Named after Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek goddess of love & beauty, Aphrodisiacs have been around for centuries. Many different cultures, both ancient & modern, have their own histories of scents & foods that bring on feelings of desire & sexual pleasure. Various substances of animal & plant origin have been long used in folk medicines of different cultures in order to help someone who might be lacking in libido or pleasure find that magical spark.
For instance, Ancient Egyptian history writes that Cleopatra, wanting to seduce Mark Anthony, sailed to Tarsus in a flotilla of ships whose purple sails were soaked in Neroli to fill the air with an intoxicating scent of sweet floral citrus. Some historians believe the sails were soaked with Rose, others believe Cleopatra ordered the sails to be soaked in night-blooming Jasmine. Whichever one may be true, what these scents all have in common is their ability to spark arousal as nature’s own aphrodisiacs.
So what makes something an aphrodisiac? As long as a food or scent achieves one of the three classifications: an increased libido, sexual pleasure or potency, it qualifies as an aphrodisiac. Sometimes they work on a psychological level, sometimes they work on a physiological level, sometimes it’s in between, but the end result is always the same. Chocolate, oysters, herbs like Panax Ginseng & many scents or essential oils are all aphrodisiacs that are still widely used & readily available in today’s society.
Since February is love month, whether explored for self or with others, we have compiled a list of five essential oils that will help you get into the mood.
Neroli
Neroli boasts an intense orange blossom fragrance that can be inhaled in the flower’s native countries when the warm sun expels a gorgeous scent from its white petals. Places like Morocco, Egypt & some other countries in Africa are all home to this exotic beauty.
When this essential oil is diluted in a carrier oil it can be applied onto your inner thighs, lower back, abdominal area & chest. You can also diffuse 3-6 drops of this love potion to embody that Cleopatra energy & entice your own Mark Anthony. Neroli oil is very sedative & potent so typically you only need a few drops added to an organic carrier oil when applying topically.
Other beautiful benefits of inhaling this intoxicating scent include pain relief including headaches, calms anxiety, reduces stress, reduces cortisol levels & invigorates the mind while helping to eliminate depression. An overall mood booster that will ensure a romantic evening with yourself or your partner that will not disappoint.
Australian Sandalwood
The earthy smell of Sandalwood is one of the most seductive aphrodisiacs of all the essential oils & has been a long-time go-to for increasing libido & setting the mood. Some researchers have found that those who inhaled this sensual aroma during sex or stimulation reported an increased mood & higher levels of desire than those who did not.
Add 2-4 drops of Australian Sandalwood essential oil in an organic carrier oil of your choice, & apply it anywhere on your body. If you prefer to use a diffuser or nebulizer, add 3-6 drops, light some candles, dim the lights & deeply inhale the magic of this oil. This sensual scent will slow your breathing, calm your emotions & warm your body allowing for the perfect setting for a night (or day) of pleasure & intimacy.
Can be found in our Myrrh & Sandalwood Body Oil. Click here to discover this product perfect for massaging yourself or your partner.
Rose
Roses have a deep connection to the topic of love. When we think of love, we think of roses & when we think of roses we think of love. From poems to perfume, bouquets to scattered petals on the bed or bath, their scent, texture & various colors all speak to a sensuality that almost forcefully compels people into an increased state of arousal. This powerful aphrodisiac, which is a popular go-to gift in any of its beautiful forms by lovers everywhere, has been known to increase sexual desire, deepen orgasms, & increase sexual satisfaction in all sexes when used over time.
Add this to your pulse points, drop some in a warm salt or bubble bath, or add a couple of drops into your bedroom diffuser. The possibilities are endless with this sacred flower.
Ylang Ylang
Considered as one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs around, Ylang Ylang has a sweet aroma that has been described as having notes of vanilla, Neroli & Jasmine. A beautiful tropical flower & distilled as an essential oil can increase attraction, energizes & intensifies eroticism. This sexy scent is perfect to add into the mix in the moments you’re looking to “think outside the box” & experiment either alone or with your partner.
Ylang Ylang can encourage a more sensual & erotic experience during lovemaking for those who like to play with pleasure. Ylang Ylang can also help with impotence & boosting a low libido because, like rose oil, it supports the circulatory system.
To add a little pep in your sexual step, diffuse Ylang Ylang in your bedroom, add a drop to your massage oil, 2-4 drops in your bath water, or spray your bed sheets or linens with an essential oil room spray.
Jasmine
Night-blooming Jasmine is a scent coveted by romantics everywhere. For centuries, the sultry aroma of Jasmine has been popular for its sweet, romantic fragrance and has been used in some of the world’s best-known perfumes, including Chanel No. 5. In some parts of India, Jasmine flowers are often included as décor at weddings in the newlyweds’ bedroom to set the mood for romance.
If you’re hoping to spice things up in the bedroom with Jasmine essential oil, try dabbing some on the inside of your wrists, behind your ears, on your neck & on your other pulse points.
Your body heat will enhance the scent along with your confidence. You can also add a few drops on bedding, to a warm bath, or a drop or two to a diffuser in the bedroom or wherever else you might be spending your time.
Can be found in our shampoo & conditioner set featuring the ultimate aphrodisiac blend of Jasmine & Ylang Ylang. A shower alone or with your lover is a great way to start any romantic evening of intimate touch. Click here to read more about this beautiful duo.
Smell is possibly the strongest of all five senses, being the quickest one to elicit a response or reaction. We remember smells from our childhood or other memories far more often than an image or a photograph is able to spark. With proper safety precautions, there’s little risk from experimenting with essential oils to enhance your sexual experience & all the benefits of being able to play. Try different scents at different times, try using them in a diffuser or on your body to see if that creates a different environment or mood, try massaging them on each other, or try blending the scents to create a mood or romantic energy that best suits your personality & your desires.
Relax, get creative & most importantly have fun.
Happy Love Day.
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