One of the quickest ways to set a romantic mood is with the use of aromatherapy essential oils. There is nothing as effective as the scent of rose and bergamot to evoke a sensual and erotic atmosphere with your lover, or the ability of a well-placed candle wafting the scent of jasmine to seduce and intrigue.

Our sense of smell is one of our most basic senses that bypass our logical circuits and go directly to our limbic system via our olfactory cells located behind the bridge of the nose.

The limbic system is also known as the paleomammalian brain, and among other things contains the amygdala, where our emotional memories are stored.

This is why you can catch a familiar scent that you can’t quite identify but be transported back to a past memory that you hadn’t thought of for years. It’s a short circuit to the subconscious.

Not only do essential oils influence the emotions, memories and overall health, but they also affect the endocrine system which controls our hormones. Our hormones play an enormous role in our moods so it follows that when you want to create an effective mood for romance in the shortest amount of time then the use of a few well-chosen aromatic oils is just the ticket!

I’ve included some aromatic oil recommendations and some ‘recipes for romance’ below to try out on any romantic occasion. I must give you a word of warning – the oils are very effective at achieving the desired result, so don’t make the mistake than many do of thinking “If a little bit is good then a lot must be better!” Remember, less is more, so start off with very small amounts – no more than a few drops – and only increase as required. Using too much of the same oil can have the opposite effect!

In General

For Her

Rose Maroc – a heavy and passionate oil, dark and mysterious, confident.

Ylang Ylang – a sweet, soothing oil and is also stimulating and exotic – dispels jealousy

Jasmine – seductive lifter of dark moods

Jonquil – brings out your hidden desires

Nutmeg – promotes desirability and provokes seduction

Hyacinth – opens the heart and mind and helps you blossom while giving courage

Bergamot – banishes depression and enlivens your libido

Lemon Verbena – casts a happiness spell and rids mental exhaustion

Chamomile Roman – creates emotional stability and clears past emotional baggage

For Him

Mace – arouses more than the imagination

Anis Vert – stimulates positive physicality

Clary-sage – arouses the seductive masculine

Cedarwood – relaxes the analytical mind

Frankincense – encourages enlightenment and stress relief

Black Pepper – brings stamina and strength, defrosts the heart and prepares the body for action

Cardamom – profoundly sexual it evokes his erotic nature

Geranium – creates harmony and good humour

Cumin – erotic and evocative it stimulates body fluids and the senses

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting some on yourself – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Day/Night Massage Blend

For her:

3 drops Jasmine

4 drops Rose Maroc

3 drops Ylang-ylang

Mix and add 4 drops to 1 teaspoon carrier oil*

For him:

5 drops Cumin

5 drops Geranium

5 drops Clary-sage

Mix and add 4 drops to 1 teaspoon carrier oil*

For both:

3 drops Jasmine

3 drops Rose Maroc

5 drops Sandalwood

4 drops Cumin

Mix into 15ml carrier oil* and use as needed

*Note: Never use essential oils while pregnant. When used on the body essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil. Try sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, grapeseed oil or evening primrose oil that are cold-pressed and organic.

For more romantic aromatherapy oil recipes I highly recommend “Aromantics” by Valerie Ann Worwood.