AID: SEX SHOPS
My first stop is Come As You Are in Toronto (comeasyouare.com). The store has a surprising array of amorous aids for everyone from nervous beginners to experienced lovers.

What we tried: The cheery shopkeeper suggests the Kama Sutra Honey Dust, an arousal aid that is sprinkled on the skin as desired. The handmade feather duster provides a little titillation before the tasty treats are licked up. I also pick up a vibrating penis ring, designed to help men maintain erections and provide a pleasing sensation to women during intercourse.

What it did: The Kama Sutra Honey Dust is a fun and rather innocent way of arousing each other: It reminds me of an adult version of Fun Dip candy. Sadly, this rather astute realization doesn’t help matters. As for the penis ring, that feels overly mechanical for both of us. Sure it slows the blood flow to the Thrillhammer—like it is designed to do—but it just doesn’t feel right. Next time we’re sticking with the handcuffs!


AID: NATURAL PRODUCT
With Viagra and other assorted chemical aids cluttering up the shelves, it looks like erections are big business. But being a nature lover, I decide to sample a more natural product.

What I tried: Biovigora is a 100 percent natural food supplement that contains Aframomum, an African plant used as a spice in the food of some sexually vigorous tribes. For men, taking Biovigora bears similar results to Viagra: longer and more powerful erections. (We didn’t find this out until post-experiment, but Biovigora also advertises an increase in sexual desire and tactile sensitivity for women who take it.)

What it did: As recommended, I take this stuff three times a day for five days, and also one hour before showtime. I am happy with the results, but not sure if the arousal is a result of constantly thinking about sex while popping pills or the pills themselves. Bottom line, it works.


AID: LOVE SPELL
The sweeter the potion, the better the motion. I decide a little spiritual help is in order, and put in a request for a Wiccan love spell.

What I tried: Chris Roncaioli owns the WiccaShoppe (wiccashoppe.com) and has just invented a prana-based diagnostic system called aromapathology. I can’t resist, and end up huffing what appears to be and smells like discarded Buckley’s containers as he gives me a reading. Apparently, I lack passion. So Roncaioli recommends candles—red ones for sexual energy and vitality—and labdanum incense, which he claims possesses aphrodisiac qualities greater than the venerable Spanish fly

What it did: We let the labdanum burn only a few minutes to set the mood, and the earthy, sensual scent fills the room. Miracle of miracles, the incense actually gets to work almost immediately, awakening our, um, “passion.” Or did Roncaioli make me say that through his Buckley’s magic? Only time will tell.


AID: TANTRA
Just the thought of Sting’s alleged seven-hour sessions is motivation enough for me to give tantric sex a go.

What we tried: Lucy Becker, from the Tantra Centre of Toronto (tantraworkshops.com), says this ancient spiritual practice from India provides benefits such as improved intimacy, higher sexual confidence, increased duration of arousal and longer orgasms.

What it did: We try a few exercises Becker suggests, and do some research on our own. We open our heart chakras by doing daily meditations on our fondest love-oriented memories—of each other, of course! In addition, we try to free up sexual energy through partnered breathing postures and exercises, such as inhaling and exhaling into each other’s mouths, basically breathing for each other. The closeness and concentration on each other provides an instant spark.