Aphrodisiacs and aphrodisiac ingredients found in nature
Ancient civilization has believed that natural products can increase a man’s libido or sexual desire. Nature has made a way for things that has life or energy to procreate, and by this aphrodisiac or natural substances that are abundant in nature increase a man’s virility and sexual prowess. Through the prints of history, it has been noted that a number of herbs, fruits, berries and drinks that were found in natural settings can stir the passion of love between couples. The word aphrodisiac in itself is derived from the Greek goddess of love and beauty “Aphrodite” who was believed to be the patron of lovers, and who in herself has risen from the sea foam to give life to beauty and love.
In modern medicine, the effects of aphrodisiac may be attributed to a so called “placebo effect” which if a person believes in the effectiveness or potency of a substance, then the mind itself can produce the desired effect. Another theory would be that aphrodisiacs act on certain neurotransmitters which in turn increase sexual pleasure. One of the known aphrodisiacs is Chocolate, chocolate for the Aztecs and Mayans were considered “food of the gods”. Chocolate in medical research has shown to act on one’s endorphins or happy hormones which give one a pleasurable mood, and also act in increasing serotonin or a pleasure neurotransmitter. Chocolate also enhances memory, in addition to its delightful appeal to one’s palate. Other aphrodisiacs for men include berries, strawberry, almonds, banana, and some more exotic food substances such as dulce de leche, as well as Chinese herbs like ginseng and gingko biloba.