By Barbara Bishop
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but your love will continue to live on. Or will it? I uncovered some little known aphrodisiacs to keep the fire burning on a daily basis.
Pine Nuts: Once prescribed by ancient Arabic doctors for their reported powers, pine nuts are high in zinc, a mineral known to enhance male endurance.
Basil: Legend has it that wives once used basil as a body powder to keep their men from leaving them – basil’s aroma gives this plant its sensual qualities. Its scent enchants the mind with a fresh, crisp, clean scent.
Avocado: The Aztecs believed this fruit to be an aphrodisiac due to its tree’s phallic shape. The avocado has a buttery texture and is an enticing addition to a sandwich or salad.
Asparagus: is often considered to be an aphrodisiac because of its suggestive shape. Filled with calcium, potassium, and vitamin E (aka the “natural sex vitamin”), these stalks were once consumed by French lovers before their weddings.
Flowers: say what people sometimes cannot – red roses communicate love, while a spontaneous and colorful bouquet proclaims joy and happiness. Also, the exotic scent of jasmine and the delicate freshness of lavender boost passion and well-being.
Grapes: Before they became a staple for great glasses of wine, grapes were considered a sign of ecstasy and fertility. In ancient Greece, it was traditional to offer grape clusters to newlyweds to bless the couple with children. Ancient origin aside, the most sensual and powerful image of grapes is feeding them to your lover.
Artichoke: An Artichoke’s tough exterior takes patience and a delicate touch to unravel. Many find the act of plucking the leaves to get to the velvety center to be a playful act, and one that can be shared with a partner. Just like some lovers, this aphrodisiac can play hard to get.
Chiles: These powerful peppers are known for getting our blood rushing, heart pumping, and pores sweating (plus, they boost our metabolism). It’s no surprise that chilies can add a little spice to our love lives, too!
Watermelon: contains high levels of the phytochemicals lycopyne and citrulline, which basically does the job of Viagra and boosts circulation by relaxing blood vessels – and good circulation means amazing boners for him, and heightened sensitivity in all the right places for her.
Celery: People have used celery to get in the mood starting back in the Middle Ages, so you know it must be good stuff. Celery stimulates the pituitary gland, which is one of the most important glands for the release of sex hormones. So no, it’s not weird at all if you and your lover spend some time chomping on celery stalks before getting down to business.
Woo hoo! Going to the grocery store just got a whole lot more interesting!
