A = Anatomy of a Kitchen Aprodisiacs

April 30, 2010 Friday

"Fine friendship requires duration rather than fitful intensity."-Aristotle

What is a fine friendship? Is there such a entity? Sometimes friendships cannot endure--it is a two way street. However, if one is willing to work with the other and there is resistance, you either move on or endure with acceptance.


Yesterday, I blogged for the first time about the aphrodisiacs. I want to continue with those that must be taken prior to the love-making. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a herb with a wide variety of effects on the body. It does increase the blood flow to the genitals. You must take it daily. However, since most individuals take a baby aspirin or omega 3 oils, there must be caution. The combination of ginkgo with blood thinners can cause bleeding. Muira puama ( Ptychopetalum olacoides) is often discussed in association with the Peruvian Indians. This herb was studied 15 years ago by Dr. Jacques Waynberg in Paris. 51% of men with erectile dysfunction had improvement after ingesting 1.5 grams within two weeks. Does that mean all men should start taking Muira? The answer is no. Most people know this herb as Potency Wood. Perhaps that is where the term "woody" came along!


The most talked about sexual stimulant is Yohimbine, which is also known as Yocon. The bark of this tree can be eaten, smoked, made into a tea and even sniffed. Certainly sounds like cocaine with the exception of the tea properties. The FDA does consider this herb to be unsafe as you cannot regulate the dose. Yohimbine will lower your blood pressure thus dilating your genital organs. It does help men get erections, but those that use it feel so lousy they are incapable of having sex. It sounds like the first time a patient described the feeling of using viagra. Viagra, levitra and cialis are dose-controlled, whereas Yohimbine is not. The side effects of diarrhea, nausea, skin flushing and dizziness make it impractical to use.

There are two herbs that I know of that their effects are strictly superstitious--or what myths and legends are made from:

These two are Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)


The work above if you haven't noticed is NOT a needle work. It is an exhibit photograph series called "An Anatomy of a Kitchen". I chose the pots with the steam for the effect of boiling herbs. However, I wanted to find the chocolate photograph. The restaurant is Le Bernadin. Le Bernardin is the finest restaurant in New York City. Yes, the chef is a Frenchman, the famous Eric Ripert. The owner is Maguy Le Coze. Maguy Le Coze and her brother, Gilbert, opened the original Le Bernardin in Paris in 1972 and won their first Michelin star in 1976. In New York, Le Bernardin opened in 1986. It quickly won a Michelin star. Eric became master chef in 1991. Besides the exquisite food, the staff is exceptional. I know because I have dined there on many occasions.
I should say we dined there. The photographer, Rick Byrd and I cannot say enough about this #1 restaurant.