Love potions

Photograph: Jolie Ruben

Botanica shelves are always stocked with holy water, statues, candles, herbal balms, oils, lotions, powders and incense—all said to be spiritual and herbal cures (be it for menstrual cramps, misfortune or myriad troubles in between). My love life had been a little lackluster as of late, so I decided to raid El Arte Espiritual (134 E 104 St between Park and Lexington Aves, 212-534-9140) and give these folk remedies a try. Here’s how my experiment played out.

Chuparrosa candle and Attraction oil ($9)
What it claims: After lighting the candle, adding three drops of the Attraction oil and reading the “Power of the Chuparrosa” prayer (printed on the back of the candle) every night, my relationship will be honest and true.
How it worked: I’m not in a relationship—but it was recommended by the shopkeeper. The day after I performed the ritual, I noticed a change in my domestic situation: My usually indifferent Westie-poodle, Andiamo, became quite clingy; he also developed a weird but temporary bout of sneezes.

Baño y Despojo de Amor ($5)
What it claims: This fabric-softener-scented bath and floor cleaner baits love.
How it worked: I was told by the shopkeeper to dilute the Pepto-hued liquid with water; the four-ounce bottle yields enough amor for three baths (or mopping sessions). Though it was lovely to have my skin smelling like my clothes post-spin-cyle, no one took an interest. Not even my dog.

Come to Me perfume ($5)
What it claims: The name says it all.
How it worked: The pungent scent reminded me of cheap drugstore perfume, but I put it on anyway. Two guys flirted with me: First, a security guard at (Le) Poisson Rouge mentioned how cute my short hair looked, and then a Colombian fellow at Santos Party House made me promise him a dance, making this the most successful product of all. Just not 100 percent. I’m a lesbian.—Monika Fabian

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