Ancient Aphrodisiacs

by Jenna Monroe 

With Valentine’s Day approaching quickly, I find myself intrigued by the concept of aphrodisiacs.  Aphrodisiac is defined as something that arouses or intensifies sexual desire.  The name is derived from the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.

Because Aphrodite is a Greek goddess, it is no surprise that many of the things we consider to be aphrodisiacs were introduced as such by the ancient Greeks.  Some of these, though not very appetizing…such as garlic added to wine, are foods that were believed to increase sexual prowess and desire.

 Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended that lentils would keep a man virile well into old age; this practice was followed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Also, they suggested fassolatha, a bean soup which is alos the national dish of Greece, was the way to a healthy libido.  Others believed tat artichokes were not only a strong aphrodisiac, but would ensure the birth of a son.