When it comes to romance and sensuality, our sense of smell plays an important role in setting the mood and enhancing our emotional state. Aromas trigger physical responses such as the release of "feel-good" hormones which in turn make us feel relaxed, safe and happy. When inhaled, essential oils enter through the blood stream and stimulate our limbic system, the primitive part of our brain associated with instinct and emotions. Once the limbic system is triggered, neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin are released.
What Are Aphrodisiac Essential Oils
All essential oils by nature influence the complex chemistry of our bodies and are involved in the release of specific hormones and neurotransmitters. This can be as a result of the plant chemical constituents, the energetic qualities of the plant or the spiritual meaning originating from wisdom of traditional cultures. We qualify aromas as aphrodisiac because of their ability to calm the nervous system, uplift mood, increase blood circulation and awaken the senses which all contribute to enhancing arousal and intimacy.
One important element to consider is whether you actually love a specific aroma yourself. Science tells us that when we love and enjoy something, our bodies will release pleasurable hormones which will contribute to enhancing feelings of connection, intimacy and arousal.
A great place to start is to explore different scents and choose ones that you and your partner both like. You can use essential oils on their own or as part of a blend. Once you have experimented with different scents, you can now take them in the bedroom with you!
How to Use Essential Oils for Love & Romance
There is a number of ways to use essential oils to enhance love and romance. Here are our favourite ones:
- Diffuse to set the mood: Choose your favourite aphrodisiac essential oil or blend and diffuse 6-8 drops in the bedroom to create a lovely, relaxing and sensual atmosphere. Inhaling the essential oils will also help relax body and mind, promote feelings of joy and confidence.
- Have an aromatic bath: Add 2-3 drops of aphrodisiac essential oil to the bath along with a carrier oil of choice. You can choose to add epsom salts and flower petals for additional benefits. Light a candle, put on relaxing music and take this time to connect with yourself or your partner in a more intimate way.
- Make an aphrodisiac massage blend: Combine a few of your favourite aphrodisiac essential oils or use a premade blend along with a carrier oil and use it as a massage oil for yourself or your partner. Massage is a beautiful way to enhance connection, release feel-good hormones and relax the body.
Best Essential Oils For Love
Here is a selection of essential oils with a strong aphrodisiac potential that will help you and your partner feel relaxed, confident in your body, release inhibitions and boost libido while promoting connection, intimacy and joy.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
One of the most renowned and powerful aphrodisiac, Ylang Ylang essential oil relaxes the body and mind, slows down the heart rate and enhances mood. This can help release inhibitions and boost libido. The flowers of the Ylang Ylang tree are traditionally used in Indonesia to decorate the bed of newly married couples on their wedding night due to their uplifting and aphrodisiac qualities.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is known to enhance the flow of energy, promoting feelings of joy, freshness and energy. Bergamot essential oil improves blood circulation and stimulates hormonal secretions which bring balance to the body. In the bedroom, this can result in improving self confidence and physical wellbeing.
Rose Essential Oil
Known as the Queen of Flowers, Rose emanates love and passion. Used widely throughout history as a tonic for the heart, Rose essential oil soothes and relaxes, promoting feelings of intimacy, love and connection. The fragrance of Rose is commonly used in perfumes and massage oils for its pleasant aroma. Diffuse in the bedroom to set the mood or use in an aromatic bath.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
The warm and sweet woody aroma of Sandalwood essential oil is known to promote a feeling a deep calm and peace. It relieves tension in the body and is deeply hydrating for the skin. Sandalwood has the capacity to bring us into the present moment and to get in touch with our inner desires. A beautiful and sensual aroma especially for men to wear as a perfume or use in a massage.
Patchouli Essential Oil
With a lovely earthy scent, Patchouli essential oil has a grounding effect on the mind and emotions. It calms anxiety, sharpens the mind and creates a romantic atmosphere. The deeply rich scent awakens the senses, releases inhibitions and invigorates body and mind. Use it in the diffuser or as part of a massage.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
The beautiful sweet, warm and spicy scent of Cinnamon essential oil is a must in the bedroom. A beautiful oil to awaken the senses, increase blood circulation and warm the body. Diffuse in the bedroom to create a sensual atmosphere or use it in a massage blend to relax and soothe the body.
Romance Blend
Be swept away with this exotic blend of Ylang Ylang, Peru Balsam, Lime and Patchouli essential oils. The Romance essential oil blend is calming, relaxing and will create a blissful romantic atmosphere. Combining a selection of the best aphrodisiac essential oils, this blend will not only ignite your senses but it will also trigger the release of all those feel-good hormones which will enhance your experience.
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Author: Elisabeth Lemieux
Marketing Coordinator
Liz is the Marketing Coordinator at ECO. Modern Essentials and oversees the company’s brand and communication strategy. Liz has extensive experience in brand management, strategy development and digital marketing across a range of direct-to-consumer businesses in the health and wellness industry. She is a qualified Yoga instructor and has been practicing for nearly a decade. Liz is passionate about everything wellness and has a strong interest in holistic health.
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