When you think about getting in the mood, oysters, chocolate, and champagne often come to mind, but do you ever think about tea? Aphrodisiac herbs have been used across the world for thousands of years. Whether you’re looking to try some aphrodisiac tea yourself or just looking to read about what teas people have used to get frisky, we’ve got you covered.
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Damiana
Damiana is a herb from a shrub native to central and South America, and was used by the Indigenous people as an aphrodisiac in a sort of tea consisting of the leaves of the plant and sugar. But it wasn’t until Europeans traveled to America that the powers of this aphrodisiac herbal tea were documented, with Europeans discovering the drink created by the Guaycura tribe in Mexico. The herbal blend then became popular as trade with the Aztecs was introduced, expanding the drink across the world. In 1875, damiana tea was introduced in the U.S. by Dr. J.J. Caldwell, who promoted the aphrodisiac blend as a sexual tonic, and the herb was introduced in many products like wafers and drinks as a result.
Yohibine
Yohimbe is a tree that grows in Africa, the bark of which contains yohibine, which is harvested and used to make tea with the hopes of boosting both sexual and athletic performance. This natural aphrodisiac was thought to be discovered by the Pygmies and the San in West Africa. German missionaries brought the bark back to Germany. It was so popular that Yohimbe bark was used to make “love candies,” which were popular gifts among European lovers.
Ginseng
One of the most well-known aphrodisiac supplements, ginseng is still used in traditional Chinese medicine to help treat sexual dysfunction and to improve sexual desire. And it makes sense that it’s still used today considering its rich history: ginseng was discovered 5,000 years ago in the Asian provinces of Manchuria, meaning that it's been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. As it grew in popularity, ginseng became a symbol of divine harmony and was frequently used in trade. And ginseng is still a popular herb in tea today: get a boost from Kama Tea by Udyan Tea, which also has energizing black tea and romantic rose petals.
Saffron
Beyond being a delicious cooking spice, saffron may help increase sexual function and sexual desire. This herb can even boost your mood to help get you in the mood!
This powerful aphrodisiac comes from the Crocus Sativas plant, and it’s commonly called the Holy Grail of spices. In fact, saffron is one of the most expensive spices available today.
This spice has been used as an aphrodisiac in Indian culture for hundreds of years, and science has finally caught up with this ancient form of folk medicine. To try saffron for yourself, we recommend The Tea Haven’s Kashmiri Kahwa, which features a delicious blend of saffron, green tea, cinnamon, and cloves.
Nutmeg
You might not think of this autumnal spice as sultry, but maybe there’s a reason for the pumpkin spice craze. One animal study found that both nutmeg and clove may help boost sexual performance and stamina.
Although this study is fairly recent, the aphrodisiac effects of nutmeg have been discussed for centuries in folk circles, thanks to a “myristicin” and other compounds in the mescalin family. In some cultures, women ingest nutmeg before weddings or other important occasions to help relax, increase their sexual appetite, and promote their general well-being.
As it turns out, pumpkin spice might be your new best friend (if it wasn’t already). You can experience the benefits of nutmeg by pouring a cup of Churchill’s Fine Teas Pumpkin Spiced Chai Black Tea, which features black tea, candied pumpkin, and nutmeg.
Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its relaxing wellness qualities, especially in essential oil diffusers, candles, and (of course) teas. The smell of this herb has also been shown to stimulate arousal in men by 40%. While lavender on its own is an aphrodisiac, this effect was increased with a lavender and pumpkin pie smell combo.
Lavender has long been known as the “herb of love,” and women throughout history would use lavender sprigs to scent their clothes in hopes of finding a husband. If you want to try this love potion for yourself, brew yourself a cup of tea with Rocky Mountain SereniTEA's Rocky Mountain Chai. This tea combines lavender with rose petals, black tea, and pumpkin pie spices for a truly indulgent aroma.
Maca
Also known as “Peruvian Viagra” or “Peruvian Ginseng”, the maca root was used by the Peruvians as an important product for trade. Because it was considered to be such a powerful aphrodisiac, only the royal court and imperial family could use the root when the Incas controlled the region. It was later transported to Spain, with Spanish explorers bringing Maca root to the American colonies; there are reports that nine tons of maca root were ordered for the colonies each year for its fertility boosting and aphrodisiac properties. Maca is still used for its energizing and libido-boosting properties today. You can reap these benefits in the delicious Maca Chocolaté by Teecino which combines maca with other superfoods from the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans like ramón, cocoa, and chilies.
Beets
If it’s good enough for Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, it’s good enough for us! Although Aphrodite was said to eat beets to make herself more desirable, that isn’t where beets’ journey ends. They were also enjoyed in Ancient Rome and Greece for their aphrodisiac properties. The gorgeous pink color of beets is reminiscent of love, and the juice was even used as a lip and cheek stain by women in the 19th century. Because beets contain boran, they help to boost your sex hormones while also increasing stamina, benefits you can enjoy in Up Beet by teapigs, which combines beetroot with green tea and hibiscus for an energizing tea blend.
Cinnamon
The spice has a long history: it’s been referenced in Chinese writing all the way back to 2800 B.C.! It was worth even more than silver for its health and aphrodisiac properties, and even caused wars due to its high demand. Traditional cinnamon, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, is produced in Sri Lanka and was held in a monopoly by the Dutch until England eventually took over the territory after winning it from France. Enjoy the uplifting spice in Cinnamon Bun by Pinky Up which has the powerful spices of cinnamon and nutmeg to create an aromatic and decadent flavor.
Shatavari
An important herb in Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is even recommended in the Kama Sutra as an aphrodisiac for women. The name itself even translates to “having 100 spouses” because it was used so often to help women with fertility. You can enjoy the balancing powers of Shatavari in Sweet Himalayan Green Tea by Vahdam Teas, which also contains harmonizing cardamom, turmeric, and ashwagandha.
Chocolate
Chocolate was so beloved that the Mayans referred to it as “food of the Gods”, and the cocoa bean has a long-time tie to sex. The Mayans used it to pay for prostitutes. But chocolate was popular among the Aztecs, too. The Aztec ruler Montezuma was said to consume as many as 50 cups of cocoa elixir before heading to his harem. When chocolate was introduced to Europe by the Spanish explorers, it wasn’t as an aphrodisiac, but the Europeans soon discovered there was more to chocolate than just its delicious taste. Feel-good chocolate is still used as an aphrodisiac today, and we love it in this yummy Cacao Tea by MiCacao.
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT SHOP
Explore the Tea Date Box
Love is in the air, and in your mug. This variety of teas were carefully curated to bring you the same feeling of joy that comes from getting a bouquet of fresh roses from the one you love. Recommended as a tea gift for your sweetie, or to share with them, each Tea Date Box comes with enough tea for a tea party with your partner. Prepare together, and feel your love grow stronger with each sip.
Find the perfect gift for your Valentine!
These tea gifts will make you swoon. Find Valentine's Day gifts for all of your sweethearts and loved ones. Romantic tea gifts, Galentine's Day tea party kits, love potions to attract your heart's desire, bouquets of rose flavored teas, chocolate teas, heart-shaped mugs, cute mugs, tea infusers, and more are lovely gifts for tea lovers. Discover tea boxes and tea gift sets for Valentine's Day.
*The statements in this post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Exploring Scientifically Proven Herbal Aphrodisiacs | Pharmacognosy Reviews
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About Sips by: We’re a female-founded and led startup that makes discovering tea fun, personalized, and affordable. The Sips by Box is the only multi-brand, personalized tea subscription box. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Based out of Austin, Texas, we are adept at savoring a hot mug even when it’s seasonally inappropriate.