Every Feb. 14, millions of people will exchange candy, flowers, cards, and gifts with our loved ones. Americans alone spend about $20 billion on this day. But is it all a commercial ploy? Or is there a science to a romantic day?
Because we humans are so enamored with love, there is a neverending quest for potions, products, scents, or foods which supposedly promote sexual desire and love. It may sound like witchcraft, but some of it is backed by science.
We don’t think of humans as being smell-driven creatures, but we actually possess denser skin concentrations of scent glands than almost any other mammal. A study by Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist and psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of smell and taste loss, found certain food scents trigger sexual arousal. The study found men are most “turned on” by a combination of pumpkin pie and lavender. Women get hot and bothered in the presence of licorice — particularly Good & Plenty candy — and cucumber smells. Banana bread and cinnamon roll scent also seemed to have an arousing effect.
No odor diminished male arousal, but this was not the case in women. The scent of cherry and charcoal barbeque smoke decreased women’s arousal the most. Turns out that men’s cologne was a turnoff, too. So guys might want to ditch the cologne, especially when grilling meat during a date night.
So where does Valentine’s chocolate factor in? The scent of chocolate didn’t trigger high sexual responses from men or women. But eating chocolate is a different story. A chemical called phenylethylamine, which is similar to amphetamine-type substances, has an arousing effect when consumed. Phenylethylamine is naturally elevated when we are in the early stages of infatuation with someone. So falling in love and eating chocolate really do produce similar changes in brain chemistry.
Oysters have also been associated with increasing the libido. The 18th century lover Casanova reportedly ate 50 raw oysters every morning to increase his virility. Research shows that when oysters are eaten raw, particularly in the spring, they provide rare amino acids which can trigger increased hormone levels.
Other things which increase feel-good brain chemicals include cuddling our loved ones or pets, laughing together, and having new and exciting experiences together.
So this Valentine’s Day, you might want to forgo the long-stemmed roses and instead pick up some herb-infused massage oil (like Holly Bellebuono’s Vineyard Herb Sensual Oil). Stop at Chilmark Chocolates. Visit an animal shelter. Indulge in oysters at the Harbor View’s “Romancing the Oyster” event, or buy some at your local fish market. Fill the candy dish with Good & Plenty. Take in a funny movie, share a favorite meal together, and then stop off at an Island baker for a cinnamon-infused treat. Because love really is in the air.
