Essential oils for male arousal

Foreplay, cuddling, kissing, champagne, and oysters may all help prepare you for intimacy. Some essential oils have aphrodisiac properties and can get you in the mood.

Research suggests several kinds of essential oils may have aphrodisiac properties when inhaled before or during intimacy. In fact, it’s known that some strong odors can trigger erection trusted Source and that women with a stronger sense of smell tend to have more orgasmsTrusted Source during sex.

Here’s a rundown of essential oils you may want to introduce in the bedroom.

Essential oils for sex drive

Certain plants have been used to boost male and female sexual desire, performance, and pleasure for centuries. However, little scientific research has explored how essential oils may benefit a person’s sex life.

While it’s not possible to say any essential oil is an aphrodisiac, there are some properties of essential oils that can be linked to a more positive sexual experience.

1. Clary sage

Scientific studies suggest clary sage can help ease issues with women’s reproductive systems, such as painful menstrual periods. ResearchTrusted Source has also shown that clary sage can decrease stress hormones when used as an essential oil.

While there’s no clear evidence of its mood-boosting properties, it’s possible clary sage could help set the mood for sex.

2. Lavender

Inhaling the scent of lavender has been found to significantly decrease anxiety and stress. This resulted in high levels of relaxation, which could benefit sexual experience.

3. Sandalwood

Researchers have found that women who inhaled sandalwood essential oil and its main compound during sex reported increased mood and higher levels of desire than those who did not.

4. Ylang ylang

Research suggests that inhaling ylang ylang essential oil is associated with feelings of euphoria and helps relieve depression. One studyTrusted Source even demonstrated that applying ylang ylang oil to the skin can improve self-esteem.

While there’s no clear scientific link between ylang ylang and sexual experience, evidence suggests it can improve mental health. And because the mood is linked to sexual experience, it’s possible that ylang-ylang is a good essential oil for sexual stimulation.

5. Carpolobia

In Africa, men often chew the stem and root of carpolobia to get to the plant’s oil before sex to boost their performance. However, there’s no clear scientific understandingTrusted Source of how carpolobia essential oil affects male sexual performance.

6. Eurycoma longifolia

Studies suggest Eurycoma longifolia, also called Tongkat ali or pasak bumi, increases male rats’ ability to have erection trusted Source and also boosts the sex driveTrusted Source of rats hesitant to have sex.

In Malaysia, this plant has a reputation for being a powerful male aphrodisiac. More research is needed to investigate the benefits of inhaling its essential oil in humans.

7. Ginseng

Scientists think trusted Source that ginseng oil releases brain chemicals linked to better erectile function in male animals and people.

8. Satureja khuzestanica

ResearchTrusted Source on male rats suggests that Satureja khuzestanica essential oil can boost fertility, sperm production, and litter size in rats. The evidence that this oil can boost fertility in male humans is unclear.

Essential oils for female stimulation

Women who have higher scent sensitivity report more orgasmsTrusted Source than women who do not. So if you have a good nose, your sex might benefit from using essential oils.

Some essential oils with possible aphrodisiac effects for women include:

• clary sage
• lavender
• sandalwood
• ylang ylang

Essential oils for male arousal

There’s a bit more research on how the male sexual experience is affected by essential oils. Scientists have found that the following essential oils may work as aphrodisiacs for males:

• carpolobia
• eurycoma longifolia
• ginseng
• satureja khuzestanica

How to use essential oils as an aphrodisiac

You can find essential oils online or in most health stores. Here are several different ways you can use essential oils to help set the mood.

On the skin

Essential oils are commonly applied directly to the skin, where they’re absorbed and from which they can be inhaled. However, most essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil so they don’t cause skin irritation.

You should never apply essential oils to your genitals, even if diluted with a carrier oil.

You can also use diluted essential oils to give your partner a massage. Doing so releases the scent of the oil while activating your partner’s muscle systems and boosting their blood flow.

