by Tamara McIntee (chartered Herbalist)

With just a couple more months of winter to chill us out, February is a good month to heat life up while woodstoves are burning. Why not free our internal fires and share your passion with the one you love?

Here’s some of my research on herbs, foods, and scents that act as aphrodisiacs to the body and mind—keeping the home fires burning. (Note to pregnant mothers: Do not take any herbal remedies without contacting a professional health advisor.)
Many herbs may help a man increase his virility, specifically when sexual problems relate to anxiety.

A mixture of Mexican Damiana together with a saw palmetto berries may help tone and strengthen the male reproductive system while synergistically boosting the sexual hormones.

An infusion of dried Matico leaves from Peru can increase male energy while boosting a man’s confidence. It is best used to prevent sexual debility due to nervousness.

Celery produces yellow oil that can be extracted from its root and used to remedy sexual impotency caused by illness.

Ginseng is one of the most famous herbs used to fill a man with vim and vigor.

In the Caribbean, sarsaparilla, the original ingredient in root beer, is well known for keeping things going all night long; this herb gives an extreme boost to a man’s testosterone level.

The green shell of a walnut can be made into a decoction that may help aid failing virility. Eating seeds of sesame, hemp and pumpkin is cleansing for the prostate. Meanwhile, doing a cleanse with corn silk tea can help to keep the gential-uninary tract clean; this may be a good way to prevent impotence before it happens. Other herbs that may help increase virility are broadleaf plantain, fenugreek seeds and European vervain.

For women, it is often necessary to be in the right state of mind. A bath or massage using a couple of drops of jasmine essential oil, added to almond oil, may help overcome frigidity. The scent of jasmine is known to arouse erotic interest.

Peppermint can act as an aphrodisiac, taken in large quantities.
Fresh juice of the sundew plant can help to turn things on; this, however, is not to be taken in large doses. Queen of the meadow, also known as gravel root, may be taken in an infusion of flowers and root stalk to increase sexual desire and potency.

Women can use lotus flowers in large amounts—infrequently—to get steamy results (over-use of lotus has the opposite effect). Spanish saffron is toxic in large doses, but taken in small doses, this herb can increase one’s appetite for food and whet one’s sexual appetite. Melia azedarach, also known as Pride of China or African Lily, is noted for aphrodisiac powers in a substance found in the gum of the tree. Wouldn’t that make an interesting ingredient in chewing gum?

Want sensual food? Onion, the secret power food, can strengthen the heart while lowering blood pressure, restoring sexual potency hindered by illness or mental stress. Avocado and artichoke are good, along with tomatoes, eggplant and strawberries, to add to the menu of a romantic evening. Finger foods like olives, grapes and asparagus, can open up the senses.

Aromatherapy enhances the mood of a romantic evening. Ylang ylang, extracted from an exotic flower of a tropical rainforest tree; has a euphoric effect and may help create sexual desire. The scent of vanilla is also a known aphrodisiac and can prevent headaches. Cinnamon can act as a stimulating scent for men.

Anointing one’s body with a mix of coconut oil, ylang ylang and vanilla essential oils could make a welcome sensual Valentine’s treat for your lover.

There are some new, yet ancient, aphrodisiacs available. Simply use Google to find out where to get them. First is yohimbe tincture, a strong aphrodisiac, to be taken with much caution. It reacts badly to any other drug, including prescription drugs, alcohol, caffeine and even dairy foods. Traditionally used in Africa during mating rituals that lasted up to fifteen days. yohimbe can drastically improve endurance, getting men revved up and ready to go. Helpful for the female body is clavahuasca tincture, from a plant in South America, which helps women to be open and relaxed while increasing female sensitivity. These two can be interchangeable for female and males: some people prefer to be relaxed and sedate, while others prefer to be energized.

A new one on the market is Chinese erection stone, a resin containing secret herbs. To use, you wet the stone and rub it on the area of desired erection. The stone draws blood to that area very effectively. A friend, interviewed about this remedy, said she stayed turned on about four hours. If using this method, make sure you have no reason to leave the house for a prolonged period of time.

Good luck to all you lovers out there—and for the rest of us, enjoy some fine dark chocolate.