Flagging libido is an age-old problem. Across the centuries there's been interest in acquiring special potions and lotions that would serve to boost men's and women's libidos. The path to the ultimate aphrodisiac has been littered with all sorts of 'snake oil' preparations sold by unscrupulous charlatans.

From ground-up rhino horn (that won't do any more for your libido than chewing your fingernails); to crushed Cantharis beetle (otherwise known as the notorious Spanish fly) that simply irritates the urinary tract. People have spent their hard-earned money in pursuit of happiness.

Even ancient and unproven beliefs from Oriental cultures still hold some sway nowadays. Those proposed that eating the reproductive organs of certain animals would life the most sluggish love life.

With modern research some foods and herbs have been identified having an aphrodisiac-type effect. However some of the effects are small but with something like 40 percent of men and women complaining they lack desire and have lost their libido it's worthwhile trying something out.

Bear in mind that for many of the following you would have to eat them regularly for any effect.

Generally speaking most have an overall energizing effect rather than specifically a sexual effect. Some of their properties are aesthetically pleasing and may simply seduce you through the senses of sight and taste.

If you're on medication, or suffer from ill health, check with your doctor before trying any of the more unusual suggestions. Also follow dosage instructions on packets carefully as something like an overdose of yohimbine causes nausea and vomiting--and that certainly won't life your libido.

Let's start with some readily available and delicious foods with aphrodisiac qualities.

Almonds
Cleopatra reputedly drank a concoction of ground almonds, spices, hones and yogurt believing it to be energizing. Containing magnesium, calcium and vitamin B complex almonds supposedly revive desire.

Asparagus
Rich in vitamin E necessary to keep your 'bits' in working order. Hand feeding your lover asparagus dripping with melted butter is sensual without a doubt.

Avocado
Packed with essential fatty acids (EFAs) Vitamin-B complex and anti-oxidant that aid production of sex hormones. The Aztecs called the avocado tree the "tree with testicles" and their smooth, creamy texture is incredibly sensuous.

Bananas
Very healthful and containing energy giving properties like magnesium. Bake them in their skins as there is an alkaloid in their skin that has an 'aphrodisiac' effect released by baking.

Chocolate
Chocolate is rich in energizing chemicals and the darker the better. Containing phenyl ethylamind, this stimulates the brain giving an euphoric effect. There's energy giving caffeine too in chocolate as well as sugar.

The ancient Mexican Emperor, Montezuma, drank 50 cups a day of pure chocolate to give him the energy for his 600-strong harem.

Certainly chocolate is seductive in itself.

Figs
Packed with vitamins. Once the fig harvest was done, the ancient Greeks, supposedly, indulged in orgies.

Ginger and Ginseng Powder
The Chinese have used ginger and ginseng as a stimulant for more than 3,000 years. Ginger root can be used in many recipes as well as powders in things like salad dressings.

Oysters and other seafood
Seafood is seductive in both presentation and taste but oysters contain high levels of zinc that's beneficial to healthy sperm production and energy levels. Research also shows they contain two chemicals--NMDA (N-methyl-D-asparate) and D-asparte acid that help release both testosterone and estrogen.

Pollen Extract
The food supplement, Femel, contains a pollen extract relieves irritability and, supposedly, boosts libido.

Pumpkin, Sunflower and Sesame Seeds
Packed with zinc and beneficial for prostate health in men and production of testosterone in men. Also now seen as beneficial for women too.

Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries and Pomegranate
Chock-full of vitamin C, revitalizing drive and strengthening your reproductive organs.

Other foods that promote increased energy, better circulation, and/ or higher libido include: oily fish, liver, yeast extract, anything from the onion family, sweet potatoes, yams, squashes, spinach, mangoes, papayas, wheat grass, kelp and other seaweed.