❤️ Cacao & herbal aphrodisiacs ❤️
Love is in the air!
I know, I know. Valentine’s Day is a construct, and who really likes to be told when to show love? I agree, love is to be celebrated every day.
Here’s why I like Valentine’s Day, and the practice of cards and candy:
When I was a kid, probably in 4th grade, I woke up on February 14th, on the top bunk, my sister sleeping below me, to find a bundle of candy hearts, one big chocolate heart, and a Valentine’s card balanced on top. It was a surprise. And I like surprises. I like out of the ordinary occurrences that make a day memorable. We weren’t a no-candy household, but junk food and candy did not figure highly in our cupboards. So that our mom made us little packages of sweets, tucking them onto our beds for us to find upon waking–it felt like magic. Plus, I like chocolate.
It’s no wonder chocolate sales explode right before February 14th. Along with the fact that chocolate is shaped into hearts and covered with red foil, the cacao bean is actually good for our cardiovascular health. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, cacao:
can positively lower cholesterol
is antioxidant-rich, containing the same amount of polyphenols as a glass of red wine
stimulates the production of natural antidepressants in the body (serotonin and endorphins)
contains phenylethylalanine and anandamide, two chemicals that elevate the mood, help increase focus, and give feelings of attraction, pleasure, and excitement
is a source of magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, and pantothenic acid
Combine all that with the fact that (to many) eating and drinking chocolate is one of life’s delights, we are lucky that the offerings grow each year. My favorite store-bought treat is our local chocolatier, Volo’s Cream Chocolate Caramel Crunch. It is perfection. And the lavender truffles I stumbled across and am obsessed with in this article are truly swoon-worthy.
In Aztec and Mayan culture, cacao figures heavily in food, drink, and art, and was revered as a gift from the gods. Theobroma cacao, chocolate’s botanical name, translates to “food of the gods.” Cacao provides a rich source of vitamins and minerals that help us relax, increases our energy, and stimulates blood flow–properties that dove-tail with the actions of an aphrodisiac.
An herbal aphrodisiac “is a substance that stimulates sexual function and performance, and/or increases blood flow to erogenous zones.” (C. Sinadinos) How these herbs work is complex and nuanced, and the search to find the right aphrodisiac can be fun and full of experimentation. With the right herbal remedies, taken regularly, the nervous system is nourished, cardiovascular health and circulation is supported, and smooth muscles are relaxed. This sounds like a great way to experience life. If it boosts my interest in sexual intimacy and heart-felt connection, I’m all in.
I’ve been taking a break from coffee, instead drinking matcha and hot chocolate in the mornings. To enjoy an aphrodisiac-filled chocolate boost, try this hot chocolate recipe. It’s great in the mornings or after dinner as a dessert, but remember, chocolate contains caffeine so if you’re sensitive, enjoy this early in the day!
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients. Use what you have. I love adding maca, ashwagandha, and shatavari to my drinks. If you have any of those adaptogenic herbs, add ½ teaspoon each per serving.
For two servings, in 8 ounces of milk or non-dairy milk alternative, add:
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 teaspoon cacao butter
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon vanilla
⅛ teaspoon ground anise seed or star anise
Pinch of cayenne
Pinch of salt
Sweetener of choice
Warm the milk and spices. Sweeten to taste. I use 2 teaspoons of rose-infused honey. Combine the ingredients with a whisk or a blender. Garnish with powdered rose petals or a sprinkle of any of the spices.
Cinnamon: stimulates circulation
Ginger: draws energy to the pelvic area
Cardamom: strengthens the heart; imparts joy
Vanilla: soothes the senses
Anise: harmonizing agent; helps mucosal tissues retain moisture
Cayenne: improves circulation; releases endorphins
Maca: increases production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone; enhances libido; increases energy without stressing adrenals
Ashwagandha: nourishing and building; increases sexual potency; increases libido when consumed on a long-term basis
Shatavari: offers moistening quality to tissues; is a rejuvenating tonic for the reproductive system
Rose: calms the heart and enhances positive emotions
There are herbs such as damiana, kava kava, catuaba, and panax ginseng, not commonly found in the kitchen that are well-known to help keep us feeling saucy. Explore and experiment, and read up on these herbs to make sure the cautions surrounding them don’t apply to you. Working with an experienced herbalist to find remedies, and a therapist to address issues that may be hindering your libido and sexual functioning can also be a helpful route.
Self-care is love.
Feeling good in our own bodies is the foundation for sharing sensuality with others. Do what makes you feel good. Follow your joy. And eat chocolate.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Resources:
mountainroseherbs.com
Mars, B. AHG. (2007) The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. Basic Health Publication, Inc.
Sinadinos, C. (2020) The Essential Guide to Western Botanical Medicine.
banyanbotanicals.com
Harvard Health Publishing
NPR
toakchocolate.com
NIH.gov
