From ancient times to our modern day, aphrodisiacs have captured the human heart and imagination. Whether used to enhance pleasure in the Kama Sutra or to invoke the favor of the gods, these ingredients have played a significant role in cultures worldwide for centuries.
Legend even has it that common spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper, saffron and vanilla were once forbidden due to their alleged aphrodisiac properties and distribution in “love potions.”
“Until the advent of modern vaccines, no medical product has been more widely traded throughout world history than aphrodisiacs,” said Alison M Downham Moore, Associate Professor in Modern European History, Western Sydney University. (Source)
There is no doubt that food stimulates the body in different ways and invokes sensations of well-being, energy, inspiration and can stir the creative life force within us. Foods that take the shape of our anatomy have also been known to be visually stimulating and evoke sexual arousal.
Any curiosity about aphrodisiacs may stem from a desire to understand how our physiology uses these foods to restore our senses of health and vitality. To help, we’ve curated a list of herbs that can help our bodies produce their own love potions (arousal fluids), bringing forth improved life longevity, cellular restoration, natural glow and our zest for life.
Schizandra
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a tonic to improve vitality. It’s known as the 5-flavour berry. It is loaded with Vitamin C and E and is often recognized for its skin beautifying properties, among many other things.
He Shou Wu
Another coveted herb in Chinese medicine used as a powerful yin tonic to support the liver and kidneys. Rich in antioxidants, it supports anti-aging and improves vitality, virility and sexual potency as well as preventing premature grey hair. It has been known to unlock channels of the heart and spirit and has a calming effect.
Cistanche
Commonly known as desert ginseng, cistanche has been found to have many bioactive compounds that improve neurological function and heal complex nervous system diseases. It is antiviral, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor and immune boosting. It’s also known for its aphrodisiac properties as it is said to increase naturally-occurring testosterone levels in the body.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also referred to as Indian ginseng, is an Adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in India to manage stress, promote normal sleep patterns, improve memory and cognition, balance blood sugar, increase libido and restore the endocrine and immune systems.
It is also one of the superfoods found in our Cocoa Moon Ritual.
Maca
Maca, a cruciferous root vegetable grown in the high Peruvian Andes, has been recognized as a hormone balancer as well as an energy, stamina and libido enhancer. It has also been known to increase fertility, mood and memory. It is an all-round superfood loaded with nutrients and antioxidants
You can find maca in our Cocoa Sun Ritual.
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