For centuries, people around the world have searched for natural ways to awaken desire.
Aphrodisiacs — herbs, roots, spices and even drinks — played a central role in love rituals from the Andes to the palaces of Asia.
Today, many of these ancient ingredients still inspire our modern romance rituals.

Maca from the Andes: The Incan Root of Vitality

In the high Andes of Peru, maca root was prized by the Inca for energy, stamina and fertility.
Warriors consumed dried maca to boost vitality before battle — and it soon became linked to passion and desire.
Modern science recognises maca for supporting energy and hormonal balance, making it a popular natural aphrodisiac ingredient today.

Ginseng in Asia: The Tonic of Life

In China and Korea, ginseng has been used for more than 2,000 years as a restorative herb.
Traditional medicine celebrated the root’s unique shape and believed it to strengthen “life force,” helping both body and spirit.
Ginseng teas and elixirs are still valued for supporting circulation, energy and libido.

Cacao Among the Maya and Aztecs: The Heart-Opener

Long before chocolate bars existed, cacao was prepared by the Maya and Aztecs as a bitter, spiced drink served in sacred ceremonies.
Rich in theobromine, a natural mood-elevating compound, cacao was believed to open the heart and ignite pleasure.
Even today, high-cacao dark chocolate is enjoyed worldwide as a sensual treat.

Rituals, Sensory Pleasure and Desire

Across cultures, aphrodisiacs were rarely just about the ingredients — they were rituals of anticipation.
Cleopatra’s rose-scented baths, Mediterranean figs dipped in honey, and fragrant herbs in love potions all combined scent, flavour and texture to heighten the senses.

“Aphrodisiacs worked less as magic potions and more as shared rituals — creating a mindset of connection and anticipation.”
— Dr. Livia Costa, cultural historian of food & intimacy

From Ancient Folklore to Modern Wellness

Today, the same ingredients appear in teas, chocolates, oils and wellness supplements.
Rather than mythical elixirs, they now serve as self-care rituals that invite us to slow down, savour and connect — alone or with a partner.

Rekindle the Ancient Spark

Exploring aphrodisiacs can be as simple as turning a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate into a mindful moment of pleasure.
They remind us that intimacy often begins with curiosity, ritual, and the senses — ideas as timeless as the ingredients themselves.

Want to bring a touch of history into your own rituals?
Discover our curated Intimacy & Aphrodisiac Collection to explore products inspired by these ancient traditions.