Aphrodisiacs have side effects too

At his bachelor’s party, Madan’s friends were eager to dole out advice to their soon-to-be married pal. While some recommended Viagara for a memorable first night, others suggested Herbal medicines. Madan who had no doubts about his sexual prowess until then was suddenly unsure.
An ad in the newspaper the next morning caught his eye. “Wonder drug for a whole night of action” went the caption. Here is what he desperately needed to boost his sex life. Henceforth he could brandish his sexual prowess like a stallion and gallop through the sunset and sunrise. Gallop he did, not to the bedroom but to the loo!
Man has always been in search of a drug that would enhance his sexual valour. Aphrodisiacs, as these drugs are called, could be anything ranging from foods, herbs or potions, which induce sexual desire and boost performance.
Aphrodisiacs can be classified under four categories — activators, rejuvenators, sustenators and amplifiers. Activator is a non-inhibitory love potion while a rejuvenator is an elixir of youth. The sustenator prolongs sexual performance and an amplifier is a hedonistic enhancer.
Most herbal aphrodisiacs available in the market fall under the rejuvenator category. Modern medicine too has made rapid advances in this respect. While these drugs may be effective they may fail in other respects.
Herbal or modern, every medicine follows Newton’s third law — they have effects and side effects. Hence medicines, no matter which ones, should be used under medical supervision.
Here’s what one can put together for a great aphrodisiac: a candle light dinner, soft music, fragrances, lingerie and seasonings like caresses, massages, petting, necking, and nibbling. The best place to look for an aphrodisiac is in one’s partner. And the best aphrodisiac a man can have is a woman who can turn him on and in turn be turned on by him.

The writer is a sexologist. dr.narayana@deccanmail.com