It is that time of year familiar to most of either the month of love or the depths of despair let’s hurry to get it over. I’m reminded of the opening scene in the 2006 movie, Something New, starring Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker, when the heroine (Kenya McQueen) is power walking in her neighborhood. All is going well until she sees a couple being all lovey-dovey on their stoop and she’s reminded that she’s alone on Valentine’s Day. Her expression and outlook immediately sours. It’s both hilarious and depressing simultaneously. For some, February 14 is a struggle. I think we’ve all been there a time or two. However, I’ll save that discussion for later. (Don’t worry, though. I got you, boo. That post is coming. Give me time.)

Today’s post is designed to help you get your kink on. Well, not exactly, but do what you will with the information. (No judgment here.) Just note that all the items on this list allegedly are aphrodisiacs. However, they may or may not be scientifically proven to uphold this claim. Before using or ingesting any of these products, it would be best to consult a physician or trained professional regarding allergies, toxins, or any harmful effects they may or may have as I’m not a dietitian or a nutrition expert. I should mention that the following list is not all-inclusive which means there is plenty more to choose from in the food love department. Now, let’s get cracking into the heart of this. (I’ll try to keep my puns to a minimum but no promises.) While florist, bakeries, and lingerie shops become crammed with consumers to purchase romantic gifts, avoid the crowds and head over to the GNC, Krogers, Whole Foods, or Costco. (Actually, I don’t know about Costco since I’ve never shopped in one. But I heard they have everything a refrigerator could hold.)

By definition, an aphrodisiac is a food, drug, pharmaceuticals, or substance that arouses or increases held to arouse sexual desire, sexual pleasure, sexual behavior, sexual performance, or heightens libido. They may be derived from a variety of plants, spices, and synthetic chemicals. The name aphrodisiac comes from the Aphrodite, the Greek goddess (Venus in Roman mythology) of love, beauty, desire, fertility, prosperity, and fertility.

The use or belief of aphrodisiacs has been around since the beginning of time. A quick scan of history will unveil numerous superstitions, legions, and myths regarding them. They come in multiple forms.

Chocolate. For most people, chocolate being an aphrodisiac is an added bonus to the already deliciousness. I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate? Well, I know a few who need to be charged with high treason. (Just joking… but not really.) Listen, I’m of the opinion that not loving chocolate is un-American, and I say it with my full chest. So there! If anyone needs another excuse to eat chocolate, this is it.

Strawberries. Strawberries have long been thought to be aphrodisiacs. In ancient Rome, they were a symbol of Venus (known as Aphrodite in Greek mythology). An old tradition in France was to serve newly married couples a strawberry soup that was thought to increase sexual desire during their honeymoon. Being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, there may be some evidence that strawberries genuinely possess aphrodisiac effects.

Oysters. Oysters increase the production of the hormone, dopamine. Dopamine enhances libido. They also are abundant in zinc. Zinc is quintessence in the production of testosterone and maintaining healthy sperm. Testosterone affects sexual desire. Oysters gained its reputation as being an aphrodisiac from the 1822 biography of the French Voltaire and philosopher, Giacomo Casanova, published by Penguin Books. In The Story of My Life, Casanova claimed to have eaten fifty oysters daily and attributed this to his sexual prowess.

Honey. In nearly every article I read while researching, honey kept popping up all over the page. Initially, I wasn’t going to include it because I had read that it can contain many toxins. Then, I thought about it. How many people use honey as a regular staple in their diet. I know I do. Years ago, I began taking a spoonful of natural honey to help with allergies. A worker is a beekeeper and sells jars at a reasonable price. Reportedly, the best results for using honey to combat allergies is when the honey is local, as the bees use the pollen from the plants in the area, and consuming it helps build a tolerance. Well, it turns out that honey also promotes testosterone production in men. In women, the mineral boron present in honey aids the use of estrogen.

Truffles. Truffles have long been (since ancient Rome and Greece) considered aphrodisiac agents. The scent of them closely resembles that of male pheromone.

