I thought this was put in tea for the troops at war to stop any erm... um... masuline urges? Was this just a rumour then?

I think that was more saltpetre. And it was just a persistent rumor as I remember.

Hmm...let me see if I understand this...

Faldage, are you saying that the saltpeter that is used to inhibit spontaneous penial erection is not a bromide in fact?

This is so confusing.

Chemically speaking, saltpetre is nitrate of sodium (or potassium). Bromide (of sodium) is used as a soporific. I never heard that either of those is used as an "anti-aphrodisiac". During my time in the army kitchen, sodium carbonate (soda) was playing that role - in malicious rumors.

Ahhhh, so that's what's wrong with the Pepsi Generation

The alleged addition of saltpetre to foods in the military, at boys schools, to athletes etc for its alleged diminishing effedt on the sex drive is a myth of some long standing.

i am certain that as early as WWII it had gained currency, possibly earlier.