Herbal Aphrodisiacs - Using Plants for Love

Herbal Aphrodisiacs - Using Plants for Love

Aphrodisiacs are herbs that help to open the body, mind and heart to feelings of love. They can be worked with to inspire creativity, openness between oneself and others, dissolve boundaries, lift mood & spirit, instill devotion and more. Aphrodisiacs can fall into a few categories: Stimulating, relaxing and nourishing. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Stimulating Herbs - To get things going ...

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) - Damaina is slightly warming and stimulating bringing warmth and energy to the lower regions of the body. The leaves can be smoked or taken as a tea or made into a cordial. Damiana has a long history even being used by the Aztecs as a powerful sexual tonic second only to Cacao.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) - Cacao is a wonderful warming and luscious treat. It is mineral rich and vitamin dense. Cacao promotes feelings of love and bliss. Gently opening the heart chakra but never more than you are ready for. Cacao can be stimulating or relaxing depending on one’s constitution. Can be taken as a drink, food, flower essence or tincture.

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) - Stimulating to the mind and relaxing to the body Vanilla is divine in scent and flavor. Vanilla can be used in cordials, oils, body butters, in the bath and in tea blends. Vanilla and rose petals infused in warm milk is magical at the end of long day.

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar spp.) - Gently opens pathways that have been blocked on all levels .. physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. One of my go-to’s for those who have taken a vow of celibacy consciously or unconsciously and are ready to open back up.

Seaweed - I consider seaweed more moving than stimulating. It brings ones awareness down into the hips . Loosening & moistening, encouraging relaxation and slow movement. Allows one to connect in a sensual way to themselves and others. Rhythm is remembered or born anew. A seaweed and rose bath is a lovely way to connect to your heart and body. 

Nourishing Herbs - To help build vitality, stamina and long term support ...

Tulsi (Ocimum spp.) - Tulsi or Holy Basil is one of the most sacred plants of India and is restorative and adaptogenic in nature. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing stamina and endurance. Tulsi also brings a calm, balanced harmony to the body, heart and mind. Opens the heart chakra bringing love and devotion into one’s life.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa) - Oats are a tonic to the nervous system. Vitamin and mineral rich Oats are nourishing, tonifying and soothing to the body and mind. Oatstraw infusions, oatmeal, oat baths and milky oat seed tincture can be used to strengthen the nervous system over time in the most gentle and loving way. Slowly building up ones reserves and restoring vitality, libido and bodily juices. Great for both men and women of all ages.

Rose (Rosa spp.) - Rose nourishes the heart, calms the mind and strengthens the nervous system. Although cooling in nature Rose has the ability to warm the heart. Opening the heart to allow one's spirit to reconnect in a safe way bringing about a remembrance of the souls desire. This reconnection to spirit helps to strengthen and restore the nervous system as well.  Rose is great for the jitters if feeling a little nervous about opening ones heart, mind and body to another.

Ginseng - Adapatogenic and restorative the ginsengs (Panax spp. & Eleuthero) are tonics that help to nourish and strengthen ones vitality and life force by supporting adrenal function. Chinese/Red Ginseng is the most stimulating and can be used for men who are run down and could use a boost to help increase physical stamina. American Ginseng is a wonderful ally for menopausal women whose libido is waning and need a boost getting their juices flowing. Siberian Ginseng is the go-to if stress is getting in the way of feelings of amore. Great if feeling like one doesn’t have the time or energy for love. 

Relaxing Herbs - To help let go and let in ...

Kava (Piper methysticum) - Warming, relaxing and euphoric Kava can take one out of everyday concerns enabling the body and mind to open. Somewhat dreamy Kava opens the mental doors that have been closed for too long. Kava is not for everyone and although a great ally it is not one use to daily over time.

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) - Relaxing to some and stimulating to others Cannabis can be ally in enhancing sexual experiences and amplifying sensations if it doesn’t put you to sleep. Here is a situation where eating it can be more helpful than smoking it.

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) - A gentle and relaxing restorative tonic Ashwaganda can be taken as a decoction, tincture, simmered in warm milk or mixed with honey. Ashwaganda helps to restore desire by offering deep support on both the physical and spirit level. Wonderful for those who are beyond burned out, feeling depleted, lost their libido and feeling emotionally dry.

All these herbs are available at Gathering Thyme in San Rafael with the exception of cannabis. Before adding any herbs into your health regime make sure to check with you herbalist or healthcare practitioner.

Love & Blessings, Judy Lieblein

 

All information provided is for educational purposes only and not meant to treat or diagnose any illness.

©Judy Lieblein 1/2019

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