Aphrodisiacs derive their name from the Greek Goddess of love, Aphrodite. Her name means “she who was born of the foam.” In Botticelli’s depiction of her emergence from the sea on a vulva-like shell, she was naked, seductive, coy, and breathtakingly beautiful. Aphrodite possessed a magical belt described in an Orphic ode: “All magic was contained therein: All love, and yearning for love, and talk of love, which have so often robbed reasonable men of their senses”. In honor of the goddess, similar implements of magic and magical concoctions said to have the ability to excite ecstasy where before there was none were named “aphrodisiacs.”

Throughout history, aphrodisiacs have been used as tools to manifest many gifts. They have been used to induce love, gain power, and prestige by enabling men to please multiple women, and to inspire ecstatic realization of God. To fully understand the capabilities of aphrodisiacs, we must explore the idea of sacred sex. Sexual intercourse is a powerful force that ideally engages all the senses as well as the heart and spirit. In the Indian practice of Tantra, sexual energy is cultivated in order to deepen one’s connection with the force that birthed the universe; the union of God and Goddess. Indian herbs such as shatavari and ashwaganda that relax the central nervous system and enhance brain function promote a meditative state ideal for connecting with spirit. Shatavari translates as “she who has a thousand husbands” while ashwaganda, “smells like horse,” refers to the smell of this root as well as its ability to give a man the stamina of a horse. These longevity tonics aid one in accessing higher consciousness and expanded awareness: the Divine Masculine. At the same time, they support the root chakra, awakening kundalini or potential creative energy, the Divine Feminine. The masculine principle of the universe is unmanifest thought forms seeking to spiral down and become substance. The female principle is tangible form that longs to spiral up and become free of form. Man is said to walk between heaven and earth, perpetually longing to realize the marriage of the two, though this marriage exists in everything. During intercourse, we are balancing our inner male and female while experiencing the cosmic union of earth and sky.

Often thought to be only for men with impotency or the man with a wild adventurous heart, women have also used aphrodisiacs for centuries when frigidity or indifference is present or to open themselves to the world of eroticism. Like all holistic remedies, aphrodisiacs work not only on the physical but the spiritual, mental, and emotional bodies as well. Many are relaxing herbs that soothe nerves and create feelings of well-being. In order for you to give pleasure to a partner or even desire to do so, you must first be in a content emotional state of your own. If sexual dogmas have dominated your identity, aphrodisiacs can placate emotions such as fear, shame, and self-consciousness. Though not aphrodisiacs on their own, flower essences can be a wonderful ally to dispel emotions that inhibit sexuality or for enhancing the quality of unions. Larch flower essence is specific for men with feelings of inadequacy. Pink Monkeyflower aids in fearlessly expressing love and intimacy and helps resolve issues of shame resulting from past sexual abuse. Hibiscus flower essence enables one to act with physical passion while staying heart centered and Basil helps integrate sexuality with spirituality.

Physically, aphrodisiacs are a means to excite intercourse, increase pleasure, and promote fertility. In holistic healing we look first to preventative medicine to achieve these ends. Some general tips for a healthy reproductive system are as follows: get plenty of exercise, rest, and clean water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco and foods high in “bad” fats, especially hydrogenated oils. If you are taking antidepressants be aware that they can be the cause of lowered libido.

Herbal aphrodisiacs are generally tonics, containing an abundance of nutrients to empower the vital functions of the body and increase longevity. They are of sweet, spicy, or pungent taste; all warming flavors that improve circulation and activate the Qi (life force). It is no wonder then that we look to aphrodisiacs to “heat things up.” Many are considered kidney yang tonics, kindling the “life gate fire,” the root of reproductive essence. They are often adrenal tonics, strengthening root chakra energy and nourishing the body’s reserves. When we ingest a plant in its whole form, we benefit from the above actions as well as benefiting from its vibration. Its life force causes our beings to pulsate with renewed vitality. This is an important component of the magic.

