Our senses are the most important cues regarding our environment and the people surrounding us. Smell is one of the most crucial of these senses, providing aromatherapy benefits, danger signs, and even enhancing our sense of taste. When it comes to matters of the heart, the aroma of certain love potion herbs may have the power to seduce and solace. The use of love potion plants probably goes back to pre-Christian times and could be a source of romance and inspiration.
Trying to capture that perfect love, or hold onto an existing one? A proper love potion recipe may be able to help. Love potion ingredients often include botanicals from herbs and flowers in the forms of dried plant material, oils, and other extractions. The formulas promote relaxation, soothe the body, and calm the mind, all key to being open to love. How do you make a love potion? There are many classic recipes, each with the ability to customize for different people and situations.
Love Potion Ingredients
Folklore is rife with descriptions of love potions. The types of herbs, flowers, and occasionally roots are important in their preparation and combination. These are usually bound in honey, alcohol, oil, or steeped as a tea. Herbs combined scent with flavor, and often freshened breath. Flowers brought their sweet aromas and taste. When combined, they provide a one-two punch of romance. Flowers mentioned since antiquity may enhance feelings of love. The listed engage the senses with intoxicating scent.
Popular herbs and spices are usually the common variety found in the kitchen cupboard, but also include those of historic or cultural value.
Binding Agents for Love Potions
Ancient recipes often included ingredients such as blood or urine, but less graphic materials are also effective. Essential oils are a traditional part of a love potion. These may be herbal oils, or oils from fruits or even nuts. Neroli is derived from bitter oranges and has essences of citrus notes. Bitter almond oil is another characteristic ingredient in love potions. Many other organic oils are classic parts of a love potion. Sandalwood, sweet apricot, and cinnamon oils are examples. Rain water provides a good way to incorporate the ingredients and ingest them easily. The addition of honey makes improbably combined flavors more palatable. Sugar or corn syrup may also be used. Quite logically, alcohol is often an ingredient. Liqueurs, spirits, wine, and ale are often found in the recipe list.
How Do You Make a Love Potion?
A classic love potion recipe will feature several types of herbs. The end product may be something to ingest, or a topical application. Massage oils and bath soaks are an easy way to invoke the potion on the skin. Oral preparations may be warm or cold. A quick warm wine love potion is equal parts:
- ginger
- damiana
- orange peel
- cinnamon
- 2 cloves
- 1 bottle wine
Warm the wine and spices gently. Strain the herbs out and enjoy the wine.
Another love potion that is very traditional contains brandy and honey. You will need equal parts:
- damiana
- rose
- spearmint
- lemon balm
- a pinch of meadowsweet
Stir the herbs in a heat proof bowl 22 times to the right, visualizing loving thoughts. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep for 22 minutes. Strain the liquid into a sauce pan and add 1/2 cup (125 ml.) each honey and brandy. Alternatives to brandy are white wine or mead. Cool the mixture and store in a glass bottle.