February 4, 2024

5 Must-Try Ingredients to Ignite Passion and Sexual Intimacy

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On Valentine's Day, there is no shortage of foods for sex and love. From dark chocolate to cannabis, you have more than a few options to help you increase intimacy, set a relaxed vibe, and possibly spark up a sizzling new romance.

So, why not stock your romantic pantry with natural ingredients to set the mood, calm pre-date jitters, and encourage slower, more tender moments between the sheets? Here are a few ideas to help sprinkle extra love into your plans this Valentine's Day.

5 Natural Ingredients for Sex, Intimacy, and Deep Connections

Humans have been hunting for aphrodisiacs for as long as we've been falling in love. But the truth is, modern scientific studies have found "no evidence" that any single food or ingredient increases our arousal or desire.

Truthfully, oysters, strawberries, and other so-called aphrodisiacs are more marketing hype than evidence-based. But that doesn't mean there aren't natural ingredients for sex with relaxing, calming, and mood-boosting qualities— elements that are arguably just as important for an intimate evening as an enhanced libido.

So, this Valentine's Day, skip the quote-on-quote aphrodisiacs and try curating a real connection with a menu designed around mood, deeper connection, and relaxation.

1. Dark Chocolate

No other ingredient is as closely linked to romance and passion as dark chocolate. But is chocolate an aphrodisiac?

Not as you might expect. Chocolate doesn't directly improve libido like all the V-day sales pitches tell us.

Instead, research research that this sweet, earthy, and subtly bitter ingredient contains mood-enhancing properties. For example, chocolate contains anandamide, a type of endocannabinoid, as well as serotonin, endorphins, and tyrosine, which is a precursor to dopamine. In other words, this delicious, natural ingredient is full of feel-good hormones.

Additionally, the polyphenols and flavonoids in cocoa can also promote a sense of calmness and contentedness, all of which can positively impact date night. So, dark chocolate acts as more of a precursor to romance, because it's no secret that mood has a serious impact on libido and arousal.

So, while dark chocolate does not have the power to make us fall in love, it may come with mood-boosting and relaxing qualities that can subtly make us more receptive to it. After a nibble of our Raspberry Jelly Dark Chocolate Bites, which come with an added dash of THC and CBD to calm your nerves, you may feel a little closer to love.

A bonus ingredient comes packed into our Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares, These treats contain a dose of calmness from the dark chocolate and CBD, but let's not forget about the peanuts. Peanuts contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that acts as a vasodilator. In other words, it can increase blood flow and circulation. While still in the early phases of the study, there is some suggestion that high servings of l-arginine could boost sexual function.

2. Terpenes

Blend of terpenes with zesty lemon, grapefruit, and pine scents; sourced from cannabis buds and leaves

Terpenes, the deliciously aromatic compounds produced by fruits, herbs, cannabis, and other botanicals, can also help create a more romantic mood. But, with more than 20,000 known terpenes (including 200 discovered in cannabis alone), where do you even start?

You could try linalool, a terpene found in lavender, which studies have determined has truly relaxing properties. Or why not limonene (a common terpene found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit)? Research suggests it can increase dopamine levels and reduce stress.

The beauty of terpenes lies in their versatility and ease of use. You could set the mood by adding a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or choosing foods and herbs rich in these specific aromatic properties before V-day.

3. Kava

All the way from the South Pacific comes another passionate option: kava. Kava is a gentle, mildly euphoric ingredient that can come with a few other pleasurable side effects. For starters, researchers have discovered that kava "significantly" helps increase sex drive for females (with no adverse effects for males). There is also evidence that kava improves sexual function and performance.

Like many of the other ingredients on our list, kava's sexy side effects may actually stem from its relaxing and stress-relieving qualities rather than any direct impact on our libido. Kava's ability to encourage social connection and chattiness may also have lingering benefits.

Whatever the scientific mechanism for kava's effects, you'll want to have our Kava and THC Dark Chocolate Bar ready to share with your lover this Valentine's Day.

4. Cannabis

As many cannabis lovers will tell you, this plant can have a profound impact on intimacy and connection. Typically, cannabis has relaxing effects, which can help set the mood, but it also seems to enhance the big moment as well.

According to recent scientific investigations, cannabis increases "the chances and duration of foreplay." It may also increase the duration and satisfaction of orgasms. Researchers have found cannabis boosts sensuality, which in turn improves sexual satisfaction.

Perhaps most profoundly, "Cannabis use before sex has been associated with more tender, slower, and compassionate sexual acts."

The key to cannabis' sexual prowess lies in the amount consumed, especially when it comes to THC. A little THC goes a long way in the bedroom — but too much could have the opposite effect. Consider a smaller serving to avoid getting too relaxed and ending the night early.

5. Ashwagandha and Adaptogens

Ashwagandha / Aswaganda OR Indian Ginseng.Ayurveda medicine. stem and powder form.

Complete your love-infused picnic basket by tossing in a few adaptogens known for relaxation, stress relief, and clarity.

First, one of the most potent adaptogenic weapons to keep in your arsenal is ashwagandha, a traditional significant Ayurvedic herb. Evidence shows that ashwagandha reduces stress, increases mental clarity, and may even increase athletic performance (aka stamina). Its effects on sexual function seem to be observed especially among women, according to a recent study.

Plus, when it comes wrapped up in our Kava and Ashwagandha Dark Chocolate Bar, you'll also reap the social connectivity from kava and the contentment from dark chocolate.

Foods for Romance: Designing a Menu to Set the Mood

Couple in love celebrating Valentine's day having dinner at home, kissing, view through the window

Valentine's Day is intimately associated with foods touted for their romance powers, and inevitably, these supposed natural aphrodisiacs pop up everywhere this time of year. Yet, the real power of these natural ingredients lies not in their mythical aphrodisiac qualities but in their ability to create a relaxing, intimate atmosphere that fosters powerfully deep connections.

For a truly memorable Valentine's Day this year, try creating a genuine connection with a menu centered on mood, intimacy, and relaxation rather than strictly just libido.

Until next time, happy romancing, and mind your mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.