Pheromones: Up Your Nose.

Pheromones

The word pheromone comes from the Greek words pherein and hormone, meaning “excitement carrier.”

Pheromones carry considerable weight in the field of love research. Research leads many sientist to believe pheromones may actually initiate sexual interest.

It is obvious that in the animal kingdom pheromones are paramount in sexual activity. So it should not be a huge revelation that can play a major role in human sexual behavior.

In animals pheromones are individual scent “identities or scent prints” excreted in urine or sweat that dictate sexual behavior in animals to attract the opposite sex.
Pheromones help animals identify each other and choose a mate.

These smells can signal for example that the potential mate may have an immune system that is slightly different. Combining the two blood lines could possibly ensure healthy offspring.

Animals are equipped with a unique organ in their noses called the vomeronasal organ or VNO which can detect this odorless chemical.

The Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia and its counterpart in France discovered the existence of human pheromones in 1986.

Scientists at these two research facilities discovered these chemicals in human sweat. A human VNO has also been discovered in some, but not all, people.

Although the VNO isn’t present in all of us there is still evidence that smell is an important aspect of sexual desire.

The perfume industry is well aware of this. (In case you have not noticed their ads lately)

Perfume is very much about sex and sex appeal.

One interesting study conducted by researcher's was an informal experiment using identical twins.

The twins were observed in a public social space (a bar) for an evening (although this is starting to smell a little seedy it was an interesting hypothesis to examine).

This was an actual study of the effect of pheromones in a human social atmosphere.

One twin was sprayed with manufactured pheromones. The other twin was not. The twin who got the pheromone boost was approached three times more often than the twin who didn’t get the spray.

Researchers have debated for years whether or not humans, like “other” animals, excrete these erotic scents.

Scientists have been studying this invisible, undetectable force that’s powerful enough to stimulate your sexual desire and draws you to someone with an almost animal passion.

Their focus of study in this research centers on a small organ composed of two small pits a few centimeters inside the nose. These little glands are capable of detecting pheromones.

“Smellprints” as Biologists describe them, are pheromones , supposedly as unique to each of us as our fingerprints.

Of human senses, smell is one of the most dominant and probably the most primitive.

Unlike sight and touch, scent travels a direct route to the brain’s limbic lobe where it can spark a sensual and emotional reaction that can, quite literally get all the juices flowing.

Pheromones provoke sexual and other types of behavior in animals.

This is simple and obvious in the animal world, however the human psyche is more, complex. These invisible passion signals may not be all a human needs to fall in love or choose a mate. The jury is still out on that, but a mounting body of evidence suggests that the chemistry of sexual attraction and arousal includes pheromones as a big part of the equasion.

The fragrance industry understandably (remember the identical twin experiment) is quick to cash in on the accumulating knowledge and research about pheromones by producing synthetic versions of these powerful reactive chemicals.

New designer fragrance formulas are not touted as aphrodisiacs. Instead, they’re promoted as mood-enhancers designed to help your sensuality, shed inhibitions and perhaps spark a romantic interlude.

There is definitely no proof that they can deliver on any kind of erotic stimulation promised in their advertising, the new pheromone perfumes are selling briskly, noticeably to repeat customers. This may prove, not only the power of advertising but also the power of scent when it comes to the more complex human animal in us all.

Scents and Aroma

Scents and Aroma
Scents and aroma have a powerful affect when it comes to the sensual. The brain has a scent memory bank. The aroma of a past love is stored away in that memory bank that will stay with us long after the romance is gone. If we run accross a pleasant and or sensuous scent it stays with you and evolks the memories and passion associated with it. In this context one could say scent is an aphrodisiac?


Most people will answer yes, in that aroma or scent can evoke desires and passion. For example, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago Illinois Dr Alan R. Hirsch, initiated a study that examined how specific smells stimulated sexual arousal and desire.

He found that several scents were effective in degrees, some more than others. Below are some of the findings from this study.

The aroma of pizza increased blood flow to the penis by 5 percent.
Buttered popcorn by increased it to 9 percent.

Lavender and pumpkin pie were close to the top of the list by 40 percent.
In women, lavender and pumpkin pie also had a enjoyable effect.
Now write this one down fellas. The smell of licorice combined with the scent of cucumber created the greatest surge of blood flow to the vagina.

