Aphrodisiacs - Strangely Arousing?

An aphrodisiac is a substance that if used is believed to increase sexual desire. The name comes from Aprodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality and love. Aphrodisiacs have been a part of many cultures throughout history. Many foods, drinks and animal-based products have claimed to have pleasure enhancing qualities of one kind or another. Scientifically, most got their reputation by the sheer belief that the product would be effective or because of their suggestive shape like an oyster or rhinoceros horn, while others have possible drug interactions.

Some foods, herbs and drugs favored to be aphrodisiacs :

Celery
Gingo
Ginsing
Lettuce

Saffron
Oysters- Legend says Casanova age 50 oysters a day. Oysters also are high in zinc which is necessary for sperm production.

Dark chocolate – possibly the presence of a chemical called phenylethylamine. In theory, phenylethylamine when released in the brain, may be involved in sexual attraction and arousal.

Yohimbine – Tree bark from a West African tree is an MAO inhibitor. Its main action is as an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, by which yohimbine may increase genital bloodflow and both sexual sensitivity and excitation in some people. The bark should be used with caution. Side effects can include rapid pulse, sweating, and anxiety reactions in susceptible people. (According to Wiki P.) It's said to be a natural Viagra, but too much can kill you.

Tribulus and Maca – Similar to Yohimbine with the same warnings. In fact, any herb therapy should be taken with caution.

Testosterone – used in treatment for postmenopausal women and men over age 60 to replace decreased hormone levels and help increase libido.

Artichokes
Asparagus
Bananas – in Central America the sap of the red banana is considered an aphrodisiac.
Tomatoes
Truffles
Strawberries

WEIRD OR EXPENSIVE APHRODISIACS:

A Blowfish contains a substance that’s 1,000 times more toxic than cyanide but Japan favors this as an aphrodIsia, carefully prepared. Yikes.

Bird’s Nest Soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and one of the most expensive dishes. At a pricy $230 per bowl, I don’t think so.

Shark’s Fin Soup, another Chinese delight. A bowl in Hong Kong can cost $100.
Sea Cucumber from the Far East as a food. Not very appetizing if you’ve ever seen one.

I'll stick with chocolate and strawberries, but a hunky guy is the best aphrodisiac.