Love is in the air! …and in your raised beds. As Valentine’s Day nears, we’re thinking about sharing the love with those around us and self-care. Flowers are a very popular gift, but have you ever considered the other plants in your Growing Dome and some of the less obvious ways they support health and well-being? Nutrition is usually a given. Colors and smells stimulate the senses. For February, I’m thinking about libido and heart health.
I’ve rounded up some of our favorite plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs or to support cardiovascular health. Remember to always consult your healthcare professional when making changes to your diet, especially for the use of herbs or supplements and how they may interact with medications.
Love Herbs
Aphrodisiacs named for the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, are foods, drinks, or potions that are purported to enhance sexual desire or performance. The concept has been around since man and woman were created, and you will find no shortage on the internet of tonics, pills, or devices claiming to help. Today, we’re looking at a few plants that you may have never thought were considered aphrodisiacs.
Lavender
Lavender, our featured plant of the month, offers over 450 varieties and counting. Most people are familiar with its scent, which they find pleasing and uplifting. It also attracts pollinators. Even if lavender doesn’t put you in the mood, its calming and relaxing qualities can set the stage for a romantic evening. Are you solo and not looking to change that? You could show yourself some love by incorporating dome-grown lavender into homemade soap or baking a special cake.
Rosemary
Rosemary a native of the Mediterranean thrives in the Growing Dome environment. Rosemary has been seen as a symbol of love, fidelity or loyalty, and remembrance. In medieval times everyone from the bride to the guests might wear a decorative sprig, and the couple would plant a rosemary bush to ensure happiness in their marriage.
Basil
Basil, rosemary, and lavender are all members of the mint family. We love basil because of its flavor and as a companion plant for effective organic pest control. Basil’s scent and its ability to increase blood flow have earned it a reputation as an aphrodisiac. In ancient Rome, basil was seen as a symbol of love. Many traditional medicine practitioners have used basil to treat a variety of ailments, including reproductive issues.
Saffron
This beautiful purple crocus grows and blooms readily when planted in fall in the Growing Dome. It is the tiny stigma of the flowers that are used in recipes—usually to flavor rice, and it takes many to yield a notable harvest. The fact that it requires hand-harvesting and because of its tiny size makes it an extremely valuable crop. Saffron threads have also been used for dye and in perfumes. Some studies have shown promise in the use of saffron as an aphrodisiac for both men and women, especially for those taking antidepressants, although further research is needed. It has also been studied for its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Fennel
While you may like fennel, it is considered an allelopathic plant that other plants might not like and care should be taken when planting it in your greenhouse. See our handy guide for fennel growing tips. The phytoestrogens found in fennel are plant chemicals that mimic estrogen, the female sex hormone. They may even reduce menopausal symptoms.
Heart Health
February is American Heart Health Month, first proclaimed in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson to raise awareness about how to protect your heart. Heart disease is still considered the number one cause of death in the US. One of the first preventatives mentioned is eating a healthy diet, which the American Heart Association highlights as eating more color. Here, I’ll focus on a couple of plants you’re probably already growing in your garden that can support cardiovascular health.
Beets
Beets like cooler temperatures and do best in the greenhouse when planted in the fall or spring. Beets are full of nitrates which have been shown to possibly lower blood pressure and increase blood flow. More specifically, a recent study indicates the regular consumption of beet juice may improve blood vessel function in menopausal women, lowering their risk of heart attacks.
Garlic
We mostly recommend planting garlic outside of your dome to save that precious space and because it is usually a deer-resistant crop. Hardneck varieties also require prolonged exposure to cold temperatures to properly develop their bulbs. While garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, this has been in studies using garlic supplements and your doctor may not recommend the use of garlic supplements. These same doctors won’t discourage you from including a reasonable amount of garlic in your diet, especially if it means you eat more vegetables which is part of a heart-healthy diet.
Tomatoes
Also known as love apples tomatoes make great vertical elements in the Growing Dome when caged or trellised. Read more about the best place to grow tomatoes in your greenhouse, pruning, and fertilizing. The antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes is associated with the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Gardening is often seen as a labor of love because it is hard work. For gardeners like myself, there is nothing more rewarding than when you get to harvest and eat that homegrown tomato or carrot. It will be the most flavorful fruit or vegetable you will ever eat and it is full of the love and energy you put into growing it.
Our Growing Domes make the work easier and more enjoyable by extending the season and protecting your endeavors from threats like wind, hail, deer, and rodents. Let’s celebrate this Valentine’s Day by growing something new for those you love.
