In the pursuit of sexual success and fertility, the moon, and everything under it, has been touted as an aphrodisiac by some person or culture. Love potion peddlers stop at nothing to sell their sexual exciters. An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, drug, scent, or device that, promoters claim, can arouse or increase sexual desire, libido, or improve sexual performance.

Sometimes the reason for an item's legendary reputation is obvious. It's easy to imagine how the sex organs of animals such as goats and rabbits, known for their pro-creativeness, have achieved their esteemed status as love aids in some cultures.

Chillies, curries, and other spicy foods have been viewed as aphrodisiacs because their physiological effects – a raised heart rate and sweating – are similar to the physical reactions experienced during sex. Some foods were glorified as aphrodisiacs based on their rarity and mystery (i.e., chocolate and tomatoes). While chocolate was once considered the ultimate aphrodisiac, the reputation wore off as it became commonly available and is now known to provide the same chemicals to the brain that are released during and after sexual intercourse.

Many ancient peoples reasoned that an object resembling genitalia might possess sexual powers. Ginseng, rhinoceros horn, and oysters are three classical examples.

The word ginseng means "man root," and the plant's reputation as an aphrodisiac probably arises from its marked similarity to the human body. Ginseng has been looked on as an invigorating and rejuvenating agent for centuries in China, Tibet, Korea, Indochina, and India. The root may have a mild stimulant action, like coffee. There have been some experiments reporting a sexual response in animals treated with ginseng, but there is no evidence that ginseng has an effect on human sexuality.

The similarity of the shape of the rhinoceros horn to the penis is credited for its worldwide reputation as a libido enhancer. The horn contains significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus. The addition of the food to a deficient diet could improve general physical vigor and possibly lead to an increased sexual interest. But in the North

American diet there is no lack of calcium or phosphorus, and the small quantities consumed from rhinoceros horn would have no effect. Furthermore, it is a black market good because the rhinoceros is an endangered species, for the exact reason that greedy poachers have murdered the rhinoceros for its horn.

Because Aphrodite was born from the sea, many types of seafood have reputations as aphrodisiacs. Oysters are particularly esteemed as sex aids, possibly gaining their reputation at a time when their contribution of zinc to the nutritionally deficient diets of the day could improve overall health and so lead to an increased sex drive