Get a Boost With Natural Aphrodisiacs

It’s hard to feel sexy when you are covered with stickiness, did not have time to shower, forgot to brush your teeth and have kids hanging off of every limb. If you are a Vancouver mom or dad having difficulty imagining a romantic evening with your significant other this Valentine’s Day, there are whole list of natural aphrodisiacs to get you in the mood (the real mood, not The Flight of the Concords type of mood). Best of all, these natural aphrodisiacs are easy to come by in Vancouver in the form of a gift for a loved one, a romantic lunch break meet-up, or an indulgent night on the town.

Honey, I Love You

Honey is rich in B vitamins and amino acids, which increase energy and stamina. It is made through pollination and is considered  a symbol of procreation, hence the saying, the birds and the bees. Today, we celebrate honeymoons because of the ancient wedding tradition of couples going into seclusion and savouring a honey concoction until the first new moon of their marriage. Two local Vancouver businesses, The Loving Spoon and Mellifera Bees, have joined forces to create a perfect Valentine’s Day gift which includes this golden aphrodisiac. This special package comes with one four ounce vanilla-infused honey (vanilla is also an aphrodisiac), one package of Organic English Breakfast tea and an antique silver teaspoon with the custom message of your choice, hand-stamped by Maya at The Loving Spoon. I’m thinking, You Turn Me On, will get the message across to your loved one. You can visit The Loving Spoon website to order this delightful package.

www.melliferabees.com | www.thelovingspoon.net 

I’m Nuts About You

Nuts are healthy for many reasons, not the least of which are their role as natural aphrodisiacs. For example, almonds are a symbol of fertility, and the aroma of almonds is believed in ancient myth to increase sexual desire in women. Almonds are filled with vitamin E, magnesium and fibre, a perfect mix of nutrients to help you get your game face on.  Ayoub’s Dried Fruit and Nuts in Kitsilano and downtown has all the variety you’ll need, available in pretty packaging or bulk bins.

www.ayoubs.ca | 2048 West 4th Ave. | 986 Denman Street

Meet Me For Lunch

When you don’t have a babysitter for the evening on Valentine’s Day, there’s always the possibility of a romantic lunch date. Pile on the warm clothes and plan a picnic with natural aphrodisiacs on the menu. You can get a salad delivered to your rendezvous point in downtown, Gastown or Kitsilano from Culver City Salads. Their salads include aphrodisiacs such as celery, avocado, ginger, basil, and carrots. Delivery is free and salads are $12.50 a pop. What do these natural aphrodisiacs do? Celery is filled with androsterone and adrostenol, which serve as sexual attractants when ingested. The avocado tree was called “Ahuacuati” by the Aztecs which translates to “testicle tree”. It must do something, right? Ginger increases circulation and body temperature, basil increases heart rate and blood flow and carrots contain vitamins important for hormone production.

Once you’ve eaten your delicious salad you can walk  down to the corner of Abbot and Water Street and visit The Juice Truck for a second round of aphrodisiacs. The watermelon pink truck is hard to miss and serves up concoctions like The Classic, made of apple, carrot, beet and ginger. There’s also The Apron, which is pineapple juice pressed with orange, spinach, mint, lemon, coconut water, aloe vera and himalayan rock salt. Coconut water boosts your metabolism which increases blood flow making it another great natural aphrodisiac.

www.culvercitysalads.com | www.thejuicetruck.ca 

Chocolate (and a Little Red Wine): Everyone’s Favourite Aphrodisiacs

Probably one of the most popular natural aphrodisiacs of all, dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which stimulates the same hormone your body releases during sex. It also triggers dopamine production in the brain. While they say it only takes small quantities to produce this effect, Valentine’s Day is the time to indulge in your favourite treat. If you have a date night planned, visit Sweet Obsessions Cakes and Pastries for their mouth watering Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse. After you’ve finished your chocolate head next door to Trafalgars Bistro for a glass of red wine. In moderation, red wine can increase blood flow, relax you, and lower inhibitions.

www.sweetobsession.ca | 2611 West 16th Avenue
www.trafalgars.com | 2603 W 16th Ave

It’s never too late to make plans for Valentine’s Day. If you are a Vancouver mom or dad who needs a bit of extra, shall we say, stamina, check out any of these vendors in Vancouver for a dose of natural aphrodisiacs.