Obviously scent and aroma can trigger sexual arousal as these studies would suggest.

There is a new libido enhancer for women I came across in my daily surfing researching the effects of scent and smell (pheromones) on the human libido.

Linda Dahlstrom (health editor at MSNBC.com ) , in her post on Does It Work site features her article Patch aims to make you feel sexy - Does It Work? - msnbc.com.

The product is a "scent Patch" to be worn daily on the wrist to “enhance feelings of sexuality through our sense of smell.” The product name is Scentuelle.

According to the manufacturer, Scentuelle is an aroma patch that uses your sense of smell to trigger sexual response. It works naturally without any side effects to increase your sex drive and help you rekindle a sensual, intimate connection with your partner.

This falls into the subject of pheromones and what they do to embellish your sexual desires. Read about it in my next post.

Why Have Humans Searched for Better Sex throughout History?

My apologies. I am a day late on my new post. New posts will be each Wednesday and Each Monday. I have a concussion unfortunately. Ever tried to write something with a screaming headache?

Excuses aside, here is my latest.

Historical reasoning for the human hunt for libido enhancements


Historical reasoning for the human hunt for libido enhancements and satisfying sexual encounters. This is a central part of the human species and always has been central to our existence (procreation).

This again will touch on things are referred to as aphrodisiac in nature.

Ancient literature is filled with glowing references to those substances, scents, internally-visual, aural, (culinary seduction) and stimulants. Humans throughout history have recorded that their use was fairly common in every society.

Searches and researches of man from ancient to modern, reveal civilizations were and still are intimately familiar with the art and chemistry of Aphrodisiacs. The search for ultimate Aphrodisiac is still active to this day.

Aphrodisiac lore passed from civilization to civilization. Documentation of this phenomena discovered in Cave drawings more than a thousand years old. From Romans to the early Christian era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and into modern times.
Myth or Magic we have come to call these substances, visuals and scents Aphrodisiacs.

If something seems to provide a sexual stimulant , what would it have to do in order to be effective? If something is an aphrodisiac, what happens in the body and brain when we are sexually stimulated?

It all comes down to “hormones” for both men and women.

Testosterone specifically in men and women seems to be the key. Testosterone balance to be precise. Testosterone levels power sexual excitement in both men and women.

Sex drive is controlled by our hormone levels, testosterone being the base eliment.

If the balance is off, the body does not function as it should. When the balance is rectified, the libido kicks in to overdrive.

When the libido is balanced, a chain reaction begins when we see, feel, think, touch, hear, smell or encounter something sexually stimulating.

Our brain recieves signals from the limbic lobe via the nervous system to the pelvic area of the body. These electronic messages tell the blood vessels to dilate.

Dilation creates an erection in both men and women. Female erectile tissues are found in the clitoris which is actually a small penis and becomes erect , as well as the tissues around the vaginal entrance during sexual stimulation. The vessels then close up so erectile tissues stay erect. The erection is accompanied by rapid heart beat.

Can some foods act as Aphrodisiacs?

(JAMA) The Journal of the American Medical Association published results from a ground breaking study. A shocking statistic from that study is the number of people who reported major problems in their sex lives. A staggering 43 percent of American women and 31 percent of men confided some sort of sexual dysfunction.

Satisfying sex is one of the central parts of having a rewarding relationship with your partner. As well, feeling comfortable with your own sexuality is an essential part of your self-esteem, which impacts your life in all areas.

So let us have fun in exploring possible ways of improving our sex life in every possible direction. The first topic I will address in this blog is a series of posts on aphrodisiacs, staring with "Can some edibles be termed aphrodisiac in nature"?

Let’s start by defining aphrodisiacs. What are "Aphrodisiacs"?

By definition, aphrodisiacs are elements that evoke and / or stimulate sexual desire. An aphrodisiac is an agent which causes the arousal of sexual desire. The name comes from the Greek goddess of love "Aphrodite". (pictured above).

Desire can be aroused by a variety of events or situations but this blog focuses on foods and drugs to which an aphrodisiac effect has been attributed. Newly introduced exotic fruits or vegetables often acquire such a reputation.

