Whether you’re going away for an extra-special Valentines break or you’re planning on getting some red hot action in an exotic locale, there’s always a little something that can make the mood a little steamier.
But the things thought to be aphrodisiacs across the world can be a little bizarre at times, so be warned…
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Snakes
Well, it’s fairly obvious, isn’t it? It’s long, thin and spits occasionally – if the snake isn’t going to be adopted as an aphrodisiac, then nothing is.
The sexy serpentine powers are most highly regarded in Asia. In Thailand, snake farmers are highly respected members of society, and not just because the poor sods have to go and play with angry king cobras every day. A shot of snake blood is thought to be just the ticket for recharging the batteries and getting the general to stand to attention.
In China, while snakes are a regular feature on restaurant menus for much the same reason. Trying to eat one in a dignified manner must be like trying to eat a banana without sexual overtones, however.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Oysters
If snakes are considered aphrodisiacs because they look like the man bits, then the female equivalent may well be oysters. The oyster has been regarded as a libido booster since Roman times, and still is today in both the east and the west. Numerous research projects have proved that this assumption has no basis in fact, but the myth is still going strong.
There are oyster festivals all over the world – from Clayoquot, Canada to Galway, Ireland – and most are keen to promote the sinful virtues of the shellfish they celebrate. That said, at the Galway Oyster Festival the major aphrodisiac tends to be large amounts of alcohol.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Avocado
The slimy green fruit that some people mistakenly believe tastes nice is revered for its passion-inducing properties in Mexico. This dates back to the era of the Aztecs, when the avocado tree was known as “ahuacuatl”, or “testicle tree”.
This is probably a reference to the way the fruit hangs, but the Aztecs weren’t taking any chances. While the fruit was being harvested, young maidens had to be kept indoors. Quite right too – you never know what sort of funny ideas the little hussies may get.
Mexico is the world’s largest producer of avocados, and the slug-like green gunk is a major ingredient in Mexican cooking. But if you start getting frisky after dipping a Dorito in that guacamole dip, now you know why.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Deep fried tarantula
No – it’s not the latest thing on the menu in a Glaswegian fish and chip shop; it’s an allegedly traditional dish in Cambodia. Apparently eating this gourmet delight will get men feeling a little excitable downstairs.
Interestingly, in 16th century Italy, it was noticed that the bite of a wolf spider (called a tarantula, even though it isn’t one) made victims highly restless and excitable. It was thought that a frenzied dance called the Tarantella was the only cure. It’s unlikely that the Cambodians and Italians compared notes, however.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Asparagus
17th century herbalist Nicholas Culpepper reckoned that asparagus “stirs up lust in man and woman”, and the rather phallic-looking vegetable has been regarded as a loin-stirrer in Europe for centuries.
It is especially big in Germany, where the tourist board even promotes the ‘Lower Saxony Asparagus Route’ as a major attraction.
Many towns, such as Schwetzingen, have their own asparagus festivals and peeling contests, and some end up crowning an Asparagus Queen at the end for the asparagus farmers to lust after.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Spanish Fly
It’s not a fly and it’s not Spanish, but who cares – it’s still one of the world’s most notorious (and dangerous) aphrodisiacs.
Spanish Fly is actually a green beetle that contains a poison called Cantharidin . When ingested, the Cantharidin irritates and inflames the urinary tract, causing genitalia to swell. The difference in dose needed between a useful bulge and agonising pain is almost microscopic, however.
Cantharidin is commonly used in animal husbandry to get horses, cows and other beasts to mate, but humans also use it.
It used to be particularly common in North Africa, put in jams and sold on spice stalls, but it has been illegal in Morocco since the 1990s. That doesn’t mean that the locals can’t get hold of it by knowing the right unscrupulous spice trader, however.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Muira Puama
The bark and roots of this Amazonian tree have various uses from increasing lean muscle to reducing stress. In Germany it’s even used to reduce the severity of menstruation. Many of the traditional uses come from the Brazilians who have always known about its sexual potency, however. And it is as perk-up that has seen it become a drug of choice for dodgy internet companies flogging miracle sex remedies.
That said, there is probably something in it. Studies have shown that men taking it have increased libido, have more frequent sex and remain, ahem, on duty for longer than a control group.
Famous Aphrodisiacs: Durians
This fruit is often banned from hotels in South-East Asia because it frankly smells like a sewer, but puritanical types would like to see it banned for other reasons. In Malaysia, there is apparently a saying that goes along the lines of: “When the durians fall, the sarongs fly up.”
The durian has a reputation for warming the blood, which is probably where the aphrodisiac idea comes from.
This article was originally written for Ninemsn.com.au.
Copyright David Whitley