Physical touch is also a strong aphrodisiac that can help you prepare for intimacy and maintain a sensual mood after sex, according to research trusted Source.

Essential oil bath

You can prepare an essential oil bath by mixing 3 to 12 drops of an essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil and adding it to a bathtub filled with warm water.

Stir the bath gently with your fingers to disperse the oil and get the odors diffused in the air. You could sit your whole body into the bath, or just part of your body, such as your feet.

Research on lavender oil suggests that using it in a foot bath may slightly boost mood. Avoid getting any water from an essential oil bath into your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Diffusers

Using a diffuser is an easy way to fill a whole room with the scent of your desired essential oil.

There are several different types of diffusers. Some are machines or candle-lit devices that gently warm an oil to lift it into the air. Others, like essential oil sticks, send an essential oil into the air more slowly.

Diffusers are a good choice for people who may not want to apply an essential oil directly to their skin. Be aware of others who may be unintentionally exposed to diffused essential oils such as children, pets, and pregnant people.

Side effects and precautions

Essential oils can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Read labels and avoid oils from plants to which you might be allergic.

Always use a carrier oil to dilute essential oils to avoid irritating your skin. Never apply essential oils near your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or on your genitals.

If you notice you or your partner are having a reaction to essential oils — such as stinging or red skin — remove the oil immediately with warm water and soap.

Alternative treatments for ED

If you’re looking for a natural way to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), you may consider using essential oils. Using essential oils can help you relax. This may help you to unwind and connect with more intimacy.

Continue reading to find out about some of the scientific evidence that supports the use of essential oils to treat ED.

How to use essential oils

There are many ways to add essential oils to your routine:

• Make a cold or hot water compress and apply it to your lower back and abdomen.
• Mix a few drops of oil into a carrier oil and use it to massage your lower back and abdominal areas.
• Use a spray in your bedroom.
• Add a few drops of neat oil — an essential oil without a carrier oil — to your bedsheets and pillowcases.
• Use a diffuser in your bedroom.
• Add a few drops of diluted essential oil in a carrier oil to a hot bath.
• Don’t ingest essential oils. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil — such as olive or coconut oil — before using them on the skin. This prevents irritation.

8 essential oils for EDd

These eight essential oils can help manage ED symptoms.

1. Ylang ylang

Ylang ylang essential oil works on a few levels to help treat ED. It has euphoric properties that provide a sense of well-being and enhanced self-esteem. Ylang ylang is used to treat frigidity, depression, and anxiety.

2. Rose

Rose oil has been shown to relieve depression and aid in relaxation in animal and human studies. It’s an aphrodisiac thought to bring about happiness and self-confidence that can aid in sensuality. Rose oil increases libido and enhances sperm and testosterone production.

A study from 2012 found that rats who inhaled rose oil were protected from the harmful effects of formaldehyde inhalation. Inhaling formaldehyde can cause problems with sperm quality and serum testosterone levels.

3. Lavender

Lavender is often the first essential oil that people turn to for various health concerns. A study from 2014 found that the combined smell of lavender and pumpkin pie had the greatest effect on penile blood flow in male volunteers. The study size was small with only 31 participants, so larger studies are needed. All of the 30 scents tested increased arousal in the men.

Lavender oil was foundTrusted Source to be effective in reducing the harmful effects of formaldehyde in male rats. Rats who inhaled lavender oil reduced damage to their sperm and reproductive systems. Lavender is well-known for its anti-anxiety and relaxing effects.

4. Rosemary and lavender

A study from 2015 showed that rosemary and lavender essential oils reduced reproductive function damage and oxidative stress in diabetic male rats. These oils also had a positive effect on testosterone levels and sperm quality. This is thought to be related to the antioxidant properties of the oils.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon essential oil has been shown to improve sexual function in animal experiments.

A review of studies on animals found that cinnamon extract increased the weight of testes and seminal vesicles in animals. This could be because the oil stimulates hormone levels. Cinnamon also increased sperm count and testosterone levels. The motility and viability of the sperm was also increased.

