While many of my workshops at Community Pharmacy were oriented towards holiday gift-making, I also taught about DIY body care, women's health, chemical sensitivities, and aromatic herbalism. Here is an article in the spirit of those workshops, which was originally published in CP's newsletter, Infused, in Feb. 2010.
Valentine’s Day is my second-favorite
holiday, a fact that most of my friends find eye-rollingly silly. Even though it may have originated as a greeting-card marketing
scheme, Valentine’s has become the one day every year when we
are all encouraged to think about love, and sensory pleasure. Think about it: an entire holiday for contemplating the infinite variety of loving expression in our lives. Whether
you are happily relating or happily single, emotional wellbeing and
sensuality are a part of a healthy life.
If our brains are our largest erogenous
zones, then intentions are our strongest aphrodisiac. When we take
the time to infuse oil with fragrant herbs, or flavor a honey with
delicious spices, we spend time attending to our wellbeing. This
attention, and time, helps us not only to slow down and focus on the
important things in our lives, but also to create a durable niche in
our lives for those important things. And just as there are many
healthy ways to express emotions and explore sensuality, there are
many delightful and daring delicacies for all your senses.
Herbs traditionally used in aphrodisiac
formulas are gentle and effective, offering subtle fragrances,
delicate flavors and unique medicinal nourishment. These herbs may
calm the nervous system, stimulate the circulatory system and tone
the adrenal system; each in their own ways soothing or exciting the
body so it can more easily find pleasure. Getting to know these
herbs, and the ways they benefit your individual physiology, is
another exploration in sensuality.
Relaxing herbal aphrodisiacs
calm the mind, lift the mood and alleviate any tension or anxiety
which may be interfering with libido: Catnip, Fennel, Jasmine, Lemon Balm, Oatstraw, Rose, Vanilla
Flirting Tisane – a fragrant,
floral and feisty hot drink
- 1/2 C rose petals
- 1/4 C damiana
- 1/4 C catnip
- honey to taste
Steep 1
tablespoon tisane blend in 1 cup boiling water, covered, for 10-20
minutes, and strain before enjoying.
- 2 C almond oil
- 1 C catnip leaves
- 1 C damiana leaves
Combine herbs in a quart jar and cover with oil. Place jar in a pan of simmering water and heat in this double boiler for 2-3 hours. Remove from heat, strain and discard herbs. Store in dark glass and use for moisturizing, massage or as a base for salve and lip balm.
Stimulating herbal aphrodisiacs
increase circulation throughout the body and raise energy levels and
alertness. While strong stimulants (horny goat weed, yohimbe) should
only be used occasionally and on a short term basis, gentle
stimulants may be used on a regular basis: black pepper, cardamom,
cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, damiana, ginger, maca, ylang-ylang
Sun’s Spices
Honey - a warming, stimulating sweet treat
- 1 C raw honey
- ½ T powdered ginseng root
- 1/2 T powdered ginger root
- 1 T powdered maca root
- 1 t powdered cinnamon bark
- 1 t powdered cardamom seeds
Combine all ingredients in a tempered bowl placed
in a pan of simmering water. Stir constantly, till honey melts and
the herb powder is incorporated, then heat for another 30 minutes.
Remove honey from heat and transfer to a clean glass jar with a tight
lid. Allow the honey to further infuse in a sunny spot for 2 weeks
before enjoying. Drizzle 1 teaspoon into your favorite tea, onto
fruit salads, or a friend!
Spice Garden Aromatherapy Body Oil - floral with a kick
- 1 C almond oil
- 35 drops lavender eo
- 25 drops cardamom eo
- 10 drops bergamot eo
Combine essential oils in a dark
glass bottle, then add almond oil. Shake well. Let steep for 7-10
days to allow scent to mature before using as a moisturizer or
massage oil.
Tonic herbal aphrodisiacs are
used regularly to maintain good health and improve strength, stamina
and vitality: Basil, Dong Quai, Ginger, Lycii, Maca, Oatstraw, Sandalwood, Sarsaparilla (for men), Shatavari (for women), Vetiver
Bright Eyes, Big Smile Body Oil
– a sunny, come-hither moisturizer
- 3 oz almond oil
- 1 oz calendula-infused oil
- 12 drops bergamot eo
- 8 drops ylang-ylang eo
- 4 drops sandalwood or cedar eo
- 4 drops vetiver eo
- 2 drops ginger eo
Combine essential oils in a dark
glass, 4-oz bottle. Add infused and almond oils, shake well. Letting
steep for 3-7 days will allow scent to mature. Use after bathing, or
for massage.
Daily Delight Tisane – a
long-steep tisane to drink every day for ongoing stress relief and
deep reservoirs of wellbeing
- ½ C oat straw
- ½ C lemon balm leaves
- 2 T rose petals
Combine herbs in a quart mason jar,
fill with boiling water. Cap tightly and let steep 8 hours or
overnight. Drink 1-4 cups per day, warm or chilled.
Essential oils (eo) are the
concentrated distillations of aromatic herbs prized for their
therapeutic scents. In aromatherapy, there are two families of scents
that are classically romantic in many people's minds: florals and
sweet spices. Just as roses are a symbol of love,
essential oils distilled from flowers offer us the aromas of
beautiful bouquets and have nerve-calming, mood-lifting
benefits. Essential oils distilled from sweet spices offer us cozy,
comforting aromas with body- and heart-warming effects! Through the aromas of beautiful blooms and comforting kitchens, many people easily find feelings of affection, joy and intimacy. Using essential oils from these families in perfumes,
massage oils or room scenting can be and an ideal way to invite aroma
into a sensory feast for yourself and your home.
Silk Sheets Aromatherapy Spray - a warm, sweet, spicy and deep bedroom scent
- 3 oz distilled water
- 1 oz 100+ proof vodka
- 10 drops rose geranium eo
- 5 drops cinnamon eo
- 5 drops clove eo
- 3 drops patchouli eo
Combine in a spray bottle, let steep 3-7 days for scent to mature. Shake
well before spraying anywhere.
Hothouse Flower Aromatherapy
Perfume
- 2 t jojoba oil
- 35 drops petigrain eo
- 20 drops ylang-ylang eo
- 5 drops vetiver eo
Combine essential oils in a 1/3 oz
roller vial, then add jojoba oil. Letting steep for 3-7 days will
allow scent to mature. Apply as desired.
Making your own Personal Lubricants can be an excellent alternative to commercially available lubricants, which are often made with synthetic ingredients that may upset delicate skin, contributing to irritation and infection. These simple recipes are made with food-grade ingredients. They are intended to be made and used fresh; having no preservatives they will only stay good for a week or so.
Flax Seed Lube – a totally organic
mid-weight lube
- 1/2 C organic flax seeds
- 3 C distilled water
Boil water in a non-reactive saucepan.
Rinse flax seeds in warm water. Add seeds to water and reduce heat.
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, cover and
steep another 5 minutes. Immediately strain liquid thoroughly
(through a mesh strainer and 3 layers of cheesecloth). Discard seeds
and store in a very clean bottle. Latex-friendly. Makes approx.
2 cups.
Lube of the Future – a light,
superslick, nontoxic lube
- 1 t xanthan gum powder
- 1 t sea salt
- 2 C distilled water
Combine salt and xanthan gum in a
non-reactive saucepan. Whisk in water, a few tablespoons at a time.
Bring water to a boil, stirring constantly while formula thickens.
Remove from heat and strain immediately through a mesh strainer.
Discard any remaining solids and store in a very clean bottle. Latex
friendly. Makes approx. 2 cups.
