Did you know that Vanilla was formerly served as aphrodisiac by Cassanova and Madam Pompadour
and Elizabeth I loved its flavor?This is the first book that provides a complete worldwide
coverage of orchids being employed as aphrodisiacs medicine or charms and food. Opening with
an in-depth historical account of orchids (orchis Greek testicle) the author describes how the
Theory of Signatures influenced ancient herbalists to regard terrestrial orchid tubers as
aphrodisiacs. Doctors and apothecaries promoted it during the Renaissance. Usage of orchids in
Traditional Chinese Medicine Indian Ayurvedic Medicine by Tibetan yogins and Amchi healers
for longevity pills tonics and aphrodisiacs by Africans to prepare 'health promoting'
chikanda or as survival food when lost in the Australian bush are some highlights of the book.
Early settlers in America and the East Indies often relied on native remedies and employment of
orchids for such needs is described. Also covered are the search for medicinal compounds by
scientists attempts to prove the orchid's efficacy by experiment and the worry of
conservationists.
