For many neurodivergent folks, balancing the nervous system between hyper and hypo arousal can be a challenge. Getting overstimulated is very common, and can lead to shutdown and hypo (or under) arousal in the nervous system. Folks can also overcorrect in trying to get out of a hypo-arousal state and then become overstimulated. I believe in the potential for aphrodisiac herbs to be supportive outside the bedroom, and specifically for this nervous system pattern.
First off, what is an herbal aphrodisiac? They aren’t love potions or an herbal version of sexual enhancement drugs.. Aphrodisiacs tend to have several functions in the body that can help us be in an optimal state to give and receive different kinds of pleasure. Often, they are warming, circulatory stimulants, helping to move blood flow to extremities and the pelvis. They can also support the adrenal system, help one enter a meditative state, enhance physical sensations, and, what I think is one of the most interesting and applicable potential supports to neurodivergent folks—they often have a dual stimulating and relaxing action on the nervous system.
Last year, I received two pieces of information that have led me to believe that aphrodisiac herbs might be an untapped support for neurodivergent folks. The first was that after getting an AuDHD diagnosis, I learned that my nervous system is consistently flipping between over and understimulation. And that, rather than only relaxing my nervous system, I need to find things that stimulate and relax my nervous system in order to find equilibrium. For years, I’d been facing this, but didn't have the language for it. This experience is very common for many neurodivergent folks and can sometimes appear as anxiety and depression.
The second insight I received through my concurrent interests of herbal aphrodisiacs, sexuality and herbalism, and also supporting my neurodivergent brain with herbs is that there is a lot of crossover in herbs recommended for supporting common struggles of neurodivergent folks and herbs that support libido.For example, hawthorn, lemon balm, and ginkgo are all herbs that are commonly recommended for both cases.
I then thought about my own affinity for damiana, as well as other herbs that are labeled “aphrodisiacs”, and how often they find their way into herbal formulas I make for myself. While the herbs that work as an aphrodisiac varies from person to person, many of the herbs I keep coming back to for nervous system regulation include:
Apart from specific herbs, herbal rituals that are commonly recommended for enhancing desire and connection are also some of my go-tos for settling my nervous system. For example: body oiling, herbal or salt baths, spending time making a delicious meal or treat that incorporates herbs, and essential oil perfume rollers. Many neurodivergent folks, myself included, struggle with feeling disconnected from our bodies. There are many reasons for this, including high levels of masking and shame that cause us to always override the signals of our bodies, as well as living with intense stress or pain that causes us to dissociate. Working with these kinds of herbal rituals offers us the chance to not only benefit from the physiological actions of plants, but also find more connection and ease within our bodies.
Aphrodisiac herbs and rituals are potent, healing, and have the potential to be essential supports for neurodivergent folks seeking regulation and reconnection.
Topics: Herbalism, Herbalist Corner
Brynna Herbener is a Tarot reader and herbalist at Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is highly sensitive, Autistic, and has ADHD. Her focuses in herbalism include ancestral healing + herbal practices, neurodivergence, sexuality, herbal mythology, flower essences, and plant spirit medicine. Brynna offers general Tarot readings as well as Mystic Adornment Tarot readings. Mystic Adornment readings blend Tarot with Brynna’s passion for personal style and college background in Fashion Design.
For many neurodivergent folks, balancing the nervous system between hyper and hypo arousal can be a challenge. Getting overstimulated is very common, and can lead to shutdown and hypo (or under) arousal in the nervous system. Folks can also overcorrect in trying to get out of a hypo-arousal state and then become overstimulated. I believe in the potential for aphrodisiac herbs to be supportive outside the bedroom, and specifically for this nervous system pattern.
First off, what is an herbal aphrodisiac? They aren’t love potions or an herbal version of sexual enhancement drugs.. Aphrodisiacs tend to have several functions in the body that can help us be in an optimal state to give and receive different kinds of pleasure. Often, they are warming, circulatory stimulants, helping to move blood flow to extremities and the pelvis. They can also support the adrenal system, help one enter a meditative state, enhance physical sensations, and, what I think is one of the most interesting and applicable potential supports to neurodivergent folks—they often have a dual stimulating and relaxing action on the nervous system.
Last year, I received two pieces of information that have led me to believe that aphrodisiac herbs might be an untapped support for neurodivergent folks. The first was that after getting an AuDHD diagnosis, I learned that my nervous system is consistently flipping between over and understimulation. And that, rather than only relaxing my nervous system, I need to find things that stimulate and relax my nervous system in order to find equilibrium. For years, I’d been facing this, but didn't have the language for it. This experience is very common for many neurodivergent folks and can sometimes appear as anxiety and depression.
The second insight I received through my concurrent interests of herbal aphrodisiacs, sexuality and herbalism, and also supporting my neurodivergent brain with herbs is that there is a lot of crossover in herbs recommended for supporting common struggles of neurodivergent folks and herbs that support libido.For example, hawthorn, lemon balm, and ginkgo are all herbs that are commonly recommended for both cases.
I then thought about my own affinity for damiana, as well as other herbs that are labeled “aphrodisiacs”, and how often they find their way into herbal formulas I make for myself. While the herbs that work as an aphrodisiac varies from person to person, many of the herbs I keep coming back to for nervous system regulation include:
Apart from specific herbs, herbal rituals that are commonly recommended for enhancing desire and connection are also some of my go-tos for settling my nervous system. For example: body oiling, herbal or salt baths, spending time making a delicious meal or treat that incorporates herbs, and essential oil perfume rollers. Many neurodivergent folks, myself included, struggle with feeling disconnected from our bodies. There are many reasons for this, including high levels of masking and shame that cause us to always override the signals of our bodies, as well as living with intense stress or pain that causes us to dissociate. Working with these kinds of herbal rituals offers us the chance to not only benefit from the physiological actions of plants, but also find more connection and ease within our bodies.
Aphrodisiac herbs and rituals are potent, healing, and have the potential to be essential supports for neurodivergent folks seeking regulation and reconnection.
Topics: Herbalism, Herbalist Corner
Brynna Herbener is a Tarot reader and herbalist at Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is highly sensitive, Autistic, and has ADHD. Her focuses in herbalism include ancestral healing + herbal practices, neurodivergence, sexuality, herbal mythology, flower essences, and plant spirit medicine. Brynna offers general Tarot readings as well as Mystic Adornment Tarot readings. Mystic Adornment readings blend Tarot with Brynna’s passion for personal style and college background in Fashion Design.
