Some popular love potions act not only by increasing libido, but also by lowering sexual inhibitions, and were commonly used to cure “frigidity” in Victorian times. As such, some common herbs were believed to work on areas of the brain that are associated with sexual desire and responsiveness. The following, popular in Victorian times, are still considered viable today:
* Rose petals are widely used in aromatherapy to help reduce inhibitions surrounding the lovemaking process. Throughout the centuries, the plant has been considered to benefit all patients suffering from anxiety and nervousness. Apply rose oil in the bath before lovemaking or use it to massage erogenous zones to calm nerves and heighten arousal. A tea can be made by adding a handful of freshly crushed rose petals to a cup of boiling water and steeping until well brewed. Strain and drink warm as tea or cool as juice. Drink in full doses of wine glasses half an hour or so before making love.
* Saffron, taken in excess, creates uncontrollable giggling, which means it can also help reduce inhibition and frigidity. The plant is believed to make the erogenous zones more sensitive and has a hormone-like effect. Saffron is the key ingredient in many love potions and erotic dishes. The powdered herb can be used in teas and juices or lightly sprinkled on food. Ask your herbalist to prescribe something suitable for you.
* Thyme is a common folk remedy for nerves that helps induce relaxation and decrease resistance to sex. The whole plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, even by the ancients, including Culpeper, who wrote: “It is under the dominion of Venus and under the sign of Aries, and therefore chiefly appropriate for the head.” Like his early herbalists, Culpeper administered the plant as a cure for shyness and inhibitions. Add a handful of crushed seeds to a cup of boiling water. Let cool and drink as a calming drink before bed at night.
* Valerian is widely used as a sedative and may reduce inhibitions related to sex. However, a 14th-century German herbal book suggests that it may have more powerful effects, translated: “Take valerian in your mouth and kiss whoever you want. That way you will win love.” In fact, valerian can help reduce shyness and anxiety around sex, being an effective tranquilizer that was used extensively during the Blitz in England during World War II and is prescribed today as a sedative, as well as to reduce muscle spasms and help relieve melancholy. Add a handful of valerian-ginger juice to your bathwater, especially for couples bathing together or taking ready-to-use preparations available from herbalists and other vendors. Make a tea with a teaspoon of the dried root added to a cup of boiling water. Let stand until well prepared and drink hot as a tea or chill as a juice. Valerian tea is particularly tasty and stimulating and can be taken about half an hour before lovemaking.