Herbs and Spices Summary

In this chapter, readers learn of the historical uses of herbs and spices, beginning with their use in preventing food spoilage in hot countries, and for use in perfumes. Later, aromatic herbs were commonly used in love philters with other, less pleasant ingredients. The herbs made the philters tolerable, and probably accounted for any effectiveness the philters may have had. Many of the herbs and spices were grown in the orchards and gardens of monasteries and convents, used for medicinal purposes, and as remedies for impotence and sterility. In order for herbs and spices to be effective aphrodisiacs, Allende recommends frequent use in order to create a consistent reaction.

Allende reminds readers that, in the past, anything from another country seemed strange and mysterious, containing erotic properties. However, in today's cyber-filled world, we can taste dishes from around the...