Stirring up passion: herbal elixirs to move the heart.

This Valentine's Day, why trust Cupid's judgment to throw his golden arrow of desire or his goose-feathered arrow of indifference, when you can help him along by creating your own love potion or herbal elixir. "A potion (from Latin potio, potionis, meaning beverage, potion, poison) is a drinkable medicine or poison" (Wikipedia). An elixir is defined as a "sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste" (Wikipedia). It is a type of potion so highly revered it is often synonymous with a beverage of immortality or a liquid that turns copper to gold. It is easier than it may seem to create herbal elixirs for those you adore. Follow these steps: First, the four P's:

1. Consider the person

2. Choose the plant(s)

3. Choose your preparation

4. Create a package, and lastly, the three L's; label label, label

CONSIDER THE PERSON

What is the goal? Decide if you would like to make a general elixir or a potion perfected for one particular person, if you have a certain someone in mind, ascertain whether you are looking to incite a lusty evening of passion, or connect with your partner on a deep, soulful level. Or perhaps your potion is for your best friend who has recently suffered heartbreak, in which case a heart chakra tonic may be the best elixir. These considerations will direct you to the proper herbs for inclusion in the potion.

Whatever the case, you will find yourself choosing herbs that are warming, moving, spicy, and/or red. For the heart is the origin of love, and the element of the heart is fire. Whether we want to ignite our heart's passion, soothe our heart into contentment, or burst forth with our heart's delight, we should add some degree of fire. A dampened heart seeks warming; a cold heart needs fire, and a jaded heart needs some spice. A small sample of compelling candidates include:

Cayenne (Capsicum frutenscens). Cayenne accelerates oxygenation of the cells and increases blood flow to all tissues. It is highly regarded as a pure and safe stimulant. Just remember a tiny pinch will do the trick!

Hawthorn flower and berry (Crataegus sp). Hawthorn is a highly revered cardio-tonic that can help normalize both high and low blood pressure. The berries and even more so, the flowers, are rich in bioflavonoids that strengthen blood vessels, help prevent heart disease, and promote longevity. Hawthorn may increase the effectiveness of heart medicine so, as always, make sure you know whether the object of your affection is on any prescription medications before offering herbal delights.

Motherwort aerial portions (Leonurus cardiaca). A cardiac sedative, hypotensive and relaxing nervine, Motherwort strengthens and normalizes heart function. It especially indicates where there are palpitations associated with anxiety or hormonal fluctuations in women. It is a personal favorite as "mother's little helper." Its Latin name "lion heart" beautifully describes Motherwort's ability to bestow courage on a heart weakened by emotional stress.

Muira Puama wood, bark and roots (Lyriosma ovata). Also known as potent wood, this central nervous system tonic is in the Brazilian pharmacopoeia for use with impotency. It has been used for centuries along the Amazon to help disorders of the nervous system, reverse frigidity, neuralgia, nervous depression, mental and physical exhaustion, and fertility problems. It is rich in essential fatty acids and is especially reputed to stimulate the female genitalia.

Damiana leaves (Turnera aphrodisaca, Turnera diffusa). Damiana is a small shrub that grows in Texas, Mexico, Africa and South America. It has yellow flowers, which are followed by small, sweet- smelling fruits. One of the main herbs of the Mayans, it guards against exhaustion, impotency, testicular inflammation and weakness of the brain. It may be combined with Saw palmetto, Siberian ginseng, licorice, and/or kelp to rejuvenate kidney energy. Damianin has been identified in chemistry to directly stimulate the nerve ceils of the sex organs. Damiana helps release blocked energy in the pelvis and is especially useful with issues of sexual abuse where women and men have shut down that part of their body. It increases sperm count in males and strengthens ovaries in females and acts as a female hormone balancer. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and may have hypoglycemic effects, so those with diabetes should not use it. A favorite elixir of many herbalists, look for Rosemary Gladstar's recipe for "Damiana Chocolate Love Liqueur" in her Family Herbal.

After considering which plants to include, next choose the preparation. You may either infuse your herbs in water, wine, or other alcohol. Decide what will best please the person you intend to gift with the potion. A water infusion (tisane) will need some amount of alcohol added as a preservative, usually ten to thirty percent depending on the plants. If one cannot tolerate alcohol, the potion needs to be drunk within 24 hours, or the tisane needs to be preserved by adding honey and gently heating while stirring. This will preserve the potion for a few weeks to a few months. Most often herbs are tinctured in alcohol for use in elixirs. Once you have chosen your alcohol (I prefer wine, port, or brandy), you will want to add a pleasing sweetener to the blend. Fruit concentrates, such as cherry, blueberry, cranberry and elderberry, are an excellent choice. High in bioflavonoids, they are antioxidants in effect and potent tonics for the circulatory system, which not only move blood through our bodies, but promotes bliss and passion as well.

When the potion is complete, choose packaging that reflects your intent. The hands are an extension of the heart chakra and it is crucial to send love into your potion from the point of pondering all the way through to presenting. You can find lovely glass jars in various shapes, even hearts that preserve your potion without the toxicity of plastic packaging. Lastly, don't forget to label your elixir clearly with ingredients and instructions, even if you plan to participate in the results. It is also vital in the event that you want to attempt to recreate a potion. There are several sources for dosage guidelines and elixir recipes such as James

Green s Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook, Botanica Erotica by Diana DeLuca, and Love Potions by Jones and Jones. As winter reigns this February, if you can't find someone for whom to make an elixir, treat the body that adores you and make one for yourself. The heart moves over 1,800 gallons of blood through you per day; that's love!

Love Elixir
from Rosemary Gladstar

1 ounce dried
damiana leaves

2 cups vodka or
    brandy

1 1/2 cups
spring water

1 cup honey

Vanilla extract

Rose water

Chocolate syrup

Almond extract

1. Soak the damiana leaves in vodka or brandy
for five days. Strain; reserve the liquid in a
bottle.

2. Soak the alcohol-drenched leaves in spring
water for three days. Strain and reserve the
liquid.

3. Over low heat, gently warm the water, and
extract and dissolve the honey in it. Remove
the pan from the heat, then add the alcohol
extract and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle
and add a dash of vanilla and a touch of rose
water for flavor. Let it mellow for 1 month or
longer; it gets smoother with age.

4. To each cup of damiana liqueur, add 1/2
cup of chocolate syrup, two or three drops
of almond extract, and a touch more of rose
water.

5. Purple Heart Elixir Equal parts: Mixture
of Hawthorn berry and flower, Rose Hips,
Motherwort, and Hibiscus flowers One quarter
part: ginger root infused in brandy six weeks
and strained Add an equal amount of blueberry
concentrate sweetened with honey to taste Sip
daily or as needed.

Caution: not for use in pregnancy; also see Hawthorn precautions.

Ceara Foley is the director of The NC School of Holistic Herbalism and The Center for Veal Living. Call 828-350-1221 for more info.