Aphrodisiacs
Cashews: (Pajuil) are rich in zinc, which can boost blood flow to sexual organs, helping us feel aroused and experience greater sexual pleasure.
Wild mustard: (Mostaza Silvestre) is believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. In European history, mustard has long been considered a potent aphrodisiac.
The ancient Chinese also considered mustard an aphrodisiac due to its spicy hot taste
Annatto: (Achiote) the seeds and leaves have diuretic,antibacterial and bitter properties. In addition to this,annatto seeds and leaves help to guards and enhances the kidneys. Annatto has been widely considered as an aphrodisiac and enhances weight loss,heals fevers, hepatitis, malaria, and dysentery.
Papaya: Even though men can achieve new sexual heights with papaya, it is really women that are best served to include it in their diet. The compounds in the fruit induce estrogen, a female hormone that is essential to intimacy. Papaya also helps streamline menstruation and boosting the libido. Compounding these positive attributes is the fact that is also aids in the anti-aging process.
Soursop: (Guanabana) can supply the body a good amount of thiamin, the B vitamin which is needed in aerobic energy production, the process when oxygen is used to help convert sugar into usable energy.
Mamajuana: Word of uncertain origin, some ensure it comes from a Taíno tisane, others associated it to African quackery; it seems that its name comes from these glass carafes of short neck and covered with wicker. In France they were called “dame Jeanne” that Dominican ingenuity translated into “mamajuana”. Its ingredients are what make it unique. Although there are as many variations as “mamajuaneros” teachers, the marabelí, the timacle, the indian benjuco stick of brazil, canelilla, the root of coconut or palm cannot miss. They are called “herbs” to which other unusual ingredients are added such as clams, conch, octopus, some oysters or shark cartilage.
But what really makes the mamajuana exceptionally attractive, what triggers the imagination and puts in an aphrodisiac dimension -almost lustful - is the penis of a turtle, hawksbill genital member. Such a substance very allusive and symbolic provokes the popular imagination and becomes a “miracle drink”.
Jackfruit: (Jaca) Contains Sildenafil in its natural form that is the active ingredient of viagra, so properties are attributed to help in cases of sexual impotence because it helps to dilate blood vessels and increases blood flow. Jackfruit has been called the "natural viagra".
Spotted Lobster: (Langosta Pinta) Lobster is a great source of protein, but it is also low-fat, which is ideal if you are planning a night of passion. Protein is also helpful in boosting dopamine and norepinephrine which are chemicals the brain produces to elevate sensitivity Lobster contains vitamin B-12 which increases energy, promotes fertility, and regulates sex hormones. Lobster meat also contains a hormone called epinephrine. Epinephrine is also known as adrenaline which is a natural stimulant. Adrenaline is carried in the bloodstream and affects the autonomous nervous system, which controls functions such as the heart rate, dilation of the pupils, and secretion of sweat and saliva. Lobster meat also contains magnesium, which produces androgens. Androgens are a group of hormones that aid in increasing estrogen and testosterone.
Ginger: (Jengibre). People have deemed ginger an aphrodisiac for centuries because of its scent and because it stimulates the circulatory system. Ginger is believed to increase sensitivity in the erogenous zones. It also makes the tongue tingle and lips swell with its tingling effect.
Chayote: Potassium helps to ease tension in the blood vessels and causes widening of the arteries. This ensures a smooth blood flow throughout the body and prevents a rise in the blood pressure.
Conch: (Carrucho) One particular piece of conch is known as “Bahamian Viagra.” The “pistol,” thought by some to be the sea creature’s male genitalia, is actually an appendage found on both male and female conch. (It’s real use is for digestion, not mating.) But for those who find it’s penis-like shape arousing, this slimy little cord is thought to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. (The popularity of conch pistol does not appear to be limited to the Bahamas. In fact, it’s enjoyed across the Caribbean for reported aphrodisiac effects. But perhaps it is most appreciated by men, since one local saying is that this beloved seafood will put “lead in your pencil.”)) One particular piece of conch is known as “Bahamian Viagra.” The “pistol,” thought by some to be the sea creature’s male genitalia, is actually an appendage found on both male and female conch. (It’s real use is for digestion, not mating.) But for those who find it’s penis-like shape arousing, this slimy little cord is thought to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. (The popularity of conch pistol does not appear to be limited to the Bahamas. In fact, it’s enjoyed across the Caribbean for reported aphrodisiac effects. But perhaps it is most appreciated by men, since one local saying is that this beloved seafood will put “lead in your pencil.”)
Tamarind: (Tamarindo) Tamarindus indica is an ingredient in the traditional aphrodisiac formulations in Africa and India. It is also a widely used food ingredient in other tropical countries.
Aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica possessed aphrodisiac activity together with spermatogenic potential.
