3. Oysters
Some say that oysters are an aphrodisiac because they come from the sea, just like the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Some say that they gained their reputation because they have zinc, and this may have helped those with nutritionally deficient diets improve health, and thus, sex drive. I say they are used to woo because they look just like vaginas, though certainly not mine. Whatever the reason, oysters are associated with romance, special occasions, and are a fun delicacy. The placebo effect just might work.
4. Chocolate
Like oysters, we often think of chocolate as an indulgence, and eat it on special occasions. Though chocolate does have some feel good chemicals—theobromine and phenethylamine—they occur in such low quantities that it’s not going to make your date drop their pants. Yet, still ... there is something about chocolate melting in your mouth that is undeniably sensual.
5. Yohimbine
Yohimbe is a tall, evergreen tree found in West Africa; its bark contains yohimbine, a compound with a long history of aphrodisiac use and a fun to pronounce name (Yo!—HimBean!) It supposedly works by energizing the nerve centers in the spine. Although the FDA says there are some “encouraging” results from animal studies, its effectiveness in humans is anyone’s guess.
6. Alcohol
Suffice to say that the occurrence of one-night stands would be drastically reduced if it weren’t for alcohol’s lubricating effects. It decreases inhibitions and helps us relax; sometimes inhibitions hold us back from having sex and sometimes being uptight can prevent us from enjoying intercourse. It seems clear that alcohol is a type of aphrodisiac, at least in the sense that it can make your more open to the possibility of having sex. Of course, that possibility can be shattered if you have too much; not much stays erect, or you stay awake after a few too many Sex on the Beaches.
