Spicing up your love life
By: Davinos Greeno | Posted: 01st July 2007
In the second of our column, a herbalist and eco-activist from Get Ethical tells us about herbal aphrodisiacs.
Various studies have been carried out on the aphrodisiacal properties of plants, for example, an American Psychosomatic Society (1998) report said, in studies, certain scents were found to change the blood flow to the genital area in women and men. For men, the bizarre combination of liquorice and donnut scent increased blood flow to the penis by 32%. Not as dramatic as the combined smell of lavender and pumpkin found to increase the flow of blood to the penis by up to 40%.
Other scents thought to inspire passion include ginger (Zingiber), cloves and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). If using these as essential oils then use in an oil burner to create a romantic atmosphere, drop into bath water or add to a base oil for a sensual massage.
Essential Oil Aphrodisiacs
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) has a wonderfully spicy aroma and has been used as aphrodisiac throughout history, as well as stirring passions it is especially good aid for indigestion.
Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamon zeylanicum) use in a diffuser to create a romantic and relaxing mood. It also makes a wonderful winter pick-me up when blended with vanilla and orange. Remember to mix with base oil and never use undiluted.
Rose (Rosa centifolia not otto) is known as the oil of love. Although one of the most expensive essential oils a little does go a long way. Rose oil has been used as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of yeas and is reputed that Cleopatra soaked the sails of her royal barge in rose water. Heady and uplifting rose oil can lift the mood, dispel tension and inspire love.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) a wonderful aroma and allegedly a very powerful aphrodisiac. Add it to a diffuser or to the bath.
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) the "flower of flowers". This oil has a sweet, rich aroma -both euphoric and hypnotic. It acts as a stimulant and is believed to warm up the embers of stale relationships.
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) seductive and euphoric, it is known for it's grounding and balancing properties. It is a wonderful oil for easing anxiety so us it in the bath before a romantic evening.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale). Jasmine is considered a great intimacy builder. It is a very sensual oil creating feelings of well-being and warmth. Use it for massage and to also help ease stress and promote confidence.
Neroli This intoxicating oil comes from the blossom of the orange tree and is seen as a warm and sensual aphrodisiac. giving off a wonderfully deep scent. It is used in aromatherapy to help with love and emotional connections. Use it in a diffuser for a romantic evening, but do not use as massage oil if pregnant or breast-feeding.
My recipes for some simple aphrodisiacs
Inflaming passion in a long term relationship
To make a perfume combine two drops of neroli with three drops of ylang ylang, jasmine and two drops of rose absolute (Rosa centifolia). Add to half an ounce of jojoba oil mix and dab on wrist, throat and hair. To make a massage oil add to one ounce of sweet almond oil. ?
Hot Date
Add four drops of clary sage and two drops of coriander to five drops of jasmine absolute, three drops of neroli and two drop of rose absolute. Add to base as above.
Passionate Eating
An important aspect of sexual health is our overall health. Stress, anxiety and illness do not make us feel sexy. It is really important to maintain a balanced diet and certain types of food can help with this. For example, for women, eating foods rich in essential fatty acids such as whole grains, leafy greens and seafoods help to increase libido as well as easing PMT. Foods rich in magnesium such as almonds, avocados, lentils, and salmon may not sound sexy but may do wonders for your sex life, as will foods rich in vitamin E such as apricots and mangoes. Men should eat foods rich in zinc such as oysters, nuts and legumes.
Dopamine, which is associated with the male sex drive can be stimulate with Fava beans. Pine nuts have been associated with male libido for hundreds of years and old recipes recommend eating a hundred pine nuts for three consecutive nights to increase passion. While a mixture of milk, honey and coriander is supposed to inflame passions - if nothing else it may ease digestive problems.
Be incredibly wary of so called herbal aphrodisiac pills, most are harmless, but some very toxic if you happen to suffer from other conditions such as heart problems, strokes or are pregnant or breast feeding. I would always recommend speaking with a qualified herbalist before going down this root.
Some plant herbs such as Damiana (also known as Turnera aphrodisiaca) are recommended for increasing sperm count and can be used in treatment for exhaustion. It is also used as a sexuality tonic for women and is considered quite safe, although in some tests it has been shown to interfere with iron absorption and have laxative effects. The root of the Brazilian shrub Puama has been used in Brazil as an aphrodisiac for many years and folklore specifies that it is good for remedying male impotence. The herb is best taken as a decoction with water. Another relatively harmless aphrodisiac is Ginseng. Ginseng has been used for an extremely long time in China as a preventative tonic as well as for increasing vitality and strengthening the reproductive glands.
Still in China, Chinese mushrooms, such as Cordyceps, are seen as a restorer of sexual potency as is Gingko (also called the anti-ageing herb), which dilates blood vessels allowing improved blood flow to all parts of the body-it is believe to reverse sexual dysfunction. However, do consult a health professional before taking gingko especially if you use anticoagulants or blood thinning drugs such as warfarin.
Always consult a qualified herbalist and/or health practitioner before using herbs and plants.
This collection of recipes, sensuous stories, aphrodisiacs and lovers' spells is a fusion of Allende's favourites, her personal guide to the erotic, encompassing a multicultural history of seduction through food.
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About the Author
Occupation: Founder of GuideMeGreen.com
Davinos Greeno works for GuideMeGreen and GetEthical in promoting green and ethical issues to save the environment!
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Tags: passions, bath water, indigestion, herbalist, embers, oil burner, coriander, romantic atmosphere, base oil