The Scent Of Seduction

Often underestimated, olfactory sense is actually what matters when it comes to one’s amorous pursuit in finding the perfect aphrodisiac.

- Eve Tedja

The connection between food and sex has always been constant throughout the human history. Aphrodisiacs – any substance and activity that arouse sexual desire – can be found in all cultures. The name is befittingly attributed to the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, who was born out of the foam produced by Uranus’ castrated genitals when they fell into the sea. Thus, the goddess has inspired humans to find joy in amorous pleasures and the many ways to enhance it in their lives.

Kamasutra, India’s legendary manual of love, dedicated one whole chapter on aphrodisiacs, ingredients and devices to enhance one’s sex life. There are various fascinating recipes to increase sexual vigour such as “drinking milk mixed with sugar, and having the testicle of a ram or goat boiled in it”. Milk, garlic, saffron, fenugreek, gokshura, shatavari, and ashwagandha were mentioned for their invigorating properties.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) puts thousands of years of trust in ginseng, horny goat weeds, bird’s nest, sea cucumber, and cordyceps. Known for its vitality improving and erectile dysfunction healing properties, those ingredients are still widely consumed until today.