Aphrodisiacs: Trick, or Treat?

As the holidays approach, seasonal flavors pop up everywhere to help us keep warm in the winter months, but could pumpkin spice up more than just your latte?

You’ve probably seen every Sexy Witch/Librarian/Fire Hydrant costume out there, but have you ever considered that the ubiquitous Halloween gourd might give you an amorous edge? Pumpkin is said to have aphrodisiac qualities, so as we start sipping on our first PSLs of the season, we’re wondering if there’s any truth to this. If we are what we eat (and drink!), can we feast our way to a better sex life?

For starters, what is an aphrodisiac?

Named after Aphrodite, the Greek god of love and beauty, an aphrodisiac is a substance, such as a food or drug, which when consumed increases sexual desire or intensifies arousal.

How do scientists measure sexual arousal?

Information on aphrodisiacs still tends to focus, quite clinically, on sexual function of genitalia (i.e. physiological reactions, such as getting an erection or ejaculation) rather than pleasure or arousal. But is that actually how scientists measure arousal? Well, in many cases, yes. Alongside brain scans and asking participants to report their arousal levels, a common way of measuring human arousal is to use a device called a plethysmograph to measure changes in blood flow to the genitals.

It should be noted that the field of research often has a male-skewed bias, and this holds true for research into sexual function and reproductive systems. Last year, science publication site ResearchGate found that studies into erectile dysfunction outnumbered studies into PMS five to one. Human arousal is, in itself, a niche area of research, and while there have been studies that have included both men and women, the findings have been largely inconclusive when it comes to understanding female sexuality. Alice Dreger, sex researcher and historian of medicine and science, says that when it comes to arousal, “the vagina is not the homologue to the penis”, and insists research should instead focus on the clitoris. Unfortunately, there is currently no device to measure clitoral responses, making this type of research impossible. More on this in an upcoming article. Stay tuned!

Sooo is my PSL extra …spicy…? ?

Allan Hirsch conducted one of the most famous studies on aphrodisiac foods, using a plethysmograph to test the effects of several food smells on men’s arousal. The smell that produced the greatest increase in blood flow to the penis was the combination of lavender and pumpkin pie. This study is arguably responsible for the belief that pumpkin has some kind of magic boner-inducing powers, and although companies have been making pumpkin spice everything for a few years now — with rumors of even a pumpkin spice condom making waves in 2014 — the idea that pumpkin is some kind of carnal catalyst is far from having been proven. Dr. Hirsch’s work has been met with much skepticism and controversy in the scientific community; his studies have generally been based on small sample sizes and unconventional methodology, and few have been published in peer-reviewed publications.

Got a sweet tooth? There’s an aph’ for that.

Another Halloween staple often considered to be an aphrodisiac is, of course, chocolate, but research into its effects lend no credence to this myth. Some research claims phenylethylamine, a chemical related to amphetamines which occurs in chocolate in small quantities, activates endorphins and gives us a rush of feel-good vibes. However, it is commonly argued that phenylethylamine all but disappears during metabolism, making it unlikely to play a significant role in arousal. Many sources suggest that serotonin — found in chocolate and often dubbed the ‘happiness hormone’ — regulates vasocongestion (the swelling of sexual organs in both men and women, and a precursor to vaginal lubrication), thus increasing genital function. Several studies in 2006 and 2010 examining the effect of chocolate on women reported higher sexual function in women who ate chocolate daily compared with those who did not. However, once adjusted for age and other factors, this difference was lost.

What about other aphrodisiacs?

Mention aphrodisiacs and most people will think of oysters. This association goes back centuries to when virility and fertility were the markers of a good sex life, which might explain why claims surrounding this supposedly-sexy seafood have stuck around for so long. While much of the nutritional content found in oysters is said to be essential for a healthy reproductive system — zinc and vitamin B6 both help increase sperm count and testosterone production — there is little evidence to suggest that they affect sex drive.

A quick Google of “aphrodisiacs” will turn up Cosmo articles or alternative health blogs listing foods known to improve circulation — such as pomegranate, watermelon, and honey — as being good for the libido, suggesting that increased blood flow to sex organs is the key to getting off.

