Herbs for Loving Yourself & Others

Plants are the original masters of attraction. Over millions of years, they have evolved the most irresistible blossoms and intoxicating aromas to captivate and lure in pollinators ~ bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other creatures who are absolutely vital to their reproduction and species survival.

And like many plant constituents, these highly specialized attracting molecules can work their magic on us in a myriad of ways. By affecting our emotional, mental and physiological state, herbs exert aphrodisiac & amorous affects on us, enhancing our capacity for intimacy with ourselves and others.

While there are plenty of well known aphrodisiac herbs, their affects widely differ based on personal preference. For example, a person who adores the scent of Patchouli and links the aroma to exciting memories is much more likely to succumb to its aphrodisiac influence than someone who detests the scent, or even finds it neutral. The point is to lean into botanicals that you are naturally drawn and attracted to. With that said, most herbal aphrodisiacs fall into a few key categories.

Plants that are hot natured or spicy create a feeling of warmth within us by dilating the blood vessels to encourage peripheral circulation. Similarly, blood moving, circulatory stimulating & cardiotonic herbs all exhibit a similar affect by opening the vessels and improving blood flow. Ginger & Cinnamon are hot natured, while Chiles are spicy and Rosemary is a potent circulatory herb.

Calming & grounding herbs can help free us of mental overwhelm that inhibits arousal. Nervines like Lavender, Vanilla & Kava relax the nervous system to encourage a feeling of calm. Grounding aromas such as Sandalwood, Cedarwood & Patchouli lend a sensation of rootedness to quell an overthinking mind and create space for us to reconnect with our body.

Aromatic stimulants & intoxicants are self evident both in description and in their effect: they entice and energize our senses, enabling enhanced feelings of bliss and even ecstasy. The aroma of night blooming flowers are, in my opinion, the best example of this ~ they emit a heady and powerful odor that can be smelled from far distances and possess a uniquely enrapturing quality that leaves you feeling slightly drunk and overstimulated but wanting more. Night Blooming Jasmine and Dragon Fruit Flower are absolutely intoxicating after the sun sets (to attract their evening prey: nighttime pollinators in the form of moths and bats); Jasmine & Pikake are more subtle but just as sweetly alluring.

Herbs that are classified as tonic or adaptogenic work in various ways to strengthen our overall health and vitality. They may improve energy by stimulating the nervous system like Cacao, or fortifying our blood, like Ginseng. Lubricating herbs like Ashwaganda or Chia help to nourish dry tissues and replenishing reproductive fluids. They may also warm & augment our Kidneys, the house of reproductive energy & longevity (known as our Jing essence); true Cinnamon is considered a tonic in this way.

Jasmine

Rose

Vanilla

Cacao

Cinnamon

Ginger

A close second to Cinnamon in her warming nature, Ginger {Zingiber officinale} is a hot, pungent herb that improves circulation and warms the channels. Ginger strengthens the heart to encourage blood flow throughout the body, and helps to fortify our sexual drive and energy. Particularly useful for those with cold hands & feet, this herb can ignite our willpower to facilitate activity and get things flowing.

Slice up fresh rhizomes or incorporate the powder into your cooking. Sip on Ginger tea or rub on our Blue Moon Balm to warm the body. You can also enjoy Ginger in our decadent drink below.