What exactly do Aphrodisiacs do?
By definition, aphrodisiacs are elements that evoke and / or stimulate sexual desire.
Certain foods, drugs and scents really can increase sexual desire according to lore. Millions of people swear they work, but the scientific evidence is still questionable. This exploration will examine what types of substances, scents, internally-visual effects people believe are aphrodisiacs and investigate whether or not there really is any credible evidence to their effectiveness.

Edibles considered to be aphrodisiacs.

Nowhere is the psychological relationship between food and sex more evident than in language. Many terms for food have sexual connotations.

The term for this connection is called eroto/abia.

This appears in English and other foreign languages, and their existence is no mere accident, but proof of man's universal preoccupation with the erotic character of foods.

Words like "cherry," "nuts," "wiener," "dish," "tart," to name but a few, refer to some aspects of human sexuality.

Others, like "sweetheart" and "dumpling," are used as terms of affection. Food, sex, and language are all intricately entwined in a psychological maze providing " food for thought" so to speak.

The connection of food and sex is not only psychological, but physical as well. Many foods considered to have aphrodisiac qualities actually contain active ingredients that are documented to improve sexual function and libido as well as improving overall health.

The German nutritionist, "Balzli", points out that "the sensual internal surface areas of the sex organs correspond to the tastebuds of the mouth." Certain nerve structures which are extremely sensitive to stimulation, called "Krause's end-bulbs," are found principally in the penis, clitoris-and lips. Man's urge to engage in oral-genital contact is as natural and healthy as his desireto partake of tasty and satisfying foods.

Aphrodisiac Foods and What They Claim to Do.

Below is a list of so called aphrodisiac foods that reportedly act as stimulants and libido enhancers. Many of these “aphrodisiacs” gained this status simply because of their shape. Some them are said to have power because of their aromas. Others claim a chemical basis for their enhancement powers. The following is by no means a complete list. There is no readily available research to back up claims of enhanced sexual desires. There are some that do have effectiveness in some overall areas of sexual health.

Aniseed
Also known as anise, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that you could increase desire by sucking on anise seeds. Aniseed does include estrogenic compounds (female hormones), which have been reported to induce similar effects to testosterone.

Avocado
The avocado tree, the Aztecs called the “testicle tree” because its fruit hangs in pairs on the tree, resembling the male testicles. Its aphrodisiac value is based on this resemblance.

Bananas.
The phallic shape of the banana itself, the banana flower also has a phallic shape. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are said to be necessary for sex-hormone production.

Basil (sweet basil).
For centuries, people said that basil stimulated the sex drive and boosted fertility as well as producing a general sense of well being. The scent of basil was said to drive men wild—so much so that women would dust their breasts with dried and powdered basil. Basil is one of the many reported aphrodisiacs that may have the property of promoting circulation.

Cardamom.
Cardamom is an aromatic spice. Certain cultures deem it a powerful aphrodisiac and also claim it is beneficial in treating impotence. It is high in cineole, which can increase blood flow in areas where it is applied.

Chocolate.
Chocolate is legendary and has forever been associated with love, romance and sex. Chocolate was originally discovered in the South American rainforests. The Mayan’s worshiped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” It has been said that the Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate each day to embellish his sexual abilities.

Clinical studies found chocolate contains phenylethylamine and serotonin, both are “feel good” chemicals in our bodies. These chemicals occur naturally in our bodies and are sent out by our brains when we are happy or feeling passionate and sensuous. It produces a euphoric feeling, like when you’re in love or sexually attracted to someone.

In addition to phenylethylamine and serotonin, researchers at the Neuroscience Institute in San Diego, California, concluded chocolate may also contain ingredients that have the same effect on the brain as marijuana. A neurotransmitter called anandamide.

The volume of anandamide in chocolate is not enough to get you a “high” like marijuana, but it could be sufficient stimulus to contribute to the overall good feelings that serotonin and phenylethylamine produce. Meaning it could increases sexual desire.

If it makes you feel good, it could lower your inhibitions so that you’re more receptive to seduction..

Carrots.
The phallus-shaped carrot has been associated with sexual stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.

Cucumbers.
Aside from its phallic shape, the scent of cucumbers is believed to stimulate women by increasing blood flow to the vagina.

