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The use of many plants as aphrodisiacs is based on an ancient belief in the therapeutic efficacy of resemblances, otherwise known as the Doctrine of Similarities. Thus, if a plant resembled the genitalia, it possessed, so it was reasoned, sexual characteristics and powers. Some examples of this are Mandrake and Salep.
In some cases the use was based on a misinterpretation of the name of the plant in another language. The plant Levisticum palaudapifolium was called Ligysticon by Dioscorides because of its Ligurian origin. Galen modified the name to Libysticon, which later was transformed into the German names Liebstock. The meaning of the prefix “Lieb-” is “love”, which in turn gave rise to its use as an aphrodisiac.
Bois bandé: Is the name commonly used in a large part of the Caribbean for the tree Roupala montana, belonging to the Proteaceae family, and famous for the alleged aphrodisiacal properties of its bark. The plant is not only found in Grenada and Trinidad, but also in Dominica, where it is known as the gimauve or gommier tree, in Costa Rica (Danto amarillo or zorillo) and in Brazil (Carne-de-vaca).
The best way to prepare the aphrodisiac is to soak a strip of the bark for a week in rum, then filter the rum and take a small glass of the extract every evening (the drink is known as Macoucherie rum).
Burada: The bark of Parinari campestris (Chrysobalanaceae), known as Burada in Guyana, is frequently used as an aphrodisiac in the same way as Bois bandé is. This tree also occurs in neighbouring Suriname where it is known as the Red fugu.
Chuchuhuasi: (or Chuchuwasi) is a common name for some members of the genus Maytenus (belonging to the Celastraceae family), found in Peru and Colombia. An infusion of the bark is used not only as an aphrodisiac but also as a muscle relaxant and a remedy for rheumatism. You can either follow the recipe of the Peruvian Shiphibo tribe: soak the bark overnight in alcohol (any strong alcoholic drink will do) and then drink the infusion, or do as the Siona Indians in Colombia: boil a 5 cm piece of the trunk in 2l of water until the volume has been reduced by half, then drink a small cupful of this 3 times a day for a week.
The most useful species are Maytenus krukovii, M. eberifolia (M. macrocarpa M. laevis) and M. ilicifolia. The active constituents might be Maytansine, Maytenin, Mebeverine and the triterpenes Tingenone, 22-hydroxytingenone and Pristimeran.
Cotton: Even this common substance has a reputation of being an aphrodisiac. Not the textile, but other preparations of Gossypium herbaceum. Some sources suggest that chewing the root will stimulate the sex organs, and have an action similar to that of ergot. In India and Pakistan decoctions of the seeds are used (in teacupful doses), not just as an aphrodisiac, but also as a laxative and as an abortifacient.
Also interesting to note are recent attempts to use Gossypol, extracted from cotton root bark, as an oral contraceptive for men. These trials began in China, and indicate that Gossypol could almost completely block sperm production in men, without affecting their potency.
Damiana: Turnera diffusa, also appropriately called Turnera aphrodisiaca (Turneraceae) is a shrub, up to 2 meters high, which grows in desert areas around the Mexican Gulf and in some South American countries. The part to use for preparing extracts is the sun-dried leaves. Damiania has also been smoked, although since the smoke is harsh, it is best to filter it through water (use a water-pipe), which, will also decrease the potency.
The leaves contain a cyanogen glycoside as well as Arbutin, Eucalyptol, Cymole and Pinen. Arbutin, which is a glucoside of hydroquinone, has been used as a diuretic and urinary anti-infective, so its effect on the urinary tract might be perceived as stimulating. Incidentally, the same compound also occurs in Lingon berries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea).
Golden root: The roots of Rhodiola rosea have been known as a powerful stimulant for centuries, and were a favoured ingredient in many folk love potions. The Ukrainian prince Danila Galitsky had a reputation for many remarkable amorous feats; and it is said that he acquired strength from the “golden root of Karpaty”. The main use of the golden root is as a constituent in an alcoholic drink called “Nastojka”. Equal parts (by weight) of Fresh roots are mixed with 40% alcohol (e.g. Vodka) and are kept in dark place for at least a week, preferably longer. A teaspoon of the resulting “Nastojka” after breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2-3 weeks will apparently produce remarkable effects in both men and women. Golden root has been approved as an official Ukrainian medicinal drug, and its use and applications are similar to those of ginseng.
Lubistok: Levisticum officinale, in the Ukraine, “Lubistok” is believed to be useful for attracting lovers. Here, the dried or fresh roots, but not the leaves, are used. A decoction or “Nastojka” made from the root is still used to cure impotency and increase male sexual power.
Mandrake: is the root of a plant of the potato family, Mandragora officinarum. The plant is indigenous to the entire Mediterranean area. It has large leaves, no stem, and flowers ranging in colour from white to purple. The fruit is a yellow, tomato-like berry. The most remarkable part of it is the root, which can attain an almost human-like shape.
Collecting the root was considered dangerous, because it might let out a scream which would kill anybody listening. Therefore, a black dog was used – The dog would be tied to the plant – and when attracted (by meat for example), it would pull the root out of the earth. Then, if the root screamed it didn’t matter since only the dog would be killed.
