Add some spice to your love life

Whether looking to heighten emotions, relax, or bring about a restful night of sleep, using aromatherapy may help.

by Tiffany Richards — 

For thousands of years, almost every culture has used various methods like fragrance, aroma and incense to enhance libidos, improve sexual performance and put some zip into their love lives.

Cleopatra is said to have carpeted her bedroom with rose petals to seduce Marc Anthony. The ancient Romans are credited with discovering neroli, and are said to have used basil and rose in their famous Roman baths. In addition, they used both rose and laurel in their legendary head wreaths.

Over the millennia, aromatherapy has been employed to combat sterility, impotence and fragility, not to mention everyday maladies. Undeniably, the entire perfume industry is founded on the belief that fragrances have alluring and seductive properties. One need only watch a TV commercial advertising the latest perfume to see evidence that perfume equals sexual appeal.

So, how does aromatherapy add zing to your love life? Pure essential oils, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, affect the olfactory region directly connected to the brain’s limbic system where sexual feelings and behaviors arise.

There are two main methods for using essential oils: diffusion and topical application. In diffusion, essential oils are added to water and heated, using either a candle or an electric diffuser. The essence of the oil is released through steam into the air. As you inhale the aroma, your brain triggers certain receptors, which in turn create the desired reaction.

With topical application, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba, and massaged or gently misted onto the skin, or added to a sensual bath.

Many essential oils have proven aphrodisiac powers. Ylang ylang, a narcotic with a flora-sweet aroma, warms, relaxes, excites and stimulates. Perfect for a couples’ massage, this oil blends well with bergamot, sandalwood and cedarwood.

When feeling slightly inhibited or repressed, due to work stress or other anxiety, couples may want to take a relaxing and sensual bath with geranium. Not only is this essential oil balancing in nature, but it also is a great liberator of emotions. Its floral, spicy and exotic aroma heightens sensitivity and relaxation. It is also known to boost circulation and alleviate fatigue.

Warm and woody, cedarwood soothes and calms while inducing a peaceful state of relaxation. Cedarwood promotes a restful night’s sleep and aids in meditation and dreaming. It is ideal for creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.

A natural for creating passionate heat, frankincense promotes calmness and peace of mind. Known to encourage communication and bring out true feelings, it is great for a sensual massage.

Whether looking to heighten emotions, relax, or bring about a restful night of sleep, using aromatherapy may help. Enjoy the smells and feelings while you experiment with this age-old practice.

Tammy Romer and Tiffany Richards are the owners of Celestial Self, makers of handmade, 100 percent natural, aromatherapy personal care products. www.celestialself.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 4, August/September 2006.