Love Potions Through the Ages

The spiritualist and author of Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs presents an in-depth study of love potions and charms through the centuries.

Love and sexuality are perhaps some of the most essential, eternal, and universal concerns of humankind. Since before recorded history, societies have sought ways to improve their physiological potency, attract mates amorously, and—in some instances—prevent such attraction or divert it elsewhere. Over time, these means have taken many forms: love elixirs, spells, and rites have been part of virtually every civilization through the ages.

This survey explores the evolution of love potion practices over the centuries and across the world. Separate chapters focus on ancient Greece, Rome, India, and the Orient, as well as the Middle Ages and modern times. Author Harry E. Wedeck relays the spiritual aspects of these concoctions as well as historical anecdotes about them. Recipes are also included, though Wedeck cautions that they are exclusively for academic purposes and not intended for personal use.