So what is an Aphrodisiac anyway? An Aphrodisiac is simply anything that sexually excites members of a specific social group. In the case of humans it stimulates a sexual desire or response for sexual activity. The name itself refers to Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of sex. A number of items are alleged to be Aphrodisiacs. Often however, it is usually a sort of placebo type effect that is wrongly thought to cause the sexual desire.
Several chemicals tested under laboratory conditions, such as Alkyl Nitrates, Melanotan, PEA and Bremlanotide have produced sexual response in humans. Often, as expected simply increasing levels of the hormone testosterone will cause a noticeable increase in sexual drive.

On the natural Aphrodisiac front there are several herbs and certain foods that will trigger the sexual response. Some of the alleged trigger herbs and foods include things like, Maca, Ginseng, Oysters, Yohimbine, Watermelon, Ginkgo Biloba, Deer Antlers, as well as several other foods and compounds. In addition, there are the Pheromones that are said to be specific chemicals that can trigger a sexual response.

The big distinction between Aphrodisiacs and Pheromones is that while Aphrodisiacs act inside the body, Pheromones act outside the body. This is often seen in the insect world, as a way to defend territory, or in some cases trigger aggression in certain insects and animals. In the animal kingdom, Pheromones are used to identify when a female is ready for breeding.

In the case of humans, certain smells or odors have been indeed shown to trigger the sexual response. For example, certain elements like Androstenone have shown the ability to arouse sexual feelings. This is one of the hormones associated with puberty in humans. In truth there is really no solid evidence that externally applied Pheromones will increase sexual drive in humans. While there are some pheromone products sold commercially that claim to contain certain Pheromones and to be an Aphrodisiac, there is little to no scientific evidence to support these product claims. None-the-less it would certainly be worth conducting personal experimentation if the opportunity were to present itself.