Aphrodisiac Aromatherapy by Wendy Gist

Turn up the heat on Valentines Day. Imagine the most erotically charged evening you’d like to experience. Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, an aphrodisiac is a substance thought to act on the mind and intensify sexual desire—some declare them a placebo effect but romantics have attempted delivering sensuous pleasure to their lovers through aphrodisiacs since the beginning of human culture.

Aphrodisiac Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses extracts or essences for their therapeutic use of scent taken from natural aromatic plants derived from flowers, herbs, and trees.

Shellie Enteen has been an Aromatherapist for more than 12 years and teaches continuing education courses in aromatherapy for massage, “The spice oils are considered an aphrodisiac,” she says. Enteen shares a few of her favorite oils traditionally known for their aphrodisiac qualities. She notes all three are Goddess archetypes and women have used that powerful energy for centuries:

  1. Rose—known for opening the heart.
  2. Jasmine—stimulates the creative sacral charka.
  3. Neroli—(Orange Blossom) calms the nerves and opens communication through the solar plexus and the transpersonal charka.

“These are beautiful uplifting floral notes and each do wonderful things for the female psyche as well as attracting males,” says Enteen, author of Inside Aromatherapy: How to Recognize and Offer High-Quality Aromatherapy. “Many believe they raise libido because of the positive effects in terms of increased activity, but actually, many aphrodisiacs relieve anxiety which allows more intimacy to develop.”

Cleopatra is said to have used rose petals and Jasmine to seduce both Caesar and Mark Antony. Even the sails of her barge were strongly perfumed with her signature scent to announce her arrival with a message of her powerful beauty and appeal.

Like Eros and Cupid, The Hindu God of Love, Kama (as in “Kama Sutra”) carried a bow and arrows, but further ensured desire by tipping his arrows with Jasmine.  Even the sails of her barge were strongly perfumed with her signature scent to announce her arrival with a message of her powerful beauty and appeal.

For a time, the alluring scent of Neroli was used by prostitutes in Spain, and in the old herbal lore, the blossoms were called “man trap.”

Romantic Setting

Try creating a romantic bedroom setting.  “You can set the romantic atmosphere by wearing a blend of aphrodisiac oils as perfume, diluting them first in a carrier of jojoba or cold pressed oil,” says Enteen. Start with your favorite lingerie, romantic tunes like Jazz for Lovers and candle light. Allow passionate aroma to enhance sexual stimulation. “A beautiful floral is always attracting and when a woman wears such a fragrance, it boosts her self image and confidence in her appeal,” she notes. Here are amazing ways to turn up the heat:

  1. Full Body Massage:  Spice it up with massage, give your partner a heated massage or receive one. Blend aphrodisiac essential oils into pure, unrefined carrier oils such as jojoba, olive, apricot kernel and sweet almond.
  2. Erotic Bedroom: For the bedroom, try an aromatherapy diffuser. “There are many pretty diffusers that have a cup placed over a small tea light candle,” says Enteen.  “Always add some water to the cup before you put in the drops of essences.  The molecules will be in the air long after you notice their aroma, still having their special effects, but you can always place more drops in as the evening progresses,” she adds. Enteen also suggests adding a few drops on a piece of felt or a cotton ball that you place under a pillow or in a pillow case.
  3. Dim lights for an arousing good time.

For more information on essences, visit: www.astralessence.com

6 Safety Tips for Successful Aromatherapy

  1. No matter what, don’t take essential oils internally and keep out of reach from    children. Younger children should not use.
  2. Remember to purchase good quality, true essential oils that are 100% pure high-quality (not fragrant grade). Read directions carefully and use accordingly.
  3. Think “less.”  Since essential oils are powerful concentrates, a little goes a long way. Read directions for dilution instructions.  Do not overuse. If irritation occurs discontinue use.
  4. Never Use aromatherapy as a substitute for necessary medical care.
  5. Avoid during pregnancy. Certain oils may be safe, but ask your doctor.
  6. Consult a registered aromatherapist.

For more advice visit; The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy www.naha.org