An aphrodisiac is a substance which is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire. The word aphrodisiac comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality. Throughout history, man has searched for ways to get more sex. Some over-the-counter products claim to offer a way for us to get more and better quality nookie. But do they really work?

Some aphrodisiac products focus on the connection of odors to the brain. From food smells to body odor, studies have found that some fragrances affect sexual desire in both women and men, thereby improving intimacy and sex. Dr. Alan Hirsch, founder of The Smell & Taste Treatment Research Foundation, conducted a study on “Various Aromas Found to Enhance Male Sexual Response.” Dr. Hirsch selected 24 different odorants for the study, including six combinations. The participants were 31 men, ranging in ages 18 to 64 years. Each of the 30 odors evaluated produced an increase in penile blood flow. However, not all improved arousal to the same degree. The results:

• The collective odor of lavender and pumpkin pie had the greatest effect, increasing median penile blood flow by 40 percent
• The combination of black licorice and doughnut increased arousal by 31.5 percent
• So on, all the way down to cranberry, which increased penile blood flow only by 2 percent
• Depending on the man’s age, the subjects tended to react differently to certain smells. For example, older men tended to respond strongly to vanilla

Scentuelle is an aroma patch designed to use your sense of smell to enhance your sexual desire using a sensuous blend of aromas. Scentuelle is a patented technology and a registered trademark; no prescription is required. Since its introduction in the United Kingdom in 2005, over 200,000 women have used Scentuelle to ignite their sexual desire.

Scentuelle is made up of a blend of nanometer-sized scent molecules which are designed to imitate the size, shape and electrical charge of dopamine. The Scentuelle patch begins to work from the first sniff and the effect is cumulative, building to the highest level after three weeks. The patch is intended to give the user a feeling of well being all day long and is designed to work directly with the brain rather than through the blood stream. You’ll find 30 patches in every package and it is suggested that you put on a new patch every day. For greatest effect, wear the patch at all times and try to sniff it at least once every hour. Several users find wearing it on the inside of the wrist allows them to access it discreetly. However, some have reported headaches from using the product. If you are sensitive to smells, you might want to be careful with this option.

Some products combine odors with the benefits of touch. Give your partner a double treat by using massage oils containing essential oils of aphrodisiac herbs to further enhance your likelihood of a steamy encounter. An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. An oil is considered “essential" because it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Some essential oils are celebrated for their capacity to help balance both sexual and thyroid hormones. Other essential oils enliven the brain centers relating to emotions. Aphrodisiac essential oil blends can be purchased with an added massage base; they come premixed and ready to use. When selecting massage oils, creams and other products, keep in mind the following essentials oils are famed aphrodisiacs, for boosting and enhancing sex drive:

• Rose—harmonizing, comforting, and romantic; alleged to be especially appealing to women.
• Jasmine—seductive and calming. Jasmine has been used in India as an aphrodisiac for centuries. Jasmine’s scent is intensely floral, warm and alluring; it stimulates our senses without negative side effects.
• Ylang-ylang—enhances sexual emotions and physical sex drive; soothing to the nerves to ease performance anxiety.
• Patchouli—useful in treating sexual problems including loss of libido, frigidity and impotence. It also helps to stimulate interest in sex.
• Pine needle essential oil—has a positive effect on prostrate problems in men and is advantageous for treating impotence.
• Ambrette seed essential oil—used to overcome inhibitions of sex. Its rich and musky odor has tonic properties that are relaxing and stimulating.
• Clary sage—harmonizing, centering, and calming. Clary sage contains a hormone-like compound similar to estrogen that regulates hormonal balance and has sensual properties.
• Cinnamon essential oil—helps to arouse sexual desires and lifts the mood. It is a powerful physical and emotional stimulant that improves blood circulation.
• Nutmeg essential oil—helps to lift the user’s mental state. It is also known for its stimulating properties that arouse emotions.
• Vanilla essential oil—promotes and arouses intense sexual behavior by the production of hormones similar to estrogen and testosterone.
• Orange bitter essential oil—has a sweet and citrus scent that refreshes, invigorates, energizes and prepares the body for improved sex performance. It is also calming and soothing to the nerves.            

Hippie and patchouli soap—an aromatic product which combines the benefits of patchouli with myrrh, ginger, petals of lavender, and propóleos. This could be a great gift!

For Men

Pheromone wipes claim to enhance sexual desire in women. Each foil packet contains a folded moist towelette saturated with fragrance and a pheromone formula. Simply apply to neck and wrists before you go out. Pheromones are not consciously noticeable; women will be attracted to you without knowing why.

Topical erection wipes are applied topically to the area of the penis, attempting to bypass digestive absorption problems accompanied by traditional erection enhancement products. The quick absorption of the yin yang huo (horny goat weed) in the topical erection wipes goes directly to where it counts, increasing blood flow to the penis. A fuller, more stable erection is achieved and the occurrence of premature ejaculation is reduced. For women, these wipes can be used in smaller doses to provide deeper and more intense orgasms.

Penile enlargement creams: We’ve all seen the ads on the Internet and received those emails about creams and other products claiming to enlarge the penis. Before you hit the delete button, consider: can they really work? The lotions contain a substance which targets the cells of the genitals. It helps blood flow, which, in turn, dilates the veins and should—in theory—enlarge a man’s penis successfully over time. The idea: If more blood flows into the area, the bigger it will become due to the stretching.

Motion lotion—Flavored lotions that warm the skin when applied heats up the action for both of you.

For Women

Pheromone wipes for lesbians: Naturally found in small amounts in the perspiration of lesbians, the natural pheromone androstenone is an evolutionary remainder from a time when human females relied on scent to attract female mates.

Cleansing wipes with a twist—offers women an on-the-go cleaning option loaded with arousing aromas.

Alura cream—an exciting product for women from Lexxus Viacreme (renamed Alura). Alura is a natural, topical cream to be applied to the female genital area twice daily, which acts as a stimulant to the soft tissue and creates a “cool tingling” sensation down below. The active ingredients in this cream are menthol USP and L-arginine USP, an amino acid found in dietary products. The product claims to help women achieve orgasms more often, more quickly. Users are cautioned that in some that are sensitive, the cream can stimulate a vigorous tingle when applied. Use very sparingly until you know how your body will react.

“V” cream—the main ingredient in ‘V’ cream is Aleppo oak gall. Because of its high tannin content, Aleppo oakgall is most commonly used after childbirth to stimulate the contraction of the abdominal, uterine and vaginal muscles. It is also believed to slow the menopausal process and improve sensitivity and orgasm.

Not All Fun and Games

When exploring the aphrodisiacs available today, be aware that people have died taking too many stimulants, even natural ones. Last year, New York City officials warned people to avoid a toad venom-based aphrodisiac that reportedly killed a man. The illegal love drug, often sold as Jamaican stone or Chinese rock, is dangerous whether ingested or applied to the skin. "There is no definite safe way to use it,” one official said. Comparable drugs have killed at least five New Yorkers since the early 1990s. Explore product options using your best judgment and consult with your doctor and an herbalist before introducing new substances into your body.