It’s Saturday, and you know what that means. That’s right, it’s Aphrodisiac Time. The weekend’s here, and perhaps you’re thinking about quality time with your partner (wink wink, nudge nudge).

Throughout history, lovers everywhere have counted on aphrodisiacs to help them, well,  get it on. I write historical romances set in the 18th Century. During my  research sessions, quite accidentally, I ran into an interesting love-booster, which I used in my first book, Mercy of the Moon.

17th Century Midwife Jane Sharp wrote a manual on midwifery, called The Midwives Book or the Whole Art of Midwifery Discovered, edited by the brilliant Elaine Hobby. It’s my go-to research book when my midwife heroine Maggie needs some advice. It’s fascinating reading, and gentlemen, you can thank her for the pithy and useful advice I’m giving you today.

We all know about aphrodisiacs like oysters, chocolates, and pomegranates. That’s old hat, so let me give you a little 17th Century tip:

Peas and beans are a sure-fired way to increase a man’s vigor in bed. That’s right. It has to do with the belief that men’s sexuality was associated with “windy spirits,” that aided in men’s erections. You can thank Hippocrates for coming up with the humoral theory and Galen for carrying the torch. This idea carried all the way to the 18th Century and then some. So could it be true that the passing of wind equals a passionate interlude? Light a candle and find out by inviting legumes into your love nest.

A few suggestions: take turns feeding each other spoonfuls-as part of the foreplay. Spell endearments on a freshly made bed with multi-colored beans. Pop peas instead of grapes into each other’s mouths. It’s sexy and nutritious.

Want to rejuvenate your love life? Open a can of beans and let love in.