It is that time of year again… hearts and flowers are everywhere in the shops, restaurants are getting booked, and chocolates and perfume are flying out the shops, which can mean only one thing – Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. It’s the one day of the year when couples actually take time to appreciate each other and spend a meaningful evening together. So how can you put some extra romance back into your long-term relationship, or guarantee to light the burning flames of desire with your new love?
Since our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system, scent directly influences our mood, hormones and emotions, and subsequently plays a huge role in attraction, and ultimately romance and love. An individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being are intrinsically linked to their desire and sexual arousal, and therefore it shouldn’t come as any surprise to know that some scents are said to display aphrodisiac qualities, mostly due to their ability to calm the nervous system, uplift the mood, boost self-confidence, increase blood circulation and induce feelings of attraction, intimacy and sensuality. Since the time of the Ancient Egyptians essential oils have been used to induce romance and arouse passion, and it’s believed that Cleopatra was a huge fan of scent to beguile and seduce.
Allow essential oils to help you create the perfect atmosphere for an evening of love and romance with that special someone. Below are five of the best oils to ignite that spark…
Jasmine (jasminum officinale)
Long used at weddings and to adorn the beds of newlyweds, the aroma inspires feelings of relaxation, overcomes feelings of inferiority or inadequacy, banishes nervousness, tension and depression, and promotes positivity, confidence and sensuality. It increases blood flow, balances the emotions, promotes nostalgia and a feeling of comfort, and encourages the acceptance of love. Also known as the oil of “sexual purity and balance”, jasmine enhances feelings of trust, self-acceptance and confidence, and is said to help with impotence and frigidity. This heady scent can awaken feelings of warmth, spark sensual emotions, and rekindle dormant passions. Blends beautifully with sandalwood, ylang-ylang, rose and orange.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
A powerful relaxant, the wonderful fragrance of ylang-ylang helps to allay nervousness and anxiety, and to release inhibitions. It calms, yet stimulates the senses and increases sexual desire and longevity. Ylang-ylang enhances self-esteem, and encourages feelings of happiness and euphoria. It inspires romance and enhances the feeling of a deeper connection. A perfect aroma to create relaxation away from the daily stresses of everyday life and ignite the flames of passion. Blends well with bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rosewood and sandalwood.
Sandalwood (santalum ِِalbum)
Popular for its woody exotic fragrance, this fragrance can relieve stress, anxiety and depression, improve focus and alertness, and improve feelings of confidence and self-esteem. Sandalwood can help you get in touch with your sensuality, enhance the sense of physical and emotional connectivity, and improve the mood and libido. A well loved scent by men and women alike, it makes a perfect sensuous and warming massage oil when mixed with a carrier oil to get you in the ultimate relaxed and confident mood for a night of passion. A versatile base note, it blends perfectly with lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli and rose. Sandalwood is highly recommended to combat any nerves or tension on a first date or during the first night of intimacy.
Patchouli (pogostemon cablin)
Grounding and harmonising on the mind and emotions, patchouli lifts the mood and calms nervousness. Known to stimulate feelings of immense relaxation and pleasure, Patchouli helps to create a romantic atmosphere. It is perfect to soothe past hurts and arguments and to help you focus on the here and now, and can help unlock the depths of your passion and revive lost desire. The fragrance of patchouli can be a little heady, and is often used as part of a blend, and works well with bergamot, myrrh, orange, rose and sandalwood.
Rose (rosa damascena)
The epitome of love and romance, rose soothes the emotions, alleviates nervous tension or stress, improves circulation, and promotes a sense of closeness and harmony. It enhances feelings of love and desire, and can boost confidence and self-esteem. Highly seductive, rose can help to unleash your sensual side, and stir lost desires in a long-term relationship. Blends particularly well with bergamot, geranium, sandalwood and ylang-ylang.
How to use essential oils for romance
Create your own special ‘love potion’, incorporating one or more of the above oils, or just use a single blend. It’s important to ensure that it’s an aroma which will be enjoyed by the both of you.
Use this blend to:
Diffuse: Use a diffuser or oil burner to infuse the room, whether its the dining room during a romantic meal, the living room as you snuggle up together, or the bedroom.
Perfume: Add a few drops of the blend to a carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba) and apply to your pulse points such as the neck, wrists and cleavage. Particularly useful to entice and seduce if you are headed for a night out.
Massage: Add your blend to a carrier oil and treat your partner to a massage. A neck and shoulder massage should be enough before the tantalising aroma of the oil kicks in and seduces their senses.
Bath: Add your blend to a carrier oil or bath product and take a sensual bath together. Or alternatively allow this to scent your body prior to an evening out.
Spritz: Add a few drops to some water and spritz the sheets and pillows on the bed to create a romantic atmosphere.
Scent, like sex, is a sensual experience, fullfilling your senses. So however you choose to use your essential oil on Valentine’s Day, allow it to ease your mind and body, and enjoy the romance! But why stop there? Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to come around just once a year, and with these oils in your seduction arsenal, you can choose to celebrate with each other as often as you like.
