Aphrodisiacs Fertility And Medicine In Early Modern England
Aphrodisiacs have been used throughout history to enhance sexual desire and improve fertility. In early modern England, people turned to a variety of substances to increase their chances of conceiving or to improve their sexual performance. These included everything from herbal remedies to animal parts, and even precious metals.
The Belief in Aphrodisiacs
The belief in the power of aphrodisiacs was widespread in early modern England. Many people believed that certain substances, when ingested, could stimulate sexual desire and increase fertility. This belief was rooted in ancient medical texts and folklore, and was supported by the writings of early modern physicians.
One of the most popular aphrodisiacs in early modern England was the Spanish fly. This substance, which is made from the crushed bodies of a type of beetle, was believed to increase sexual desire in both men and women. However, it was also highly toxic and could cause serious health problems.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies were another popular option for people looking to improve their fertility or sexual performance. Many of these remedies were based on traditional folk medicine, and were often made from locally available plants.
One of the most widely used herbal remedies for fertility was the herb parsley. This herb was believed to stimulate the uterus and promote menstruation, making it easier for women to conceive. It was also believed to have aphrodisiac properties, and was often used in combination with other herbs to increase sexual desire.
Animal Parts
Animal parts were also commonly used in early modern aphrodisiacs. For example, the testicles of a bull were believed to have aphrodisiac properties and were often ground up and mixed with other substances to make a potent love potion.
Other animal parts used in early modern aphrodisiacs included the hooves of a goat, which were believed to have aphrodisiac properties, and the urine of a stallion, which was believed to increase sexual desire in women.
Precious Metals
Finally, precious metals were also used in early modern aphrodisiacs. For example, gold was believed to have aphrodisiac properties and was often ingested in the form of gold leaf or gold powder. Similarly, silver was believed to have a cooling effect on the body, and was often used to treat sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion
While many of these early modern aphrodisiacs may seem strange or even dangerous to us today, they were a reflection of the beliefs and practices of their time. People in early modern England believed that these substances could improve their chances of conceiving or enhance their sexual performance, and turned to them in the hopes of improving their lives.