Fragrant Provocateur

Since the days of the ancient Egyptians, sweet-smelling fragrant oils have been used by many civilizations to enhance health, beauty, fertility, virility and of course, love. The Greeks learned from the Egyptians how to produce and employ medicinal oils, and they extended their uses even further by turning massage and bathing into an exquisite and sensual art-form!

Meanwhile in India, it was believed that burning incense containing sandalwood and benzoin increased sexual attraction, and women would rub jasmine oil into their hair, and sandalwood oil onto their breasts before making love. The legend of Cleopatra records how she used the exotic aroma of rose petals to entice Mark Anthony into her bedroom, and we all know how that worked out. Rose still remains one of the most seductive of all the available essential oils in aromatherapy.

After the fall of the Roman Empire the trading routes supplying aromatics were no longer maintained, and their use was dramatically restricted to their original realm of incense and ritual. In the 12th century the returning Crusaders brought fragrant herbs and flowers back from their travels, which coincided with re-established trade routes from the orient after which aromatics and essential oils gradually began to find their way into Europe.

This is how the unbreakable bond between fragrance and romance was created in western society. But what exactly is the connection between fragrance and emotion?

Emotional responses

Our sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than our sense of taste, and researchers have discovered how certain aromas excite the brain, activating the hypothalamus gland, the pituitary gland and the body’s hormones. Aromas also stimulate the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls sensations of pleasure, emotions and memory.

Research has confirmed that essential oils influence the brain by causing the complex chemistry of the brain to change subtly. During controlled experiments it has been observed many times that essential oils will produce specific and repeatable emotional responses in an individual. Some scientists argue that synthetic aromas create exactly the same response as natural essential oils, although I am yet to be convinced of this.

Exactly which emotion is evoked when experiencing a fragrance will of course depend on the particular essential oil concerned, but scientists now believe that all of our emotions are the result of neurochemicals such as noradrenaline and serotonin being released into the bloodstream. Mood swings are thought to be a result of these influences, particularly when they are in the extreme.

Fragrances can invoke either intellectual arousal (concentration), emotional arousal (euphoria or affection), or sexual arousal. In fact, there has been a great deal of clinical research into this whole subject, most of which again confirms many long held beliefs and principles of aromatherapy.

Character analysis

Essential oils are just like people. They are all quite different from one another, bursting full of personality, character and sometimes a few surprises. Some are subtle, mysterious and seductive, whilst others are vigorous, energising and empowering. They interact with our moods, subtle energies and thoughts, influencing us profoundly in ways we still do not yet understand.

And also just like people, finding the right one for you can be the key to a happy relationship together. It’s all about experimenting with your essential oils and finding what works for you, and with the right partner it’s a lot more fun than you ever had in the science lab at school!

Love is in the air

Dim the lights and put some oils in your vaporiser, light a few candles and discover for yourself what the ancestors of aromatherapy already knew about the power of fragrance! Aromatherapy massage is the perfect way for you and your partner to enjoy the seductive power of odours because of the sensuality of touch. However, there’s no need to do a full body massage because a back massage can be just as seductive, or if time is tight try just a neck and shoulder massage.

If you prefer not to use a carrier oil, simply add a blend of alluring essential oils to some unfragranced base lotion and massage as usual. Or you can just wear your blend as a perfume. If all of this sounds like too much hard work don’t worry, a creative mix of essential oils in the bath or a vaporizer can work just as well. Whatever turns you on!

On February 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is traditionally the time of year to validate that special relationship with a loved one. Of course, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to try out the alluring and arousing powers of essential oils, you can use them anytime - well almost anytime!

Show your partner how much you love and care about them by trying a few of the recipes in the sidebar and make your evening or time together a bit special. All of the essential oils included in the recipes can be used for their romantic allure on their own too.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

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