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Humanity's quest for a true aphrodisiac throughout history makes the search for the Holy Grail, El Dorado, and Free Energy look like child's play in comparison. Now, after several thousand years of exploration, experimentation, and evaluation can we say with any certainty that a real human aphrodisiac actually exists? This article will seek to answer that question. What Are Aphrodisiacs? Whether or not aphrodisiacs exist depends largely on how you define the term. Strictly speaking, an aphrodisiac is any substance that, when applied to a human, is supposed to increase sexual desire. The name comes from Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of sensuality and love. Think of it as a love potion with a strong sexual element. Are Aphrodisiacs Real? If we stick to this strict definition, then no, a true aphrodisiac has never been discovered. At least, chemistry and medical science have never been able to scientifically prove the existence of an actual aphrodisiac. Drugs like Viagra may increase a person's ability to perform, but not necessarily their desire. Various topical lotions and creams that heighten physical sensitivity may make sex more enjoyable, but not necessarily increase sexual desire. Alcohol, although long known for its ability to reduce someone's sexual inhibitions, also does not necessarily increase sexual desire. The closest humanity and all of its science has come to finding a true aphrodisiac are medications that address a number of sexual dysfunctions to help couples enjoy a healthy sexual relationship. However, spouses popping pills together on their wedding anniversary is not exactly the height of romance. Moral Issues If a true aphrodisiac were discovered-a chemical that when fed to a person made them want to have sex right now-would it even be legal? Wouldn't such a drug violate that person's free will? What would happen when the drug wore off? In recent years we've seen Rohipnol and other "date rape" drugs become highly controlled substances, and their non-consensual use be punishable with years in prison. Perhaps it's better if humanity never discovers a true aphrodisiac. The Placebo Effect So if aphrodisiacs don't really exist, why is it that some people swear that they do? This may be due, in part, to a phenomenon known as the Placebo Effect. When medication is tested, one group is people are given the real pill, and another is given a useless sugar pill and told that it's the real medication. Sometimes, people who are taking the fake pill, but think it's real, may suddenly report their symptoms lessening, and the desired effect beginning to happen. What's really happening is psychosomatic-a sort of mind-over-matter effect. In other words, because people think the medication is real, they believe the desired effect will occur, even up to the point of unconsciously creating evidence to support their belief. In the case of aphrodisiacs, if a couple consumes a supposed aphrodisiac together, both believing it will work, they may indeed feel an increase in sexual desire between them. This result, however, is purely psychological. The increase in sexual desire occurs in their mind through thought, not in their body through chemistry. Although rigorous scientific testing has never proven the existence of a chemical that has the aphrodisiac effect on the body, there are certainly many foods and drinks that are intensely romantic or symbolic of love and affection. Wine and chocolates, champagne and strawberries, and fruit and cheese have been used by couples to romance each other for centuries. Although such foods may indeed increase sexual desire, it has more to do with the caring, affectionate, and intimate emotions that pass between couples during an evening of romance.
Article Source: http://www.lovedatingguide.com
Laura Moore is a relationship expert and a regular contributor to www.inhisdreams.com. Although successful relationships require attention, she believes that they should be fun not "work". And, spicing things up with a strapless bustier never hurts.
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