"The Tortilla Guy The Good Food and Sex Guide The way to a man's heart may well be through his stomach - but can we reach any other organ via that route? Aphrodisiac foods are known in almost every culture during the entire span of recorded history. The word is linked with Aphrodite the Greek goddess of sensual love. Aphrodisiac foods are reputed to increase the libido, cure impotence and create desire. Generations of young girls have sought out witches, herbalists and wise women to help them secure the man of their dreams. They have returned, with herbs, spells and recipes to be secretly administered to the man of their choice; potions designed to awaken his sexual appetite and command his immediate devotion. Even the most reserved modern herbalist will admit that certain herbs will enhance the sexual appetite by creating a feeling of well being and vitality, which in turn finds powerful expression through the act of physical love. So bring out the aphrodisiac cookbook and reduce your lover to a quivering wreck with the power of your culinary skills. What's on the menu tonight? The very act of eating is sensual. It stimulates our responses to the world around us. We react to the smells, tastes, textures and the physical sensations of biting and chewing. The pleasure is increased by the extreme sensitivity of our lips and mouths - no real surprise really or kissing would not be so popular. One of the most powerful aphrodisiacs known is Ambergris, according to the dictionary it is 'A morbid secretion found in the intestines of sperm whales'. Definitely not the most tempting thing to serve your lover for a romantic meal. Here's a guide to the more tempting treats that should also have the desired effect…   Finger FoodOur sensual pleasure increases when we dispense with the formality of cutlery and eat with our fingers. There is something very sexual about licking your lips or sucking your fingers (or your partners!) to clean them of the last morsels of food. Sharing food with your partner by placing it directly into his or her mouth with your fingers also seems to stimulate some very primitive responses. So if it is lust you are after - hide the cutlery! AsparagusJust the appearance of this vegetable is suggestive, but this is more than a phallic symbol. Asparagus is rich in vitamin E, which is vital for a healthy sex life and high fertility. Used to treat impotence, vitamin E is also found in corn, nut and sunflower oils; oats; parsley; and spinach. CaviarThese eggs from the Sturgeon fish are at their most effective when consumed with Vodka. Celery Apart from the rather phallic shape and the fact that it makes great finger food, celery also has a long history of being a potent aphrodisiac. ChampagneFrom Casanova to the Court of Versailles, Champagne has long been used as an aid in the art of seduction. According to the scientists, it removes inhibitions from certain areas of the brain. ChilliStimulates the circulation and is high in vitamin C. ChickpeasThese are especially effective on men, the Romans knew of their virtues and fed chickpeas to their stallions! ChocolateAccording to the medical profession, it is the smell of chocolate that has the desired effect. The aroma acts on the olfactory and emotion centres in the brain, releasing hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sexual desires. Who's for a chocolate fondue? CloveTwo or three drops of clove essence added to a spoonful of honey are sexually beneficial - and the clove will also cure any flatulence he may be suffering from! (Was it vindaloo last night?) FennelNot only is this reputed to increase the sex drive it was also believed to cure scorpion bites and increases the flow of milk in nursing mothers! GarlicRoman priestesses were famous for their aphrodisiac potions based on garlic as long ago as the 5th century BC. It is a powerful energiser and dilates blood vessels, unfortunately the smell after eating it raw is a real turn off. But eating a few coffee grains, green aniseed, cumin, cardamom or parsley neutralises the smell. Oh yes, and putting garlic on your verrucas will cure them as well!   GinsengAccording to the herb book, this much prized Chinese plant extract and hormonal stimulant 'enables people to attain their physical peak, increasing vitality and physical performance.' Need we say more! HerbsOregano, rosemary and thyme are all reputed to add aphrodisiac properties to your cooking. Rosemary, which contains a sexual hormone, can be infused with alcohol: 20 grams to 1 litre at 70 degrees and left for one week. Take a regular daily dose of half a teaspoon dissolved in boiling water. MustardMustard has a beneficial effect on the sexual glands. Macho men in the middle ages used it, mixed with rosemary and honey, to rub on their bits - it stung like mad but increased the blood flow! Ouch! OystersOysters are one of the best know aphrodisiacs. Casanova ate 50, raw, every morning to give him the stamina he needed for all those women. Oysters are high in zinc and a low sexual drive is one of the symptoms of zinc deficiency. For ultra effect try serving them topped with caviar. Royal JellyOne of nature's richest foods, if it is good enough for the queen bee then it's good enough for us all. It is reputed to be a fast acting stimulant which, 'rejuvenates the sexual glands'. TrufflesTruffles are highly aphrodisiac and rich in a wide range of minerals. They stimulate positive feelings, invigorate and excite. They apparently did wonders for Napoleon - lucky Josephine! Culinary tip: Truffles are at their best in January and February. ortilla Guy"