Figs. Figs may have first been associated with being an aphrodisiac due to their appearance. They also are rich in amino acids.

Pomegranate. As discussed previously, the word aphrodisiac derives from the word Aphrodite. According to Greek mythology, the love goddess, Aphrodite, is credited with planting the first pomegranate tree. Even if one dismisses the myth, pomegranates have been traced to have originated in the Mediterranean. So, at least, some small part of the myth is accurate. Additionally, due to its numerous seeds, the fruit is associated with abundance and fertility. But perhaps the most convincing evidence of this is that it increases testosterone.

Saffron. Many people may be familiar with the use of saffron as a supplement to treat stress and mood, specifically depression. It is a spice, native to Southwest Asia, that is made from a flower.

Ginger. Ginger is alleged to induce lustfulness or lustful desires. Ginger helps detoxify the body and increase circulation, including amplifying blood flow to certain male organs.

Cloves. Cloves are reported to reduce premature ejaculation. Enough said.

Almonds. Almonds are chock-full of fatty acids, and fatty acids are essential in the production of fertility hormones, reproduction functions, and a strong libido. To boot, they have an alluring scent.

Pistachios. Allegedly, pistachios reduce symptoms of ED. But even if that effect is a myth, pistachios have other health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, lowing blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and helping to manage weight.

Artichokes. Fun fact. During the sixteenth century, women were forbidden from consuming artichokes due to the belief that the vegetable enhanced sexual power. No joke. In fact, from the sixteenth century to the twentieth century, they were considered to be an exotic vegetable for the aristocracy.

Asparagus. Asparagus is endorsed by the Kama Sutra. With its phallic shape and energy-boosting effects, who can argue that it hasn’t earned a place on this list? In a way, this food acts as a sexual defender. It works as an aphrodisiac is by neutralizing excess ammonia found naturally in the body with aspartic acid. Ammonia can decrease sexual interest and make a person feel tired or weak. Furthermore, asparagus is rich in vitamin B which is a folate and helps to increase the production of histamine. Histamine intensifies sexual drive.

Fenugreek. I admit that I had never heard of fenugreek until researching for information for this article. Most of my friends didn’t either, but you know, there’s always that one person… One of my friends who is into organic foods stated that she uses in cooking. (And no, I didn’t ask what dishes she puts it in or why because I really do not want to venture down that crooked road. There’s no telling where it may end.) According to some research, fenugreek is used to make estrogen and testosterone. Reportedly, it increases organs. Now, before you flock out to buy a bottle, know that it may counteract some types of cancer treatments.

Ginkgo Biloba. This herb is harvested from trees and frequently is an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Although it’s stated to be an aphrodisiac, it is warned that it also acts as a blood thinner.

Maca.  Anything with the nickname of the “The Peruvian Viagra” deserves a place on this list. This sweet, cruciferous vegetable mainly grows and is harvested in central South America. It is related to vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. Reportedly, maca may increase stamina, so, no gone in sixty seconds with it.

Red Ginseng. There are two interesting studies regarding red ginseng’s aphrodisiac effects. The first is a study that was conducted with menopausal women. It was should to increase the women’s in this group sexual arousal. A second study indicated that it may improve erectile dysfunction. However, like ginkgo Biloba, this herb may have blood-thinning effects. And speaking of red…

Red Wine. Honestly, I probably would have snuck this one on the list even if I had not found it mentioned multiple times in research articles. Wine has so many positive qualities. How many times have you heard someone say they are going to wind down with a glass of wine? That’s because wine helps alleviate anxiety. Who can get it up or into the mood when they are uptight? So, that’s an aphrodisiac bonus right there. But the aphrodisiac effects go further. Red wine is another one of those foods/drinks that increase blood flow in the body.

