Magical Love Potions, Herbal Lore and Essential Oil Combinations for Valentine's Day

There are certain scents that arouse the senses, bringing forth an amorous mood that is perfect for Valentine's Day romance. But how do you concoct just the right romantic love potion or aromatherapy recipe for the love of your life?

Here we demystify love potions and aromatherapy, providing tried-and-true combinations for you, beginning with an article by Paula Polman, a Canadian expert in aromatherapy and herbal therapy.

Love Potions

by Paula Polman

Through the ages we have been facinated with the idea of love potions. A magic elixar that creates instant love or passion. Does Love Potion #9 really exist?

We know that scent plays a major role in the art of passion. We also know that essential oils can have noticeable effects on our moods and physical responses.

Are essential oil blends the answer? Well, science has been unable to provide any concrete answers, however, do any digging through folklore medicine references and you will certainly find all kinds of herbal suggestions and talisman ideas.

Considering the season, I thought it would be fun to pull out some love potion recipes (see list at right) and let you decide if you want to try any to see for yourself. I will not be held responsible for the consequences - good, bad or otherwise. Just remember the old saying "Be careful what you wish for - you just might get it!"

All these blends can be used in diffusers, used to scent body powders, to create a scented spray, in a massage oil or as a personal scent (dilute to 1% in jojoba) and worn on pulse points.

May you find love in your life and peace in your heart. ~ Paula Polman.

Romantic Herbal Lore

Herbs have been used to enhance romance for centuries, by lovers and lovelorn alike. Among the herbs said to promote the course of true love is basil. Offer a sprig of basil to the man of your dreams and, if he accepts it, he is surely yours.

Love Spells

Tudor maidens who wished to marry would place a bay leaf beneath their pillow on Valentine's Day and whisper the couplet, "Saint Valentine, be kind to me, In my dreams, let me true love see." If they then dreamed of love, it was surely a prediction that they would marry within a year.

Gentlemen should put a pinch of dried sage under their tongue before approaching their intended to ensure a love-swept courtship. They should also remember that many herbs are reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities; among them are sweet basil, thyme, rosemary, juniper, laurel, myrtle, sandlewood, patchouli, elderflower and jasmine.

If you're feeling insecure in love, then tying three laurel leaves to the bottom of your bed will ensure that your lover sees no-one but you.

Although temporary, here's a love spell that has been used throughout the ages:

Take a lock of your lover's hair and mix it with the burned ashes from a small piece of your lover's clothing. Wrap in a white hankerchief with a handful of johnny-jump-ups (also known as heartsease). Bury the hankerchief under your porch at the new moon. Your love will be true to only you - but only for one month.

Fidelity

For long-term fidelity, share the leaves of the periwinkle with your husband, or plant marigolds in the soil upon which your loved one has walked. He will be faithful to you forever.

Friendship

For friendship, make two small red silk bags, fill with cloves and tie with ribbon. Wear one silk bag yourself and give the other to your friend. You are sure to be friends forever!

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