Aphrodisiacs evoke a variety of reactions in us, so what image do they invoke for you? Champagne, oysters, strawberries, or chocolates? Well in India, the land of the Kama Sutra, where sensuality is celebrated in art and literature, and food is revered for both its sensuality and sacredness, aphrodisiacs are everywhere. In Indian culture, the act of making love is considered a primaeval desire and a need of all species, including humans. So, different strategies and methods, including aphrodisiacs, have been employed throughout the centuries across India to enhance sexual pleasure, and increase progeny.

Growing up in Loughborough as a British-Indian woman whose parents were Kenyan-Indian, I was often curious about taboo aspects of Indian culture. Women were taught to protect their "virginity" above all else, never discussing sex or any other aspect of female pleasure. If we come from the land of the Kama Sutra, I always wondered why we are prohibited from talking about Indian aphrodisiacs or visual representations of sex in Indian art. What is going on here? Why are these two different views of our culture colliding? It's not surprising that women in parts of India today perceive their place in society and in relationships differently because of a wave of liberation. May we be reacting with something deeply rooted in our genetics?

As a child, observing Indian paintings displayed around family homes helped me to understand that pleasure was not just about the physical, but also about the soul. Looking deeper, I could sense that pleasure was so important that it excited and manifested in the mind, which was beautifully captured in art. Building anticipation and sparking the imagination were integral to intimacy for the artist. However whenever I inquired about why Indian art depicted people as semi-naked and touching, or feeding each other, my family immediately told me to refrain from asking any questions, since it painted me in a negative light. However, this only made me pursue my interest further.

I have since discovered that Indian food has a long history of aphrodisiac properties, which is now considered taboo unless it is mentioned in a recipe for friends or family. Through studying ancient Indian literature, I gained a better understanding of, and appreciation for, art where aphrodisiacs are clearly depicted, possibly suggesting that royalty, nobility, and their guests were equally involved in the actual cooking process, using aphrodisiacs to build anticipation and spark the erotic imagination.

It may surprise you to learn that there are aphrodisiacs in every Indian kitchen that you may not know about. Many Indian kitchens in fact, contain a variety of aphrodisiacs which we may consume without appreciating their aphrodisiac properties. From cinnamon to cardamom, each spice has its own erotic connotation. But how, you might ask, are these everyday spices an aphrodisiac?   

An aphrodisiac is an unexpected treat that can be eaten or drunk to increase vigour, sexual drive, and in some cases, treat dysfunctions and infertility. There are two components to an aphrodisiac. The first is physiological: they can  affect all five senses. The other lies in the preparation and formulation of the aphrodisiac.

There are a number of common ingredients and food items with aphrodisiac properties, including:

Cinnamon: In addition to being a spice native to the Indian subcontinent, cinnamon is also known as a sweet spice. A variety of conditions have been treated with it historically, including abdominal infertility, impotence, and lack of sexual desire. Traditionally, it is used as a dry spice in curries and desserts.

Indian Gooseberry: One of the  oldest medical texts, ‘The Charaka Samhita’, mentions certain foods as containing aphrodisiac properties, as well as their effects on different ailments. Among the many antidotes for sexual indulgence; wine, and poisons, or Indian gooseberry, especially the smaller variety, is considered the best. 

Milk: The combination of sugar and milk is a popular aphrodisiac. Milk, sugar, and honey are some of the main ingredients in most Kama Sutra aphrodisiac recipes. Historically, milk has been known to increase sexual vigour and strength. The tradition of giving the bridegroom milk infused with sugar and crushed almonds on their wedding night has endured throughout the centuries.

Saffron: Saffron was a favourite of Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen. Her baths were infused with saffron milk. Saffron (kesar) was believed to have aphrodisiac properties both by the Egyptians and ancient Indians. It is known to have a calming and soothing effect on both men and women due to its sweet aroma, beautiful colour, and calming properties. Again, it is said that in men, saffron promotes sperm mobility and male fertility.

Nevertheless, as mentioned above, proper preparation is also crucial. The preparation of an aphrodisiac by the Ayurveda method involves a balance of temperature and the use of quality ingredients in absolute measurements in short amounts, which must be considered when formulating a recipe with these ingredients.

Whether it be daily rituals, food and diets, or even aphrodisiacs, India is a country with a long cultural heritage of sensuality. 

Bio: Anisha Mistry Fernandez is a writer and podcast host. In her professional role she is Editor and Head of Campaigns and Partnerships at the EU’S FoodUnfolded, focusing on food policy and sustainability. Outside of work she is host of the Naughty Bites Podcast.