Sex is a powerful thing; some may even call it magic. So if you're looking to spice things up in the bedroom, what better way than to whip up some mystical DIYs? Semra Haksever, author of Love Spells [1] (£10), can attest to this. She knows all there is to know about crystals that might aid healing [2] and spiritual baths that cleanse [3]. Following the success of her first book, Everyday Magic: Rituals, Spells and Potions to Live Your Best Life, she is now honing in on the one thing that keeps us all ticking — love — with a ploy to make it even more potent.
Semra's concoctions promise to brew up "a new world of eroticism" as they set the mood, help to carry away inhibitions, and fill the remaining space "an abundance of confidence to relax."
We have access to three recipes from the book which will get you in the mood for the best sex ever. If you're still reeling from that sexy Harry Potter photo shoot [4] or you've been meaning to christen your mortar and pestle, keep reading for all you need to DIY [5] a steamy seduction potion, a mood-setting sex smoke, and lover's massage oil.
Seduction Potion
For two cups, you will need:
2 pinches of dried rose petals
2 crushed cardamom pods (soaked overnight)
2 teaspoons loose leaf damiana tea
2 pinches ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons honey
Drink this tea to set the mood. This brew makes enough for one cup for each person.
1. Add the rose petals, cardamom pods, damiana and cinnamon to a teapot and pour over boiling water, then allow the potion to steep for at least 10 minutes.
2. Strain into a cup and stir in the honey just before drinking.
Sex Smoke
For sex smoke, you will need:
Pinch of orris root powder
½ pinch of red clover
Pinch of sandalwood chips
Mortar and pestle
7 drops of vanilla essential oil
Hot charcoal disc and heatproof dish
Candles, to light around the room
Allow the smoke to create a relaxing atmosphere that might help carry your inhibitions away.
1. Blend the orris root powder, red clover and sandalwood chips using a mortar and pestle.
Once blended, add the vanilla essential oil.
2. Light a charcoal disc in a heatproof dish and add the mixture.
3. Have the room lit with candles alongside the burning incense.
Lovers' Massage Oil
For 50ml, you will need:
50 ml (2 fl oz/scant ¼ cup) almond oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
10 drops of jasmine essential oil
3 drops of patchouli essential oil
3 drops of cardamom essential oil
3 drops of rose essential oil
glass jar or bottle
Use this to massage your partner and help awaken your senses.
1. Add all of the ingredients to a jar or bottle and shake gently to blend. Store in the jar or bottle and use for sensual massages.
Find more seductive recipes in Love Spells [6] (£10) by Semra Haksever.