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is an increasingly common problem. One out of two men over age thirty-five is having or has had some problem with erectile dysfunction. Often it can be the expression of an emotional problem, such as suppressed relationship issues. In Chinese Medicine, the fire element is associated with joy and the connection between the heart and the mind. We have all experienced how a heavy mind creates a heavy heart and vice versa. A worried mind can put out the fire in one’s heart. The heart houses the shen, which roughly translates as spirit. Shen can be observed through the twinkle of the eyes and the spring in ones step. Problems with the fire element can manifest as heart disease—the leading killer of men—circulatory problems, and depression, among many others. Here again, we look first to lifestyle maintenance. Is this man expressing joy, is he living his passion? Is he content with his career and daily life or is his spirit being dampened by a life of stifled creativity or commitment to an unfulfilling path? The same considerations apply to a women experiencing “fridigity.” Explore what areas of her life need to be shifted in order to warm up her heart. Often herbs that work on the heart also brighten shen. One example is Mimosa, called “common herb of happiness”. When joy is rekindled, passion is once again possible.

Yohimbe is a powerful African herb from which drugs such as viagra are derived. It can be used in cases of erectile dysfunction that is inorganic in nature. Yohimbe should be taken on a temporary basis to regain confidence. It causes impressive erections that last for several hours, possibly by its ability to boost adrenaline to nerve endings. Yohimbe can have a mild hallucinogenic effect and cause the skin to be very sensitive to touch. It can stimulate blood pressure, circulation, body temperature and heart rate. It should not be used by people with heart problems, taking pharmaceuticals or in combination with alcohol. It is best taken as a tea with vitamin C added to allay possible side effects of nausea. I have heard several testimonials to the power of Yohimbe. Most are accounts from women describing their husbands’ incorrigible primal behavior after imbibing the herb. While many of these women have a teasing tone, none are complaining! Women may use Yohimbe too, to stimulate the senses, and open free flow of communication with one’s partner. Often however, the “yang” quality of this herb is too intense for women causing over-stimulation, even nervousness, and agitation. These feelings can quickly take a woman “out of the mood.”

Muira Puama is an aphrodisiac more suitable for women. In its native habitat of Brazil it is known as “potency wood.” It has been known to cause sensitivity to the touch, especially in female erogenous zones.
You need not look to India, Brazil and Africa for your aphrodisiacs. Common kitchen herbs can be used to spice up your love life. The heart chakra opens to the world through the hands. Infuse a dish or drink with extra “oomph” by visualizing passion and bliss between you and your lover while holding the potent ingredients. Try this simple yet sublime cider:

Sensual Cider
(Adapted from Botanica Erotica)
To two quarts apple cider add the following:
4 sticks of cinnamon
1 heaping tablespoon fresh minced ginger
1 small handful orange peel
2 pinches whole cloves
1 large pinch star anise
1 pinch cardamom pods
2 nutmegs

Stir clockwise over low heat (do not boil) for at least fifteen minutes while envisioning your heart’s desire.

Aphrodisiacs may be administered in a variety of ways. They may be taken as teas, beverages, alcohol extracts, pills, spices, or foods. They may be burned as incense to create a mood in a room or home. The aromas affect the limbic brain, creating an immediate emotional response unaltered by logic or reason. Essential oils are a great tool to produce this desirable effect. Make a spritzer of essential oils and distilled water to mist on the body, in a room, or on sheets and pillows. Essential oils added to a carrier oil such as apricot seed oil (also aphrodisiac) may be applied topically for a sensual massage. Some aphrodisiac essential oils are jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose, sandalwood, and vanilla bean. Be sure to smell them and pick ones that are attractive to you and remind you of your loved one.

Aphrodisiac herbs may also be smoked causing their active ingredients to enter the bloodstream via the lungs. Damiana and lactuca are two relaxing nervines pleasant to smoke. In the 1960s Lactuca was known as “opium lettuce” for its sedative quality and esteemed for its reputation of bringing its partakers to an altered, sexually excited state. Damiana boosts circulation, relaxes muscles, and directly stimulates the sex organs. Consult Herbal Love Potions, by Lee and Lee, for a luscious damiana cordial recipe.

Whatever your pleasure, be sure to consult an herbalist or book for dosages and contraindications before indulging in aphrodisiac delights, and then, go wild!

Ceara Foley is the director of The NC School of Holistic Herbalism and The Center For Vital Living. NCSHH offers courses for beginning, advanced, and clinical herbal studies and Earth Sprouts! Day camp for kids. The Center houses a variety of holistic health practitioners and workshops to enhance quality of life. Call 828-350-1221 for more info.

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