8 Herbs That Symbolize Love and Romance

Herbs and other plants have a centuries-long history of symbolizing love and devotion. In ancient Athens, people wove mint and marigolds into bridal garlands and wreaths, and in classical Rome, brides carried wheat for fertility and rosemary to ensure the groom's fertility. In medieval times, European brides carried pungent herbs such as garlic and chives to keep spirits from disrupting their happiness. The pinnacle of romantic use of herbs may have come during Victorian times, when roses, lavender, pansies, and marjoram were carefully combined with one another and with other herbs to create formulas for romantic success and contentment.

Here are eight modern herbs you can use to communicate your love and romantic intentions.

Purple Basil

Basil -- Basil became a symbol of love in Italy. In the folklore of Moldavia, a young man who accepts basil from a young woman is destined to fall in love with her.

Calendula 

Calendula -- Early Christians often brought these flowers to adorn statues of the Virgin Mary, which may be the origin of its use in love charms. According to the modern language of herbs, calendula means "joy." What a lovely thing to say to your beloved. You can add calendula to your teas, but even more romantic, add it to your romantic bath by candlelight. For young valentines, a sweet calendula-flavored soap is a gentle and loving gesture.

Thyme -- Thyme has a long history during which it has symbolized many things. According to the modern language of herbs, thyme brings with it the meaning of affection, which is perfect for either young love or deep friendship. What better way to express your devotion to someone than to include a sprig of thyme in a bouquet.

patchouli

Patchouli -- The heady scent of patchouli is not surprisingly included in a list of romance herbs. According to the modern language of herbs, patchouli means "passion." To use patchouli to its fullest extent, tuck some dried patchouli into small sleep pillows or sachet. The rich, lusty scent can entice your love to feel romantic.

Yarrow -- In the modern language of herbs, yarrow means "everlasting love." Yarrow has a naturally spicy flavor, so use a light hand, and include it in your teas or baths.

                

               Lavender -- In the modern language of love,                                     Lavender means "devotion and undying love." It is                           no surprise that lavender has always been                                           considered a herb of love since its delicious and                                 romantic scent is adored by almost everyone. An                               increasingly popular modern tradition is to use 

               dried lavender petals as wedding confetti.

Oregano -- Although we think of oregano primarily as a cooking herb, the ancient Greeks believed that it was the herb of Aphrodite, goddess of love, who is said to have created it as the herb of joy for her garden.

Fennel -- With its soft, feathery, delicate growth habit, fennel seems perfect for a list of modern love herbs. In the language of herbs, this sweet, heady-scented herb means "flattery." Include its tall, shimmery fronds, in a bouquet of herbs and flowers to present to your loved one. Add fennel to your Valentine's Day meal, sprinkle it on your salad, or dessert dishes.

Sweet Dreams Bath Tea

Many people do not think that a bath is a good idea in the summer, but it is actually very good for you.  Sun screen, sun exposure and daily workouts and summer activities make skin sweaty and oily and allow it to pick up a number of toxins.  This blend will give you a great reason to take a bath and the relaxation effects will give you a good night's rest.

Sweet Dreams Bath Tea

1 cup lavender buds

½ cup hops

½ cup mugwort

½ cup mullein

½ cup jasmine flowers

8 drops lavender essential oil

4 drops patchouli essential oil

Blend dried herbs together in a large bowl.  Place in a tightly sealed jar for storage. 

To use: Add 2 to 4 Tablespoons in a muslin drawstring bag and hang under tap while filling tub, or brew in a saucepan of 2 cups of water simmered for 5 minutes and poured into bath water.  Fills about 10 bags

Valentine's Day: It's Not Just Chocolate and Roses

I have to admit that my two favorite Valentine herbs are chocolate (oh, yes, it's really an herb) and roses.  In fact I make a great black tea blend using both crushed chocolate and rose petals that I call “Valentine Lover's Tea.”   But there are actually many herbs that can help you celebrate the season of love.

Herb Lore 

Periwinkle (also called Vinca minor). It was believed that people who ate periwinkle leaves together would fall in love.

Honeysuckle. The scent of honeysuckle was thought to induce erotic dreams; hence, many parents forbade their daughters to bring it into the house.

Bay laurel. If you want to dream of your future lover, pin five bay leaves to the four corners and the center of your pillow, before you go to bed tonight. Be sure to repeat the traditional charm (it won't work if you don't) St. Valentine, be kind to me, in dreams let me my true love see.

Yarrow. A lady hoping to attract a reluctant lover was advised to walk through a patch of yarrow, barefoot at midnight under a full moon.  In the Language of Herbs, Yarrow means EVERLASTING LOVE, so giving it in a blend for bath may make the perfect Valentine gift.