So, what does all this tell us about the legitimacy of aphrodisiacs?

If science can’t prove they’re real, why are we so attached to the idea that certain foods can turn us on? A common explanation is simply that certain foods just look sexual, which — when you think about the suggestive shape of oysters, figs, asparagus, watermelons, and bananas — kind of makes sense. Another possible explanation is that the association of smells like vanilla or cinnamon with childhood or other comforting memories make us feel more relaxed, thus lowering inhibitions.

So, the jury’s still out on this one, but for anyone enticed to do their own research, Fork Me Spoon Me is a cookbook entirely devoted to the subject of aphrodisiac foods, with titillating recipes full of ostensibly erotic concoctions such as chocolate-covered brie, mango meatloaf, and ginger mojitos. Or, if you’re not convinced, you could do as one GoodReads reviewer suggests, “save yourself some money: take out your old Joy of Cooking and buy a copy of the Kama Sutra.”

Whatever your thoughts on this mysterious phenomenon, one thing is certain: food and sex are two of the most pleasurable things we experience as humans, so whether you enjoy them together, or separately, you’re bound to have a good time!

Header image illustrated by Marcy Gooberman

Must be looooooove on the braaaaain 🧠. Or was that s£x? 👀🤭 Our brains are our largest s£x organs and sometimes they get a little sad, hyperactive, anxious, or overwhelmed. You won’t always be in the mood for s£x and that’s okay! Keep communication with your partner open and ongoing, check in with yourself and your mental health, and lean on the support of a trusted therapist or doctor if you need some extra guidance. 🫶🏽 Anything you would add?

I mean 😏

It is not wrong nor should it feel shameful to ✨seek pleasure.✨ I think those of us who grew up more religious were taught that you should always be in service of others and giving of yourself rather than concerned with our own needs or passions. While it is wonderful to be generous with giving (and can in fact be a source of pleasure), it should be equally encouraged to pursue your own pleasure — it whatever form it may take! It may feel self-indulgent, but why is that a bad thing? Pleasure boosts our mental health. It helps us cope with a difficult world, with anxiety, depression, and stress. It makes us feel good! It gives us something to look forward to. Pleasure helps us connect with others and with ourselves. Pleasure (as long as it is not at the expense of someone else’s safety or well-being) should be a priority, for our joy and for our health. It really is so important! Where do you find pleasure? I personally love a good massage… 💆🏽‍♀️

It’s time for a talk, friend. Let’s be clear, you nor your partner ever has to do *anything* you’re not comfortable with. That said, if it’s something you enjoy and that’s pleasurable to you, it’s okay to ask your partner for it! They can say no, but if they invalidate your pleasure, much less expect you to do something they won’t do?? The ball is then in your court to decide if this is the partner for you. You deserve someone who cares about and prioritizes your pleasure. Who is thrilled to be acquainted with your body, all of it! S-x can be vulnerable to talk about, but when you do…it’s so much better. 👅 included. Ask your partner what their hesitations are and have a *conversation.* Maybe they’re nervous, intimidated, or struggling with shame. Maybe they’re down to try other things you would enjoy and build up to it. The point is, it shouldn’t just be automatically dismissed. You can decide what’s right for you and what makes you feel aroused, validated, and appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t internalize their rejection. Your body is beautiful, desirable, and definitely worthy of pleasure. 😋🥰

A UK study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that only 46% of participants correctly identified that a female has 3 holes in the external genitalia. 😬 Not great. We’re taught so desperately little about our bodies and so discouraged from exploring them that we don’t even know what we’ve got going on down there! Understanding your own anatomy (and getting educated on your partner’s anatomy) can boost pleasure 1000x!! So take a mirror, use your hands, and get comfy exploring! 🪞🕵🏽‍♀️ And if you really want to get informed (and inspired 😉), head to our website for our basics on pleasure and anatomy. What do you think? Could YOU correctly label a diagram of what lies beneath?

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