Have Yourself a Very Venus Valentine’s Day + a Heart-Supportive Rose Chocolate Smoothie

The planet Venus is named after the Roman goddess Venus, commonly referred to as the goddess of love, and also known in Greek tradition as Aphrodite. Valentine’s Day is an opportune time to honor Venus and all that she represents. In the spirit of spontaneity, practically any time of year can be a good time to uplift all things Venutian. The plant kingdom offers many beautiful, aromatic, embodied expressions of Venus/Aphrodite, goddess of love. To learn about plants associated with the planet and goddess Venus, let’s first contemplate what Venus represents. 

Who Is Venus?

According to astrologer Adam Elenbaas of Nightlight Astrology, Venus rules love, beauty, sensuality, desire, friendship, lust, envy, jewelry, and here’s the best part for herb enthusiasts—“the beauty of flowers and nature” (Elenbaas, 2025, para. 19). Furthermore, historians note that love, beauty, sex, fertility, and even victory all fall within Venus’s domain. This goddess of love is said to have been born of sea foam, and for this reason is shown rising from a clam in a number of art works, including the famous Venus by Botticelli (Garcia, 2013). 

So, if we are seeking plants that uplift the qualities of Venus, it only seems fitting to celebrate those plants that enhance beauty, nourish the heart and sexual organs, enliven the senses, and support our capacity to enjoy pleasure. Here are six plants that capture one or more of these Venutian qualities. You may have more to add to this list! 

6 Plants Associated with the Planet Venus

Rose (Rosa spp.) petal

How can we talk of love without mentioning the beloved rose? Roses are a symbol of romance and love across many cultures. Indeed there are as many ways to benefit from and enjoy roses as there are ways to love. From rose tea to rosewater to rose tinctures, and even rose soaps and creams, there are myriad ways to delight in the aromatic, luxurious rose. 

Roses benefit both the physical and emotional heart and herbalists uphold rose petals for uplifting and gladdening the heart and calming stress. Preliminary scientific studies also point to roses as having antianxiety, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, mood-boosting effects (Groves, 2016). 

Also, according to ayurvedic tradition, roses enhance sexual desire and are useful in calming premenstrual syndrome, especially when associated with the heat of excess pitta dosha (Pole, 2013). 

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) fruit

Chocolate, made from cacao, cocoa butter, sugar, and sometimes milk, is, like the rose, a well-known offering of love. In addition to being a sweet treat for you and your sweetie, the cacao in good-quality chocolate boasts a number of heart-supportive benefits. Cacao is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, both of which are immensely beneficial for cardiovascular health. Furthermore, in its pure form, cacao may calm inflammation and reduce oxidative stress—all helpful for the heart (Groves, 2016). 

Given that cacao also gives many of us a little mood boost, consider cacao on your list of Venutian, pleasure-enhancing, heart-supportive plants. Remember that when we talk about heart health, we are talking about more than the physical function of the heart as a crucial blood-pumping, vital organ; the heart is also a pivotal emotional seat. We feel stress, joy, gladness—and of course heartbreak—in the heart. Sadly, though perhaps not surprisingly, losing a loved one makes us more susceptible to a heart attack in the near term, and there are fascinating stories about heart transplant recipients recognizing their organ donor’s family members as their own (Keown, 2014). So, caring for the heart is both a physical and emotional act of love. 

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root 

Though shatavari means “one hundred roots” it is commonly referred to as the “woman who has a hundred husbands.” When you delve into shatavari’s applications and properties, the root’s nickname becomes clear. Shatavari is a popular herb in Ayurveda for addressing an array of hormonal and gynecological issues. This nourishing root, viewed in Ayurveda as a rasayana (deeply tonifying herb) is said to promote fertility, strengthen the health of the uterus, and soothe symptoms related to menopause, such as dryness, irritability, and hot flashes (Pole, 2013). It is also an aphrodisiac and can support hormonal balance, breast milk production, and the overall vitality of the ovo-uterine system at any stage of life (Dass, 2013). For a luxurious and delicious way to enjoy shatavari, check out this recipe, Raspberry Rose Shatavari Chocolate Delights. 

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) aerial parts 

Any list of Venutian plants would not be complete without damiana, a delightful aphrodisiac that bears lovely golden flowers. In addition to being known for supporting libido, damiana may help with both testosterone and progesterone balance. Furthermore, damiana uplifts the mood, making it a win-win when it comes to celebrating Venus! Damiana may be enjoyed as a tincture, tea, capsule, or even liqueur . Why not enhance damiana’s sensual qualities by imbibing it in a tasty vanilla cordial? 

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) flower

Jasmine, that familiar delicate white flower that packs an aromatic punch, is both dainty and hearty; jasmine vines and shrubs are commonly found gracing walkways, delighting passersby with their sweet, floral, unmistakable scent. Jasmine is a fitting herb to honor Venus in that it is an aphrodisiac and also may be used to calm menstrual cramps and to cool skin inflammation (Pole, 2013). Though jasmine green tea is quite prevalent, jasmine flowers can be taken as a stand-alone tea; the flowers can also be made into a tincture or enjoyed as an essential oil or hydrosol—ideal ways to celebrate the aroma and essence of jasmine. 

Saffron (Crocus sativus) stigma 

Saffron, sought after for its highly valued stigma (part of a plant’s female reproductive structure), is a fitting herb to honor Venus in both its form and function. Saffron is a much revered aromatic spice in Asian cooking (think saffron rice), and has both herbal and culinary applications. In Ayurveda, saffron is said to calm excess pitta dosha in the blood and at the same time to help bring on delayed menses (Pole, 2013). It is indicated for painful menstruation and issues of weakness or depletion of the gynecological system. Saffron is also said to promote libido and by assisting in healthy circulation, benefits the heart and circulatory system (Pole, 2013). A pinch of saffron makes a wonderful seasoning in rice and also warmed, sweetened milk. 

In Closing, 

By honoring the planet and goddess Venus, we uphold beauty, pleasure, sensuality, and all that glitters in life. You don’t need to wait for a holiday or special time of year to relish these qualities, but let these six plants and their beautiful gifts be a reminder to stop and smell the roses—or the jasmine for that matter—and celebrate all that Venus sparks within and around us! 

Curious to learn more? Explore how these herbs can both deeply support the body’s systems and uplift pleasure in the Herbal Aphrodisiacs Intensive! You’ll dive into the physiological processes of sexual function, classic aphrodisiac herbs, and delightful recipes and “love potions” to address challenges, celebrate pleasure, and elevate your experience. 

REFERENCES 

Dass, V. (2013). Ayurvedic herbology: East & West. Lorus Press. 

Elenbaas, A. (2025). Rewind: The deeper meaning of Venus in Pisces. Nightlight Astrology. https://nightlightastrology.com/meaning-of-venus-in-pisces/ 

Garcia, B. (201). Venus. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/venus/ 

Groves, M.N. (2016). Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. Storey Publishing. 

Keown, D. (2014). The spark in the machine: How the science of acupuncture explains the mysteries of Western medicine. Singing Dragon. 

Pole, S. (2013). Ayurvedic medicine: The principles of traditional practice. Singing Dragon.