Sensual

 

Sensual is defined in the English dictionary as -  ' having qualities that appeal to the senses especially on an aesthetic level and pertaining to or affecting any of the senses or a sense organ.'

Essential oils have many properties which are commonly used for healing in aromatherapy but some 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!

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.

Any essential oil that helps ease your stress or that you find sensually stimulating can act as an aphrodisiac for you.

The oils can be used in burners or in a carrier oil for a sensual massage. One of the best aphrodisiacs around is a sensual massage using just the right essential oils . What can be more romantic than a sensual massage with the person you love? We all know that candle light and mood setting music helps to get us feeling sensual. Add a sensual massage using aphrodisiac essential oils that have been gently warmed to enhance enjoyment and you will have a winning combination.

Essential oils that may be aphrodisiacs include vetiver, cardamom, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, geranium, ginger, jasmine, neroli, patchouli,  rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

 

(Use extreme caution when including spicier, sensitizing oils such as cinnamon, clove bud and ginger, in any blends that will come into direct contact with your skin. They must be diluted extremely well. Always read the leaflet inside the box of the essential oil or consult a trained practitioner.)

 

Vetiver – It is one of the few essential oils that is derived from roots rather flowers, seeds or herbs. It has an earthy, sensual  smell and is an emblem of vitality in the East. It has a warm, rich, earthy and woody note.  Vetiver is used in aromatherapy for its deeply relaxing qualities, blends excellently with Jasmine Absolute.

 

Cardomom - Cardamom is an aromatic spice. Certain cultures deem it a powerful aphrodisiac and also claim it is beneficial in treating impotence. It is high in cineole, which can increase blood flow in the body.

 

Cinnamon - . Our first indication that Cinnamon fragrance may have some aphrodisiac quality, comes from the book of Proverbs in the Bible, where together with myrrh and aloe, it was used to "perfume the lovers' bed". This is not the only mention of Cinnamon from ancient times in this regard: An attar (essential oil blend) of Cinnamon was said to have been used by Queen of Sheba in her seduction of King Solomon, at around 950 B.C. The aroma and use in massage has been shown to increase blood flow.

 

Clary Sage – It can stimulate sexual energy and can aid in the loss of libido. Great in massage as it is both stimulating and relaxing.

 

Clove  Bud- Clove is an evergreen tree, which produces a flower bud that has numerous medicinal properties. Clove bud has a shaft and a head and hence it has the Latin name clavus meaning nail. Clove oil increases the bodies metabolism by increasing blood circulation. The oil can be irritant to some, so it is always best used in a vapouriser.

 

Geranium - Its spicy, exotic, floral scent makes it a fabulous aphrodisiac. It is balancing and relaxing and relieves anxiety – hence setting the mood....

 

Jasmine abs. - Famous as an aphrodisiac essential oil, jasmine's sensual, soothing scent brings out feelings of emotional warmth and love.

 

Rose - 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 very powerful, so use little for maximum effect. Combine rose oil in a massage lotion or oil or add a few drops to a romantic bath.

Sandalwood – Sandalwood has a woody, musky aroma attractive to women. Research scientists have discovered the chemical substance responsible for Sandalwood's erotic effect on our senses. Men's underarm perspiration releases andosterone, a substance similar in chemical structure as the male hormone testosterone, which is a subliminal  attractant to woman. Andosterone in light concentrations smells similar to Sandalwood.

Thus the aroma of Sandalwood, similar to a man's underarm perspiration, sends out a barely perceptible but highly effective erotic signal to the opposite sex. Maybe that's why men often choose to use Sandalwood fragrance as a way to increase their manly aura of attraction to females.

 

 Ylang ylang – the flowers have been used in Asia for centuries to express love in marriage ceremonies. It can uplift the emotions and has been said to fuel desire, acting as a natural stimulant.

 

Ginger – mentioned as an aphrodisiac in the Karma Sutra and even banned in France for a time, it is said to increase blood flow in both men and women. Its spicy aroma is highly stimulating.

 

Patchouli – This has an exotic and earthy scent which is said to be highly attractive to men. It can be uplifting, as well as mellowing for some and may evoke strong emotional responses in both men and women.

 

Neroli (Orange Blossom Oil)  - despite its beautiful, delicate, feminine floral note is reputed to be attractive to men.