Herbs have been used to enhance, predict and nurture love and romance for centuries by lovers and by those hoping to find love; there are many herb lore’s and traditions that incorporate herbs into matters of the heart. The flower that most often springs to mind when Valentine’s Day is mentioned is the Red Rose, a symbol of deepest love and passion. Whilst heartsease the herb associated with St Valentine himself conveys loving thoughts. Sweet Violets were a popular Victorian love token given to sweethearts, which like heartsease medicinally comfort the heart.

The Victorian’s were fond of sending little posies of flowers and herbs that contained a hidden message, the art became known as the Language of Flowers. Today it’s easy to weave a little herbal magic into Valentine’s Day, but if your Valentine is male he can get a little flustered when presented with a posy of flowers.

So why not put together some herbal treats you can enjoy together using herbs that say what you feel, a massage oil with myrtle, lavender and rose to convey your love and devotion. Or prepare a meal containing marjoram and thyme, for sharing the joy of being together with a little added daring? All you need is a little imagination and your herbs of course, here’s a list of some common herbs and their romantic meanings to get you started.

• The above text is an extract taken from a Mercian Herb Group talk given on Valentine Herbs.