Aphrodite and her Plants of Love
Updated: Feb 9, 2021
https://www.shaktibotanicals.net/post/aphrodite-and-her-plants-of-love-1-2
"Venus and Anchises" by William Blake Richmond, Public Domain
Please Note: This article is Part II of my previous blog article, "Aphrodite: Goddess of Sex, Aphrodisiacs and Sacred Prostitution". In this article, I cover the aphrodisiacs associated with Aphrodite. I also share some seductive exotic edible aphrodisiac recipes for each one as well as some titillating topical essential oil recipes both of which help to arouse the senses, awaken sexual desire and enhance orgasms.
Aphrodite's Erotic Belt
Detail from Painting By Henryk Siemiradzki, Public Domain
As we discovered in Part I of this article, the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, adorned her lovely hips with a magical belt which she filled with sensual libations made from powerful aphrodisiacs.
Due to the war on plant medicines that has been going on for centuries we have lost a great deal of historical information pertaining to botanicals, so the exact contents of Aphrodite's belt remains a mystery.
Many references in the Goddess of Love’s mythology reveal that her shaman's bag contained potent aphrodisiacs. There are a number of aphrodisiacs associated with Aphrodite and it is more than likely that some of these were stashed in her medicine satchel. Aphrodite's magical girdle was sought after by many of the Gods and Goddesses due to the legendary seductive effects of the contents contained within. This is a clear indication that Aphrodite was the keeper of some impressive tantalizing love potions!
Aphrodisiacs
The word aphrodisiac comes from the Greek word ἀφροδισιακόν, aphrodisiakon, i.e. "sexual, aphrodisiac", from aphrodisios, i.e. "pertaining to Aphrodite" (References 1,2).
Aphrodisiacs are substances which increase sexual appetite and desire and enhance sexual behaviour and pleasure.
How do aphrodisiacs work? Hormones, in particular testosterone, influence our sex drive. Through our senses (smell, touch, taste, sound and sight) we may come across something which ignites our sexual arousal. For instance, a soft touch, the twinkle in a lover's eye, the scent of the perfect combination of intoxicating pheromones mixed with sweet perfume, the taste of a strawberry dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with cardamom, the sexy sounds our lover makes when they are in the heights of sexual ecstasy and so on.
A particular encounter experienced through our senses sets off a chain reaction throughout our bodies. Signals are sent from our brain through our central nervous system to the sexual organs causing the blood to flow to our genitals making them swell and ultra sensitive to touch and increasing the potential for exquisite orgasms. This increase of oxygen in our blood also causes our hearts to become more stimulated. All the while, our brain releases neurotransmitters known as norepinephrine and dopamine, which let the body know we are experiencing pleasure.
There are two types of aphrodisiacs, those which stimulate our body and those which stimulate our brain. Some aphrodisiacs have both qualities. And, of course, two types of aphrodisiacs may be used simultaneously, for those who like to take a walk on the wild side!
Aphrodite and her Plants of Love:
First, let's explore some of the more common herbs found in most kitchen cabinets which are associated with the Greek Goddess of sexual pleasure, Aphrodite. Then we will traverse some of the more impressive aphrodisiacs linked with the Goddess of rapture.
Mint
"This is my body, a map of love. So, roam wherever you want, from the sea to the river, from Camphor to Mint. This is my fruit, this berry and this date. And this is my body. Whatever you want, anything you need. The virgin language is only for your eyes!" Excerpt from a poem by Mokhrar Issa, Translated by Hassan Hegazy Hassan (Egypt 2003)
The term "mint" is a blanket term for all plants which are members of the Mentha plant family, such as peppermint, spearmint, orange mint, apple mint, and so on. The use of this perennial herb can be traced back to 1000 BC in Egypt, where peppermint leaves were found preserved in ancient pyramids.
Believe it or not, Mint can actually be beneficial as an aphrodisiac. Mint warms and increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the sexual organs which elevates desire in both men and women and enhances orgasms. Peppermint stimulates the mind which helps one to become more alert and in turn to be more present during lovemaking and to become more aware of the sexual pleasures happening in the moment. All varieties of mint help to energize 3 of our senses; touch, taste and smell.
In addition, mint has vitamins and minerals which are valuable to our sexual health, such as Vitamins A and C, which are potent antioxidants and help to boost our immunity and our vitality. Mint also contains manganese, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin and copper which are all also extremely advantageous for a healthy sex life.
Mint Aromatherapy: The scent of peppermint has been said to enliven the sexual imagination, especially in women. Who knew that adding a bit of mint to an aroma diffuser had the potential to inspire an adventure into unchartered territories between lovers!
Peppermint Essential Oil Combinations: Peppermint essential oil blends well with: Oregano, Marjoram, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, and Tea Tree oil.
Edible Mint Pairings: Mint compliments the following aphrodisiac edibles: Chocolate, vanilla, watermelon, berries, figs, dates, melons, cherries, apricots, plums, apples, pears and rosemary.
Aside from adding a few drops of peppermint to your aroma diffuser you may wish to add a drop to a glass of water along with your favourite fruit, such as strawberries or make a mint infused treat to share with your lover, like this tantalizing exotic sensual gem...
Stuffed Figs drizzled in Chocolate and Caramel sauce!
Basil
"(Parvati at her lattice) O Love! were you a basil-wreath to twine among my tresses, A jewelled clasp of shining gold to bind around my sleeve, O Love! were you the keora's soul that haunts my silken raiment, A bright, vermilion tassel in the girdles that I weave..."
-A Rajput Love song by Indo Anglian poet, political activist and freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)
Basil is related to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Basil has been cultivated for over 5000 years and was originally discovered in India, where it is considered sacred and where my favourite variety of basil comes from known as Tulsi or Holy Basil.
Basil was believed to be an effective love charm in Greece and a symbol of love in ancient Rome. In Haiti, it is honoured for the association with Erzulie, the Goddess of Love.In European folklore, basil is an important ingredient in sensual ceremonies and in the Arabian peninsula basil is widely used as an aphrodisiac.
Like mint, basil is refreshing and stimulating to the mind and the senses of touch, taste and smell. It also has a scent that is sensual and arousing. Similarly to mint, basil improves blood flow to the genitalia, which increases sensitivity and desire. Basil is also an anti anxiety.
Basil Aromatherapy: Basil has anti-depressant properties which is beneficial for setting the right mood for love. Geranium is another good top note to basil, as it also has blissful qualities and the two smell so lovely when mixed together in a diffuser or infused into a sensual massage oil.
Basil Essential Oil Combinations: Basil essential oil blends well with: Bergamot, Lavender, Marjoram, Geranium, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Ginger, Grapefruit, and Lemon
Edible Basil Pairings: Basil compliments the following aphrodisiac edibles: Apricots, berries, figs, peaches, plums, mint and rosemary.
Here is a quick easy seductive recipe to whip up when you are feeling flirtatious! You may even wish to feed it to your beloved and oh the fun that can be had with whipping cream! Mmmm Mmmm!
Peaches & Cream with Rose Basil Whipping Cream
Rosemary