Aphrodisiac DIY's for Body and Soul

Aphrodisiacs are natures medicine for issues regarding impotency, arousal, and stamina in the bedroom. As February has long been associated with romance, we decided to explore the use of herbal medicine to address the real life issues you might face under the sheets.

Though scientists have yet to confirm the effectiveness of aphrodisiacs, natural herbal remedies for sexual health have been sought after for decades. We may not label them as such, but many restaurants incorporate aphrodisiacs of their own- disguised as romantic, high end dishes and cocktails.

To create an aphrodisiac you must address what your current issues are in the bedroom. Do you find that you are difficult to excite? Do you want your interactions to last longer? Are you simply craving a 50 shades of grey experience that's absent from your current sex life?

Determining what areas you want to focus on is key for developing the aphrodisiac that is right for you. Aphrodisiacs are no different from other herbal remedies- the flowers, seed, leafs, or roots that you use are critical to targeting the issue at hand. Some herbs or spices help to increase blood flow and tightening of the tissues (they work to counteract any physical complications), others work to relax both the body and the mind to treat psychological barriers (and stimulate the nervous system). The most common form of aphrodisiacs can be used over an extended amount of time to treat problems with stamina and desire related to health issues.

Have you ever had a friend that says they just are not into "having sex?" I have, and the mere thought of it is enough to give me goosebumps. My response: "How? Why? What's the problem?" I've had too many girls approach me with confessions of never climaxing, and more then a few male friends that struggle to get it up. This is no one's fault. A weakened libido is most commonly effected by anxiety, stress, hormonal imbalance (this can be seen in woman with unordinary menstrual cycles), consumption of alcohol or pharmaceuticals, depression, or a simple lack of much needed foreplay.

I find that when I am mentally distracted, my body is still incredibly responsive to foreplay against my better logic. If foreplay is the issue, speak to your partner and let them know that you just need a little bit of extra affection pre-love making. If you or your parter continue to struggle with difficulties in la chamber a coucher, an aphrodisiac might be the perfect treatment (or treat!) for you.

Eva and I happily created a few aphrodisiacs (for the sake of love or intrigue). If you are looking to boost your libido, sample a few of our recipes and see if they work for you. Consider taste, smell, and mood after consuming your aphrodisiac. The best aphrodisiac will rate highly in all three categories. For more complex issues, you might prefer a daily tonic (or honey to drink daily with tea). These will combat health issues that effect your mood and interest in the bedroom.

Eva's Blushing Rose Tea

¼ c Hibiscus

¼ c Rose hips

¼ c Chamomile

¼ c Rose petals

¼ c Spearmint

1 sprinkle Cinnamon and nutmeg

"I created my tea blend with what I had on hand and what my partner and I enjoy drinking. For my recipe, I combined all the ingredients into a tea bag. It can be prepared loose if you desire, but can be quite messy. The rose hips and hibiscus flowers will give this tea a lovely red color, and the chamomile will act as a calming agent. After letting my boiled water cool to drinking temperature, I steeped my creation for five minutes before removing the tea. I added a small amount of honey to our cups and sipped slowly. We really enjoyed this tea. It had a sweet, fruity taste with a slight citrus hint and a subtle (warm) spicy aroma. Rose hips are high in vitamin C and antioxidants so drinking daily tea offers a much more stimulating effect. I could drink this blend every day- it was delicious and we felt very relaxed! Having fun and keeping a positive mind set is important while experimenting. Channel your intent into your project with an optimistic outlook. You can store your sweet lovin' tea in an air tight jar or resealable bag to have your custom blend ready for special occasions."

Rain's Kāma Smoking Blend

1 tsp Rose petals

1 Vanilla bean

2 pinches Marshmallow root

1 tsp Organic skullcap

1 pinch Mullein

"A smoking blend, if you are unfamiliar, is a totally organic *and legal*, herbal mixture (not unlike tea). An true herbal smoking blend never contains tobacco or other additives and is meant to be smoked on its own. I happen to smoke both tobacco and grass (in 60's slang only) and love adding herbal blends inside my rollies for flavor and smell. The ingredients used in this smoking blend can be ground in a mortar and pestle to create a fine grain, but it's really only necessary with large leafs or bean pods. Rose is a favorite ingredient in aphrodisiacs throughout history and is said to reduce sexual anxieties. Vanilla is another popular choice, which is said to improve on the central nervous system connected to sexual debilitations. It also smells and tastes fantastic. Vanilla bean should not be ground in its pod. Scrape the inside with a knife or cut the end of the pod and squeeze out the contents. The marshmallow root, organic skullcap, and mullein all have sweet, honey like scents and flavors that help to relax the body and mind. Mullein treats respiratory disorders which may be connected to sexual endurance, while skullcap acts as a psychoactive plant that genuinely calms the person consuming it and creates a giddy, happy state of mind."

Rain's Love Potion No. 9 (aka The Lavender White Russian)

Absolut vanille vodka

Scrappy's lavender bitters

Kahlua

Half and half

Ice

"This cocktail is a white russian under the direction of the fairy Mab. It's perfect in flavor, scent, and overall construction. Serve on the rocks poured over one block of ice. Fill your tumbler ¼ of the way with vanilla vodka. I am preferential to Absolut's vanilla blend- they provide a myriad of flavors from hibiscus to pepper, and they are exceptionally fun to play with. Add two to four drops of Scrappy's Lavender bitters (a little goes a long way but taste as you go), and fill 2/4 of the glass with half and half. If you like, stir and rim your glass with a thin layer of honey. Skip the honey and drink under the stars from a silver flash. Let the moon do the rest of the work."

What to make your own concoctions? Take a look at our handy list below to identify what ingredients are right for you! Remember that organic ingredients are best. Many of these plants can be found at your local grocery store, but harder to locate herbs and flowers can be purchased online (we suggest Mountain Rose Herbs).

For Energy

Maca root

Ginseng

Licorice

Suma

Avocado

Banana

For Relaxation

Chamomile

Kava

Milky Oats

Cannabis

Skullcap

For the Heart

Rose

Cocoa

Hibiscus

Hawthorn

Garlic

Arugula

For Hormonal Imbalance

Red clover

Raspberry leaves

False unicorn root

Echinacea

Honey

Olive oil

For Arousal

Ginger

Gingko

Peppermint

Cayenne

Chili

Watermelon

Pomegranate

For the Senses

Vanilla

Star anise

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Orange peel

Coriander

Cardamom

Basil

Clove

#aphrodisiacs #herbalism #diy #recipe #health #sex