The Things you Learn at Work

  For reasons unknown to me two coworkers were having a debate over whether cinnamon was an aphrodisiac or not. An intrepid CRNA listening into the conversation googled the matter on his iPhone. He almost immediately discovered a list of supposed culinary aphrodisiacs. Oysters were there of course, as well as chocolate. Honey and almonds were listed, so a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats in the morning could possibly have some interesting consequences. There were certainly some surprises, at least for me. Asparagus was on the list, said by a 17th century herbalist to "stir up passion in both man and woman".  Avocados were also listed. Apparently the Aztecs called avocado trees "testicle trees" due to the  testicular appearance of the pairs of avocados hanging from the branches. In fact, avocados were banned by Spanish Catholic priests due to their sexual nature. I thought garlic was an interesting, odorous choice, but apparently it has the ability to vasodilate and increase blood flow. Bananas, figs, and basil were also on the list, but no cinnamon.  I suggested alcohol, but nobody paid any attention to me.