Aphrodisiacs have been used by every culture from the ancient Persians to the Aztecs to boost sexual desire. But do these supposed love potions really work? Scientific evidence suggests it’s the placebo effect that accounts for most of the libido-lifting powers of your typical aphrodisiac, but some of these foods, drinks, herbs, spices and scents may actually contribute to physical arousal in a variety of ways. Read on for the lowdown on five popular sex enhancers.
Do They Work? 5 Popular Aphrodisiacs
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This fermented blend of honey, water, berries and spices has been popular with civilizations around the globe since its earliest recorded appearance in China in 7000 B.C. Ancient Persians, believing that mead promoted fertility and desire, required newlyweds to drink the honey wine every day for the first month of marriage (hence, the "honey moon"). In the Middle Ages, people drank mead because they believed it promoted sexual desire — it probably didn't hurt that the alcohol in mead decreased inhibitions and wiped away fears of poor performance. There's no scientific evidence to back up mead's lusty effects, but it is rich in B vitamins, which are necessary for testosterone production. Whether it boosts sexual potency or not, mead is still a widely popular drink, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Next: Chocolate More on Time.com: 5 Little Known Truths About American Sex Lives