Coconut: (Coco) Coconut water: The water from coconuts contains the same level of electrolytes as your blood. It is also a metabolism booster that increases blood flow, and thus, may serve as an aphrodisiac. Along with minerals, coconut water is high in vitamin C. 14.
Chiles: Chile pepper has the ability to release endorphins, natural painkillers triggered to put out internal “fire.” Endorphins also cause the high of extreme physical exertion. And this floating, energized feeling so powerful in its pleasure that it can cause addiction to spicy cuisine. In addition, the aphrodisiac power of chile peppers increases heart rate, doubling the pleasure of a mealtime rendezvous.
Basil: (Albahaca) Modern science has traced basil’s flavonoids, illuminating to us the source of the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. In recent studies, its oil has shown promise in inhibiting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Although it might come as a surprise to most pesto lovers, basil’s leaves contain a variety of libido-lifting nutrients. It is considered a good source of Vitamin A. It also provides beta carotene, magnesium, potassium and C.
Pitahaya: Pitahaya is a fruit of the South American cactus, and contains an abundance of antioxidants, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B2, B1 and B3, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber and calcium. Sexy in its apparance, with green, red skin, when peeled revealing succulent pink flesh.
Vanilla: (Vainilla) Eclectic herbalists of the early 1900s lauded vanilla as an aromatic stimulant, said to “powerfully stimulate the sexual appetite. Vanilla also has a dual action as a nervine, making one feel relaxed, euphoric, and blissful, perhaps even “in the mood.” Its perfumey, pleasureful flavor is exotic and enticing.
Turmeric: (Cúrcuma) The Malay historically used turmeric not only as a sexual stimulant but also in a restorative tonic served to women after childbirth. Its abilities as an aphrodisiac even made it into the Kama Sutra. It is mentioned as one of the key ingredients in distilled liquor.
Maca: Cultivated in South America for over 3,000 years, Maca improves sexual function in both men and women, and promotes healthy ovulation in women. It typically comes in a powder, ground up and dried from the root. Scientists studying maca found that while it was increasing sexual drive and performance, there was no effect on sex hormones—ability to create effective sexual fantasies. By most accounts, maca powder tastes relatively bitter and bad, so it’s best mixed into smoothies or other foods. It’s safe enough to take every day.
Bois Bandé : is the common name of several West Indian tree species reputed to have aphrodisiac properties including:
Bois Bandé (French spelling or bwa bandé, Creole spelling) is the bark of the tree Richeria grandis. It has had a long reputation in the Caribbean as an aphrodisiac. The name "Bois Bande" means "Erect wood" from the French, bois (wood) + bander (to have an erection). The tree is found in Grenada, Trinidad, Dominica, Costa Rica, St Lucia, other Caribbean Islands and Brazil.
Nutmeg: (Nuez Moscada) Nutmeg has been used for its medicinal properties for more than 5,000 years. For the ancient Arabs, nutmeg was a primary treatment for nausea, shortness of breath and even skin disorders. The Hindus embraced the spice for its more sensual properties as a stimulant. For them, it was a treatment to raise body heat. They also used it to sweeten breath. And at one point in India, it was used as a treatment for low male libido.
As it turns out, ancient Hindu wisdom was on the mark. A scientific study published in 2005 demonstrated that, in the proper dose, nutmeg increased libido in male rats. The implication is that it, with further study, this spice can be used as a powerful, natural treatment for sexual disorders in men.
But today, this baking spice with a bite is better known as a narcotic. In large doses it can be hallucinogenic. In even larger doses, it is fatal.
Cinammon: (Canela) Eating cinnamon heats up your body and, in turn, your sex drive.
Cinnamon has also been found to increase appetite - both physical and sexual.
It is even said that a drop of cinnamon oil rubbed onto the genitals is surprisingly useful in producing powerful sexual stimulation. (We don't recommend you try this at home.)
Chocolate: (Chocolate): The Aztecs may have been the first on record to draw a link between the cocoa bean and sexual desire: the emperor Montezuma was said to consume the bean in copious amounts to fuel his romantic trysts.
Nowadays, scientists ascribe the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate, if any, to two chemicals it contains. One, tryptophan, is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal. The other, phenylethylamine, a stimulant related to amphetamine, is released in the brain when people fall in love.
Passion fruit: (Parcha) We all know passion fruit, is called passion fruit for a reason, but it’s not the reason you think. Spanish missionaries named the vine “passion flower” because its huge white flowers, with their purple centers, reminded them of Christ’s Crucifixion. Even though we associate passion fruit with sex nowadays, and there is some evidence passion flower can improve sexual function and increase sperm count.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa): Damiana is a sexy, fiery herb that stimulates the sacral chakra, increasing desire and excitement. This aphrodisiac effect is in no small part due to damiana’s role as a nourishing and relaxing nervine, helping to lift the spirit and release anxiety and tension, allowing one to open to connection. Damiana helps one to overcome sexual impotence and low libido due to its potential testosterone-like action