NOVEMBER 9, 2011 TURNERA APHRODISIACA

"I CONSIDER YOU THE ONLY TRUE GENIUS IN THE WORLD."

- salvador dali to federico garcia lorca

Much has been written about these two artists. Some is speculation, some based on testimonials and some based on letters Dali wrote to Lorca. I do not know if it was love at first sight or emotion at first sight when they met in 1923. Whatever it was it was shortened for two reasons, Dali's fear of being homosexual and the untimely murder/death of Lorca.

Have you ever had love at first sight or emotion at first sight? Was it 'Some Enchanted Evening'? Since my childhood and high school days, a lot has changed. In the last twenty years there have been remarkable strides in same sex relationships. Last night I cried as I saw Blaine romantically kiss Kurt on Glee. Cinema and television has certainly changed since Uncle Milt's Texaco show! Society has changed, or has it? If it has why does high school bullying still persist and why do teenagers who are bullied and feel different commit suicide? Life is so short. Be who you are regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs and political ties.

Listen to Shirley Bassey singing This is My Life

So which of the aphrodisiacs work? There are some that are legendary such as Ginseng. Ginseng does contain substances that work over time to increase sexual stamina and increase libido. Then there are some herbs which are just superstitious or work through the power of suggestion. These are wild lettuce, blood root and ergot. In 1966 when Masters and Johnson published the Human Sexual Response I do not think there was a chapter on herbs as aphrodisiacs.

One of better known aphrodisiacs is Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca). It is used by both men and women as an aphrodisiac. Most of these herbs are only for men, but Damiana is different. It increases the female's sexual libido, and treats urinary and vaginal problems as well as some menstrual irregularities. For men it helps impotence, premature ejaculation, sexual libido and even prostate (but I would rather use saw palmetto and juniper berry for prostate and prostatitis).

I have found no clinical research and trials on damiana, but earlier herbal readings suggest it does increase sexual stamina. It is found that the alkaloids in damiana are similar to caffeine. Damiana stimulates blood to the genital area which increases sensitivity.

I feel damiana gives me a feeling of euphoria.

Try damiana...

Until tomorrow...