The Encyclopedia Of Concentrated Aphrodisiacs

The most comprehensive guide to the botany, pharmacology, cultural, ritual, and personal use of erotically stimulating substances from antiquity to the present day • Details the use, preparation, and dosage of more than 400 plant, animal, mineral, and synthetic substances, both common and exotic, as well as their botany, science, and legal status • Explores the historical and present use of aphrodisiacs and their role in sexual practices, culture, and art • Richly illustrated throughout with more than 800 color photographs The culmination of more than 30 years of cultural, anthropological, and scientific research, this encyclopedia examines the botany, pharmacology, history, preparation, dosage, and practical use of more than 400 erotically stimulating substances from antiquity to the present day. From plants and animals that enhance fertility and virility, like celery, snails, or oysters, to substances that induce arousal, like ephedra, opium, or cannabis, the encyclopedia is richly illustrated with more than 800 color photographs--many of which are from the authors’ extensive fieldwork around the world. Exploring individual, medicinal, and ritual use through historic and contemporary artwork, personal accounts, and literature as well as ayurvedic, tantric, shamanic, and European folklore practices and recent pharmacological research, the authors look at the revolving cycle of acceptance and condemnation of aphrodisiacs, the qualities that incur the label of “aphrodisiac,” the role of mind and setting, and the different ways aphrodisiacs stimulate desire--either physically, through the senses and vital organs, or mentally, through heightened awareness and altered consciousness. This comprehensive guide reveals these “remedies of the love goddess” as holy remedies whose proper use can help reestablish harmony with oneself, one’s partner, and the universe.

The most comprehensive guide to the botany, pharmacology, cultural, ritual, and personal use of erotically stimulating substances from antiquity to the present day • Details the use, preparation, and dosage of more than 400 plant, animal, mineral, and synthetic substances, both common and exotic, as well as their botany, science, and legal status • Explores the historical and present use of aphrodisiacs and their role in sexual practices, culture, and art • Richly illustrated throughout with more than 800 color photographs The culmination of more than 30 years of cultural, anthropological, and scientific research, this encyclopedia examines the botany, pharmacology, history, preparation, dosage, and practical use of more than 400 erotically stimulating substances from antiquity to the present day. From plants and animals that enhance fertility and virility, like celery, snails, or oysters, to substances that induce arousal, like ephedra, opium, or cannabis, the encyclopedia is richly illustrated with more than 800 color photographs--many of which are from the authors’ extensive fieldwork around the world. Exploring individual, medicinal, and ritual use through historic and contemporary artwork, personal accounts, and literature as well as ayurvedic, tantric, shamanic, and European folklore practices and recent pharmacological research, the authors look at the revolving cycle of acceptance and condemnation of aphrodisiacs, the qualities that incur the label of “aphrodisiac,” the role of mind and setting, and the different ways aphrodisiacs stimulate desire--either physically, through the senses and vital organs, or mentally, through heightened awareness and altered consciousness. This comprehensive guide reveals these “remedies of the love goddess” as holy remedies whose proper use can help reestablish harmony with oneself, one’s partner, and the universe.

The widespread use of effective prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction has helped advance societys acceptance of talking about sexual dysfunction for both men and women. As the authors elegantly describe, sexual dysfunction and attempts at treating it have been around for as long as sexuality itself. Its no surprise that history is full of myths about aphrodisiacs. Despite all the advances we have made in medicine, the myth of the aphrodisiacs is as powerful as ever. However, sexual dysfunction is very often a complex problem requiring careful, thoughtful and educated treatment. Rarely is there quick natural fix. Consumers need to do their homework before buying into the claims of companies selling natural aphrodisiacs. This book is an excellent resource for those seeking to educate themselves about the history, effectiveness, safety and future of natural aphrodisiacs. Nevertheless, the information contained within the text is also important and valuable for both sides of the patient-physician equation in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Siobhan Hyland McGaughey, M.D. Urologist Urology Associates of central Missouri Columbia, MO 65201 The authors have expressed very clearly the various merits and demerits of natural aphrodisiac products on the market. Discussion on the future prospects of plant used as aphrodisiacs is excellent information for the phytochemists who are interested to pursue research limitations in the area of existing natural aphrodisiacs and their standardizations is consistent with the rising interest of global consumers in green environment. A special effort in creating the drawings of the natural products for enabling readers to identify the natural products is phenomenal. I recommend this book to the lovers of natural products without any hesitation. I hope that manufacturers, scholars and consumers of natural aphrodisiac products will take advantage of this document in years to come. Usha Chowdhary, Ph.D. Professor, Human Environmental Sciences Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 The latest research on herbal aphrodisiacs cited by the authors is very impressive. The appropriate quotations at the beginning of each chapter are very fascinating. It is a comprehensive compendium on natural aphrodisiacs comprising their origin, myth, chemistry, pharmacology, risk and romance. Hand drawings of the plants are excellent and depict their morphological characteristics that can be helpful in identifying them. The book is actually a ready reckoner for physicians, pharmacist, or herbalists for guiding the patients who are incorporating natural products in their daily regime. K. C. Varma, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor & Chief Editor Indian Journal of Natural Products, India

With more than 30.000 entries The A-Z Enczclopedia on Alcohol and Substance Abuse is the most complete and comprehensive reference book in the field of Substance Abuse. A useful handbbok and working tool for drug abuse professionals. The Encyclopedia is produced in close co-operation with the ICAA, International Council on Alcohol and Addictions, since its inception in 1907 the world's leading professional non-governmental organisation working with drug-abuse related issues.

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The most comprehensive guide to the botany, history, distribution, and cultivation of all known psychoactive plants • Examines 414 psychoactive plants and related substances • Explores how using psychoactive plants in a culturally sanctioned context can produce important insights into the nature of reality • Contains 797 color photographs and 645 black-and-white illustrations In the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful plants--those known to transport the human mind into other dimensions of consciousness--have traditionally been regarded as sacred. In The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants Christian Rätsch details the botany, history, distribution, cultivation, and preparation and dosage of more than 400 psychoactive plants. He discusses their ritual and medicinal usage, cultural artifacts made from these plants, and works of art that either represent or have been inspired by them. The author begins with 168 of the most well-known psychoactives--such as cannabis, datura, and papaver--then presents 133 lesser known substances as well as additional plants known as “legal highs,” plants known only from mythological contexts and literature, and plant products that include substances such as ayahuasca, incense, and soma. The text is lavishly illustrated with 797 color photographs--many of which are from the author’s extensive fieldwork around the world--showing the people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world’s sacred psychoactives.

The planning and writing of this book has taken rather longer than I had originally intended; what began as a modest literary project for two second-year medical students has expanded over eight years to become a complete book. The subject matter lent itself all too easily to a sen sationalist approach yet, on the other hand, a strictly scientific approach would probably have resulted in a dull dry text of little interest to the general reader. I have therefore attempted to bridge the gap and make the book intelligible and entertaining to the non-special ist, but at the same time ensuring that it is factually correct and adequately researched for the scientist or clinician. I have always been impressed by Sir J .G. Frazer's introduction to his classic book The Golden Bough in which he apologizes for the fact that an article originally intended merely to explain the rules of succession to the priesthood of Diana at Aricia had expanded, over a period of thirty years, to twelve volumes. The present work cannot pretend to such heady levels of academic excellence.