Although romance wasn’t a topic of our 2016 Wellness Jumpstart, sexual health and relationship satisfaction are important elements of a wellness lifestyle. Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, enjoy this special bonus in the Wellness Jumpstart series!
One night at bedtime, I chose Bergamot and Ylang Ylang for the diffuser, because of their calming and relaxing properties. My husband was putting our son to bed, and texted me an hour or so later.
DH: He’s still not asleep. What did you put in the diffuser?
ME: Bergamot & Ylang Ylang. Why?
DH: It’s, um, having, um, an arousing effect on me. ? And I’m wondering what it’s doing to him…
ME: Oh dear! I wasn’t thinking about THOSE effects. I’ll come change it right now!
Why does it work?
The olfactory bulb in the nose is responsible for the sense of smell, and is directly connected to the limbic system in the brain, which controls emotion, motivation, learning and memory. The limbic system is also highly interconnected with the brain’s pleasure center, controlling arousal and sex drive. This is why various aromas can have a significant effect on how we feel. Have you ever buried your nose in your partner’s shirt?
Ylang Ylang in particular is known for its aphrodisiac properties. Some cultures in Southeast Asia, where it grows naturally, scatter its flower petals or even entire flowers all over the bed for newlywed couples. (Not that they really need an aphrodisiac in those situations, right?)
The aroma of Ylang Ylang can also create a sense of euphoria. It’s calming and uplifting, promoting positivity, as is Bergamot. And let’s face it, sometimes it’s hard to get in the mood. We may feel tired, stressed, or even unappealing. Or maybe we had an argument and our feelings are still smarting. Essential oils can be very useful in helping us to overcome these negative feelings and reconnect with our partners through intimacy. Bergamot also promotes feelings of harmony and self-confidence. Sandalwood is another aphrodisiac that calms, harmonizes, and balances emotions, too. Is it any surprise these three oils are frequently found in perfumes?
Spice it up!
Topical applications of certain “spicy” oils stimulate circulation and create a sensation of warmth. These are commonly “hot” oils that can irritate the skin, so it’s especially important to dilute them with a carrier oil. But that means there’s more to go around for a sensual massage…
Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, and Ginger all have rich, spicy aromas that stimulate the senses. It can be a lot of fun to play around with recipes and make your own blends with any of the oils mentioned so far. But I am absolutely in love with a new blend my favorite oil company recently created. The Inspiring Blend is a perfect mix of Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Cardamom, Ginger, and Damiana. It’s warming and renewing and mmmmmm….. can you say passion?!
I’ve also been enjoying their special Blend for Women recently, dabbing a little behind my ears and in my décolletage as perfume. Again combining many essential oils that impart beauty, femininity, and allure, it includes Rose, Jasmine, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Citrus, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, and Patchouli, as well as cocoa and vanilla absolutes. It provides a warming, musky aroma, but I love that it mingles with individual chemistry to create a uniquely personal fragrance. And more than just perfume, we get all the other benefits of these essential oils, like stress relief, support for balanced hormones, and improved moods.
The moment you’ve been waiting for…
Just how do you use these oils? It’s easy to pre-dilute your oils in roller bottles. Unless otherwise directed, simply add 1-5 drops of each essential oil from a recipe in a 10 mL roller bottle, then fill the rest with a carrier oil and shake before each use. (I use my favorite brand‘s fractionated coconut oil, because I know it’s held to the same high standards as their essential oils.) I always say to start with just a little, because you can always add more essential oil later if you don’t achieve the desired effect. And when you’re using top-quality, potent essential oils, less is more! Aromatic use with a diffuser, linen sprays, and room sprays are wonderful, too. Have some fun experimenting on your own, but here are some recipes that have worked well for others.
Spicy and Sexy Massage Blend
4 drops Black Pepper
4 drops Ylang Ylang
1/4 cup carrier oil
This blend is sizzling! It warms your skin and lights a fire within! Massage firmly on the thighs.
Seductive Bedroom Mist
2 oz glass spray bottle
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Ylang Ylang
Fill remainder of bottle with water. Spray on yourself, sheets, pillow, room…wherever you’d like!
Sexual Enhancement Blend for Him
3 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Sandalwood
1 tsp carrier oil
Apply to back of neck, wrists, and/or bottoms of feet. (Double this recipe and fill to the top with carrier oil to make it in a 10 mL roller bottle.)
Ecstasy Extender Massage Blend
2 oz glass bottle
2 drops Geranium
1 drop Cinnamon
1 drop Ginger
1 drop Lemongrass
1 drop Peppermint
Fill the rest with carrier oil. Shake and use 10-15 drops at a time to support reaching and prolonging climax.
Warm and Invigorating Blend
4 drops Wild Orange
3 drops Peppermint
2 drops Cinnamon
1 oz carrier oil
This one goes on warm, then cools to a nice tingle.
Attraction Perfume Blend for Women
10 mL glass roller bottle
6 drops Sandalwood
3 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Patchouli
3 drops Ginger
Fill with carrier oil and shake before each use.
Attraction Cologne Blend for Men
10 mL glass roller bottle
6 drops Sandalwood
3 drops Cinnamon
3 drops Patchouli
Fill with carrier oil and shake before each use.
Can’t wait to get your hands on my favorite oils for romance?
Try one of these special enrollment kits I created just for you! Wholesale membership includes access to our amazing network for further education and support, as well as exclusive specials and promotions.
The Sensual Starter Kit includes 15 mL bottles of Bergamot and Ylang Ylang, and 5 mL of the Inspiring Blend, along with wholesale membership for a year, for $135.55 plus tax & shipping.
The Revved Up for Romance Kit includes 15 mL bottles of Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, and Ginger, and 5mL each of the Inspiring Blend, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, and the Blend for Women, as well as wholesale membership for a year, for $241.55 (plus tax & shipping).
And the cherry on top? Both of these kits qualify for a special February promotion that enables you to get $100 in products of your choice for FREE! I’ll spill all the details when you contact me to join.
