Looking For Love
Happy Valentine’s Day from Welluvia. It’s the day of love and a day that I love. To celebrate, Welluvia’s website theme has gone pastel pink for over the weekend! Named after Saint Valentine, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with spending time with those special to you. Whenever I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of the scene in Picnic at Hanging Rock where they cut the cake before the fateful demise of the characters. However, Valentine’s Day can be a very heartbreaking time for some people; psychologists believe that there is an increase in suicide around the annual tradition, and believe it’s linked to it. The important thing to remember is whether you’re spending the day with someone special or indulging in some self-care, it’s a day to celebrate love and not to put too much weight on a day that isn’t that important in the grand scheme of things.
That being said, for those who are in the mood for love, I’ve done some research and will break down what I found below.
Foods that improve sexual health and work as aphrodisiacs
The word aphrodisiac is derived from the Greek Goddess of love, Aphrodite. Aphrodisiacs are defined by any food or supplement that arouses sexual instinct, induces sexual desire or increases sexual pleasure and performance. We’ve all heard about more common ones such as chocolate but (as someone who hates chocolate), I wanted to research some lesser-known ones. One thing to note is that a reduced libido can also come from stress and an adrenal override. A lot of these aphrodisiacs help us to relax, which holistically rejuvenates our adrenal functions instead of using stimulants, thus supporting a healthy sex drive. Chemical stimulants further deplete our energy store and lead us into old age prematurely.
Oysters
Perhaps one of the best-known aphrodisiacs, oysters are high in zinc that increase sperm and testosterone production. Zinc is a precursor and plays a vital role in synthesising testosterone, a primary sex-drive hormone. Production of dopamine, a hormone that helps build up libido, is also increased with oysters. They are also high in magnesium, which relaxes the body and increases testosterone and sexual desire.
Pomegranates
Reputed as the ‘food of love’, pomegranates are shown to increase testosterone and sex drive in both women and men. This is through their nourishment of the kidney and adrenal glands.
Almonds
High in omega-3, almonds are said to improve hormone synthesis. These essential fatty acids provide the raw material for the healthy production of hormones in men, while the scent of almonds is said to arouse women. Almond oil is an excellent lubricant that also makes your skin soft.
Saffron
Saffron is a stemless herb derived from the Crocus Sativus flower. I was excited to see this on the list as saffron is one of my favourite spices and fragrance notes. Cultivated predominately in Iran, Greece and India, it is the most expensive spice by weight. Saffron has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicines for centuries. Saffron has shown to increase the sexual frequency and decrease latency; saffron has also shown to improve erectile function in men and higher levels of arousal and increased lubrication in women. Saffron can also act as an antidepressant because of the way it reduces inflammation and enhances blood flow to the brain.
Figs
Figs, perhaps one of the most sexual looking fruits, are potent sources of amino acids that increase libido and sexual stamina.
Supplementary herbs that enhance libido
We’ve all heard about herbs and supplements such as horny goat weed, but with a name like that it’s not something you’ll find in my cabinet any time soon (it’s other name, “Barrenwort” is even worse)
Ginseng
Varieties of ginseng such as Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng and American ginseng have been shown in countless studies to help improve low libido and increase sexual function. It improves erection quality in men and sexual arousal in menopausal women while nourishing the adrenal glands.
Damiana
Damiana, a herb used by Aztecs for impotence and improving sexual desire in men. Studies have shown it helps maintain the nerve ending in the genitals, improve blood flow and stamina.
Maca
One of the most researched supplements for improving sexual function, maca is native to South America. It is said to promote healthy ovulation in women and assist in those taking SSRI’S. Nicknamed ‘the Peruvian viagra,’ maca is also said to greatly improve sexual drive and performance in both men and women.
Tribulus
The flowering plant, Tribulus, has been used in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Research has shown it has androgen-releasing properties, which are related to sexual behaviour such as increasing desire and lubrication. It is also said to increase testosterone levels in post-menopausal women. These studies have shown that after consuming Tribulus for varying amounts of time, women experienced increased sexual satisfaction, higher levels of desire, lubrication and orgasm satisfaction.
