Spice Up Your Love Life (Aphrodisiacs from the Kitchen)

We hear a lot of buzz these days about the libido-strengthening properties of herbs. Is any of it true? Quite possibly, yes. Muira puama (traditionally known as “potency wood”), damiana, ginkgo, ginseng, maca and yohimbe, to name several, have been used as aphrodisiacs for centuries in cultures around the world. And, while all the votes aren’t in yet, modern studies are beginning to indicate that certain herbs may indeed be effective in boosting arousal or treating certain forms of sexual dysfunction. For instance, yohimbine (an extract from the bark of the West African yohimbe tree, which increases blood flow to the male organ) was approved by the FDA as a prescription treatment even before Viagra was.

You don’t need a prescription, however, for most natural aphrodisiacs. You don’t even need a trip to the health-food store. As a matter of fact, four of the most time honored “love herbs” are probably sitting in your kitchen spice rack right now: Cinnamon, Sage, Rosemary, and Ginger. Think about that the next time you serve your lover a rich savory stew or a fragrant batch of gingerbread. You may be tickling more than their taste buds.

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CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), a spice famous for it’s delectable aroma and sweet-hot flavor, comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen laurel tree grown on plantations in Ceylon, Western India, Java, and other tropical regions. The bark is peeled off the tree’s lower branches and, as the pieces dry, they curl up into quills (cinnamon sticks). Cinnamon oil, thick and fragrant, is made from the leaves, fruit, and roots. The oil from the fruit, which is shaped like an acorn, was once used to make candles for the king of Ceylon--for whatever that’s worth.

Most people are familiar with cinnamon’s numerous culinary applications--it’s used in everything from spiced drinks to candies to baked goods, and even main courses (such as certain Middle Eastern dishes and curries)--but few are aware of its medicinal properties. Besides being a good digestive, cinnamon has a tonic effect. It’s a wonderfully warming and energizing spice. When sexual disinterest is due to the overall fatigue and strain of everyday living, try a little cinnamon in tea, coffee, or mulled wine to heat things up.

Another powerful energizer is SAGE (Salvia officinalis). One of the more dominant herbs, sage is highly aromatic with a somewhat minty flavor that intensifies with drying. It was once considered the sacred herb of the Latins. More importantly, sage stimulates both the nervous and endocrinic systems and reactivates blood circulation. Among other things, it’s said to be an effective remedy for nervous disorders, particularly those related to menopause. Sage is reputed to help regenerate the system, thereby giving an energy boost to those who have lost interest in life (and, consequently, sex). Try it in soups, stews, stuffings, sauces, omelets, herb breads, and all manner of meat, fish and poultry dishes. As an added bonus, sage makes fatty meats and fish seem less heavy. A little goes a long way, though, and it has a tendency to become bitter with long cooking, so exercise care when seasoning with sage. (Warning: Sage contains estrogenic substances and reduces lactation, so avoid large doses if pregnant or nursing. Avoid completely if epileptic, as it may trigger fits. Also, because it stimulates blood circulation, sage is not advisable for sufferers of high blood pressure.)

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) is also a stimulant for the nervous system. It acts on the cardio-circulatory and cortico-surrenal systems and is considered to be excellent for renewing sexual vigor. Wonderfully fragrant, with a pine-like sweet yet savory flavor, rosemary has long been the traditional herb of youth. According to a sixteenth century herbal, simply “smelling rosemary often” will keep a person young. Rosemary, in fact, is reputed to be one of the ingredients of a secret elixir called the "Water of the Queen of Hungary.” In 1370 this “water” supposedly transformed an eighty-year-old gouty princess into a young damsel lovely enough to be wooed by a king of Poland. It is thought that the legendary elixir was a distillation of lime, rosemary and trementine, but the preparation and dosage are unknown. Darn. However, you can easily create your own elixir--one said to be a marvelous aphrodisiac--by adding a handful of rosemary leaves to a liter of wine. Soak the mixture twenty-four hours for white wine and forty-eight hours for red; then strain and drink after meals. This is also considered to be good for the digestion, but if it works as a “love potion,” who cares? (Note: Rosemary, like sage, is not advisable for those who suffer from high blood pressure.)

Last but not least in this list of kitchen aphrodisiacs is GINGER (Zingiber officinale), one of the oldest and most popular of spices. Made from the root of the exotic ginger plant, it is warming, soothing and stimulating all in one, and has a long history in culinary and medicinal use--everything from cakes to curries to cold remedies. It’s also an age-old cure for nausea and is added to other remedies to boost their effectiveness. In magical lore, ginger symbolizes bright temperament and instant response, and is the base of many love charms. Wives in some parts of the world, so it’s said, make belts of ginger root to arouse their husbands (though, knowing the male appetite, one might think some home-baked gingerbread would grab their attention faster).

With its hot, tangy flavor and zesty aroma, ginger is a wonderful addition to many recipes and is often used in aphrodisiacal cooking, but it can also be used externally. One version of a sensual massage oil, said to have originated in ancient Egypt, can be made by mixing a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, sage and thyme in a small bottle of olive oil. Shake well, then let the blend sit for a short time while you dim the lights, put on soft music, and light scented candles. The lovers should take turns massaging each other, slowly and deeply, from the base of the spine to the neck. Supposedly, this will create an overall feeling of serenity along with an extended erotic reaction that guarantees complete satisfaction…. Well, the “complete” may be pushing things a bit, but it sure sounds like a good start.

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[DISCLAIMER: The herbal and health information in this article is offered primarily for reference and personal enrichment. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the advice of a licensed health-care practitioner. Since the actual use of herbs, therapies, etc. by others is beyond the author’s and publisher’s control, NO expressed or implied guarantee as to their effects can be given, nor liability taken.]