Another study on rats found that regular consumption of cinnamon bark oil is effective in protecting male reproductive systems and improving sperm quality.

6. Basil

Basil has long been used as an herbal medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Studies on rats found that basil extract significantly increases sperm motility, viability, and count. It can also reduce oxidative stress.

A study from 2013 showed that basil extract protects against testicular toxicity caused by toxic heavy metals. The testicular tissue of the intoxicated rat showed significant changes after taking basil. This is thought to be because of basil’s antioxidant ability. Basil has been found to have anti-anxiety properties.

7. Ginger

Ginger extract has been shown to have a strong effect on hormonal activity in male rats. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that can protect against oxidative stress. Ginger can also increase sperm function and concentrations in rats.

8. Nutmeg and clove

A study from 2003 found that nutmeg and clove extracts increase sexual activity in male mice. The extracts enhanced the animals’ mounting behavior and boosted their mating performance.

Nutmeg and clove are nervous stimulants and have a positive effect on sexual behavior. Nutmeg has been shown to increase blood circulation, which can help with ED.

Essential Oils for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a frustrating experience for many men. Men suffering from this common condition will naturally seek potential treatment options, including alternative therapies.

Humans have been practicing aromatherapy—the use of essential oils from plants and flowers—for thousands of years. Today, research shows that some essential oils may help boost libido and improve erectile dysfunction.

This article will discuss natural ways to improve ED through aromatherapy.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the frequent inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual activity. It is one of the most common sex problems that men can experience, affecting nearly 30 million men in the United States.

Symptoms include trouble getting an erection, difficulty keeping an erection, and reduced sexual desire.

Men of any age can experience ED, though the likelihood of developing it increases with age.

Along with aging, other risk factors for ED are:

• Alcohol consumption
• Diabetes
• Drug use
• Obesity
• Lack of sleep
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress
• Depression or anxiety

Both physical and emotional health are strongly connected to ED.

Essential Oils for ED Symptoms

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts taken from the flowers, roots, leaves, stems, and fruits of plants. The extracts contain therapeutic properties that may help improve ED.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a powerhouse spice that offers numerous health benefits, including increased blood flow and improved circulation.

In animal studies, cinnamon was found to improve erectile function.4 It has also been shown to help smooth muscle relaxation in the penis.

Another study showed that cinnamon can increase testosterone levels, sperm count, and sperm motility.

With more testosterone and improved blood flow to the penis, cinnamon may help maintain an erection for sexual activity. However, additional studies are needed to further evaluate the effects of cinnamon.

Clary Sage

Clary sage essential oil is used for stimulating blood flow, balancing hormones, improving mood, and calming the nervous system.

Hormonal imbalances, poor circulation, and stress are all common causes of erectile dysfunction. Clary sage oil may help reduce inhibitions and create feelings of excitement for sexual activity.

Ginger

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that is widely used for its numerous health benefits.

One animal study found that daily use of ginger extract increased sperm production after just 22 days of supplementation.

Another study found that a combination of ginger, muira puama, Paullinia cupana, and L-citrulline is effective at delaying or reversing the onset of age-related erectile dysfunction. However, additional research is needed to validate these findings.

Lavender

Lavender is a popular essential oil, and for good reason. It has a long history of medicinal uses, helping with everything from improving sleep, stabilizing mood, and increasing sexual desire.

One study found that the scent of lavender combined with pumpkin pie increased penile blood flow by 40%.11

Aromatherapy with lavender is a simple way to relax, boost mood, and decrease anxiety and depression, which can be helpful in boosting sexual desire and increasing erections.

Rose

Rose essential oil is beneficial to the circulatory system and is known to increase blood flow to the penis.

One study found that rose extract improved sexual dysfunction in male patients with depression and those who experienced ED as a result of being on SSRIs (medications used to treat mental health disorders).

Rose oil not only improved sexual function in the study participants, but also reduced their depression.

Rose essential oil can also increase testosterone levels, which can enhance sexual desire.

Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-ylang essential oil is used to improve self-esteem, calm anxiety, and provide a sense of well-being.14 It is also proven to reduce depression, anxiety, hypertension, and stress, which can all interfere with healthy sexual functioning and sexual desire.

Health Benefits

Erectile dysfunction has several causes, and essential oils may help alleviate some of these common issues.

Essential oils offer a number of health benefits for men to improve erectile dysfunction, including:

• Better sleep
• Improved circulation
• Increased libido
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Reduced stress
• Reduced anxiety
• A Word From Verywell

For many men, treating ED requires a trial and error approach. If you want to experiment with essential oils to help with your ED, try out different ones until you find the scents that are most effective and stimulating for you.

While many men find it embarrassing to talk about ED, it’s important to remember that it’s a common condition, and healthcare professionals know how to treat it. Talk to your physician if your ED persists and at-home remedies are not helping. Be persistent until you find the right treatment to improve your sexual health and overall quality of life.

Aromatherapy essential oils for boosting libido (sex drive)

Libido – sexual desire or sex drive – is one of those things that many women struggle with.

Studies in Britain, Europe and America, involving thousands of women of all ages, show that between 30-50% of women have been hit by prolonged periods of little or no sex drive. The causes of this are varied and complex – ranging from the biological to the psychological and even social.

For many people it’s the increasing stresses and strains of modern-day life that leads to a lack of sexual desire. This not only affects our sex life but can also affect our self-esteem, energy levels, sexual responses and our relationship with our partner.

As more of us live life in the ‘fast lane’ the relaxing, stress relieving, aphrodisiac qualities of aromatherapy essential oils, and the art of sensual massage, can be an effective way to enhance our libido and regain some of that lost sexual desire. This concept is nothing new, as history tells us that aromatic plants have been used for 1000s of years to aid love and romance and to ignite passion! Rose petals for example were scattered by the Romans on marital beds and brides wore crowns of orange blossom to allay their nerves.

Scientific research carried out by neurologist Alan Hirsch at the Smell and Taste Treatment Research Foundation in Chicago has since proven that certain scents can have a powerful effect on the olfactory bulb in our brain, which is a part of the limbic system that houses our sexual desires.

Essential oils for boosting sex drive

There are a number of aphrodisiac essential oils that can help to reduce stress and tension, relieve fatigue, stimulate sexual desire and support those suffering with impotence or frigidity. We’ve profiled a few of the most popular choices below:

• Rose essential oil has a strong passionate fragrance and a tender, uplifting and soothing effect. It helps to relieve tension and inspire a confident sensuality.

• Neroli essential oil is a gentle and subtle aphrodisiac with a hauntingly beautiful fragrance. It is soothing, calming and uplifting and can be particularly useful for people who are nervous about sexual encounters.

• Sandalwood essential oil is a powerful aphrodisiac with a gentle erotic fragrance that is enjoyed by men and women alike. It has a relaxing and uplifting effect on the mind and body and is particularly effective when there are sexual problems caused by stress and anxiety.

• Ylang Ylang essential oil has a sweet, erotic aroma. It helps to promote relaxation and relieves nervous tension and inhibitions. It is particularly suited to women, helping them to find their inner femininity, confidence and sensuality.

• Jasmine essential oil has an intoxicating, heady fragrance. It is emotionally warming and uplifting and helps to inspire confidence and optimism. It is also one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs and can help couples to reignite their sexual spark.

• Clary Sage essential oil is a powerful relaxant and stress-reliever that can have an almost ‘euphoric’ effect. It can be especially helpful where sex drive is being affected by external stresses. (Safety note: should not be used in conjunction with alcohol).

• Patchouli essential oil has a relaxing, uplifting and sensual effect. It is soothing and slightly hypnotic and excellent for reducing stress and anxiety. It has a very distinctive aroma though that some may not like.

Other choices of oil might include stimulating essential oils such as Black Pepper or Rosemary which can be useful where fatigue is affecting sexual desire.