Shatavari
Shatavari is one of the most common professionally prescribed herbs for woman, and one of the most ancient and well known by herbalists all over the world. An Ayurvedic super herb and native to India, Shatavari is a part of the asparagus family. Shatavari, meaning “having one hundred husbands”, is renowned as a libido enhancing qualities. High in antioxidants, it is said to assist the immune system, balance female hormones, assist in managing the effects of PMS and aid digestion. The steroidal saponins contained in Shatavari are said to be an oestrogen regulator - helping regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps and control the amount of blood lost. Amongst its plethora of benefits, Shatavari also works as an aphrodisiac in women, bringing increased blood flow towards the female genitals, enhancing sexual sensation, sensitivity and increased lubrication.
The smell of sex - natural fragrances with aphrodisiac qualities
Traditional Florals -
Rose - Rose, a favourite of mine, is probably one of the best-known aphrodisiacs. It contains indole, a molecule found in decomposition and fecal waste, which apparently adds to its use as a powerful stimulant for men and women. It also relaxes the body and lowers inhibition while promoting circulation and blood flow.
Champaca - Champaca is an exotic tropical flower in the Magnolia family with an overpowering scent. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as an aphrodisiac tonic.
Lavender - Lavender, another well known calming fragrance, was found to increase blood flow in males. It is said that lavender was the scent Cleopatra used to seduce both Marc Antony and Julius Caesar.
Ambrette - Another floral that mimics animalistic aromas (such as indole in rose) is ambrette. These sorts of musky scents are shown to be a powerful aphrodisiac.
Heady White Florals
White florals are a class of their own. They are intoxicating and extremely heavy compared to most other floral counterparts.
Jasmine - Jasmine is proven to boost libido and promote intimacy. In Hindu and Muslim traditions, jasmine is known as the “perfume of love”. This musky floral is strong and mimics animalistic musk.
Tuberose - Tuberose, known as the carnal flower or the 'harlot of perfumery,' is, in my opinion, one of the most potent scents, and probably the most intoxicating. 3600 kilos of the flower are needed to produce just half a kilo of the oil. This hypnotising flower was symbolised as 'dangerous pleasure' in Victorian times. In India, young women are advised not to breathe its forbidden scent after dark due to its powerful aphrodisiac qualities.
Lily of the Valley - In a famous 2003 study, it was indicated that sperm had olfactory receptors that responded favourably to lily of the valley. This highly poisonous flower has also shown to heighten sexual arousal in men.
Vanilla
Another popular and well-known aphrodisiac, vanilla has been used as early as the 1700s by physicians recommending it to their male patients with potency problems. In 1898, Dr John King recommended vanilla extract to stimulate the sexual ‘propensities.’
Ginger
Ginger is said to stimulate male arousal, as well as increase circulation, which assists in getting into the mood.
Peppermint
Peppermint has shown in studies that it can help women achieve multiple orgasms, it’s also used as a herbal stimulant to promote circulation and sexual desire. It stimulates the brain and dilates blood vessels, both key things in healthy sexual libido.
In the eye of the beholder
According to studies, red is associated with passion and eroticism as well as an increase in men’s primal sexual response. A study in 2012 of 272 restaurant customers found that males gave higher tips to waitresses wearing red over those wearing white. Another study in 2012 found that women wearing red are seen as more ‘sexually receptive,’ and thus more attractive. While red may the most popular colour for clothing, another study in 2010 found that over half the men surveyed said red was their least favourite colour for underwear - preferring black. While in the same study, more than 60% of women surveyed said they had purchased red lingerie purely in the effort of attracting men.
When it comes to bedroom colour, a 2012 survey found that people with caramel-coloured decor and paint scheme had the most sex, closely followed by people with a purple scheme. People with grey colour schemes were the people having the least sex. Bizarre but interesting.
Popping the cherry
Music is just as important to our senses to get in the mood. I’ve compiled a ‘Lost Cherry’ mix to accompany your Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re sitting in a bubble bath or getting back from a dinner date with or without someone, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your evening. Fleshy and full-bodied, the mix goes from innocent orchestral beginnings to a disco-influenced climax, before relaxing sounds set in to finish it off. Listen to that here.
As for my own regime, I’ve been taking zinc, L-Arginine, pygeum, saw palmetto supplements and various amino acids daily for quite a while. These are all said to improve reproduction health. I make sure I take them after I’ve eaten or I feel wildly nauseous. Saffron, rose, vanilla, lavender and tuberose are all key ingredients in a lot of the fragrances I wear, so it was interesting to find out what some of their benefits are during my research. As with everything I post on here, you should always talk to a qualified health practitioner before trying to incorporate any of these things into your diet or lifestyle.
I hope you all have a delicious Valentine’s Day.
With love,
Aleksandar
