Lady's Mantle - Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla Vulgaris) a perennial plant which grows in fields and woods. Culpeper drawing on ancient folk tradition said that Lady's mantle 'inspires lust'. The flowering shoots and leaves should be dried. They can then be boiled in water (two teaspoons of dried plant per cup). Not more than one cup of the liquid a day should be taken - and that not more than once a week. Simple infusion makes a milder preparation. (See also: Wild Plants for methods and preparation)

Lady's Will - This position is so-called because most movements must be initiated by the woman. Used by Tantrists for orgasm control it is ideal for protracted lovemaking with just sufficient stimulation of the penis to keep it erect while providing constant pressure on the clitoris. Lovers can hold each other, kiss, talk and delay orgasm for a long period while maintaining a gentle rocking movement. Plats för bild! The Ratikallolini says: 'She whose dark eyes are like fallen lotus petals takes your penis and guides it into her vulva, then clings tight to you and shakes her buttocks ... this is Lady's Will'.

Lampreys and Eels - Henry I of England died from a surfeit of lampreys which are said to stimulate both lust and the production of semen. Interestingly, although they were eaten to increase male potency for many centuries before the invention of microscopy, lampreys resemble spermatazoa. Eels - possibly because of their phallic shape - are also a favourite aphrodisiac food and were much prized by the Romans for that reason. (See also: Eating and Food, Seafood)

Language - Al languages have a vocabulary of sexual words which are more potent than those used by doctors and in general conversation. Often these taboo words are a relic of a conquered people whose language - like their religion - is suppressed by the conquerors. This is the case with the 'four-letter' words in English which are part of an Anglo-Saxon inheritance. Because they are taboo, and because they carry a greater charge than more polite words, many people use this vocabulary to express their feelings during lovemaking. This can have an aphrodisiac effect both by association and because it reduces inhibition. Both Kama Sutra and the oral Tantric tradition recommend a return to basics in the sounds and language which lovers use together. In English, four-letter words are used for swearing simply because of their greater potency. This is a quite different use of language and does not debase the word which is usually mush older and better than the 'polite' equivalent. Experiment with your heritage.

Laughter - There is an Old Wive's Tale that laughter and bed do not go together. In fact humour can be an important part of foreplay: a useful way of breaking down inhibitions or overcoming ant temporary awkwardness. Helpless shared laughter is beneficial and mentally and physically refreshing in mush the same way as sex: laughing helps loving, it does not hinder it.

Lavender - As nard, which is lavender essence, this was one of the most expensive and popular perfumes of the ancient world. The aroma of lavender was thought to have an aphrodisiac effect but it was also eaten. lavender can be taken by steeping one teaspoon of the dried flowers in a cup of cold water for ten minutes. (See also: Wild Plants for methods and precautions, and Essential Oils, Massage, Perfume and Scent)

Leaping White Tiger - The term for various croupade positions in both Japanese and Chinese manuals. Rear entry positions are among the best for strong, uninhibited lovemaking.

Leather - The appearance, texture and aroma of leather acts as an aphrodisiac for some people. Like just about everything else it can be a vehicle for fetishistic excess. But that is not a reason to exclude it from your repertoire if you find it stimulating. (See also: Clothing and Fashion)

Leek - The emperor Nero had leek soup every day to improve his voice for oration and singing but the most common use in Rome was as a mild aphrodisiac. Some experts believe that leek is a cultivated variant of oriental garlic. The best recipes for leeks are found in the regional cooking of Piedmonte and Northern France (especially around Arras) where it is widely grown. Leeks cooked in red wine in the oven are simple to prepare and delicious.

Leisure - 'Love comes from Leisure' is a shrewd observation made by the writers of love manuals in many different cultures. Pillow books and love manuals themselves have in the past been produced for those with the time and resources to experiment with sexuality and raise it to an art form. Sex is always one of the first subjects to receive attention in any class or culture with an abundance of leisure. The Maoris of New Zealand who, until the appearance of Europeans, had what amounted to a paradise of plenty all to themselves, are said to have more words for the clitoris than any people on earth. Most people are not in the position of having to search for ways to fill their leisure time. But proper periods of relaxation are essential for god sex. The modern 'workaholic' is diverting energy to the office which would be better kept in the bedroom.

Liquorice - Meaning 'sweet root' in Greek, liquorice was used extensively in medicine throughout the ancient world. In small quantities liquorice was believed to have an aphrodisiac effect and in Chaucer's day was added to beer for that purpose.

Linen - Scented bed linen was once a popular aphrodiciac. Louis XIV used many different formulas including ingredients such as clove and nutmeg, as well as the more traditional aromas of jasmine and rose. Sachets for perfuming linen drawers and pillows are becoming popular again, but it is better to experiment with aromas which you respond to rather than the multifloral concoctions of manufacturers. Remember that too much scent is a powerful anaphrodisiac. (See also: Cassolette, Essential Oils, Perfume and Scent, Pomanders, Sense of Smell)

Liver - According to the Roman poet Horace, liver was widely believed to have aphrodisiac properties. (See also: Aphrodisiacs)

Lobster - The finest of all shellfish and a popular feature in erotic cuisine. The texture, taste, colour and smell of freshly-cooked lobster are without equal. Eating lobster should be a tactile experience: use your fingers and do it yourself or you will be missing half of the fun. The pre-bed meal in the film 'Tom Jones' gives a good idea of the way lovers can derive the maximum pleasure from lobster as a piece of erotic theatre. Lobster is expensive but worth every penny. (See also: Eating and Food, Seafood)

Lovage - A pleasant herb with mild deodorizing properties. In Moravia and Bohemia it was mixed with fenugreek as a love charm. (See also: Fenugreek)

Love Bites - Not bites at all but the reddening or bruising of sensitive skin by sucking it between pursed lips and teeth. Some people find these marks exciting as visible evidence of passion. If passion was not involved of course the whole point is lost since they are not an end in themselves but a sign so that lovers can remember what has been. Adolescent girls often collect them in much the same way that boys collect stamps - often just as innocently. Real biting and marking with the teeth is dealt with at some length in Kama Sutra, one of the few features of the work which is not readily accessible to our culture. Biting one another in the throes of passion (preferably nowhere sensitive) is easily understood. But Kama Sutra's elaborate language of markings and bites is as indecipherable and incomprehensible as cuneiform. (See also: India)

Love God's Love - In this posture the woman's legs are hooked over her lover's arms, her back supported by cushions. His hand movement is restricted but she can co-ordinate the pace by touching her clitoris or by holding him in the Florentine position. Florentine)

Lute - A Hindu deep penetration position. In China this posture is called Monkey's Attack.

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