Divine Aphrodite, much celebrated lover
of laughter, sea-born, life-giving Goddess,
Patroness of the feats which last for nights...
Companion of Bacchus, whose bliss is abundant,
Dispenser of marriage, mother of desire
Spring of seduction and pleasure
Who works in secret, seen and yet unseen
--Greek ode


Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and symbol of sexuality, is said to have emerged from the sea bearing herbs that could cure impotence, enhance sexual pleasure, and provoke both love and fertility. What were those herbs, did they really work, and where can we find them today?

Plants of Love, a fascinating romp through history detailing our often obsessive --and surprisingly successful!-- search for aphrodisiacs, may well have the answers to these questions. From intriguing potions popular in ancient Pompeii to Chinese opium dens of the nineteenth century, to our modern fascination with unorthodox uses for such common plants as garlic and ginger, this is a book for the lover in all of us. Erotic and unusual myths, poems, superstitions, and legends are illustrated by a sensual, dazzling array of art from Egyptian hieroglyphics to medieval tapestries, whimsical Tibetan folk art to erotic Asian silk-screen paintings.

A detailed, photo-illustrated listing of over a hundred plants gives full information in their specific aphrodesiacal properties, and dozens of age-old recipes --from the sublime to the downright peculiar-- for beverages, ointments, pills, incenses, and snuffs give graphic testimonial to just how far people hvae been willing to go in the name of love.