10 Aphrodisiac plants: a valentines day special!!

Its that time of the year again when a bunch of roses sell for as high as rs500...while the orange brigade is out to burn card shops and pull down everything that's red here a green way to look at this special day of love.

What is an aphrodisiac?
Aphrodisiacs increase sexual desire and stamina in men and women many plants have been used as aphrodisiacs for centuries and are generally safe when used in moderation .Aphrodisiacs have been used to improvement sexual performance and desire for thousands of years now, but which of them are really effective or simple old waives’ tales?

The myth: Aphrodite(The Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation fertility)emerged from the waters carrying some herbs with her. The plants
she brought have powers to excite sexual desire and are called Aphrodisiacs. Plants contain chemically bound solar energy, as a result of union of Mother Earth and Father Sun; aphrodisiac plants have been used for ages to improve potency, helping infertility and sterility, or just to spice up your sex life and for the purpose of seduction.

India is the land of the kama sutra and our beautiful land has been blessed with plants of aphrodisiacal properties iv try to come up with a little list (most plants are up for sale at the nursery):

1)Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabralicorice or liquorice is a perennial herb belonging to the family of legumes. It is native to southern Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia where its root has long been used in herbal preparations.The roots and rhizomes of the licorice are believed to contain most of the therapeutic and flavorful properties of the plant.Licorice root is also a popular ingredient in various types of herbal teas. A tea can be made by adding approximately 4g of chopped or freshly grated licorice roots to a cup of hot water. After steeping for 10 to 15 minutes and straining it, the infusion is ready to be consumed. In many parts of the world, the root is consumed in its natural form

2)Blue Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera):
is a natural aphrodisiac for both men and women as well Represented in ancient Egyptian art. The Sacred Narcotic Lily of the Nile was found scattered over Tutankhamen's body when the Pharaoh's tomb was opened in 1922. Many historians thought it was a purely symbolic flower, but there may be some reason to believe that ancient Egyptians used it to induce an ecstatic state, stimulation, and/or hallucinations. there are various massage oils and aromatherepy oils freely available in the market .Many people buy blue lotus To relieve pain To enhance memory To increasing circulation As a sexual aphrodisiac To experience feelings of euphoria and ecstasy Method of Use: Typically users use Blue Lotus in three ways: Soak around 10 grams of petals in wine for a couple of hours. Then simply eat the leaves.

3)Garlic chives (Liliaseae) -
tonic, reguvenator, used as spice, magic element to banish bad influence or vampires. Essential oils have antibiotic and cell-activating effect. Used as aphrodisiac since Egiptians, the Romans consecrated it to Ceres, the goddess of fertility and made love dring from pressed garlic juice and coriander. Can heal impotency brought by witchcraft spells.

4)Mint:
The mint plant has a central position in traditional aphrodisiac practice. Ancient mythology tells the story of Pluto (Hades in Greek mythology), who was seduced by the sweet aroma of the nymph Mente, much to the dismay of his wife Persephone. According to Botanical-Online, a mint tea concoction made with a teaspoon of dried flowering mint leaves and a cup of water can be an effective aphrodisiac. There are a wide variety of mints for garden use, and most of them are very easy to grow. Mint can be invasive if not restrained, so plant it in well-drained containers for best results

5)Cloves
Cloves are one of the most well-known aphrodisiac herbs. According to Global Gourmet, the shape of the seeds contributed to their use as a male aphrodisiac in many parts of Asia, and in Indonesia parents plant a clove tree when they give birth to a son. Cloves are commonly combined with other ingredients, such as ginger and cinnamon, to increase libido. The clove tree is native to tropical climates, and requires moist, humid conditions with partial shade and cool temperatures.

6)Morning glory (Ipomoea violacea)
- strong psychodelic, plant of prophecy, seeds ingested. Seeds were were considered the home of God and used in pre Columbian times for gynecological problems, divinatory and religious purposes. 2-4 seeds have direct affect on sexual drive, 5-6 heeded to achive psychodelic state and unlish psychic powers. Seeds contain lysergic acid derivatives that cause uterine contractions

7)Lakshmana (Calonyction muricatum)
Vine, is also called Shiva tendril, considered a yoga plant and symbolizes Kundalini serpent, the active female energy, shakti, that links human with the divine. She is the lover of Shiva and when it awakens it has the desire to unite with him, sitting at the crown shacra. This desire is sexual, like any desire. The brew from lakshmana plant awakes the kundalini and is regarded the best vajikarana (aphrodisiacs). All parts of the plant contain benehic acid, which has central stimulating, psychoactive and aphrodosiac qualities.

8)Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) -
There is little doubt that Vanilla is a natural aphrodisiac. Whether Vanilla's power of seduction is due to some sexy, stimulating ingredients or simply because of it's sensual, calming scent and exotic taste, is a matter of debate. Either way - who cares as long as it works!What we do know is that taste and smell are important components when it comes to love and romance. Historically, there has long been a connection between the sweet, alluring aroma of Vanilla and sexual arousal. It's intoxicating, warm, sensual smell has captivated everyone over the ages from the Mayan and Aztec Idians, the Spaniards, the French and the Orient right through to modern times. Vanilla can be applied to the skin, consumed in food or taken in liquid form. If consumed, it acts on the central nervous system to combat sexual debilitation. However, it is the Heliotropin (a sweet fragrance) in Vanilla that seems to be largely responsible for Vanilla's abiltity to soothe emotional tension and reduce anxiety and stress.

9)Whild rose shrub-
What can be more romantic than a rose, especially if it is red? The essential oil from red roses is a strong aphrodisiac. It is said that Cleopatra used to take bath with milk and rose petals. the rose over the years has become a symbol of sorts for the vast mogul rose gardens stand testament to this beautiful plant Rose has been used since ancient times as a favorite ingredient in love potions, and as an aphrodisiac. It reduces anxiety connected with sex, helping calms emotions that block arousal.

10)Sage: In Egypt, lazy husbands were dosed up with sage. Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, sage is very rich in certain hormones and strongly stimulates the glands, especially the suprarenal glands. Its oestrogenic action is equally good for women with low libido. The key to pleasure: In infusion. Plunge 20g of sage flowers and leaves into 1 litre of boiled water and leave it to infuse for 10 minutes. Have three cups a day.

Here at the nursery we love valentines day...and this year we are committed to making this day of love a little more eco friendly and fun. id love to hear your story of how you met your loved ones and the best stories will get you your very own aphoristical plant tray(3-4 plants arranged in a flat hand made ceramic tray...so write down people there are 10 trays up for grabs!