Essential oils have many properties which are commonly used for healing in aromatherapy; some essential oils are also aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiac essential oils are more likely to induce love and romance; romantic essential oils can be used in the bath, in a massage lotion or oil or simply inhaled to set the mood for romance!
How Essential Oils Stimulate Romance
Essential oils work in a number of ways but the quickest way the aroma of an essential oil reaches the body is by inhalation through the nose; smells trigger responses in people through the stimulation of the limbic part of the brain, where moods and emotions are governed. Combined with a sensual massage, essential oils induce romance both through inhalation and sensual touch.
Rose Essential Oil for Love
Rose is perhaps the most popular essential oil for love; rose has been prized for centuries by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, particularly in the quest for love. Cleopatra of Egypt and Josephine Bonaparte of France are just two historical figures who were known to use rose, in one form or another, to seduce lovers.
Rose essential oil is a base note oil, so use little for maximum effect; pure rose essential oil is expensive, anything less is probably a substitute or an adulterated "rose" oil. Combine rose oil in a massage lotion or oil or add a few drops to a romantic bath.
Patchouli Essential Oil for Romance
Patchouli has commonly been used as perfume base, since its introduction to Europe from the Far East in the 1800s; it became popular in the "hippie" era of the 1960s when it was frequently used as an incense. Patchouli essential oil is also a base note oil and may be too "heavy" for some people; however, it possesses aphrodisiac properties so is capable of inducing romance.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil for Weddings
Ylang Ylang is another "exotic" essential oil used for love and romance; in Indonesia, the flowers of Ylang Ylang are laid out on the bed of the bride and the groom, in an attempt to stimulate passion. Ylang Ylang essential oil is also used as a tonic to help overcome sexual difficulties, in addition to its aphrodisiac properties. Ylang Ylang is a "lighter" oil than rose and patchouli.
Neroli Essential Oil for Brides
Neroli, or orange blossom, has been used in weddings for centuries for its aphrodisiac properties; Victorian brides wore a sprig of neroli in their head dress and carried neroli in the bridal bouquet in an attempt to calm nerves and stimulate romance on the wedding night! Neroli essential oil is often adulterated so be sure to choose pure neroli oil for true aphrodisiac effects.
Sandalwood Essential Oil for Seduction
Sandalwood is known for its meditative and relaxing properties, but it is also an aphrodisiac oil; sandalwood is used frequently as a fixative in many perfumes. Sandalwood essential oil is a base note oil and is also expensive; however a drop of sandalwood in a massage lotion or a bath may stimulate a romantic encounter.
Cautions for Using Essential Oils
If unfamiliar with the use of essential oils, consult a qualified aromatherapist; pay attention to any warnings associated with a particular essential oil for certain conditions. Always dilute an essential oil in a carrier such as lotion, oil or water. If applied correctly, essential oils are easy and safe to use for stimulating romance and love!
References:
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK:Thorsons
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
