Five Surprising Aphrodisiac Herbs For Your Perfect Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day about love, fun, and peace. This pressure to be perfect may be getting in the way of what’s could be your most memorable amazing Valentine's Day celebration. While you’re planning, try these calming herbs to help bring out your most loving self. You’ll be in the perfect mood to try these aphrodisiac herbs and foods.

What is Shen, and how is it related to your feelings?

Feelings of nervousness usually stem from a disturbed shen. In China, shen refers to one’s spirit or mind. As such, it is responsible for our emotions, thoughts, consciousness, and decisions. Like qi, a balanced shen is essential to human life. When your shen is disturbed, then you may experience anxiety and clouded judgment. There are many ways to calm an imbalanced shen, but one of the most effective methods is to consume healing herbs.

 

Aphrodisiac herbs for Valentine’s Day

Once you are feeling calm and like your best self, here are five aphrodisiac herbs that you can try to plan for a soulful Valentine’s Day with your special someone.

Ginseng

In Eastern countries, ginseng is traditionally used as an energizer. For Valentine’s Day, ginseng’s invigorating properties can help you bring out your more confident self. 

While traditionally this root of this herb is eaten, you can boil the ginseng root as tea instead.

Saffron

Saffron is a plant native to Eastern countries and one of the most expensive spices and aphrodisiac herbs. Aside from being a natural remedy that helps treat depression and stress, it also has its uses as an aphrodisiac. This herb can help you feel at peace, and more prepared to give your partner the love they deserve. 

Saffron tea is a very popular way of consuming this herb, and there are many recipes available for you to try.

Maca root

In addition to being an aphrodisiac, studies have shown that maca has the ability to improve energy levels and enhance your mood. This herb can help you become a more loving version of yourself by helping you remove any negative thoughts and feelings that you might have.

Maca can be consumed in many ways, such as tea, tablet, or in powdered form you can add to recipes.

Ginkgo Biloba

Sometimes simply known as Ginkgo, this herb is used to treat a variety of health issues including anxiety and feelings of depression. This aphrodisiac herb also contains powerful antioxidants, so consuming it helps to cleanse both your mind and body in preparation for Valentine’s Day.

Ginkgo leaves are usually dried and then crushed to be served as tea.

Fenugreek

Unlike most other aphrodisiac herbs on this list, fenugreek is native to western Asia rather than Eastern Asia. As a medicinal and aphrodisiac herb, fenugreek has many properties that help improve your mood when you consume it. This is because this herb is traditionally used to treat imbalances within the body.

The herb also provides a lot of nutritional value in a single tablespoon. It can provide up to 20% of your daily iron needs as well as a healthy balance of fiber, protein, and carbs. Much like the other aphrodisiac herbs on this list, fenugreek is usually consumed as a tea, and tastes and smells much like maple syrup.

 

Shen-calming herbs

While we recommend using aphrodisiac herbs to help you prepare for Valentine’s Day, shen-calming herbs might be just what you need instead. These herbs are used to calm any feelings of stress or anxiety that you’re currently undergoing caused by an imbalance in your shen.

Chamomile

In China, Chamomile is known for its ability to put one to sleep. Besides its use for treating insomnia, its relaxing effect can also be used to treat feelings of anxiety. Typically, it is consumed as a tea.

Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family and is easily distinguished by its distinct appearance and floral scent. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), lavender is used to treat shen-related issues, such as anger and anxiety.

Lavender is often consumed as either tea or lavender extract.

Valerian

Like Lavender, Valerian has been used in TCM to calm the shen. This herb can help ease feelings of anxiety while also treating insomnia. Scientists believe that Valerian has the ability to relax the brain similar to drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium).

Valerian is usually consumed daily, and by mouth.

 

Herbs That Will Help You Relax On Valentine’s Day

During periods of extreme stress, even the smallest inconveniences can cause a great deal of mental and emotional distress. Since Valentine’s Day can be very stressful, you might want to look at these three herbs as they can help relieve you of those feelings.

Ashwagandha

This herb has been used for thousands of years to treat feelings of stress and anxiety. It also has some other proven health benefits, such as improving energy and uplifting your mood by addressing internal imbalances.

Ashwagandha is best consumed as tea and is very popular in India and surrounding countries.

Turmeric

Stress can cause a lot of health issues, such as inflammation which can then manifest into headaches or joint pains. However, turmeric has been proven to successfully combat inflammations and help cleanse feelings of stress and depression.

Turmeric tea is brewed from grated turmeric root or powder. It is also considered one of the best ways to take this herb.

Kava Kava

Otherwise simply known as Kava, this herb is used to treat anxiety and stress. Kava Kava contains substances called kavapyrones, which calm and relax your brain and improve your mood.

Kava Kava is a popular drink in the South Pacific.

Bring Out Your Fun Side With These Herbs on Valentine’s Day

To truly have an enjoyable Valentine’s Day, you need to get into the mood. This holiday is the day to celebrate love and those you love. Taking these herbs can help improve your mood.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is an herb that grows in mountainous regions of both Europe and Asia. It’s has been used in these cultures for centuries to treat anxiety, fatigue, and depression. This herb can help you feel energized and ready to make your upcoming Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Rhodiola extract can be found in tablet or capsule form, but can also be consumed as a tea.

Licorice

Just like the candy that has been named after this herb, licorice root is incredibly sweet. This sweetness can help improve your mood and energize and excite your body. Just remember to not take too much of this herb, as its sweet taste may cause you to crave it more often.

Unlike the herbs on this list, licorice root is best used when chewed directly.

St. John’s Wort

It’s fitting that this herb is named after a figure whose purpose was to cleanse people of their sins. This European herb has been used for centuries to treat hormonal imbalances and depression. It is mainly known for its ability to regulate and improve your mood.

St John’s Wort is most effective when taken as a capsule instead of used as a topical solution.

 

Aphrodisiac Foods You Can Try This Valentine’s Day

In addition to the herbs listed above, some foods have been proven to be effective aphrodisiacs. 

Chocolate

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine–a stimulant that excites the senses. Chocolates have ‘feel good’ compounds that enhance bodily sensations. To get the best effect, we recommend taking at least 75% dark chocolate.

Strawberries

These crimson fruits are often associated with love and pleasure. Their properties as an antioxidant help increase blood flow within the body. They also contain several minerals known to support a healthy sex drive, such as magnesium.

These berries pair very well with chocolate, another known aphrodisiac. Dip them in chocolate and eat them together for a delicious effect.

Wine

Wine is an alcoholic drink that is made through fermenting grapes. Because of its high alcohol content, this drink can help to release one’s inhibitions and stimulate sexual desire. It is particularly effective as an aphrodisiac for women.

Maca Rose Latte

Here’s a recipe for a special aphrodisiac mixture that really sets the mood for Valentine’s Day. This Maca Rose Latte helps me feel at peace when I drink it, and may make you feel the same way.

 

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
• 4 tablespoons cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 1 tsp rose powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 pinches sea salt
• 1 pinch cayenne powder
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, add the milk for 2-3 minutes. Then, whisk in cacao powder, maca powder, rose powder, cinnamon, sea salt, and cayenne.
2. Whisk for 3-4 minutes, then add in maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk periodically until mixture is smooth and desired temperature is achieved.
3. Add more maple syrup as desired.
4. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with coconut cream if desired.

 

If you’re feeling nervous about your next Valentine’s Day, then you need to treat the shen imbalances within you. Consuming these foods and herbs will do just that and make your next night of passion one to remember.