- The word "aphrodisiac" comes from the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who was the goddess of sensual pleasure. Since the dawn of recorded history, and likely beforehand, mankind has attempted to find and use aphrodisiacs. Early aphrodisiacs took the form of native herbal remedies and some of those treatments are still in common use around the world. Some of the first aphrodisiacs were potentially poisonous and could have had extremely negative effects on those who used them, especially certain plants that were used for their stimulant effects. Unfortunately, today's aphrodisiacs can be just as dangerous.
- There are many different types and classifications of aphrodisiacs and no real solidified system of organization. Aphrodisiacs include everything from music to pheromones, from sex hormones to narcotics to chemical compounds found in chocolate. All of these various aphrodisiacs can have, or are reputed to have, a positive influence on the sexual desire of the user. It can be accurately said, then, that a true aphrodisiac can be anything that increases sexual desire in a sizable percentage of those exposed to it.
- The benefits of aphrodisiacs may at first seem self-explanatory, but they do provide other benefits rather than simple sexual gratification. Men who are suffering from impotence may be helped a great deal by certain aphrodisiacs, along with women who suffer from a lack of sexual desire. A healthy sexual relationship with one's partner can be extremely important in the maintenance of a healthy relationship.
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The main risk factor that comes with aphrodisiacs is the fact that certain ones of them can be toxic even when used properly and can have severe side effects. Even scientifically-recognized aphrodisiacs such as testosterone can have terrible side effects when used improperly.
Other aphrodisiacs of a more questionable nature can have a high level of toxicity and can even be lethal. Luckily, most of the over-the-counter "miracle drug" aphrodisiacs are not harmful, only useless. Any effect that users get from such aphrodisiacs is generally thought to be a product of the placebo effect. - While there is almost no limit to the kinds of things that people claim to have power as aphrodisiac compounds, certain substances that almost everyone would assume to be aphrodisiacs do not qualify. For instance, the popular prescription drug Viagra, and all other aids for erectile dysfunction, are not actually aphrodisiacs. These aids only improve sexual function, not sexual desire. The main difference is that aphrodisiacs are supposed to improve an individual's desire to have sexual intercourse, not their ability to do so.
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While there are many different compounds that claim to have properties as an aphrodisiac, very few of these have been scientifically proven to be effective. In terms of foods, chocolate, oysters, and garlic have all shown properties as an aphrodisiac. In terms of hormones, for both men and women alike, testosterone has a positive effect on sex drive.
The medicinal herb, Yohimbe root has shown some promise as an effective aphrodisiac. If you want to learn more about medicinal herbs as aphrodisiacs, consult a skilled herbalist whose profession is to advise people on their use. Do not self-diagnose.
When it comes to art and to media, the aphrodisiac effect differs from person to person. Some people might be aroused by viewing a romantic scene in a Hollywood movie while others might be more aroused by a graphic sex scene. It all just depends on the person in question.
