Seven Plants for Love

Whether you're looking for a herbal companion to boost self-confidence, melt away a tense mind or body, or want to dabble in some potent love potions, here are seven beautiful plants for bringing about more love, joy, and compassion. Which one catches your eye?

Jump to: Rose ꩜ Hawthorn ꩜ Hibiscus ꩜ Lavender ꩜ Lemon Balm ꩜ Clary Sage ꩜ Cardamom

ROSE

The quintessential flower of love, beauty and eternity, rose is the most revered ancient remedy for the skin. Rich in Vitamin C and essential fatty acids, it is toning and nourishing - calming the complexion and boosting radiance.

Rosehips are bright red jewels packed with antioxidants, enhancing immunity throughout the winter months.

Rose is a tonic for the heart, can soothe menstrual discomfort and improve digestion due to its anti-inflammatory and circulation-promoting properties.

Rose is calming, soothing and gently uplifts the spirit. Elegant, sensual and bewitching - a classic for a reason.

Uses: Rose water, tea, powder, rosehip oil

HAWTHORN

A time-honoured herb renowned for its heart health benefits, working to nourish the cardiovascular system both physically and emotionally.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hawthorn is a Shen tonic - Shen is our ‘spirit’ or ‘mind’, found within our heart and expressed as compassion, kindness and love.

It is a nervine herb that relaxes, strengthens and calms the nervous system. It gently eases one from head-centric states to heart-centred consciousness.

The bitter alkaloids in hawthorn leaves and flowers help the digestive system as well.

Hawthorn reduces restlessness, brings about feelings of joy and self-love, and restores an overall sense of wellbeing.

Uses: Berry / flower / leaf tea, tincture

HIBISCUS

Packed with antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, and naturally high in vitamin E and C, this vibrant tropical plant promotes healthy skin by brightening, smoothing and protecting.

Hibiscus works wonders on the hair too - strengthening and stimulating growth.

Known for supporting cardiovascular health, Hibiscus protects the heart from oxidative stress, and can help lower blood pressure. 

In Ayurveda, Hibiscus is known for its cooling and hydrating properties. It’s sweet, tart flavour makes for a delicious and refreshing infusion in hot weather.

Uses: Hair oil, tea, powder, salt

LAVENDER

Lovely lavender has been used to relax the mind, body and spirit since antiquity. 

Beautifully aromatic, its oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, sedative and detoxifier. It soothes nervous stress, fights insomnia, relieves headaches and irritability, alleviates depression and increases lymph flow. It contains regenerative compounds that help heal eczema, wounds and burns. 

Did you know Casanova used lavender to perfume his stationery, and burnt its stems as incense?

An indispensable oil with numerous uses makes lavender an essential in every home apothecary. 

Uses: Herbal baths, massage oil, hydrolate, hair, powder, sleep spray, dried bud sachets, sweet treats

LEMON BALM

Truly a balm for everything, this delicious mint-relative has been valued as a ‘herbal cure-all’ throughout the ages.

Lemon Balm works particularly well soothing overactive minds, easing headaches and calming any tummy troubles. It is uplifting and fortifying, lending a gentle hand to bring you back to a peaceful and balanced state of mind.

Magically, Lemon Balm is a powerful attractor and believed to aid in the manifestation of love, romance and success!

Best enjoyed as a fragrant cup of fresh tea, this is a versatile and super easy to grow medicinal herb everybody should try.

Uses: Infusion, aromatherapy, skincare, tincture, salads, desserts

CLARY SAGE

A biennial herb cherished for centuries for its sensual fragrance and aromatherapeutic benefits.

Clary Sage essential oil is an incredible stress reliever. Compounds in the oil interact directly with receptors in the brain’s limbic system, inducing a relaxation response. It is a natural sedative used to alleviate tension, fatigue, anxiety, burnout, depression and insomnia.

Studies have proven its ability to support women’s health - balancing hormones and relieving premenstrual and menopausal symptoms.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it safe and soothing for irritated and acne-prone skin.

Uses: Bath / massage oil, diffuser, fresh flower tea

CARDAMOM

Associated with love, lust and desire, cardamom has been heralded since ancient times for its aphrodisiac properties and is a common ingredient in love spells.

Its warm, slightly sweet and invigorating flavour married with its ability to relax the body and clear the mind - you can see why!

Known as the ‘Queen of Spices’ due its medicinal and culinary virtues, cardamom promotes digestion, fights bloating, and boosts immunity.

Uses: Powder, chai, coffee, porridge, stews, baked goods