Boost your sex drive with aroma therapy

Ever wondered why Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Sensuality, used rose petals in her love den? Why Kamasutra heralds the use of itars and scents? Or for that matter, why our ancient Vedas dedicate the entire Vajrakaran Tantra to the use of aromatic oils?

Well, the reason is a little complicated and lies in one of our six senses!

“Our sense of smell stimulates the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose, which in turn stimulates a part of the brain called the limbic system that triggers our libido,” explains Blossom Kochhar, renowned aroma therapist. “The essential oils do magic and stimulate the pituitary gland, the master of endocrine gland, which controls hormone production. Inactiveness of pituitary gland can lead to low sex drive. So, the oils help keep it in an active state,” tells Aromatherapist, Dr. Naresh Arora, Chase Aroma Therapy.

Well, it seems Aphrodite and Vatsyayan had cracked the secret way back. Now you know why she’s the Goddess of love and he India’s eternal sex guru!

So, if your libido is letting you down, it’s time to treat yourself to some sweet smells to get back in action.

Aromatherapy oils are a sensual way to fire up the libido. The molecules of oils are so small that they can mingle in the bloodstream rapidly and are carried to all parts of the body. Natural scents present in aroma oils bear a key importance when it comes to sexual attraction. Some scents are overpoweringly arousing aphrodisiacs for women while other are good enough to bewitch even the most sober of men. You just need to try to believe in the power of the “secret” bedroom helpers that these oils are.

Among the many aromatic oils that have been reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities are the sweet flavors of cinnamon, bergamot, cedarwood, chocolate, vanilla, lavender, roses and patchouli.

Ylang Ylang
Sexual prowess : Considered as one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs, ylang ylang increases libido and attraction between lovers. It energises you, intensifies eroticism and is good for sexual experimentation.
Wanna try? Just place a cotton bud dipped in ylang ylang near your bed and witness its magic! (Yes, just one drop of ylan ylang is enough!)
Caution: Do not use too much of it, for it takes you into a state of euphoria and can cause headache and nausea.

Rose otto
Sexual prowess : The oil works best for females, especially when it comes to balancing the hormones. It has a tonic effect on the reproductive organs, and can work best to boost sexuality.
Wanna try? Go ahead, pamper her. Give her a soothing love massage...

Jasmine
Sexual prowess: Jasmine lifts the mood and adds into the energy levels. Traditionally, it is used to combat frigidity, impotence and premature ejaculation, thanks to its powerful erogenous effect.
Wanna try? Blend it with sandalwood, citrus oils and rose and go for an odorous bath. Caution: Women are advised not to use jasmine oil during pregnancy.

Aroma massage
Boost your sex drive with aroma therapy. (Getty Images)
Neroli
Sexual prowess: It’s a powerful aphrodisiac that works best to make up for a sensuous seduction act and some naughty flirting. It is used to combat frigidity and increase libido particularly in women.
Wanna try? Just a drop or two in a diffuser is enough to set the mood for a perfect night.

Lavender
Sexual prowess : Lavender increases blood flow to genitals and enhances female sensitivity.
Wanna try? How about arranging a sensuous bath tonight? A hot bath, a few candles, some flowers, a drop or two of lavender oil is enough to get you going...

Sandalwood
Sexual prowess : It works wonders for men. The sweet, woody exotic scent enhances physical sensuality and makes lovers more sexually-liberated. Considered a sexual restorative, it induces a state of calmness and serenity and relieves nervous tension.
Wanna try? How about giving him a real close massage? You can mix sandalwood with 3 tablespoons of almond oil. Also, when combined with black pepper oil it can give a boost to a man’s vigour.

Orange blossom
Sexual prowess: It helps the timid and shy first timers to open up and explore the unexplored. Awakens the senses!
Wanna try? Put a few drops of the oil near the candle wick and let the flame ignite the spark of passion in you too!

Precautions:
“Smell has the power to bring back memories, so never use oil which brings back bad memories associated with it to you or your partner,” suggests Dr. Blossom.

Aroma therapist Dr. Naresh Arora advises that “essential oils are very powerful, so don’t go overboard while using them. Excess usage can have sedative and anesthetic effects too. While using them in massage, first dilute them in carrier oils like sweet almond, jojoba, sunflower or olive, as they are too powerful in their full strength. In particular, if you don’t like a smell, simply avoid it. There’s a whole world of aroma’s waiting to be experienced...pick one that turns you on and have fun.”