Dear Dr. Lawlis,

You make mention that Westerners have used food in a psychological game of romance. Do you know if any scientific studies exist on the topic? We all make the assumption, but I can't find any studies that specifically hone in on the psychology of aphrodisiacs. As an authority on aphrodisiac foods, I'm asked about this all the time.

Thanks for your expertise! (I recently got a copy of your new book and look forward to reading it soon.)

Thank you,
Amy Reiley

I liked this post and your approach. But let's level with everyone: there are some incredible ones out there that you've not even mentioned:

--Tamarind, a small dried fruit ("tamarindo" in Spanish), very popular in South America; available also as a syrup (which is more potent than as a regular, popular drink). Cheap, healthy, and amazing, especially for guys.

--Maca, also from South America (Peru). A cheap, healthy aphrodisiac favored in the Andes.

--Guarana, available even from Amazon as a powder. Amazing what a sprinkling in one's O.J. will do!

--Catuaba, from Brazil, from a tree bark, available in a pill form.

--Algarrobina, my favorite, a health extract also from Peru. Delicious and really good for you.

The list of other options is very long, but these are among the best.

How do I know all this? My partner is Peruvian. There are some things about which we Americans are really amazingly ignorant--especially when we spend millions on horrible Viagra, with all its problems, costs, and nasty side effects.

Get informed, people, and enjoy yourselves in inexpensive, healthy ways.

Terrible advice on soy for men. It causes a major increase in estrogen production and that will cut sex drive quite markedly. Though growing boobs is considered a sexy plus in some kink groups.

Celery an aphrodisiac! Hehe I wonder if that's where the "celery song" came from....