Lavender: Aromatic, Aphrodisiac and Potential ED Cure

The lavender scent is one of the most popular in the aromatherapy world. Often over or misused, the fragrance in home and body care has become almost a cliché. But this precious purple flower’s sensual aroma can truly shine in a subtle, culinary context.

Lavender aphrodisiac and possible erectile dysfunction cure

You may have heard that lavender is an aphrodisiac. This reputation may have started in the middle ages when the flower was associated with love. There’s little evidence to support the idea that, when eaten, lavender is an aid to sexual health.

Want an aphrodisiac flower with some serious nutrition? Discover the health benefits of hibiscus. 

But modern science shows us that the aroma of lavender may be a perfect antidote for men with difficulty in the arousal department. According to a study published by the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, lavender’s scent, when combine with pumpkin pie spice, is arousing to men. In fact, in the clinical trial, the scent increased penile blood flow by 40%.

Lavender aromatherapy

The aroma of lavender has many other applications, some clinically proven, others simply passed on through folklore, that can potentially be beneficial to your romantic life. It is considered a calming aroma and lavender essential oils are used to bring about a sense of well-being. Lavender aromatherapy is also said to reduce stress and possibly treat anxiety.

Lavender scent and sleep

Most interestingly, the lavender fragrance is used as a sleep aid. The aroma is believed to promote better sleep. It is even approved in Germany as a supplement to treat sleep issues. Some experts suggest putting dried lavender into your pillowcase or a sleep mask to help promote nighttime well-being.

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Lavender beauty treatments

The essential oil applied topically, is believed to alleviate sunburns. Lavender oil for the skin is also linked with treating other issues, including hyperpigmentation. And it is used in many beauty treatments because the antioxidants in lavender are considered a powerful aid in fighting free radicals.

Using aphrodisiac lavender in cooking

Now although, as I mentioned, lavender may not work as an aphrodisiac specifically when it’s eaten, culinary uses of these aphrodisiac flowers can certainly help spark romance.

As we’ve established, the scent of lavender has some promising, positive effects on the human body. (And, as noted, the aroma of lavender might be particularly good for men.) So although lavender might not necessarily offer a great deal to support sexual health from a nutritional standpoint, the aroma is about 90% of taste. Which means that when you serve a lavender-infused meal, you’re getting the aromatherapy benefits of lavender as you eat.

You can use both fresh and dried lavender in cooking. The famous, French dried herb blend, herbes de Provence includes a generous proportion of lavender.

Lavender recipes

Although it might sound intimidating, the flower is quite easy to use in cooking. Boil a pinch of the dried flowers with equal parts water and sugar then strain out the flowers.  Mix the syrup with lavender extract with freshly squeezed lemon juice to make your very own love tonic, aka lavender lemonade. (Don’t miss this recipe for a Lavender Lemon Shooter.) And a small bouquet of fresh lavender buds mixed into a chicken salad takes good old comfort food to a sexy new level.

One of our contributing chefs, Diane Brown, planned an entire romantic dinner around this aphrodisiac flower. Check out her menu of “Lavender Dreams” for more tips on cooking with lavender. 

For the less culinary inclined, plant the flower around your house for not only its fragrance but for its folkloric belief to ward off evil spirits. Add a few fresh-cut sprigs to a wildflower bouquet, since the scent alone is enough to drive men wild. And for pretty much any woman who receives a surprise bouquet, well…that’s a given.

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Amy Reiley

An award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks with an MA in Gastronomy, Amy Reiley has spent the past 18 years studying the history and science behind aphrodisiac foods. She speaks on aphrodisiacs globally and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health writer and wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine. Most importantly, Amy is a mother to 2 human children and 1 standard poodle.

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