Aphrodisiac Groundnuts and Other Old Wives’ Tales

In Search of the Perfect Aphrodisiac

A lot of people, especially young men, are nowadays obsessed with image. This obsession extends to libido where many of them can do anything to acquire a super human status. In come the opportunists. Everybody from witch doctors to multinational pharmaceutical companies claim to have the perfect solution to performance issues. The classified pages in the newspapers are filled with claims that range from the subtle to the out rightly ridiculous. Promises of lasting power and increase in size of items found in the nether regions are rife in these advertisements. Witch doctors’ signs nailed to electric poles in every estate cannot miss one item on their list of problems that they claim to be able to solve – “Nguvu za Kiume” (Libido).

The above solutions, although attractive to many “patients”, are not an option. This is because they don’t

come cheap. Secondly, they all involve a level of disclosure and indiscretion that most people are not comfortable with. The majority of people with a problem or those who just want to “up” their game, are left with what turns out to be one of the most widely believed solutions to libido problems – Ground Nuts!

I have never heard of any scientific study that was conducted to conclude that Ground Nuts (Peanuts) have aphrodisiac properties. That has however not stopped that innocent and highly nutritious nut from attaining a sacred status. When people see you eating ground nuts, they conclude that you are up to some mischievous activities later in the day (or night). I even heard that in Mombasa, some would start talking in the colourful Swahili parables they are known for, implying they know what you are up to. Don’t let me spoil your believes. I am just a Layman and am open to evidence that ground nuts are an aphrodisiac.

Mango Transmitted Malaria

I had a friend who advised me to avoid mangoes when there is a malaria outbreak. He claimed that eating mangoes during such a time was akin to attempting suicide because the strain of malaria you would get was the kind that has been known to dispatch people to their maker. Again on this one, I need proof otherwise it will remain to me an old wives’ tale.

Albino Body Parts Good Luck Charms

A few years ago, we were shocked to hear that albinos in Tanzania were in grave danger because witch doctors were paying a fortune for the body parts. They claimed that in the spiritual world, these parts were powerful. I think that is all hogwash.

Virgin Sex HIV Cure

The HIV/AIDS problem would be bad enough without some people resorting to barbaric methods of trying to deal with it. I don’t know which nit wit came up with the idea that if a HIV positive man had sex with a virgin, he would be cured. I hate to think of the innocent women and girls who have been raped by goons who end up infecting them with the deadly virus.

Surgical Procedures that Increase Intelligence in Men and Control Promiscuity in Women

Circumcision in men is an important rite of passage in many communities and also proven to have health benefits. It is however overrated by those who imply that it improves reasoning and behaviour. It has no bearing on IQ.

Female circumcision, or FGM as it is now commonly referred to, is such a deeply entrenched cultural practice. It is virtually impossible to hold an objective discussion about it with most people. Even those who talk against it will take their own daughters for the operation in secret. They believe it makes women less promiscuous.

‘Chama’ can make you Rich

The chama (merry go round) concept must have been invented in Kenya. I have never heard of it anywhere else. It entails a group of people coming together and deciding how much money to be contributing periodically (daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly). Each member contributes an equal amount and the money is given to one member following a numbered order, usually decided by casting lots.

Most people join chamas in order to uplift their financial status. I however hate to be the one to break it to them. A chama will not make you richer than you already are. What you receive is the same money you have been giving. Woe to you if some members quit before it’s your turn to receive the money. The usual thing people have gained from membership to chama is a new category of enemies (converted from former friends).

Roasted Onion is Delicious

When I eat, I want to be able to discern the tastes of the various ingredients. It is common practice when one is frying food to start with oil and onion. When the onion is cooked, tomatoes, spices, and the actual food is added; not necessarily in that order. I have eaten food made by people and it contains pieces of charcoal – remnants of what were once onions. I don’t like its taste and I think that if you have to burn your onions to black crisp, you would rather just skip it. But then this is just me and I am only a Layman!