Garlic, the magical aphrodisiac

It is hard to imagine garlic as an aphrodisiac given the strong smell and taste. Aside of enhancing flavors in anything that garlic is added to, it is actually classified an a 'hot' herb. That's why garlic is forbidden during religious days and when people fast as it is supposed to inflame passion. For eg. Tibetan monks are not allowed to enter their monastery if they had eaten garlic; older Indian Brahmin women and even younger women in India, if they have lost their husbands are forbidden from eating garlic. Garlic is a 'No No' on fasting days. So, there must be some truth to it being considered an aphrodisiac!!