Wildrose Aphrodisiac Tonic
by Sierra Zuppan

Ingredients

3 cups milk or nut milk
¼ cup of dried organic rose buds
1 Tbsp organic cacao powder
½  tsp ashwaganda powder
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Pinch of cinnamon to taste

Directions

Warm 3 cups of organic milk or nut milk on the stove until gently boiling
Add rose buds to the pot, stir and remove from heat
Steep the rose buds in the milk for 10 minutes
Strain the rose and discard the debris
Warm rose infused milk on low
Whisk cacao, ashwagandha, maca, and honey into the rose milk
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a lovely garnish
Allow to cool to desirable temperature and enjoy with someone you love

Notes
This nourishing elixir uses rose, a great heart opener that is known in Ayurveda for its action on the sukra dhatu (reproductive tissue), which ‘enhances sexual desire and fertility’ (Pole, 2013).  Ashwagandha and Maca are great for libido, sperm production and motility. Cacao is highly antioxidant and contains constituents that increase our endorphins. Enjoy this lovely tonic with a loved one as you cozy up in the cold winter months.

References
Pole, S. (2013). Ayurvedic Medicine: the principles of traditional practice (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Singing Dragon.