Herbal Viagra

In Gilbert and Sullivan’s celebrated The Sorcerer, first produced November 1877, Gilbert displayed all his skill and wit with the passion potion provided by John Wellington Wells of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers of “70 Simmery Axe” – St. Mary, a medieval church in the City of London. As “a dealer in magic and spells” he produces for Alexis and his betrothed Aline a “Love-philtre – we’ve quantities of it” with results both magical and comical.

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Former NBA and realty TV star Lamar Odom might have been wiser to have consulted such a sorcerer rather than resort to natural aphrodisiacs last November in a Nevada brothel, widely reported in world media. Allegedly mixing these with alcohol and other, less legal substances, he was lucky to escape with his life. The search for aphrodisiacs is doubtlessly as old as man. The name is derived from Greek ??po?ioiakóv (aphrodistakos), appropriately associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. Many and mysterious have been plants supposed to enhance the libido. Indeed an examination of literature available on the subject published in English language indicates and astounding number of herbal aphrodisiacs have been sampled by speakers of that language. (Central Europeans seem to have been more enthralled with herbs for the lower bowel which may explain why, today, English speakers predominate.) The term ‘Herbal Viagra’ is taken from the brand name ‘Viagra’ of the pharmaceutical firm of Pfizer. Despite their concern, Google requires a mere 0.34 seconds to come up with 18,700,000 results of a search using the term. ‘Natural Viagra’ is an alternative. Either have raised concerns.

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“Be wary of any product that claims to be a natural form of Viagra” warns the Mayo Clinic. Conrad Richter of Richters Herbs elaborates: “Herbal Viagra alternatives are very much part of the new herbal folklore. Inspired by the success of Viagra, real and wannabe herbalists, quacks and snake oil salesmen are putting forth their alternatives hoping for a piece of the pie.” Not everyone is satisfied with advice set forth in the Kama Sutra, that ancient Indian text in Sanskrit literature written by V?tsy?yana in the 2nd century AD and describing 64 sex acts along with much other advice for the lovelorn. The original inhabitants of North America had a few herbs to lavish on their libidos. For example, according to Stephen Foster and James A. Duke, the pretty Indian Paintbrush, also known as Painted Cup (Castilleja coccinea) might be added to food as secret love charm – but is also described as a poison ‘to destroy your enemies.’ Similarly, the finely grated roots of the rather unpleasantly named Lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis) were secretly added to food as an alleged aphrodisiac. Other plants also utilized as the ultimate elixir included Sweet Everlasting, also intriguingly known as Rabbit Tobacco (Gnaphalium obtusifolium); Red Trillium (Wakerobin, Bethroot, Trillium erectum); Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense); American Ash (Fraxinus americana); and Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera); This is not to say that early colonists to North America did not indulge in such folk aphrodisiacs. Terrestrial orchids were decimated thanks to their ball-shaped roots, reminiscent of testicles, suggestive of more powers. The fact that the very name orchid derives from the Greek for testicle didn’t help much. The Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) also disappeared into the maw of folk belief although Ground Pine or Common Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) has fared better. The Sweetflag or Calamus (Acorus americanus) was used both by Native Americans and in India used as an aphrodisiac. More recently others have entered modern herbal philosophy. Here are a few of the most prominent, widely offered through the wonders of the worldwide web. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium species) is also suggestively known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Randy Beef Grass and Yin Yang Huo, mostly originate from China but also the rest of Asia, and the Mediterranean region. As Barrenwort or Bishop’s Hat it is known in horticulture as a hardy groundcover. Gingko (G. biloba) tree native to China; but all parts are highly allergenic Ginseng (Korean Panax ginseng; American P. quinquefolius) a root with almost legendary powers of rejuvenation Maca (Leopidium meyenii) is a herbaceous perennial from the high Andes of Peru Velvet Bean (Mucuna prunens) a legume native to Africa and Asia; young foliage and seed pods cause extreme itching Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris) gains its name from the sharp spiny fruit which puncture tires wherever it occurs worldwide as an invasive weed Damiana (Turnera diffusa) a tropical American shrub used to flavour the Mexican liquor of the same name Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johime) tree bark is a traditional aphrodisiac from West Africa also used in veterinary medicine to sedate dogs and deer. Safer and considerably less costly would be to spend the few days surrounding Valentine’s Day in Verona, the magical city of Romeo and Juliet. During that time the city celebrates Verona in Love – Se ami qualcuno portalo a Verona. Thousands of hearts, lights and other red-tinted decorations line the streets while exhibitions, activities, concerts, food and, yes, even alleged aphrodisiacs are all available for your enjoyment. At night, the Illuminated of Love Walk takes lovers through the historic centre, then ends with a synchronized mass-kiss in the Piazza dei Signori. End your visit with a trip to the out-of-the-way Via Cappello, 23, Verona, Casa di Guilietta, House of Juliet. Gaze up at the balcony and shoulder your way through crowds to see the statue of Shakespeare’s doomed heroine. Somehow though we doubt all this would interest Lamar Odom.

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