“Isn’t it odd that flowers are the reproductive organ of the plant that they grow on?”

– English critic, Logan Pearsall Smith

Every ancient culture has utilized flowers, namely their scent, as aphrodisiacs. From the Egyptians and Romans to the Sumerians and Aztecs—sunflowers, peppermint, jasmine, lilies, and of course, roses—have populated the realm of romantic indulgence. The birds like them, the bees are subconsciously drawn to them, and hummingbirds’ mere vitality relies on them. So, how do flowers affect the human libido?

Aphrodisiac aromatherapy can be tricky. It may take calculation. What one person loves, another might find ghastly, but on a very basic level aromatherapy is a natural aphrodisiac that works to calm, soothe, stimulate and reduce stress, or negative energy. Because impotence and frigidity is most often associated with stress, emotion and psychology, plants that work to calm and soothe while actively stimulating hormonal production and reducing stress and anxiety are key elements in an active and healthy sex life.

In Greek mythology, Chloris, the goddess of flowers, found the lifeless body of a beautiful nymph. In order to right this tragedy, she enlisted the service of several gods and goddesses. Aphrodite (goddess of love) gave her beauty, Dionysus (god of wine and merriment) gave her sweet nectar, Apollo (god of sun) gave her sun to help her bloom, and the three Graces (or Chrarites) gave her charm, brightness and joy.

It is no doubt that roses weave an intricate history, well-thought of as ‘ America’s favorite flower.’ The red rose has long been associated with romance, but many people are unaware of the folklore, myths, or even religious connotations of the rose, or even that the red rose was not introduced in the United States from China until around 1800.

Plants contain chemically bound solar agents as a result of the union between Mother Earth and Father Sun. It is no wonder that over the ages this child of Earth has represented a spark of human sexual interest. The flower itself, is in fact, as Logan Pearsall Smith pointed out in the late 1800s, the sex organ of the plant. Talk about phallic representation.

Today flowers, like any gift, can represent a very simple, thoughtful and elegant sentiment. Oftentimes, it is more about the thought given in picking up a bouquet of flowers. Most people are happy that their loved ones were simply thinking of them while they were out. However, if you asked a woman what kind of flower she would like to receive from a man, you’d be hard-pressed to get “rose” as her answer. So, shall we put away the rose for a moment to discuss more unique aphrodisiac flowers?

Most flowers, in general, have a clear definition and though the color differentiation of some species like camellias, carnations and chrysanthemums has become skewed over time, many wouldn’t realize that some flowers could mean indulgence, disgust, rejection, and even disdain.

Many aphrodisiacs have a strong psychedelic affect, while others aid in sexual health by improving mental and physical aspects. Spanish jasmine, for instance, is a deliciously enticing scent that is used to perfume liqueurs, soaps and oils. The jasmine flower is dedicated to the Indian god of love, Kama. It can be used to stimulate the brain, inducing greater awareness. There is one risk to using jasmine, however, which may make it even the more enticing; jasmine seeds are poisonous and must not be used.

One aphrodisiac flower claims its power in a very different way, establishing its connection through a root source of sexual stimulation. Lust is a driving force for fulfilling sex. Desire is directly related to pleasure. Some flowers derive this power from the mere connotation of their existence. Receiving is pleasurable. Beauty is pleasurable. The systematic purpose of a flower is to enhance the animalistic need and want at the root of sexual nature. It creates seduction.

Sunflowers are said to be one such flower. Sunflowers are the symbol of the sun, deriving their life from the same energy that the planet and all its life forms breathe life from as well. Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, was like his father, Zeus. His lust for beauty and nymphs, and his enjoyment in female companionship added to his conquests, which numbered in the dozens. Sunflowers are versatile; their petals can be eaten or infused with tea and their seeds can be dried and eaten. Sunflowers contain chlorogenic acid, vitamin E and iron, all of which are essential nutrients in promoting sex drive and sexual health. Vitamin E is responsible for oxygenating your blood, while iron keeps your blood healthy and efficient. Stimulation of blood in your sex organs is a vital aspect of gratification, so healthy blood is important.

Lilies have a very basic romantic quality, deriving their lustful nature from their simple beauty and purity. Since ancient times, lilies have been used in cuisine. The Romans would sprinkle roses and lilies on their food, the table, and over entire banquet halls. Like sunflowers, lilies are also a versatile flower. They can be eaten fresh, dried, crystallized or even sugared for decorating candies and cakes, and they can be added to salads, be infused into teas, and prepared with sauces, jellies and oils. The Greeks associate the lily with their goddess Hera, telling that the lily first sprouted from the milk of this divinity. It has also been said that Roman soldiers ate the bulbs for nutrients and that it was used as a salve for wounds and an ointment for burns.

Peppermint is another out-of-the-ordinary plant served as an aphrodisiac. Okay, so it isn’t exactly a flower, but wouldn’t it be fun to get a bouquet stuffed with a nice surprise, like this fragrant herb? Peppermint is said to stimulate passion. It has also been heard that it increases activity of the imagination and creativity, as well as enhancing dreams. Peppermint contains several of the superior sex vitamins, but the most important is vitamin D, which is responsible for hormone reproduction.

Lavender dates as far back as the early Egyptians, and the ancient Greeks used lavender to fight insomnia, insanity, and aching backs. During the Middle Ages, Benedictine monks used lavender as a medicine and a remedy against the Plague, while London peddlers sold it as a charm against evil. Lavender was thought to be a magical aphrodisiac. It could stimulate the senses while simultaneously relaxing the mind, putting the body into a unique and uncommonly comfortable state of pleasure.

Because so many flowers can be infused into oils, flowers became a key ingredient in aromatherapy. A fun and stimulating element of aromatherapy is the way in which oils and pressure points work to satisfy the body. Some ancients would place garlic-infused oil on the sole of the foot. If you wait 20 minutes, you will be able to taste garlic in your mouth. The same theory relates to other herbs and flowers, as well with different pressure points that can stimulate the sex organs and privates as well.

Do not be mistaken. Flowers are not only for ladies; men can be seduced by them as well. Flowers are no longer a frilly afterthought, but are rather tools to sexual indulgence. Play your flowers right and you too may come up satisfied. Lust is directly related to pleasure and everyone enjoys a bouquet of flowers.