Spicy Chili Peppers. When I saw this one listed, the first thing I thought was, “Ah, and that’s why the Red-Hot Chili Peppers are named what they are.” I have if one has anything to do with the other. I never read anything anywhere to suggest that the two are tied. It’s just the first thought the leaped into my mind. Ya’ll know it doesn’t take much. They are said to work by stimulating the nerve endings on the tongue that cause the release of sexual arousal. I can attest that I’ve never experienced that after eating. In fact, the only thing I’ve ever experienced from hot chili peppers is burning lips. However, capsaicin can increase heart rate or cause sweating, which resembles physical reactions that occur during sexual intercourse.

Tribulus. I have absolutely no idea why Tribulus is considered an aphrodisiac, as I could not locate any quality information to support this claim. Yet, it kept popping up in other searches. My rationale is that if it repetitively kept finding its way into articles on aphrodisiac, there must be some support out there somewhere. I just haven’t found it. For that reason, I’m listing it here.

Watermelon. Okay, I must admit that when I saw watermelon, but bottom jaw hit the floor. As a staple in the south, who knew watermelon was an aphrodisiac? I mean there’s nothing sexy about a watermelon. They are bulky and eating them can be extremely messy. In fact, it’s common to eat them outside so you can just spit the seeds into the grass as the juice runs down your chin. The appeal of watermelons, at least for me, has always been quenching thirst on a hot day. Well, it seems they quench another thirst as well. Watermelon contains an amino acid known as citrulline. Citrulline relaxes and dilates blood vessels in a similar way to Viagra. The kicker to this is that the majority of citrulline found in watermelon is concentrated in the rind.

Peaches. Depending on how one views it, peaches may or may not be an aphrodisiac. See, they help build/increase sperm count. Now, if pregnancy and babies are something one wants to avoid, well, peaches may not be the fruit to get you in the mood and spark desire. On the contrary, one may want to leave this fruit at the fruit stand and/or farmer’s market. However, if you’re seeking to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, slice them up and slather on the whipped cream. (BTW, one might think whipped cream also would be on this list as well, but it’s not.) Peaches also are high in antioxidants which can help a person feel overall healthier.

Yohimbe.  This herb is grown in India and Africa. It works by stimulating spinal nerves. This nerve stimulation improves the ease of erection without increasing sexual excitement. Serious side effects of Yohimbe include overstimulation, weakness, anxiety, hallucinations, and paralysis.

Now that I’ve spilled all the love jelly beans and candy hearts, let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. Will you be adding any of these items to your grocery list? Did anything on this list shock you? Are there any items that were not on the list but should have been? If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. If you’re not following me over on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou. We have fun, and there’s no need to worry about what’s in the water. Not everything bites.

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And also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new steamy romance, Ice Gladiators, guaranteed to melt the ice. It’s the third book in my sports romance Locker Room Love series.

Taz has problems: a stalled career, a coach threatening to destroy him, a meddling matchmaking roommate, and a thing for his other roommate’s boyfriend. The first three are manageable, but the last… well, that’s complicated. Because as much as Taz is attempting not to notice Liam, Liam is noticing him. Grab your copy of Ice Gladiators at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Missed the first two books in my sports romance series? No frets. Out of the Penalty Box, where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime, out is available at https://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. Visit www.books2read.com/penalty.

Defending the Net can be ordered at www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Locker Room Love is a steamy standalone gay romance/ MM romance series revolving around professional hockey players. Set primarily in the Cajun and Creole bayous of south Louisiana, these love stories have a diverse cast of characters. These sexy athletes are discovering their own voice and the best romance of their lives, even if that isn’t their intention. Find tales of friends to lovers, enemies to loves, billionaires, bad boys, forbidden romance, first times, gay for you, and more. These alpha males are guaranteed to work up a sweat and melt the ice.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays (with bonus posts sometimes on Mondays), and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Keep safe.

stions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub. I’m also on TikTok. Find me at on TikTok @creolegurlnola or on Snapchat at creolegurl_esq2. And Finally, I’m on Facebook. So, take your pick. Follow me on one or all. I’d love to get to know you and have an opportunity to interact.

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Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Keep safe.