Anaphrodisiac

An anaphrodisiac is something that quells or blunts the libido. It is the opposite of an aphrodisiac, something that enhances sexual appetite. The word anaphrodisiac comes from the Greek prefix αν-, denoting negation, and the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Side effects of certain medications may be anaphroditic in nature (e.g. SSRIs and certain antipsychotics), however, there are no substances that have safe anaphroditic effects without major side effects. Antiandrogen drugs such as cyproterone or medroxyprogesterone are sometimes prescribed to convicted sex offenders such as rapists and pedophiles who are released on parole in an effort to stop them reoffending, however the high doses required often cause a range of side effects which may limit compliance.

Herbal anaphrodisiacs have been employed by various religious sects and orders throughout history. Most commonly, Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used to normalize hormones in both men and women. An over-active libido is very often treated herbally by addressing poor adrenal function.

Rumours that the British Army put the 19th century anticonvulsant and sedative potassium bromide in soldiers' tea during World War II to damp soldiers' lust appears to be an urban myth. Given the long half-life of the drug in the body, a mildly sedated army would be unlikely to be an effective fighting force. A similar belief appears to exist in the United States about saltpeter in army coffee^[1] or in Russia about potassium bromide in army food.

The amino acid 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan is a mild anaphrodisiac.

See also mashua.

List of anaphrodisiacs^[2]

Marjoram

Hops

Camphor

Hogweed

Salix

Wild lettuce

Used by Western Monks

Chasteberry

Common Rue^[3]

Used by Eastern Monks

Coriander

Soy

External links

• New Scientist: "The Last Word", 29 June 2002 debunks bromide in British Army tea
• snopes.com debunks saltpetre in U.S. Army coffee
• Treatment of Hypersexuality lists drugs that can be used to inhibit sexual desire
• Aphrodisiacs and Anti-aphrodisiacs: Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction by John Davenport.

References