The love treatise, Kamasutra, in its last chapter, talks of aphrodisiacs—foods and scents that make you seem more attractive to your partner. The added bonus here is, depending on how you use them, some of these substances can literally make you more attractive, by helping you glow from the inside as well as on the outside. So, as you prep for your big Valentine’s date, we’ve got you the lowdown on some of these love potions that you can add to your plate or include in your beauty regime, tonight and forever more, to add that extra radiance to your life, especially when it comes to love!

Our favorite aphrodisiac foods and scents

1) Indian Jasmine

The oomph factor

The sweet scent of the jasmine is considered the most potent of aphrodisiacs, attractive to others as well as to the person wearing it. When the courtesans of medieval India came to dance and lure, it is said the entire court would be strewn with jasmine flowers. The men vying for the courtesan’s attention would tie strings of jasmine around their wrists to give their own confidence a boost. Temple dancers, in the traditions of Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kuchipudi (various dance practices), wrap their hair in jasmine, to please the gods. Even today, adorning the hair with gajra or mallipoo, as a string of jasmine buds may be called in different parts of India, is an important part of getting dressed, for many Indian women. The heady fragrance is said to make them feel more appealing.

The glow giver

Jasmine is rich in flavonoids, which helps combat oxidative stress. The presence of benzoic acid and benzyl benzoate gives it antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which helps heal wounds, fight off infection and treat acne. The oil is also great for dry and mature skin as it calms the skin and boosts collagen production, keeping your skin’s elasticity intact. It can even help treat scars and stretch marks and can soothe itchy, irritated skin.

The amaiaa touch

The atma oil has Indian Jasmine as an active ingredient. Before you put on your makeup, prep your skin with atma oil, it makes for the best primer.

2) Rose

The oomph factor

The heady fragrance of rose can make you light-headed for a fun, flirty night out. In India, traditionally, the bridal bed is showered with rose petals. The bride’s hair, too, is often adorned with roses, to make her scent even more striking. The groom is often given a rose-flavored drink, too. The scent of the rose helps you relax and destress, which is just what you need when you’re heading out on a date!

The glow giver

Rose has been used as a beauty potion in the form of petals, rose water and oil, for centuries. It works well for all skin types and helps control your pH levels. Its antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for those with sensitive skin or any skin-related issues, including dermatitis, eczema and scalp infections.

The amaiaa touch

The atma oil have rose as an active ingredient, which makes it an excellent moisturiser, irrespective of your skin type. Apply atma oil for that natural glow to have you ready for your date.

3) Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

The oomph factor

A popular ancient remedy, ashwagandha is a botanical extract (read herb), which is said to give strength and vitality. The ashwagandha herb is known to have unparalleled rejuvenating properties, making it the ultimate stress buster. We all want to take the edge off before the big date, don’t we?

The glow giver

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen—when consumed or applied often enough, it helps your skin adapt to stressors without your skin getting stressed. In Ayurveda, this is called Psychodermatology, or the mind-skin connection. What that translates to is when you’re emotionally happy and sound, your skin will be happy and healthy, too, but when you’re stressed, you’ll experience a host of beauty woes, from acne to hairfall. A calming agent, ashwagandha works with your adrenal gland to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, in your body, thereby improving skin quality, and reducing your likelihood of developing rashes, skin allergies and hives. It also helps control oil secretion.

The amaiaa touch

Ashwagandha can be consumed as a food supplement, or may be applied as a face pack. Mix a little bit of ashwagandha powder with the atma facial oil and apply to your face. Let dry for 10 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Do not use soap. Apply just a drop or two of saya facial oil and leave overnight.

4) Saffron

The oomph factor

Saffron is the most popular aphrodisiac mentioned in the Kamasutra, a favorite of Vatsyayana, who authored the treatise. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in milk that had saffron added to it, to make herself even more attractive. Even today, in India, saffron is often added to the bride’s bath and grooms are given milk with saffron before they head to the bridal chambers. Its soothing effect is what is said to do the trick.

The glow giver

Saffron is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and even electrolytes, and has remarkable skin-healing properties. It improves skin texture, helps you glow more and heals scars and wounds. Applying saffron to your skin gives you instantly even skin tone. It also repairs your hair follicles, preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.

The amaiaa touch

Saffron can be easily mixed into a base and applied on to your skin, for brighter, more even skin. If you’re heading to a lunch date, add two-three strands of saffron to the atma oil, and if you’re headed out in the evening, add the same to the saya oil.

5) Shatavari (Asparagus)

The oomph factor

The Kamasutra recommends consuming a shatavari paste ahead of a big night. Asparagus is said to lower the ammonia levels in your body, making you feel lighter, brighter, less fatigued, and in the mood to get busy. Besides, when you’re in a good mood, you’re more attentive, and isn’t that what makes for a great date!

The glow giver

Just six spears of asparagus are enough to meet 25% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A. The active ingredient in most anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle products, vitamin A helps protect and repair your epidermis, protecting it against sun damage and reducing the production of sebum. It is also rich in antioxidants, phenolics and flavonoids, which help the combat oxidative damage that leads to fine lines, wrinkles and greys. The vitamin C also helps clear up blemishes and pigmentation as well as boosts collagen production.

The amaiaa touch

An asparagus sheet mask will help give you an instant glow. Follow it up with a quick massage with the saya oil to keep that glow lasting longer.

6) Fenugreek (Methi)

The oomph factor

Fenugreek seeds contain a phytoestrogen that, according to Ayurveda, helps in the synthesis of oestrogen and testosterone. According to research, men as well as women who were given 600mg of fenugreek on a daily basis, for 6 weeks, experienced a remarkable increase in attraction.

The glow giver

The diosgenin present in fenugreek seeds has anti-inflammatory properties and is excellent for treating acne as well as acne scars. These seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals, which damage the skin and cause fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. They’re also rich in proteins, which help your hair grow stronger and smoother.

The amaiaa touch

Make a face pack with fenugreek seed powder and yoghurt, and apply. Once the pack has dried, wash off with lukewarm water and apply a few drops of our atma oil.

We hope these tips are helpful in preparing you for the big date.

Find that natural glamour inside out!

Inner radiance is the road to elegance!

Happy Valentine’s Day!