Sensual massage

Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways, however massage is by far the most effective method of application in this instance. Aromatherapy massage is not only healing, soothing and nurturing, but can also be sensual and erotic. Time taken between couples to experiment with massage techniques – and essential oil blends that both can respond to – can counter-balance some of life’s pressures and help reconnect couples under pressure.

Many couples are afraid to experiment with massage in case they “get it wrong”.  However, basic massage techniques are easy to develop – especially if you have professional treatments yourself. A basic massage course could help if you are worried, or an instructional video. Most massage books also show good step by step techniques. Here are a few basic rules:

Never put pressure on the spine

• Never cause pain – always ask for feedback
• Never use essential oil blends on “intimate parts” of the body
• Use gentle pressure and always massage up towards the heart on the limbs.
• Use clockwise circular motions on the abdomen.

Be careful of your own back! It is easy to strain your own back if giving massage in bed – not very romantic but true! Putting a duvet/towels on the floor means the pressure of your massage isn’t just absorbed by the mattress, and gives you a more stable base if you don’t have a massage couch.

Libido boosting aromatherapy blends

Here are some wonderful aromatherapy blends to boost your sex drive. Alternatively get creative and make your own blends, choosing oils that you like the smell of.  Remember – when experimenting with your own blends – less is more! We generally recommend a 1.5% dilution rate for massage – this means a maximum of 13 drops of essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil. Do not use more than one drop of strong oils such as Black Pepper or Ginger!

Passionate Pulse Point Perfume

20ml Jojoba Oil, 4 drops Ylang Ylang, 1 Ginger & 5 Grapefruit.

Sensual Room Spray

150ml Rose Hydrolat, 2 drops Rose essential oil, 2 Jasmine, 6 Sandalwood & 6 Bergamot

Aromantic Bath

15ml Bath Oil, 2 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops Patchouli, 2 Neroli & 2 Mandarin

Aphrodisiac Massage Blends

• Stimulating: 30ml base oil, 2 drops Rosemary, 1 Black Pepper & 5 Orange
• Relaxing/Uplifting: 30ml base oil, 5 drops Sandalwood, 2 Jasmine & 5 Bergamot
• Euphoric: 30ml base oil, 4 drops Clary Sage, 5 Ylang Ylang, 2 Neroli & 1 Black Pepper

Alternatively you could try our ready to use Sensuality Massage Oil which has been expertly blended with Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang!

The Best Essential Oils for a Sizzling Sex Life

Scents make sense when it comes to the boudoir—after all, science has found your nose can lead you to the right mate. It can also enhance your sex life when you add essential oils to the mix.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

Essential rhymes with sensual

You probably have some idea of what essential oils are and what they can do for your health, your beauty, and your mood. But did you know that essential oils can jump-start your sex life? In fact, they’ve been in use as an aphrodisiac, albeit primarily under the radar, for centuries. New Jersey-based essential oils expert, Margaret Szura, a certified holistic health counselor, gets right to the point: “When there’s a problem with sexual desire or arousal, it is usually a physical or emotional issue, and healing is a process that essential oils can aid with. When stress levels are high, essential oils can help with calming. When energy is lacking, the right oils can be uplifting or stimulating. And aphrodisiac oils increase arousal because they increase circulation and blood flow.”

Cinnamon

This spice delivers a lot of benefits—read about cinnamon’s powers here—including being a sexual stimulant, says Szura. The scent not only stimulates the immune system, she claims, but it’s also the oil of sexual harmony. (Szura relies on the guide Emotions and Essential Oils—it’s her bible, she says.) Cinnamon supports the reproductive system and helps heal sexual issues, Szura explains. It’s also warming, which increases blood flow and circulation, and that is obviously important to achieving a full and satisfactory state of arousal. “It’s a major libido enhancer,” she says. Dilute it with a carrier oil at a 1 to 4 ratio, she suggests.

