substance acts as an aphrodisiac. Studies have found that physical excitation increases greatly for those who have taken yohimbine, compared to those who did not take this substance.

It should be remembered that while the most popular anti-impotence drugs on the market affect the physical functionality of the erection process, they do nothing for the male libido. Yohimbine, on the other hand, improves circulation-a necessary element in erectile functioning-as well as sexual drive. Health food stores are likely to stock Yohimbe bark or its drug counterpart yohimbine. The Internet, also, is a sure way to find what you are looking for.