Since ancient times mankind has resorted to various aids that are supposed to evoke love desire and fertility, and the entire spectrum of desire boosters are found right in nature.
In this article I’ll just stick to the wealth of vegetables that people could freely pick in their gardens.
Although natural aphrodisiacs are not scientifically justified, many people swear on their effects on the human libido.
Maybe you have already guessed it, in the seductive game of food and eroticism the most tempting are phallic forms of vegetables that alludes to woman’s curves.
Artichoke
In the 16th century, this plant was intended for consumption only by men; women were not allowed to eat it exactly because it was considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Odysseus, his crew, and his distant Greek descendants (especially those from the south of Italy and Sicily) in the artichoke bud saw a symbol of love and affection, and ate them with undisguised passion.
A French custom was breaking off leaf by leaf of the previously prepared artichokes, then dipping in sauce and sharing with the partner, which is also extremely passionate.
Celery
Celery is one of the oldest Chinese remedies for treating impotence. It contains, in its aroma, one important steroid called androsterone; a male sex hormone that stimulates woman’s erotic desire. Because of these properties Celery long has been known as a very powerful herbal Viagra. Hence the saying “If women knew what celery does to a man, she would have been searching for it all over the world” and “If man knew celery’s action, he would have planted the whole garden!“
Also, celery is a storehouse of health benefits. It is a great choice for those who want to lose some weight. Celery reduces inflammation and aids digestions. The minerals in celery soothe the nervous system.
Garlic
In the region of Southeast Europe garlic is valued as a symbol of health and fertility, while in alternative medicine as an agent for rejuvenation, protection from toxic substances in the body and a powerful aphrodisiac. For this purposes it has been used since ancient times, but under one condition – both lovers should eat it simultaneously! (The reason is no mystery of science or magic but one of common sense: a whiff of garlic breath is very strong and unpleasant).
Another interesting fact is that the chemical that causes the garlic’s smell is present in intimate female secretion.
Beans
For Tetons and Romans it was a stimulant, and its flower was a symbol of intimate pleasure. Bean soup was considered to be very erotic. In the 17th century it was banned in the monastery of St. Jerome in order to avoid undesirable stir, as pointed out by Chilean writer Isabel Allende.
Beans offer many health benefits. They contain an abundance of soluble fiber which can lower cholesterol and aid digestion. They are low in fat and they pack proteins. Because beans are metabolized more slowly than other complex carbs, they may aid in weight loss.
Cucumber
Some say that the only erotic thing about cucumber is its phallic shape, while in other areas it is considered to be extremely inspiring. In this favor is the examination of a group of Chicago scientists who have started from the premise that the smell of a food contributes to its aphrodisiac properties. So they found that the aroma of cucumber increases the vaginal blood flow by about 13 percent. It’s high water content, when consumed, can also hydrate and revive you.
Cress
Due to the spicy flavor like horseradish, cress or garden cress was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, while Romans called it “brassy” because of his alleged incentive properties.
Today cress is grown in many gardens, and can be sown every two weeks and harvested throughout the year.
Onion
Chaldeans, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Arabs were very much aware of the beneficial effect that onion has at the human libido, many centuries before the western civilization heard of it. Its aphrodisiac power can be attributed to the fact that increases circulation.
Carrot
It has its place on the list of aphrodisiacs since ancient times, while western civilization began to grow it since the 17th century. The root, which is vulgarly called the “widow’s consolation” because of its shape, contains vitamin A and beta carotene which is considered to feed erotic appetites.
Pepper
Pepper is widely considered to be an aphrodisiac, especially those red and spicy flavored chili peppers that are rich in alkaloid capsaicin. It is an indispensable ingredient of all those exotic dishes that burn our mouth encouraging our imagination and urge for love. Because of this feeling the heat generated on the tongue, stimulates the brain to synthesize endorphins, known as the “happiness hormone”.
Eggplant
As with several other vegetables that have the shape of the male reproductive organ as a symbol of fertility and reproductive power in nature, eggplant has a long history of worship for its aphrodisiac effects. During Ottoman Empire the sultans were served daily with eggplant dishes, and even today a good housewife in Turkey praise knowing at least fifty recipes with this vegetable.
Mushroom
The fungus from ancient times symbolized the marital bond, eroticism, happiness and life force. Intimacy through the symbol of mushrooms is viewed as something forbidden, secret, dangerous and unknown, and yet unavoidable and delightful. Otherwise, mushrooms are highly prized, rich in antioxidants and vitamin D.
Tomato
Tomatoes are very often called “apple of love”. Its aphrodisiac reputation gave it the name: “pomme d’amour” in French, “pomodoro” in Italian and “love apple” in English. Its red meat, juicy and sensual, provokes voluptuousness. The belief of its stimulating power was so strong in the past that people would pay a fortune just for a single tomato. Virtuous women refused tomatoes.
Rice
It’s the symbol of the fertility. It is less known that completely innocent gesture of throwing rice at newlyweds after leaving the church actually symbolizes numerous offspring. Although rice does not seem very exciting to many of us, perhaps the best evidence of its effectiveness is the overcrowding in China.
Asparagus
It is believed to stimulate desire both in men and women because of the phallic shape, but also due to its high content of vitamin E, which is popularly called the fertility vitamin. Vitamin E is very important in the synthesis of bodily hormones that play an important role of a healthier love life. French King Louis XIV have grown asparagus in greenhouses to be able to eat them throughout the entire year.
Truffles
They have an intense flavor and aroma and are used in very small quantities. They are very rare and grow on just a few places in the world. They owe their aphrodisiac reputation to their distinctive scent that is very similar to the male pheromones. This is the reason why they are considered as an aphrodisiac. This scent attracts female pigs, which are used for locating truffles.
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