Love Potions of Ancient Rome: The Surprising History of Aphrodisiacs

The desire to capture affection and inspire passion is as old as humanity itself. Long before the advent of modern chemistry, ancient Greeks and Romans concocted a vast and inventive array of “love potions” and aphrodisiacs, drawing on mythology, botany, and a healthy dose of hope.^{[50], [53]}

The very word “aphrodisiac” comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who was said to have been born from the sea and carried to shore on a scallop or oyster shell.^{[50], [51], [52], [45]} It’s no surprise, then, that oysters were a popular choice, seen as a fleshy symbol of the goddess herself.^{[50], [51], [24]}

But the ancient pharmacopeia of passion went far beyond shellfish. Romans and Greeks sought to enhance their romantic encounters with a variety of ingredients, often mixed into wine, the ultimate social lubricant ^{[50], [22], [45]}:

• Herbs and Roots: The mysterious satyrion, likely a type of orchid, was named for the mythical, randy satyrs and was believed to be a potent stimulant when added to wine.^{[50], [45], [53]}
• Fruits and Spices: Pomegranate juice, from Aphrodite’s favorite tree, was a popular choice, as were saffron and various mushrooms and truffles, whose musky aroma was thought to mimic the body’s natural chemical attractants.^{[50], [45]}
• The Bizarre and Painful: Not all remedies were pleasant. One of the most infamous ingredients was the cantharides beetle, or “Spanish fly,” which was known to be a painful irritant.^[50] More bizarre concoctions included bat’s blood and crushed beetles.^[22]

Of course, what could be inflamed could also be extinguished. The ancients also had a list of “anti-aphrodisiacs” to curb unwanted desire. Surprisingly, fresh lettuce was believed to have an “erection-withering” effect, leading Roman men to carefully pair it with aphrodisiacally active arugula to neutralize its power.^{[50], [51], [24]}

While these ancient remedies may seem strange to us today, they reveal a timeless human fascination with the chemistry of attraction. They represent the first steps in a long journey to understand and influence the powerful forces of love and desire—a journey that continues in modern science labs today.