Alove potion (Latin: poculum amatorium)[1][better source needed] is a magical liquid which supposedly causes the drinker to develop feelings of love towards the person who served it. Another common term to describe the potion, philtre, is thought to have originated from the ancient Greek term philtron ('love charm'), via the French word philtre.[citation needed]
The love potion motif occurs in literature, mainly in fairy tales, and in paintings, drama, music and mythology.[2][better source needed]
In the Middle Ages, extracts from nightshades were used as hallucinogens, and to make supposed love potions and flying ointments. Such plants may have included belladonna, angel's trumpets, jimsonweed, black henbane, European scopoliaorautumn mandrake, which contain alkaloids (atropine and scopolamine, which are hallucinogenic in higher doses) characterized by a narrow therapeutic index.[3]
Some attempts to create love potions have led to overdose or death[4][5] where the preparations were not standardized for the content of potent compounds.[3]
Other alleged aphrodisiacs include Spanish fly, lizard necks, flowers, mashed worms, sacramental bread, and "sweaty cakes" (made from human hair, glandular excretions, skin and blood).[6]