By Alissa Medina > Freshman > Media & Cultural Studies > University of California, Riverside; Photos by AR > Sophomore > Graphic Design > UMBC
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and sexuality, tried to lure in lovers with her beauty and natural intoxicating scent. The term aphrodisiac originates from the name of the invigorating goddess, which represents scents and food that, when consumed, amplify one’s sex drive.
This year, consider these four natural aphrodisiacs – easily-giftable and accessible within the campus environment – to complement your romantic Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate
Chocolate has a natural source of phenyl ethylamine (PEA), a chemical that releases dopamine into your brain. Dopamine is associated with the feeling of falling in love, and can create a euphoric feeling of pleasure when released. The Aztecs claimed chocolate as the “nourishment of the Gods,” as the Aztec god Montezuma is rumored to have drank 50 golden goblets of chocolate to increase his fervor for his harem of women. It also includes douses of Serotonin, which is known to release chemicals in your brain to make you feel passionate, fortitudinous, and energetic.
Vanilla
Widely-recognized as a relaxing and arousing scent, Vanilla is often given to hospital patients to unwind with its calming aroma. A study by the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City revealed that patients receiving vanilla aromatherapy had shed their anxiety by 63 percent. Like chocolate, vanilla releases chemicals in your brain that can increase libido.
Champagne
Known as Marilyn Monroe’s favorite drink, Champagne’s bubbly and light characteristics 
give it the ability to delve more quickly into your bloodstream than most types of alcohol. A study by Dr. Max Lake, researcher of natural aphrodisiac aromas, showed that the smell of dry champagne is similar to female pheromones, or chemical factors that enable a scent to attract and drive men wild with lustful tendencies. Be mindful of how much champagne you consume, as its quick intoxication rate can lower the inhibitions of those who drink it.
give it the ability to delve more quickly into your bloodstream than most types of alcohol. A study by Dr. Max Lake, researcher of natural aphrodisiac aromas, showed that the smell of dry champagne is similar to female pheromones, or chemical factors that enable a scent to attract and drive men wild with lustful tendencies. Be mindful of how much champagne you consume, as its quick intoxication rate can lower the inhibitions of those who drink it.
Rose
The favorite flower of the Roman goddess Venus, the rose is a powerful symbol of sexuality. In ancient Rome, the rose was used in a traditional pudding that was used to induce arousal and revitalize one’s sex life. Cleopatra often doused herself with rose petals – a common symbol of sexual desire – while bathing, whereas the Romans consumed it for their lap of sexual luxury in the wild fair of the Bacchanalia.
