Love is in the Air: Sensual Aromatherapy
By: Peggy Carey
Since the olfactory nerves (the nerves in the nose) are directly connected to the limbic system of
the brain, their stimulation by the aroma of essential oils causes immediate, although perhaps
subconscious, physical and emotional responses.
The limbic system of the brain not only controls our drives of hunger, thirst, and sex, but more
subtle responses of emotion, memory, creativity, and intuition as well as reproductive cycles .
Olfactory membranes contain millions of nerve endings causing the sense of smell to be the most
acute of all senses.
Inhaling oils triggers a chain of internal reactions with a wide range of results from the release of
endorphins (powerful mood elevating substances) to boosting the immune system. Within the
limbic system resides the regulatory mechanism of our highly sensitive inner life, the core of our
being. Here is the origin of our sexuality, the impulse of attraction and aversion, motivation and
our moods, our memory, and creativity.
Smells work in the limbic system to release neurotransmitters. Encephaline reduces pain, produces
pleasant, euphoric sensations, and creates a feeling of well-being. Endorphins also reduce pain,
stimulate sexual feelings, and produce a sense of well-being. Serotonin helps relax and calm. PEA
(phenylethylamine) the chemical believed to be responsible for the ?rush? felt when falling in love
is found in both rose water and chocolate.
The pituitary, also known as the master gland of the endocrine system, is responsible for
controlling hormone production of other glands. There is an association between an underactive
pituitary gland and a decreased interest in sex. Essential oils have the ability to stimulate the
pituitary gland. Oils that stimulate the pituitary and, therefore, are considered an aphrodisiac are
clary sage, jasmine, patchouli, and ylang ylang.
Aphrodisiacs are substances that are capable of enhancing sexual pleasure or sexual desire.
Certain essential oils can be considered aphrodisiacs since they have the potential to affect the
circulatory, hormonal, and the nervous systems. The best aphrodisiac will make use of the brain,
since this is where the sexual center is located.
A blend of the erogenous, stimulating or calming, and euphoric essential oils would make a well-
rounded aphrodisiac synergy. Jasmine is the most sought after fragrance in the perfume industry
because it has a very erogenous effect on humans. Other oils that have been considered as having
aphrodisiac properties are clary sage, black pepper, ginger, fennel, frankincense, geranium,
hyssop, juniper, myrrh, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.
Our erotic life is much influenced by odor. Pheromones, hormone-like substances in one?s
personal odor, influence partner choice in humans as well as in animals. Since many essential oils
contain pheromones, they affect our sensuality.
Personal attraction and aversion are always influenced by odor. Without the ability to smell there
would be little attraction. We may be attracted or repulsed by people we meet while being
completely unaware that this is partially because of the way they smell to us in a subconscious
way. A scent can be bonding or used in identification in both people or animals. Did you ever see
a Black Angus cow pick out her calf among a hundred little black calves? As many as 25% of
the people who experience smell disorders also lose interest in sex. Therefore, keeping your
sinuses healthy could be the hidden key in creating a healthy sex life.
Fragrances can bewitch the most sober people. With a few essential oils you can create your own
very personal, natural perfume that may not only improve your health, but attract that special
person. To create a special perfume use jojoba which is a nondrying skin-care oil that allows a
fragrance to linger longer. Fill a small bottle nearly to the top with jojoba oil, and add the essential
oil of your choice (15 to 20 drops).
Use the natural gifts supplied by nature for their sensual and seductive proprieties. Create your
own love potions that stimulate your senses and enhance a romantic atmosphere. Whether you use
essential oils in a loving massage or in a diffuser to project their fragrant invitation to love and
romance, they are a most enjoyable way to increase your sexual energies and arouse your most
intimate feelings. To boost libido try 2 drops black pepper, 3 drops ginger and 2 drops
sandalwood in your diffuser. For sexual dysfunction put in the diffuser 4 drops rose and 3 drops
ylang ylang. For a fantastic massage, increase the number of drops of essential oil and add to 4
tsp. of a mix of sweet almond and grapeseed oil. Experiment and enjoy!
You can visit Peggy Carey, ?The Zest Lady? at www.a-1essentialoils.com for a FREE Essential
Oil User?s Guide or if you would like more information about the oils recommended e-mail
peggycarey@pngusa.net.
About the Author
Peggy Carey is pursuing a PhD in Parapsychic Science and is working on obtaining certification as a Nutritional Consultant. She is an Aromatherapy/Wellness Consultant, and holistic health instructor and writer.
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