Aromatherapy and Desire

executive summary
Sex and Aromatherapy are a powerful combination, indeed. The nose contains ten million neurons that reach out and catch odor-molecules. Essential oils can considerably enhance the sensations to both to body and mind, and in so doing lift the spirit through inhalation and massage.

hot facts
Learn about the powerful aphrodisiac properties of:
  • Rose
  • Jasmine
  • Neroli
  • Sandalwood

  • Aromatherapy and Desire

    Sex and Aromatherapy

    Sex and Aromatherapy are a powerful combination, indeed. The nose contains ten million neurons that reach out and catch odor-molecules. Essential oils can considerably enhance the sensations to both to body and mind, and in so doing lift the spirit through inhalation and massage.

    Sexual excitement causes all sorts of exotic odors from the body to be emitted — from skin, breath and genitals— and these can be reinforced by the use of essential oils. For thousands of years lovers have rubbed scented oils on each other’s naked bodies because a mixture of these smells is not only a sheer delight to the nose, but it is also overpoweringly arousing for the couple. Watching oil glisten on bare skin, as you touch it and let loving energy flow from your hands into your beloved during massage, is quite similar to the pleasures of making love, even if sexual intercourse is not involved. The intimacy of such scented body-contact is an ideal avenue for enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy. Although there are many aromas that can provide us with this secret sexual pleasure, four of them have especially powerful aphrodisiac properties. These are Rose, Jasmine, Neroli, and Sandalwood.

     

    Rose

    Oil-of-Rose, cultivated in mountainous regions, is picked and distilled immediately after the morning-dew has touched the rose, in order to maximize the oil- yield. The scent is deep, sweet and flowery. PEA (phenylethylamine) is found in both rosewater and in chocolate—and is thought to be a chemical responsible for the “rush” felt when falling in love. Rose is a symbol of love and purity—for centuries the petals have been scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage, and to scent the air with goodwill. This aphrodisiac oil is thus said to help with sexual difficulties -- particularly low sexual desire -- and it soothes away underlying tension and stress by releasing the “happy” hormone called ‘dopamine’. Cleopatra was known to use rose-oil for seduction, as she rubbed rose-oil on all the men who visited her and bathed in rosewater every day. It is said that Cleopatra fellated One hundred centurions in a single day. (Due to its emmenagogue property (promotion of menstrual flow), those who are pregnant should not use rose-oil).

     

    Jasmine

    Jasmine is said to be the “queen” of flower-oils, and it has long been used in love-potions because of the powerful reputation as an aphrodisiac. The oil of the jasmine is extracted from its delicate white flowers that are carefully picked at night when the aroma is most intense. The scent is sweet, floral and exotic. At the same time, Jasmine’s healing powers are known as a treatment of gonorrhea, as well as of prostate problems. The importance of jasmine on the male reproductive system is linked to its reputation for increasing the number of spermatozoa, thus reducing infertility. Its deeply relaxing properties may well be responsible for its renowned influence over sexual problems such as low sexual interest and premature ejaculation. (Due to its emmenagogue property (promotes menstrual flow) those that are pregnant should not use jasmine).

     

    Neroli

    The Oil-of-Neroli is extracted from the blossoms of the orange-tree. The floral scent is hauntingly beautiful. The name is said to originate from the Italian princess Anne-Marie, Princess of Nerola, who used the oil as a perfume as well as to scent her gloves and bathwater. Orange flower petals have long been a feature of wedding bouquets, because they symbolize innocence as well as security of love. The intoxicating fragrance of the orange-blossom is therefore a favorite of brides, and the oil is reputed to increase the bride’s fertility. Its calming effect on anxiety is beneficial for sexual difficulties in addition to being a powerful aphrodisiac.

     

    Sandalwood

    The Oil-of-Sandalwood comes from an evergreen tree, which burrows its roots into other trees. The tree can attain heights of up to 30 feet and must be over 30 years old before it is harvested for distilling. The scent is subtle, woody, sweet and exotic. Sandalwood is known to mimic the body’s natural scents and it is a sexual attractant used in Tantric practices for its erotic qualities (the woman is anointed with a scented oil from her hair down to her toes before making love). Its strong aphrodisiac qualities are so well recognized that it should be used at your own peril! Oil-of-Sandalwood can relieve sexual difficulties, by reducing or calming the underlying anxiety. The oil was once also used to alleviate sexually transmitted diseases and is known to have a cleansing action on the sexual organs. It is also very useful in promoting greater vaginal secretions (for dryness).