Passion is such a pleasure in our lives! Many people assume that sex comes naturally. But it is well worth spending time investigating ways to enhance The Art of Love.
Have you ever wondered if there existed such a thing as an aphrodisiac? In truth the mind is the most important erogenous zone. However, foods and herbs that are considered sexual tonics usually have this ability. What can turn you on has a lot more to do with its ability to energize, relax or nourish the body and mind or remind us of sex by its suggestive shapes or flavors. Sexual energy is extra energy. If you are exhausted and nutritionally deficient, sexual energy will be one of the first drives to diminish.
Diet and Food to Improve Your Sexual Vitality
In Oriental Medicine, the strength of the kidneys is what governs sexual vitality. It is possible to irritate the kidneys by overindulging in coffee, alcohol, fatty foods or having excess stress in one’s life. The kidneys like to be warm and it is possible to “cool one’s passion” by drinking cold icy beverages or eating too many cold foods such as salads and tropical fruits, especially when the weather is chilly. What nourishes the kidneys and thus sexual energy, are foods like beans (black and kidney are the best), green leafy vegetables like kale and collards and whole grains like barley and wild rice. Seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower contain the germ of life and are rich in zinc, an important component of seminal and vaginal fluid. Oysters, also zinc-rich were said to have been the love tonic of Cassanova. Asparagus not only is suggestive in its design, but is diuretic, thus causing attention to the genitals.
An ancient saying is “A man who loves carrots loves women.” Organic eggs (which are embryos) are considered a tonic for occasional use. Sea vegetables, due to their high mineral content, nourish the thyroid, which when underactive, can decrease libido. Garlic is also considered a food of love. (You both have to eat it to avoid perceiving garlic breath). Its potency is well known by lovers around the world. In some monasteries, where celibacy is part of the rules, garlic is omitted from the menu! Other foods for lovers include artichokes, mushrooms and caviar. It is important for lovers to minimize fats in their diet to avoid creating blockages. Literally, garnish your food with chemical-free rose petals to delight the senses! Since fresh breath makes one even more kissable, keep a tiny bowl of anise seed, fennel and decoricated cardamon next to the bed to keep you sweet smelling.
Though not exactly health food, chocolate contains phenylethalamine, a chemical that is also produced in the brains of people in love. Chocolate in excess however is high in fat and contains caffeine. So if you are having that certain someone over for dinner, choose your meal wisely and prepare to please the palate. The use of color, light, aroma and flowers are other ways to delight one’s senses.
Aphrodisiac Herbs
There are number of herbs that have a long tradition of enhancing the pleasures of love. Many of the culinary herbs, because of their warming and gentle stimulating nature can not only spice your food, but love life as well. Consider the delights of herbs such as ginger, cloves, cardamom, anise, caraway, nutmeg and vanilla. Learn to use these more liberally in cooking. Cinnamon with its strong sweet and hot flavor has long been used to stir the fires of love. Of course, excess of anything can be irritating, so use culinary herbs within reason.
Damiana (Turnera aphrodesiaca) – Was used by the Aztec Indians as an aphrodisiac and a cure for impotence. It allows nerve messages to spread out throughout the nervous system, thereby making people more sensitive. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Has long been used as a tonic for strengthening the adrenal glands and increasing energy. It also helps provide the body with the raw materials necessary to produce its own hormones.
Muira Puama (Liriosma ovata) – Also known as “potency wood” is sold in Brazilian pharmacies as an aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) – Another herb, rich in phytosterols, thus nourishing to one’s hormones.
This tea is most pleasurable consumed with a dash of honey and milk.
Lecithin is an important constituent of both vaginal and seminal fluids. Zinc is necessary for lubrication. Vitamin E increases stamina and helps blood to flow better. Consider adding them to your regime of supplements.
Essential Oils for Passion
Various aromas using pure essential oils can be added to an aromalamp, massage oil, a candle or even a bath for two to invigorate the brain with fragrances that turn ones thoughts to romance. Consider using the aromas of ylang ylang, coriander, cinnamon, jasmine and sandlewood. When changing the sheets, add a few drops of essential oils onto the mattress.
Create an atmosphere for love. Orange lights, magenta and purple decor are said to incite passion. Though blue is a lovely color, its effect is to calm and cool and not what you want in the boudoir. Candle light is most romantic. Remember that music is another way to enhance the senses. Red and orange Hibiscus flowers are a symbol of sexual fulfillment in the Orient and may be an appropriate plant to have blossoming in the bedroom.
You may want to have some spring water and organic seedless grapes by the bed to quench your thirst. A ringing phone is definitely not a turn on. Turn it off before it does the same to you.
It is most essential to take time out for love. Having only leftover time for sex gives you leftover sex! Be sure to savor all the stages of romance. Be willing to give of yourself in terms of praise, gifts, time and help. Try to hug fully at least three times a day. Harmony in the bedroom contributors to social and global peace.
Remember to find ways to enhance the relationship between you and your partner. Communicate. Play the UNGAME for Couples. Read to each other. Discover the benefits of massage. Work at enhancing your health. Find ways of exercising that you both enjoy. Remember that no food or herb can take the place of compassion, creativity and best of all, TRUE LOVE!
Written by Brigitte Mars
Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant with over forty years experience. She is the author of Beauty by Nature, Rawsome!, The Sexual Herbal, Addiction Free Naturally, Healing Herbal Teas, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, and co-author of The Country Almanac of Home Remedies, and The Hemp Nut Health and Cookbook. Brigitte has had a radio show on KGNU called Naturally for over twenty years. She is a professional member of The American Herbalist Guild. Ms. Mars teaches at Naropa University, Boulder College of Massage, Omega Institute, Kripalu, and Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts. Brigitte is a blogger for The Huffington Post and Care2. www.brigittemars.com, 303 442-4967, brigitte@indra.com