Mandrake could be used either fresh for the preparation of potions and philtres or dried as a charm (for potions the fruit could also be used). The love apples Lea served her husband (Genesis 30:14) were most likely the fruits of mandrake, since in the Greek translation of the Old Testament they are called Mela Mandragorou.
As members of the Solanaceae family, mandrake contains several tropine alkaloids, including atropine and scopolamine; these both have powerful physiological effects. Scopolamine would probably not induce any amorous thoughts, but has a reputation of lowering inhibition thresholds and has allegedly been used as a “truth drug” during interrogation of prisoners of war. A major effect of even a low dose of atropine is dry mucous membranes, which is certainly counterproductive in the context of seduction and sex.
Muira puama: Marapuama or Liriosma is a bush occurring in the northern and north-eastern parts of Brazil. The white flowers have a jasmine-like pungent and aromatic smell. It is also known under the name Potency wood or under its Latin name Ptychopetalum uncinatum; the active constituents are contained in the bark from which a concentrated water extract or a dilute herbal tea can be prepared. The tea is slightly bitter, but can be sweetened to make it more palatable. A daily dose of Muira puama would be about one gram of bark.
This preparation is alleged to be effective against a multitude of symptoms. M. Penna, in “Notes Sobre Plantas Brasileires” (1930) includes treatment of disorders of the nervous system, impotency, and gastrointestinal and circulatory astenia. D. Schwontkowski in “Herbs of the Amazon” (1993) also mentions its use for impotence, frigidity, menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome.
Other Brazilian aphrodisiac plants: Three other plants have frequently been used in Brazilian folk medicine as aphrodisiacs: Catuaba (Juniperus brasiliensis, Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) and koribo (Tanaecium nocturnum). Catuaba is said to be used for male impotency, for extreme fatigue and as a general tonic. Cashew nut is used as a general tonic for the body, also having aphrodisiacal effects. And, aside from being an aphrodisiac, Koribo is said to treat diarrhoea.
Nettles: The stinging nettle Urtica dioica, was used as the ultimate resort by some ancient Romans who, allegedly, literally tried to whip their members into action. Alternatively, a simple nettle soup could be invigorating, because of its high iron content.
Periwinkle: Oil prepared from the flowers of Vinca major is believed to increase the sexual capacity of men. It can either be consumed or applied externally. A more traditional Periwinkle recipe to increase sexual desire (to be used by men only) is as follows: Cover 20 grams of the fresh, blossoming plant with 250 ml of vodka or whisky and let the mixture simmer, covered for at least half an hour. Then, take 8 drops of the filtered potion twice a day for four days, and then take a two-day-break after which you can continue taking the potion for another four days.
Ricin: The seeds of the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis have long been used as a purgative, and it might be surprising to learn that they have also have been used as an aphrodisiac. However, this is all due to a linguistic mixup! The name “Ricinus” is derived from a Latin word meaning “Tick” because of the resemblance of the seed to a swollen tick. “Tick” is in German “Zwecke” and in Dutch “Teck“. This led to the Swedish word “tyckefr” as a name for the castor plant seeds. Literally, “Affection seed”, which has resulted in many Swedish people trying to use the purgative as an aphrodisiac. Remarkably, castor oil, which is obtained from the seeds, has been used by American Indians for erotic purposes.
Ruta: Ruta graveolens, is the most popular “female” aphrodisiac in the Ukraine, where there are numerous folk rhymes and songs about its ability to charm men.
Women who drink a decoction of ruta, “ruta-nastojka” becomes loved and wanted, and according to a folk legend, witches used to bring teenage boys to fields where the ruta was blossoming. The strong scent made the boys become “possessed by witch desires”, whereupon they lost their virginity.
Salep: Is the parboiled and dried root of several species belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae). The similarity between the bulbs and testicles, and the high contents of mucilage, gave rise to the belief that salep is a potent aphrodisiac. The name derives from the Arab khusa ath-tha’lab, which was shortened to sahleb, and which means fox testicles. The Latin name of Salep was Radix satyrii officinalis, from satyrium, referring to uninhibited sexual habits. A classic preparation is to boil milk with salep and some cinnamon, cloves and ginger for five minutes and then drink it whilst still warm.
Saw Palmetto: The berries of the North American bush Saw palmetto, Serenoa serrulata, are believed to have a remarkable effect as an aphrodisiac, regardless of the physical age of the user. Commercial preparations are widely available.
Spikenard: Nardostachys jalamansi, is an Indian member of the Valerianaceae family, which was used by the Romans to prepare an erotic ointment called Foliatum, although this was probably identical with Spikenard.
Thorn-apple: Datura stramonium, has a similar alkaloid content to Mandrake, and has also been used as an aphrodisiac. It was described by a German author as “A preparation for keepers of whores, seducers of girls, degenerated mistresses and libertines”. Thorn-apple is quite toxic, and sixteen seeds have been enough to kill a 2-year old child.
You might also enjoy reading:-
- Indian Aphrodisiacs
- Aphrodisiacal Herbs & Spices
- Fruits & Nuts as Aphrodisiacs
- Vegetable Aphrodisiacs
- Miscellaneous aphrodisiacs
Posted by Jonathan in Biology