Aphrodisiacs have been around since the beginning of time. Magicians, wise men and witches have known of and used the powers of aphrodisiacs for thousands of years. All of the Ancient cultures also incorporated aphrodisiacs use into their daily lives.

In many countries, like China and India, the culture openly uses aphrodisiacs and have common knowledge of their benefits. There is no taboo attached to the use and actually, the use of such aids is widely accepted as normal. Other cultures, like the ancient Mayans, Romans and Aztecs used aphrodisiacs for rites, rituals and increased pleasure with added knowledge of psychedelic qualities found in some aphrodisiacs. The Druids also accompanied their rites with potions made with aphrodisiacs. Basically, almost every culture throughout the ages from Etruscans to American Native Indians have used the ancient knowledge of herbal, plant, animal and other magical concoctions to better their life experiences.

We found 10 foods that are linked with love. Sample the recipes in our countdown with your sweetie and find out if these aphrodisiacs really work!

#10 Avocado
It could be the sensuous pear shape or the rich flavor of the fruit that gives avocado its aphrodisiac reputation. Whether added to salad, pureed in soups or chopped into the perfect bowl of fresh guacamole, the sea-green treat is perfect on your Valentine's table.

#9 Bananas
Rich in potassium and vitamin B, bananas are a feel-good food. For a sweet overindulgence, try a banana milkshake made with ripe bananas, milk and honey. According to banana.com, the combination will calm your stomach and re-regulate your blood sugar.

#8 Chili Peppers
This invigorating spice has an exotic reputation and stimulates endorphins. No wonder it is considered a symbol of love. Arriba!

#7 Honey
Birds and bees ring a bell? Honey is made through pollination and is a symbol of procreation. The word "honeymoon" got its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey, which was given to the happy couple.

#6 Pine Nuts
High in energizing zinc, pine nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pinecones.

#5 Figs
Used by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the fig paradoxically symbolizes both sexuality and modesty.

#4 Arugula
According to gourmetsleuth.com, this peppery plant has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Toss it in a vibrant salad to give it a try.

#3 Oysters
One of the most notorious aphrodisiacs, oysters are high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for love and fertility.

#2 Coffee
The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. Additionally, it is the top source of antioxidants in the American diet, according to a 2005 University of Scranton study.

#1 Chocolate
The mysterious powers of chocolate are well loved. Whatever is in the sweet substance that sends us running back for more, it's definitely indispensable to Valentine's Day.


Source: Reader's Digest.com



Tagged as: love, sex, aphrodisiac, valentines

Norman Cousins used this tool to recover from a serious illness. Savvy couples have used it to revive excitement in a relationship. Singles have used it to calm nerves and rev up enjoyment during dates. What is the free tool that can heal your body, increase intimacy, and prolong your life?

Laughter is the best aphrodisiac that also adds happy years to your life.

How?

The health benefits of laughter have been proven in plenty of scientific research. Laughter releases endorphins, the brain's feel-good chemicals, giving us a natural high. A belly laugh also reduces the stress hormone cortisol and boosts your immune system by almost 40%. A strong immune system helps you fight disease and stay healthy.

A hearty bout of laughter also stimulates circulation and gives your abdominal muscles a good workout. Good blood flow and fit muscles help you enjoy an active sex life throughout life.

I once worked on a film for television, directed by JoAnne Woodward who'd said, "Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but a man that can make you laugh everyday, ah, now THAT'S a real treat."

Joanne Woodward was happily married to Paul Newman for over 40 years until his recent death. I feel for her as she grieves the loss of their true love and daily laughter.

Since we know the health and happiness benefits of laughter, why aren't we all using this tool more often?

You may not feel like laughing when worries weigh you down in challenging times. Yet, this is when you need a big dose of laughter to lift your spirits. Researchers tell us that your body doesn't know the difference between genuine or faked laughter -- the health benefits are the same.

Should you fake it until you feel it?

It's definitely worth a try. Some spas now use laughter exercises to warm up a group as they bellow a hearty, "ho, ho, ho--ha, ha, ha," while they look in the eye of each person in the room. This faked laughter often leads to the real thing, stimulating a twinkle in the eye and a rosy glow in your cheeks.

If you can't find someone to laugh with or something to laugh about, you may be overlooking the greatest source of amusement--yourself. When you can laugh at your quirks instead of being self critical, you know a secret to a happy life.

Is laughter an aphrodisiac?

Who says sex has to be so serious? Humor is a secret of a happy love life. A playful attitude is sexy, when you leave your worries and inhibitions behind. Put-down humor is cruel--never a turn on for your partner.

You can spark up your romantic routine by telling an erotically-charged joke as foreplay or between caresses. There are books of hot jokes so you don't have to write them--only share your favorites to heat up your libido and lovemaking.

I suggest you find ways to use laughter to relieve stress, revive intimacy and rev up sexual vitality and happiness in your relationship.


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How to make people laugh? Click here.


Tagged as: love, sex, aphrodisiac, laughter