People use essential oils for relaxation and refreshment, but you can also use them to spark romance. When using essential oils, choose scents and combinations appealing to you and your partner, but keep in mind that essential oils consist of distilled herbs, flowers and spices, and can irritate some people’s skin or cause allergies. Use essential oils in moderation until you strike that perfect aromatic note that inspires romance.
Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist who oversaw an aromatherapy study at Chicago’s Smell and Taste Treatment Research Foundation, certain scents in essential oils arouse men. The winning essential oil fragrance was lavender, especially when combined with pumpkin pie. Other scents that aroused the most men included citrus and anise. In similar studies at the institute targeting women, baby powder and anise, especially when combined with cucumber, won as the most arousing scents.
Aphrodisiac Oils
Certain essential oils have traditionally served as aphrodisiacs. Vanilla proves an enticing scent; it combines well with other essential oils, such as rose and sandalwood. In general, musky, heavy scents inspire romantic and sexual interest. Consider essential oils scented with exotic fragrances, such as sage, jasmine, patchouli and ylang ylang. Wear these scents as perfumes, placing them on pressure points, or disperse them with a bath gel base or Epsom salt in the bath.
Essential Oils for Massage
Amp up the romantic aspect of massage by adding essential oils to the mix. Sensual essential oils to use for massages may draw from the five types of fragrances: spicy, floral, citrus, green and woody. Combine the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, olive oil or wheatgerm oil. In general, a few drops of essential oils to 1 oz. of carrier oil ensures a fragrant but not overpowering concoction. Try mixing one part jasmine oil to one part rose oil and sandalwood oil. Place the massage oil on your hands and massage into your partner’s body.
Photo Credit
- spa oils, stones and candles image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
