10 Magical Herbs to Enhance Love and Romance

Love has always been tied to the natural world. For as long as we’ve gathered herbs, we’ve turned to them for matters of the heart—whether it’s deepening a connection with a beloved, calling in new romance, or simply softening into more love for ourselves.

I’ve worked with all of these herbs over the years in one way or another—some in teas, some in baths, some tucked into charm bags or simmered into honey. Each carries its own kind of love magic, from fiery passion to quiet devotion. Here are ten of my favorite plant allies for weaving a little enchantment into the heart space.

1. Rose
The quintessential herb of love. Roses don’t just symbolize romance—they open the heart, soften grief, and invite tenderness. I think of rose as a teacher of both vulnerability and strength.

Use it: Sprinkle petals on your bed or altar, stir them into honey, or brew a simple rose tea for a quiet evening of connection.

2. Lavender
Lavender is the herb I reach for when love needs to feel safe. It calms the nervous system, clears emotional clutter, and invites trust—something essential to intimacy.

Use it: Add lavender buds to bath salts, make a soothing sachet for under your pillow, or infuse into oil for massage or anointing.

3. Basil
Spicy, sweet, and full of life—basil is a love herb with energy. It’s been used traditionally to draw love, stir passion, and promote harmony in the home.

Use it: Add fresh basil to meals shared with a partner, plant it in your kitchen garden, or use the leaves in a charm bag to attract loving energy.

4. Cinnamon
This is the herb I call on when I want to add some spark. Cinnamon heats things up—not just physically, but energetically. It’s the spice of desire, movement, and playful attraction.

Use it: Sprinkle on toast or desserts, stir into tea or cider, or burn cinnamon incense to create a warm and passionate atmosphere.

5. Vanilla
Sweet, grounding, and sensual, vanilla is more than a kitchen flavor—it’s a comfort herb that invites closeness and emotional bonding.

Use it: Add vanilla extract to baked goods, infuse into oil or sugar, or light a vanilla-scented candle during a quiet evening at home.

6. Damiana
Traditionally known as an aphrodisiac, damiana helps soften the mind and awaken the senses. I think of it as a boundary-melter—it invites intimacy and curiosity without force.

Use it: Brew a damiana tea to share with your partner or include it in a herbal smoking blend for gentle relaxation.

7. Jasmine
Jasmine is the scent of moonlit romance. It brings a sense of spiritual connection to love work and helps deepen emotional intimacy.

Use it: Infuse oil with jasmine for massage or anointing, place fresh flowers near your bed, or use in ritual baths for beauty and allure.

8. Yarrow
This is one of my most beloved herbs—known for protection, healing, and love. Yarrow helps hold emotional boundaries while still allowing connection. It’s the herb I use when love needs both strength and softness.

Use it: Add yarrow to a love bath or protective charm, or dry and hang near your bedroom to invite lasting partnership.

9. Hibiscus
Bright, bold, and full of life, hibiscus brings energy and sensuality into love work. It’s especially helpful when you want to feel radiant and desirable.

Use it: Brew into a tart, ruby-red tea to share with someone special or include dried hibiscus petals in spellwork for attraction.

10. Rosemary
A sacred herb of memory and devotion, rosemary is often used in handfastings and rituals of commitment. It brings clarity, loyalty, and long-term connection.

Use it: Cook with rosemary for someone you love, burn it as incense to honor a relationship, or tuck sprigs into a charm bag with rose and lavender for lasting bonds.

A Few Tips for Working with Love Herbs

• Set a Clear Intention – Whether you’re sipping tea or building an altar, make sure you know what you’re calling in. Self-love? Passion? Healing? Be honest with yourself.

• Create Ritual Space – Adding herbs to a bath or meal becomes magical when done with awareness. Light a candle. Say a few words. Make it sacred.

• Pair with Crystals – Rose quartz, garnet, moonstone, and rhodonite all pair beautifully with love herbs for rituals, grids, or charms.

• Respect Free Will – Always. Love magic should never be about controlling or manipulating someone else. Call in what aligns with mutual desire and trust that the right energy will meet you.

Love is many things—it’s laughter, devotion, sensuality, play, healing. Herbs help us tap into all of those layers with care, with beauty, and with magic.

However you’re working with love right now—whether you’re deepening a bond, calling in romance, or tending your own heart—I hope these plants offer support, softness, and a little bit of enchantment along the way.