***St. Valentines Day Tea

Valentines Day is a special time to celebrate love and romance. Sometimes, with our busy lifestyles and constant barrage of stressors, we need help relaxing and enjoying the more intimate moments with that special someone. At these times, an aphrodisiac can be helpful. Aphrodisiacs have been used for centuries to help bridge the barriers to intimacy with that special someone. Below is a description of what an aphrodisiac is as well as two recommended herbs.
What is an aphrodisiac?
The name aphrodisiac comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Sensuality. An aphrodisiac is a substance that stimulates sexual desire in both men and women. This is done by a combination of three methods. The first stimulates the blood flow to the genitalia. The second method stimulates the nerves in the genitals. And the third method raises the levels of certain hormones in both men and women. For example, in women, the increased blood flow to the vagina and clitoris helps create excitement and makes love making more pleasurable.
What is Damiana?
Damiana is an herb that has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac. It works by lowering natural and instilled mental barriers and inhibitors, if not used to excess. (Excessive use causes lethargy and over-tiredness). It also increases blood flow to the genitalia. For this reason, women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should not use damiana because of the risk of miscarriage.

There are contradictory reports on the effect on the liver. Some reports claim damiana has the same debilitating effects on the liver as alcohol, while others have found no relationship between damiana and liver disease. It is best to err on the side of caution and only use damiana sparingly and infrequently. As a tea, consumption should be limited to no more than two cups a day, and not more than a few days in a row.
What is Kava Kava Root?
Kava Kava root promotes a sense of well being and has been referred to as a natural Valium, without the addictive properties. It is also a natural muscle relaxant and mild anesthetic.
Kava Kava has four main therapeutic properties:

1It is one of the most powerful of all the herbal antispasmodics and is especially useful for relieving nervous tension throughout the mind and body.
2It is an anti-anxiety herb that will almost instantly dissipate the effects of fears and apprehensions that can be a part of today’s hectic lifestyle.
3It is an effective diuretic with potent anti-spasmodic and anti-pathogenic properties making it useful for a variety of genito-urinary dysfunctions ranging from cystitis, prostatitis, venereal disease (such as gonorrhea), vaginal leucorrhea (including yeast infections), nocturnal urination and general fluid retention.
4Kava is a carminative that improves appetite and digestion.

The main ingredient in Kava Kava Root is called kavalactones. These help lower inhibitors both natural and instilled. By instilled I mean those inhibitions that were drilled into you at a young age by a parent or some other authority figure. In small doses, Kava Kava root powder can relax muscles and lower anxiety, which may help in lovemaking.

Tea Recipe:
Because the kavalactones are destroyed by heat, this tea needs to be drunk cold or over ice. Brew one tablespoon of Damiana leaves in a cup of near boiling water. Let the leaves steep for fifteen minutes, then pore over ice and add ½ teaspoon of Kava Kava root powder. Stir the drink often to keep the powder from settling on the bottom of the glass. The kavalactones are insoluble in water so the active ingredients are not released until the root powder is in the stomach. Flavor with honey or lemon to taste and enjoy with a loved one.

For more information on this and other custom teas, visit http://www.herbalvista.com
Caution:
Pregnant women should not take damiana.