With Valentine’s Day approaching, conversations about love are abound. As an astrologer, the main topic of discussion is relationships. Clients want to know about matters of the heart or about relationship compatibility. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, my clients often discuss vitality. They are interested in having increased energy, or possessing proper stamina to have a vibrant love life, or leading a more heart-centered existence. One of the eight branches of Ayurveda is vajikarana (viralization). It is the process through which vigor is created.
Ayurveda has seven tissue systems (dhatus). The deepest level is the urinary and reproductive tissues. By nourishing these tissues, you can build a strong foundation for your body. Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs strengthen the body via the reproductive tissue system. This can be done to increase your vitality in general as well as to aid couples who desire to have children.
Ayurveda includes the art of cooking and eating the right foods based on one’s constitution. Food is a gateway to the senses. The Kama Sutra states that foods and herbs not only nourish the body, but also the soul. It was a treatise on how to savor the rasa, or the nectar, of life. It contains information on how to spice up your love life with Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs should be taken under the proper guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner. Otherwise, taking these in excess if they are not suitable to your constitution can result in a greater imbalance (vikruti). Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs should be taken if your body is free from toxins and you have good digestion. If you are pregnant, nursing, suffering from a serious medical ailment, or on prescription medicine, please do not take any herbal medication without consulting your primary health care practitioner.
COMMON AYURVEDIC APHRODISIACS
Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs are known as vajikaranas. “Vaji” means horse and is a cognate of vigor. Horses are known for being vigorous, active animals. Vajikaranas create healthy tissues for vigor. One of the top Ayurvedic vajikaranas for men is Ashwagandha. The herb literally translates as “smell of a horse”. It’s said to give the stamina of a horse and work on shukra dhatu (male reproductive tissue). It’s a nervine tonic and adaptogen which is both calming and energizing. Ashwagandha decreases Vata and Kapha doshas but may increase Pitta. Ashwagandha is available in powder, or tablet or in tincture form. Ashwagandha is also used as a massage oil.
Another Ayurvedic aphrodisiac is kapikacchu or atma gupta. It is a reproductive tonic for both genders. Kapikacchu contains L-dopa, which is a precursor of dopamine. This herb decreases Vata and Pitta doshas, and increases Kapha.
Gokshura is another Ayurvedic aphrodisiac. This herb is a urinary tonic and works on the prostate gland. It also rejuvenates the reproductive system for both sexes. It’s balancing for all three doshas. Gokshura is taken in powder or in tablet form.
For women, Shatavari is the primary herb for the female reproductive tissue (artava dhatu). Shatavari means “possessing 100 husbands.” It is a uterine tonic, lactogenic, and a natural precursor to estrogen. Shatavari should not be used if you have fibroids, tumors, or are pregnant. It’s the top Pitta pacifying herb, and also balancing for Vata, but it can increase Kapha. Shatavari is consumed in powder, or a tablet form, or as a tincture.
Vidari is another urinary and reproductive tonic which also promotes fertility. This herb is a lactogenic and helps build strength. Vidari is sweet and balances both Vata and Pitta, but can increase Kapha.
Ayurveda states that the best carriers for herbs are ghee, milk, and raw honey. Some of these herbs for shukra and artava dhatus are in tablet form as Women’s Support or Men’s Support.
Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs kindle your inner fires, gets your juices flowing, and invigorate you so that you may enjoy the many great wonders of being alive and have the resilience you need to gracefully face daily stressors. A full Ayurvedic consultation can help you create and maintain a vigorous life to nourish all your tissues and experience the sweetness of life.