Clary sage

Clary sage is the oil of “clarity and vision,” according to Szura’s book, but as an aphrodisiac, it works by affecting the hormonal system, she says. If the hormones aren’t balanced, the result can be low libido. There are other natural ways to boost a low libido, but clary sage may help by elevating mood, according to a study in Phytotherapy Research, and depression can wreck your libido.

Clary sage oil has a deep, sweet, nutty flavor. It also helps calm and soothe stress and anxiety to lessen inhibitions and boost sexual desire.

Jasmine

Jasmine oil affects emotional balance and hormonal systems, Szura explains. It’s the oil of “sexual purity and balance,” and is particularly excellent for use by women. It brings out positivity while reducing anxiety, apathy, depression, and feelings of indifference. (Watch for these signs that you may have high-functioning depression.) In fact, jasmine essential oil has been scientifically demonstrated to stimulate feelings of well-being, ease depression, and boost mood levels, according to a study in Natural Products Communications. In doing so, it could safely encourage partners to explore the intimacy they may have lost.

Patchouli

This is known as the oil of “physicality,” Szura explains. Patchouli has an earthy, woodsy aroma, and reduces anxiety, increases energy, and stimulates desire while decreasing inhibitions. That means it can be grounding and stabilizing; it also compliments yoga, tai chi, or any practice that connects the spirit with the body and the earth. For normal skin, patchouli can also be used with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) to help balance the needs of the skin. Other essential oils do a better job on dry and oily skin types.

Rose

With roses as the Valentine’s Day flowers of choice, is it any surprise that rose essential oil is the oil of “divine love?” asks Szura. (By the way, here’s why roses are so popular on Valentine’s Day.)

Essential rose oil supports the circulatory system, and blood flow to the nether regions is crucial for sex. At the same time, it’s a very sensual and romantic scent that science indicates is emotionally uplifting.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil is connected to “sacred devotion,” Szura says, supporting emotional balance, muscles, bones, and the nervous system. It is calming and harmonizing, and it’s used in meditation to quiet the heart. This oil promotes emotional openness and increases physical sensuality. Best of all? It encourages unprompted interactions, Szura claims, and that helps lovers get out of a sexual slump.

As for these sexually enlightened couples, there’s no slump in sight: Find out how they manage to have such steamy sex lives.

Ylang Ylang

This is the oil of the “inner child,” Szura says. It affects emotional balance, and the cardiovascular and hormonal systems. Even better, says Szura: Ylang ylang is known as one of the most powerful essential oil aphrodisiacs because it influences sexual energy and enhances relationships. She says that ylang ylang can encourage a more sensual and erotic experience during lovemaking. Ylang ylang can also help with impotence and a low libido because, like rose oil, it supports the circulatory system.

And here’s yet another use that could help improve your sex life: Szura has discovered that it helps her with her hot flashes: “I apply it in the morning on my ankles,” Szura explains, “which is a reflexology point for ovaries.”

Bergamot

Bergamot is the oil of “self acceptance,” says Szura. It is stimulating, according to German researchers, and opens up the energy system, creating a feeling of self-acceptance that spills over to others. The research suggests that when diffused in water, bergamot may help reduce negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, stress, and tension.

Szura finds it helpful in this respect. She diffuses it at night with an oil called “Copiaba,” and it helps her sleep soundly. “I find it calming, and yet uplifting.” (Speaking of sleep, discover what your dreams say about you.)

The Best Essential Oil Combinations for Love and Sex

We use essential oils for a myriad of uses, be it an upset tummy or a thought-swollen mind—but are you aware of the power of essential oils in the bedroom? Whether it’s due to stress, medication, or any other factor, a majority of humans experience a low or sluggish sex drive. If you can relate to this, know that natural therapies are a great option for adding some spice into your sexy time.

It deserves reiteration: low sex drives are completely normal. Women can experience sporadic sex drives in all ages of life (thanks, fluctuating hormones) and men tend to see low libido in the form of erectile dysfunction as they get older. There are two things we suggest: One, talk about it! Talk to your friends, other women, or find a community. It truly helps to know you aren’t alone… Because trust us, you aren’t!

