Kava Kava Oil and Breaking Down Love Potions
After the holiday season, we’re often left feeling depleted and in need of introversion. While January is a time of introspection and re-focusing on our own selves and plans, February brings a reminder to once again become engaged in our romantic partnerships. With spring’s fertility and abundance around the corner but still distant enough that we do not yet feel it in our bones, we sometimes need a little reminder to focus on the romance in our lives. (And yes, self love is certainly included in this celebration.)
Love potions have been perhaps the most sought-after herbal “cures” for thousands of years. Read any medieval tale or watch any period film and there’s bound to be a mention of some kind of love potion intended to make one character fall desperately in love (or in lust) with another. Similarly, various foodstuffs have been touted as being aphrodisiacs throughout the ages; particularly ones with similarities to genitalia such as asparagus or oysters. We are so desperate to control this mystical force we start to see answers in every phallic vegetable that crosses our path.
As we all know, love isn’t that simple. There are as many kinds of love as there are people. Some loves are intense and passionate; others are gentle and slow and platonic. There are so many factors involved in falling in love, from our body chemistry to the trust that builds with a partner over time. It would be silly to think that we can brew up some magical concoction that would override all of those natural impulses and make someone fall in love with us. But when there are subtle imbalances, little blocks that get in the way of an otherwise-wonderful love story, we can certainly address those.
If the thing blocking your relationship with that co-worker you’ve secretly been smitten with for years is a fear of vulnerability or shyness, that box of chocolates delivered with bravery might just hold the magic to something new and wonderful. If your block is feeling distant from your partner as your life has shifted to being busy parents, a babysitter and a bottle of wine could perhaps hold its own magic. And if your block is the stress and pressures that weigh on your body and mind, there’s one wonderful herb to turn to: kava kava.
Have you ever really wanted to make love but your mind just feels too distracted, your body too tense? It’s interesting how some people can seem to compartmentalize so well and leave their work and pressures behind them and be truly present, while others feel those same pressures lingering on for hours distracting them from being present. A lot of times even our love or attraction to someone can be clouded by the weight of a stressful day.
Some people call Kava kava an aphrodisiac. I disagree. Kava will not create attraction where there is none; it will not induce arousal; it will not magically make two people fall in love. But if all of those building blocks are there hidden behind a wall of residual stress or distraction, kava can be a wonderful help in lifting that wall away, leaving only yourself and your focus on your partner.
Kava is a reminder to slow down, to sink in, to stay present and focused on what’s important. When used externally in a spiced massage oil, it’s both sensual and relaxing. It creates a gentle tingling sensation and feeling of warmth and helps to relax both mind and body. You can use it on its own to help you release stress or tension in your muscles and settle in to an evening of relaxation or creativity, or you can use it with a partner for an intimate evening. Go slow. Be sensual. Don’t rush.
Kava oil can be used on its own, but becomes even more loving and sensual with a few additional ingredients. Cardamom pods add their exotic aroma and a gentle heating sensation, while wild rose petals lend a layer of softness and vulnerability to the mix. Coconut oil is moistening and softening as well, and the scent combination of all of the ingredients feels like an escape - to a tropical beach, to a brightly-scented market, to a silk-covered bed on a spontaneous vacation. These fragrances are subtle but beautiful; there is no need add extra scent through essential oils. Let the botanicals speak on their own. I hope you find this blend as earthy, relaxing, warming, and soothing as I do!
Kava Kava “Love Potion” Oil:
Ingredients:
1/2 c. kava roots ground into a coarse powder
1 Tbs. cardamom pods
1/4 c. dried rose petals
1 c. almond oil
1/2 c. coconut oil
Directions:
Put everything into a clean jar and shake well. Let infuse somewhere dark for about a month, shaking every now and then. Strain through a fine strainer and bottle.
Notes on Substitutions: If Kava root powder is not available to you, try ¼ c. of valerian root instead. It has many of the same properties as Kava but works in a different way. (It also has a very strong smell.) If you don’t have dried rose petals, just add a few drops of rose essentail oil after infusing the oil with the kava. You can make this completely out of almond or coconut oil, but I’ve found that together they make a really nice blend.
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Join me for a little winter night magic as we bake this cake full of rich seasonal flavors and black cocoa!