Most aphrodisiacs are pure bunk, but it's fun to read about tonics that have beguiled lovers for centuries—and look at a few that may actually work. LiveScience lists its top 10:
- Respect. Dr. Ruth talks about the feeling that sparks all meaningful relationships, and makes for good sex too.
- Exercise. A recent study links penile dysfunction to inactivity, while physical fitness boosts mind and body both.
- Psychoanalysis. Therapists can boost that libido by helping alleviate depression and other disorders.
- Viagra. Not a true aphrodisiac, because it needs sexual stimulation to work.
- Yohimbe, Tribulus, and Maca. These herbs are being studied, but watch out—Yohimbe, an African tree bark, can actually kill you.
- Oysters. They do contain zinc, which is needed for making sperm, but scientific data is mixed so far.
See what LiveScience thinks of chocolate, booze, and other alleged love tonics in the link below. (More
aphrodisiacs stories.)