The second way is, as we mentioned, natural therapies. For instance, finding ways to decrease your stress levels, get more sleep, exercising, and adding healthy aphrodisiacs into your meals are all ways to boost libido naturally.

Essential oils are beneficial for many reasons: cooling oils help to calm the nervous system and clear a chaotic mind, while warming oils can excite and open space for passion and communication. Scent, like sex, is sensual. It helps to ease the mind and body, making you more readily available to a physical experience.

Belonging and Connection

Helichrysum – Promotes the transformation of shock and trauma, promotes emotional security and strength, and promotes emotional stability and calm.

Ylang Ylang – Disinhibits and sensualizes, enhances self-esteem, and promotes euphoria and optimism;

Cedarwood –  Known as “the oil of community,” cedarwood inspires the feeling of belonging and assists the heart in opening to receive love and support.

Belonging and connection are essential in establishing a healthy sex life. These feelings help draw you into your partner and establish comfort and communication. Some people find the scent of Helichrysum straight-up funky, but the therapeutic value of this yellow flower’s essential oil is impressive (as well as its incredible litany of uses to clarify and restore skin), and has been associated with a sense of belonging. When blended with the highly sweet aroma of Ylang Ylang, prepare to be bowled over the heady floral combo. Cedarwood cuts the sweetness slightly, and gives a tonic base note that grounds you in the midst of that floral swoon.

Suggested Use: For a very real world scenario, let’s say you and your partner are both swept up with busy schedules, working until 8pm and barely having a chance to talk until you hit the hay. Put a drop of each scent in your palm with a teaspoon of carrier oil, rub hands together, inhale deeply, and then spread the blend on the nape of your neck and shoulders, giving yourself a slight massage to ease tension, then get outside for a quick walk to invigorate your body and change your focus. The aroma of this blend is so utterly pleasant that when used methodically, you’ll soon train your brain to switch tracks and switch to a sense of connection. Absorb the scent, breathe in your partner, and carry on.

Sensuality

Jasmine – Known as “the oil of sexual purity and balance”, jasmine nurtures healthy sexuality and helps to balance sexual forces. Arouses dormant passions, and is said to cultivate positive intimate experiences by encouraging self-acceptance, trust, and safety.

Clary Sage – Calms the mind, promotes relaxation and mild euphoria; the antidote to sexual disinterest.

Cinnamon – Considered “the oil of sexual harmony”, cinnamon supports the reproductive system, dispels fear of rejection and nurtures healthy sexuality. Rekindles sexual energy, and promotes letting go of jealousy or control.

It’s really all about the jasmine here. Known for centuries as one of the most intoxicating scents on earth, it has rightly been lauded as an aphrodisiac and a general feel-good aroma. But it is also very precious (my euphemism for very expensive), due to the fact that jasmine flowers have to be harvested early in the morning before the buds have had time to fully open, else the flowers rapidly lose their volatile aromatic compounds upon blossoming. Even a single hour can result in a dramatic loss of the overall essential oil content of jasmine’s petals. When we blend it with the feminine scent of clary sage (whose main chemical component, linalyl acetate, makes it a master for soothing and relaxing) and just a hint of cinnamon (for metabolic boost and circulatory warmth), this combo should deliver the sensual mindset you’re seeking.

Suggested use: You could use this trio of oils either aromatically or topically. Keep in mind that aromatic usage (ie. via diffuser, a homemade spray or applied to palms and inhaled) will first affect the brain, which will signal responses in the hormonal system. Applying topically will actually create a warming sensation, due largely to the cinnemaldehyde content of cinnamon, increasing blood flow and skin sensitivity. Be sure to dilute the trio of oils above in a carrier oil before applying them, and the aroma resonates best at a 3-2-1 ratio of jasmine, clary sage and cinnamon. Once diluted in a carrier oil, apply to pulse points and across the lower belly, to activate the second chakra, seat of sensuality.