Chili peppers.
Eating chili peppers generates physiological responses in our bodies (e.g., sweating, increased heart rate and circulation) that are similar to those experienced when having sex. The capsaicin they contain is responsible for the effects and is also a good pain reliever. Another reported effect of eating large quantities of chili peppers is an irritation of the genitals and urinary tract that could feel similar to sexual excitement.

Figs.
Figs are another fruit that claims aphrodisiac qualities based on its appearance. An open fig is thought to look similar to female sex organs.

Garlic.
Long ago, Tibetan monks were not allowed to enter the monastery if they had been eating garlic because of its reputation for stirring up passions. Garlic increases circulation.

Ginger.
People have deemed ginger root an aphrodisiac for centuries because of its scent and because it stimulates the circulatory system.

Honey.
In medieval times, people drank mead, a fermented drink made from honey, to promote sexual desire. In ancient Persia, couples drank mead every day for a month (known as the “honey month”—a.k.a. “honeymoon”) after they married in order to get in the right frame of mind for a successful marriage. Honey is rich in B vitamins (needed for testosterone production) as well as boron (helps the body metabolize and use estrogen). Some studies have suggested that it may also enhance blood levels of testosterone.

Licorice.
In ancient China, people used licorice to enhance love and lust. The smell appears to be particularly stimulating. Alan R. Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted a study that looked at how different smells stimulated sexual arousal. He found that the smell of black licorice increased the blood flow to the penis by 13 percent. When combined with the smell of doughnuts, that percentage jumped to 32.

Nutmeg.
In ancient China, women prized nutmeg an aphrodisiac, and researchers have found it to increase mating behaviors in mice. There is no evidence to prove the same happens in humans. In quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.

Oysters.
Oysters are lore in many civilizations for their aphrodisiac powers. Romans documented oysters as aphrodisiacs in the second century A.D. Known to be high in zinc, which has been associated with improving sexual potency in men. Visually the oyster also resembles the female genitals.

Mussels, clams.
Mussels, clams and oysters contain D-aspartic acid and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate These chemicals may be effective in releasing sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Researchers have not yet determined if there is enough of those compounds in the shellfish to contribute to increased libido.

Papaya.
Papaya is estrogenic , meaning it has chemicals that act as the female hormone estrogen. It has been used historically by some civilizations in promoting menstruation and milk production, facilitating childbirth and increasing the female libido.

Pine nuts.
Like oysters, pine nuts are high in zinc and have been used to stimulate the libido since Medieval times. They have been used for generations to prepare love potions.




Aphrodisiacs to be continued in my next post. I hope you found the above information interesting. See you Monday.

Passion and Desire

Welcome to my new Blog. My name is William Stuart I am a writer and artist (not necessarily in that order). I live in beautiful Victoria B.C., Canada.

By definition this Blog will be about passion and desire as the title suggests.

Passion and desire are too powerful words because it is my belief these two motivators are essential to living a full and happy life. In other words we all desire something. This is the engine that drives us, body, spirit and soul. In that context I suggest that passion would be fuel for that engine.

Desire by itself simply won't cut it. You have to add passion. We all have desire for something but without being passionate enough to pursue those desires, they will never be achieved.

The subject matter will be very diverse however my main focus will be on sexual health, libido, aging, men and women, relationships and healthy ways to maintain the passion and desire in our personal and sex lives.

Yes I will be writing about sex. This is meant to be a fun blog for frank discussion and sharing of information and research. The content of the posts will be interesting, sometimes humorous and always educational. So if you're looking for the dirty stuff you won't find it in this blog. However I do hope to stimulate you in other ways . After all this is about passion and desire, right?

I have just finished a research project on a really cool subject. Aphrodisiacs, do they really exist or are they just myth and magic? Is there any clinical proof that some so-called aphrodisiacs actually work?

This subject is quite fascinating and I think you'll find some interesting information.

I will be writing about as mentioned maintaining our passion and desire as well as ways that we can enhance our libido.

I will be posting every Friday and every Monday.

It is my desire to create this Blog in an entertaining and interactive format. In other words I am hoping that you will shares thoughts , ideas and knowledge. I will be looking forward to meeting new friends and hopefully a few contributors to the sharing of your opinions and taught on this page.

See you on Friday.

William Stuart.