Empower Yourself
Sexuality and Herbal Aphrodisiacs
by Gail Faith Edwards
Ancient Tantric legends say that it was the lovemaking
between Lord Shiva, as the embodiment of pure consciousness,
and the Goddess Shakti, the embodiment of pure energy,
that resulted in the creation of the earth, moon and stars,
the animals, plants, and humans. The joining of these
sacred opposing forces created the entire universe.
According to the teachings of Tantra, sexual energy has
tremendous healing and magical power that can transform
the world, our relationships, and ourselves.
Tantra tells us that our sexuality is a sacred agent
of transformation. We know from our own life experience
that sexual pleasure takes us out of time, the chatter
of our mind stops, and there is only the exquisite now.
Science tells us that during orgasmic lovemaking between
committed partners a wide range of biochemical substances
are released by the brain, including endorphins and serotonin.
These chemicals cause a natural high, enhance feelings
of relaxation, and create a profound sense of well being.
This is where true healing takes place. In this tension
free, deeply relaxed state, the boundaries between you
and your beloved dissolve.
Offering natural nourishment and support for the energy
and creativity of eroticism, herbal aphrodisiacs can help
increase, enhance, stimulate, and maintain existing physical
desire, and thus nourish sexuality. All cultures and peoples
of the world have used, and continue to use, aphrodisiacs.
Aphrodisiacs are defined here as plant substances that
affect the mind as well as the body. Their use is documented
to at least 60,000 years ago. Some aphrodisiacs gently
nourish a lagging libido; others kick it into high gear.
Used ethically, aphrodisiacs can be appreciated as a source
of joy; plant spirits that help us celebrate our love
for life. They are traditionally used in a variety of
ways.
Some aphrodisiacs are consumed as teas and infusions,
decoctions, syrups, tinctures, mead and other beverages.
Others are eaten as spices, food, pills, and capsules.
Aphrodisiacs can be burned as incense or smudge. Some
are used as oils, salves, and ointments for massage and
external stimulation.
Herbs and other substances that are used to enhance and
nourish sexuality have been regarded as sacred throughout
millennia. Use them to nourish your love life in honor
of all who have used them before you! And remember that
the true source of your desire comes from your love and
connectedness, which provide the foundation of our sexual
lives.
Proven aphrodisiacs include rose, honey, chocolate, cannabis,
angelica, ginseng, opium and many culinary spices. Essential
oils that stimulate sexuality include rose, sandalwood,
ylang/ylang, patchouli, cinnamon, and vanilla.
A study done by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation
in Chicago appears to verify what our grandmothers have
been telling us all along: that the way to a man’s
heart is through his stomach. According to its research,
the two most effective scents for stimulating eroticism
in males are pumpkin pie and cinnamon buns!
Life-style adjustments that will help improve your sexual
performance and enjoyment include getting rid of your
cigarette habit, limiting alcohol consumption, eating
less meat and more plant-based foods, such as grains,
nuts, fruits, and vegetables, exercising daily for at
least half an hour, and keeping your weight under control.
Excerpted from Traversing the Wild Terrain
of Menopause; Herbal Allies for Midlife Women and Men
by Gail
Faith Edwards. You can order this book at www.ashtreepublishing.com
MEET THE WISE WOMAN CENTER TEACHERS
shaUna Owlsong is presently attending Birthwise
Midwifery School in Maine, the beginning of her journey
as a homebirth midwife. She will soon be moving to Massachusetts
to apprentice with a homebirth midwife there. She apprenticed
and interned with Susun Weed for 13 months and has apprenticed
with herbalists Ellen Hopman and Pam Montgomery as well.
She lives in reverence of the sacredness of all beings
and manifests her connection with life in her dedication
to sacred birth experiences for women and families. shaUna
leads ceremony and offers herbal consultations and birth
support. Email shaUna Owlsong at summerayne@wildmail.com
for permission to reprint this article and for workshop
and consultation information. You can spend time with
shaUna Owlsong during her workshops this summer at the
Wise Woman Center:
July 17, 2004: Her
Sacred Yoni
Build an alter to the beauty and power of your sacred
yoni. Invoke the mysteries, chant, dance, dream, create,
experience. We will learn about ancient yoni worship,
herbs for our yoni's, and more. Bring an item for the
alter. Each day: $50-75 (includes lunch). $25 deposit.
July 18, 2004: Wisdom
of the Fertility Goddess
Let's journey together and uncover ancient women's wisdom.
We will learn about charting our cycles, increasing fertility,
contraception, and methods of "bringing on the moon".
Wear something red. Each day: $50-75 (includes lunch).
$25 deposit.
To register for Wise Woman Center workshops,
send deposit (see specific workshop for deposit amount)
and indicate which workshop you want to attend and contact
info:
Wise Woman Center PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax questions to: 1-845-246-8081
You may also choose to pay by credit card:
www.ashtreepublishing.com
Please send us
email, to confirm availability, before registering
online.