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CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), a spice famous for it’s delectable aroma and sweet-hot flavor, comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen laurel tree grown on plantations in Ceylon, Western India, Java, and other tropical regions. The bark is peeled off the tree’s lower branches and, as the pieces dry, they curl up into quills (i.e. cinnamon sticks). Cinnamon oil, thick and fragrant, is made from the leaves, fruit, and roots. The oil from the fruit (which is shaped like an acorn, by the way) was once used to make candles for the king of Ceylon—for whatever that’s worth.

Most people are familiar with cinnamon’s numerous culinary applications—it’s used in everything from spiced drinks to candies to baked goods, and even main courses (such as certain Middle Eastern dishes and curries)—but few are aware of its medicinal properties. Besides being a good digestive, cinnamon has a tonic effect. It’s a wonderfully warming and energizing spice. When sexual disinterest is due to the overall fatigue and strain of everyday living, try a little cinnamon in tea, coffee, or mulled wine to heat things up.

Another powerful energizer is SAGE (Salvia officinalis). One of the more dominant herbs, sage is highly aromatic, with a somewhat minty flavor that intensifies with drying. It was once considered the sacred herb of the Latins. More importantly, sage stimulates both the nervous and endocrinic systems and re-activates blood circulation. Among other things, it’s said to be an effective remedy for nervous disorders, particularly those related to menopause. Sage is reputed to help regenerate the system, thereby giving an energy boost to those who have lost interest in life (and, consequently, sex). Try it in soups, stews, stuffings, sauces, omelets, herb breads, and all manner of meat, fish, and poultry dishes. As an added bonus, sage makes fatty meats and fish seem less heavy. Remember that a little goes a long way, though, and it has a tendency to become bitter with long cooking, so exercise care when seasoning with sage. (Warning: Sage contains estrogenic substances and reduces lactation, so avoid large doses if pregnant or nursing. Avoid completely if epileptic, as it may trigger seizures. Also, because it stimulates blood circulation, sage is not advisable for sufferers of high blood pressure.)

Soaking eighty grams of sage leaves in one liter of red or white wine for one week can make an energizing brew. Then filter and let stand for a few days. Sip two or three spoonfuls after meals.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) is also a stimulant for the nervous system. It acts on the cardio-circulatory and cortico-surrenal systems and is considered to be excellent for renewing sexual vigor. Wonderfully fragrant, with a pine-like sweet yet savory flavor, rosemary has long been the traditional herb of youth. According to a sixteenth century herbal, simply “smelling rosemary often” will keep a person young. Rosemary, in fact, is reputed to be one of the ingredients of a secret elixir called the "Water of the Queen of Hungary.”  In 1370 this “water” supposedly transformed an eighty-year-old gouty princess into a young damsel lovely enough to be wooed by a king of Poland. It is thought that the legendary elixir was a distillation of lime, rosemary, and trementine, but the preparation and dosage are unknown. Darn. However, you can easily create your own elixir—one said to be a marvelous aphrodisiac—by adding a handful of rosemary leaves to a liter of wine. Soak the mixture twenty-four hours for white wine and forty-eight hours for red; then strain and drink after meals. This is also considered to be good for the digestion, but if it works as a “love potion,” who cares? (Note: Rosemary, like sage, is not advisable for those who suffer from high blood pressure.)

Last but not least in this list of kitchen aphrodisiacs is GINGER (Zingiber officinale), one of the oldest and most popular of spices. Made from the root of the exotic ginger plant, it is warming, soothing and stimulating all in one, and has a long history of culinary and medicinal use—everything from cakes to curries to cold remedies. It’s also an age-old cure for nausea and is added to other remedies to boost their effectiveness. In magical lore, ginger symbolizes bright temperament and instant response and is the base of many love charms. Wives in some parts of the world, so it’s said, make belts of ginger root to arouse their husbands (though, knowing the male appetite, one might think some home-baked gingerbread would grab their attention faster).

With its hot, tangy flavor and zesty aroma, ginger is a wonderful addition to many recipes and is often used in aphrodisiacal cooking, but it can also be used externally. One version of a sensual massage oil, said to originate in ancient Egypt, can be made by mixing a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, sage, and thyme in a small bottle of olive oil. Shake well; then let the blend sit for a short time while you dim the lights, put on soft music, and light scented candles (lavender, rose, or patchouli are good fragrances to try). The lovers should take turns massaging each other, slowly and deeply, from the base of the spine to the neck. This is said to create an overall feeling of serenity along with an extended erotic reaction that satisfies completely.... Well, the "completely" may be stretching things a bit, but it sure sounds like a good start!

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 {DISCLAIMER: The herbal and health information in this article is offered primarily for reference, entertainment, and personal enrichment. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the advice of a licensed health-care practitioner. Since the actual use of herbs, therapies, etc. by others is beyond the author’s, editor’s, and publisher’s control, NO expressed or implied guarantee as to their effects can be given, nor liability taken.}