Aphrodisiacs

The aroma of essential oils can vary from the somewhat unpleasant to the seductively sensual.

When planning your next sexual conquest, it is better to go for the seductively sensual variety.

A number of oils have been characterised since ancient times as having aphrodisiac qualities, although the effects seems to vary tremendously from one person to the next.

But what the heck, keep trying different oils until you get the response you were hoping for! For best effect, the use of aphrodisiac oils is best kept subtle - it's no good adding a few drops of oil to your friend / partner / lover / spouse's nasal spray when they have a cold. It might make them sick and although this will get them into bed, it won't be for what you want. Try a few drops on an oil burner to magically scent the room, or a few drops left on a piece of material in a strategic place. Cooking with essential oils is not recommended - the active chemical components will most likely be destroyed by heating and the taste is more likely to be bitter and horrid rather than sensual. Stick to oysters and champagne for that approach.

Listed below are the classic aphrodisiacs and here are a few suggestions to help you set the mood:

Dancing to the Music

It's ginger ( not Rogers ), palmarosa, black pepper and ylang ylang. Want to know why? Just try it and watch your feet start to tap. Try Latin Music for best effect.

An Evening with your Hunk

OK, get the sandalwood, patchouli and ylang ylang out, but be discreet. He may think you are trying to dope him into submission. If his eyes water, then you have made it a little too strong - best to start chopping some onions as a decoy or suggest you go out for the evening.

An Evening with your Babe

It has to be jasmine, geranium and ylang ylang unless you drive a Ferrari and can afford the rose oil. She cannot fail to be impressed with your knowledge of aromatic mood enhancers. Leave a few aromatherapy books lying around for good measure. Easy on the crystals though - you don't want to appear weird.

Spicy for Hot Lovers

* clove * cinnamon * basil * patchouli

Others (if Desperate)

* clary sage * neroli

Candlelit Bath for One

Use your favourite bubble bath but infuse the air with sandalwood, geranium, jasmine and a touch of cinnamon. Try not to sleep under the water for best effect.

Candlelit Bath for Two

Assuming you have a big enough bath, make out with sandalwood, ylang ylang and lime for a night to remember. Otherwise, ditch the oils and have a shower.

The Antidote

If what you are trying to create has changed mid-evening or you have suddenly developed a headache, then a fast and efficient antidote is called for. Fortunately, there is an essential oil that will do this for you.

* marjoram

This oil is classified as an aphrodisiac - I think mainly because it promotes rapid sleep !

The Fragrant Home (in case you are bringing your date home)

The best way of making your home / flat / cardboard box smell nice is to use an oil burner with some pure essential oils. OK, so you may prefer to dab a few drops on a piece of cotton wool, or use a ceramic ring on an electric light bulb, or use a clever device which attaches to your radiator - and all these are a good choice if you are a liability with candles, but when all's said and done, a heated dish or bowl is the way to go. The scent is powerful and can last for hours. I prefer not to heat oils directly by always placing them in some water. This lets them evaporate slowly rather than just burning, which can turn the whole atmosphere very unpleasant. Likewise, some people drop oils into molten candle wax. But when oils burn on a wick, they lose all the gentle characteristics they were born with. You may as well heat up some goose fat because the smell is nicer.

I typically use around 10 drops of oil for a powerful room scent but some people may choose to use less.

Andy Barson

Disclaimer: No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained within this article (although every effort is made to ensure that it is accurate) and no liability is accepted for any claims arising out of the misuse or otherwise of essential oils. Aromatherapy is not a substitute for modern medical advice. Always consult your doctor before embarking on alternative treatment.

By Andy Barson