Modern Love Herbs

Herbs have romantic meanings, and can bring a romantic touch to your Valentine's Day. Combine any of these special Love Herbs to tell the story of your love and devotion and enjoy an Herbal Valentine!

1. Basil 

Basil, with it's spicy scent, has meaning in the language of love. It's very meaning is LOVE.  Try this spicy sweet cocktail made with Lemon Basil:

Lemon Basil

Lemon Basil Tequila Cocktail
1 serving

2 parts Tequila
1 part premium Triple Sec
1/2 lemon
6 lemon basil leaves
1/2 part simple syrup
Club soda

Muddle lemon, basil and simple syrup in a chilled glass. Add ice, triple sec and tequila. Top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
makes approximately 1 1/2 cups

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Allow mixture to cool, then decant into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

2. Calendula

According to the language of herbs, Calendula means JOY. What a lovely thing to say to your beloved. Add calendula to your teas of course, but how about a soothing treatment to make your skin shiny and soft for you special someone?

Special Calendula Facial

Petals of 2 calendula flowers (about 2 Tbls.)

2 Tbls. instant non-fat dry milk

1/3 c. boiling water

Combine the milk and flowers in the water and allow to steep for 5 to 7 minutes.  Remove herbs and use the mixture to wipe face or soak a cloth in the liquid and lay over face and relax for 5 minutes to let the calendula soften the skin and bring back a rosey complexion.

3. Thyme 

According to the language of herbs, Thyme brings with it the meaning of AFFECTION. Perfect for young love or deep friendship. What better way to express your devotion to someone, than to include a sprig of thyme in their Valentine?

Or you can try this thyme seasoned Red Soup –

Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

2 ¼ pounds tomatoes, halved lengthwise

2 large red bell peppers, seeded and quartered

1 onion, cut into thick slices

4 large garlic cloves, peeled

2 Tbls. olive oil

1 tsp. fresh, ½ tsp. dried thyme

water

Preheat over to 450 degrees.  Arrange tomatoes (cut side up) bell peppers, onion, and garlic cloves on a large baking sheet.  Drizzle oil over, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.  Roast vegetables until brown and tender, turning peppers and onion occasionally about 40 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Cool.

Transfer vegetables and accumulated juices to food processor and all thyme.  Puree soup, gradually adding about 2 cups of water to thin soup to desired consistency.  Chill until cold, about 3 hours.  Can be prepared 1 day ahead.  Cover and keep refrigerated.  If soup becomes too thick, thin with water to desired consistency.  Serves 4.

4. Patchouli

The heady scent of Patchouli is not surprisingly included in a list of romance herbs. According to the Language of Herbs, Patchouli means PASSION. Associated with love, wealth, and sexual power, patchouli can be used in incense blends, potpourri, and ritual workings. To use patchouli to it's fullest extent, tuck some dried into small sleep pillows, or sachets. The rich, lusty scent, will entice your love to feel romantic.

Blessing Oil

Use 1/8 Cup base oil (like almond oil, walnut oil or even canola oil),

    then add the following:

5 drops Sandalwood

2 drops Camphor

1 drop Orange

1 drop Patchouli

5. Lavender (lavender sachet photo)

In the Language of Love, Lavender means DEVOTION and UNDYING LOVE. It is no surprise that lavender has always been considered the herb of love. It's delicious and romantic scent is loved by most of us.  Make a sachet and place it in the dryer with your bed sheets to infuse them in wonderful scent.

Or try one of these wonderful lavender creations:

Lavender Aioli

1 cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, unpeeled and crushed

2 fresh sprigs lavender (leaves and flowers), bruised

3 eggs

1 Tbls. lemon juice

In a small saucepan, gently heat the oil with the garlic and lavender over low heat for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat just before it starts to bubble.  Allow to cool to room temperature.  With a sieve over a small bowl, strain the lavender oil, pressing with a spoon to extract soft solids from the garlic and lavender.  Discard herbs. 

In a food processor or blender, process the eggs and lemon juice until well blended.  With the motor running, add the lavender oil a few drops at a time, then in a thin, steady stream until all the oil is absorbed and the mixture is thickened.  Season to taste with salt and black pepper.  Refrigerate for up to 2 days or use immediately.  Aioli thickens on chilling.

Great on sandwiches, as a spread on toast and stirred into steamed vegetables.

Soothing Oat Bath

2 cups rolled oats, ground to a fine powder in the blender

1 cup baking soda

1 Tbls. dried Lavender buds

10 drops lavender essential oil

Grind 2 cups rolled oats to a fine powder in a blender then add baking soda, lavender flowers and lavender oil.  Add 1 to 2 Tbls. to a muslin bag and place in the bathtub while it is filling.  Squeeze the bag and relax into the water with your sweetie!