An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality and love. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviours have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable.

Some natural items purported to be aphrodisiacs when ingested or applied to the body:

Ambergris

Arugula (Rocket) (Eruca sativa)

Atta laevigata

Balut

Celery

Cow cod soup (Jamaican Aphrodisiac)

Borojo (Borojoa patinoi)

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Epimedium grandiflorum (Horny Goat Weed)

Eurycoma longifolia

Ginkgo biloba

Ginseng

Lettuce, considered an aphrodisiac in Ancient Egypt. Eaten by the sexually potent God of Chaos, Seth.

Maca

Mannish Water (goat soup, Jamaican Aphrodisiac)

Mucuna pruriens

Mamajuana (Dominican Republic alcoholic sex drink)

Oysters

Dark Chocolate

Saffron

Socratea exorrhiza

Spanish fly (cantharidin)

Tribulus terrestris

Yohimbine

Some newly introduced exotic foods often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar; for example:

Artichokes

Asparagus In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the vegetable at their prenuptial dinner.

Bananas The sap of the red banana is considered an aphrodisiac in Central America.

Mamey sapote

Tomatoes (allegedly to the French term pomme d'amour as a misrendering of pomme de Maure)

Truffles

Strawberries