HERBAL SUPPORT WHAT IS AN APHRODISIAC?

As I began to look at ways the herbs could support us in our quest for healthy sexual fulfillment, this question came to the forefront. When I thought about what I would like an aphrodisiac to be, I thought perhaps there were herbs that would somehow heighten my sensual experiences during sex, opening up doorways to more pleasure. In the course of my exploration, I also realized that some people are seeking exotic herbs or substances as aphrodisiacs to increase their own libido, or as love or sex potions to encourage less-interested partners to have sex with them or to help address their partner’s “sexual issues.”

Looking up the word aphrodisiac through Google gives us a definition like “foods, drinks, or drugs that stimulate sexual desire.” Reading through the book Herbal Aphrodisiacs from World Sources, it seems that all sorts of things have been considered aphrodisiacs throughout time—from sweet potatoes to sunflowers to artichokes and apples. Why? What are these foods or herbs actually doing in our bodies to be considered aphrodisiacs?

Many herbal books will include aphrodisiac in their lists of herbal actions, but this does not tell us much about what the herb actually does in our bodies to stimulate sexual desire. It does not give us information about why we might choose this herb over another that is also listed as an aphrodisiac at this particular time in our lives. To gain more clarity about that, we can look more deeply into herbal actions and at the key constituents in the herbs. (An example of this is the phenylethylamine compound found in cacao. This is also a natural compound in the brain, which is released when we are in love and during orgasm. So ingesting cacao can create similar feelings to those experiences.)

Let’s take a deeper look at herbal actions that might stimulate sexual desire. Herbs that increase circulation or widen blood vessels can result in more blood being pumped to our pelvis, brain, and heart. Herbs can also be nourishing for our heart or our reproductive organs. They can be stimulating, restorative, or help to improve our mood. Perhaps the herb is demulcent and this slippery quality will help support our juiciness. Just the smells and textures of different herbs can help stimulate our senses.

It also may be that many herbs can support our quest for healthy sexual fulfillment without “stimulating sexual desire.” Perhaps we just need an herb to help us relax after a busy, pressure-filled day. Or maybe we can call on an herb to help us heal so we are not distracted by pain or illness. There was one point during the study when perimenopause had me bleeding for weeks at a time. Taking vitex (a tincture of chasteberries) regulated my cycle, and that felt like an amazing aphrodisiac at that moment because it allowed me to come back to my sensual/sexual self.

Understanding just what you are hoping the herb will do for you is one key to choosing the right herb for your situation. Considering the actions of the herbs and looking at the constituents can provide valuable information. The experiences of others can help inform us as well. Ultimately, though, working with the herb yourself, making a preparation from a recipe and actually trying the herb in your own body, will give you the most information and help you develop your unique relationship with the plants. One thing that stood out for us in the Aphrodisiac Circle was that each of us had personal experiences with the herbs that varied significantly from those of other participants.

As you begin to work with the herbs, there are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind. An herb is a plant with edible or healing qualities, and they are powerful. It’s important to treat them with respect.

Consider safety.

The information in this book or any other book is no substitute for consulting with your health care provider if you are experiencing troublesome symptoms or have any special circumstances (like being pregnant, taking medication, or dealing with a chronic illness).

Always check dosage recommendations so you get a sense of how much of a particular herb to take to get the maximum benefit.

Read the plant monographs and especially the “Special Considerations” section to be sure the plant is safe for you at this time.

If you are picking herbs in the wild:

Be 100 percent sure you have identified the plant correctly. This may mean using a field guide or online resource for plant identification and checking what you find with a knowledgeable herbalist.

Learn about sustainable harvesting techniques like taking only as much as you need and only the part of the plant you need and perhaps leaving the roots (or at least some of them) in the ground so the plant can continue to grow.

Make sure you are harvesting from a healthy area where pesticides are not sprayed.

If you are buying dried plant material from a retail source, be sure it was ethically wildcrafted or cultivated and has not been grown with the use of pesticides.

There is lots of latitude for play and experimentation within these guidelines, and in my experience, interacting with the plants is easier than a lot of people think.

Excerpt From: 

Kimberly Gallagher. “Aphrodisiac: The Herbal Path to Healthy Sexual Fulfillment and Vital Living” iBooks. 2021 Hay House, Inc.