A long, HOT, summer is all about passion and romance. It’s having time to spend with the special person in your life, or it may be about meeting someone new. Connecting with nature & each other gives us a sense of well-being.
Of the 5 senses, most people would say sight or touch are the most important when it comes to simulating a passionate response. Or it could be all about the sense of taste, having a romantic dinner (I prefer chocolate to raw oysters). And, of course, there’s the sense of smell.
The use of essential oils has been around since the ancient Egyptians, who started using “aromatic” oils to stimulate their senses, & improve their virility. Smelling essential oils can have a powerful effect on the emotional body and increase your sensual pleasure.
Some essential oils are said to have aphrodisiac properties. (The definition of an aphrodisiac is "a substance or an agent thought to stimulate or enhance passion." ) When it comes to our sensual pleasures, everyone has their own preference; and this includes your scent preferences. Some people like the earthier scents while others are into the floral or the spicier scents.
Some of the more sensual essential oils to consider…
Sandalwood has been around for centuries. This oil is a base note with grounding properties helpful with reducing stress and getting in tune with yourself.
Jasmine is an exotic, floral essential oil that is calming for stress, anxiety and it may increase your interest in sex
Patchouli is a grounding base note that may help to relieve your stress or anxiety. It’s earthy, exotic fragrance has long been used in perfume & massage oils. It is a good alternative for the more expensive Sandalwood.
Cedarwood is an earthy, masculine scent that appeals to the senses and may help to relieve your daily stress.
Clary Sage has an green, floral scent that is said to be helpful for stress, anxiety, and PMS, as well as boosting the libido in both males & females. ***Don’t use topically while drinking alcohol as it amps up the effect.
Vanilla has a rich, comforting scent that is used in 23% of all “quality perfumes”. This sweet essential oil may help with relaxation and ease feelings of anger, or anxiety. Vanilla is also thought to be helpful for loss of libido
Ylang Ylang has a very sweet, floral scent which may be helpful for stress, insomnia and for boosting sexual interest).
*You may also want to consider Rose, Neroli, Cardamom, Coriander, Nutmeg, Ginger, & Vetiver essential oils.
Using Essential oils:
The easiest way to use essential oils is in your diffuser. It is a lovely way to scent your room, relax, as well as setting the mood
If you choose to use essential oils topically in massage oil, use at a 1% dilution. This is because you are applying your massage oil to a large area on your body. A 1% dilution would be 8 -9 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil.
Don’t use essential oils blends or massage oils on your genital area as it may cause irritation to sensitive mucous membranes, and don’t use as a personal lubricant as they are incompatible with latex & may make condoms ineffective.
Essential oils with aphrodisiac properties may help in the romance department by increasing your sense of well-being, easing any stress or anxiety that you may be feeling & helping you to relax. Taking the time for self-care & the time to connect with each other will always improve your relationship. I personally find that a good way to improve your love life is lots of talking, laughing & hugging as well as helping with the dishes or taking out the garbage. Just Sayin’…
Consider checking in with your healthcare professional if you have a loss of libido.
Always check contraindications before use.
use caution if you have an underlying medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If essential oil products irritate your skin, discontinue use.
My blog is for information only & is not meant to replace medical advice.
Essential Oils are not for ingestion & should always be diluted before topical use.
References:
Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition, Vermilion, an imprint of Edbury Publishing, a Random House Company, 2005
Lawless. Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Thorsons, 2002
Worwood, Valerie Ann, Scents & Scentuality: Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for Romance, Love & Sex New World Library, Aug 2012.
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-relationships/summer-sex http://www.suzannebovenizer.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils/aphrodisiacs http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/man-woman/Boost-your-sex-drive-with-aroma-therapy/articleshow/3298522.cms http://www.quinessence.com/blog/five-essential-oils-for-romance http://www.rebellesociety.com/2014/08/16/7-essential-oils-as-aphrodisiacs/ http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/vanilla-oil.aspx