An aphrodisiac is generally defined as a substance that enhances or stimulates passion and sexual arousal. There is no essential oil, herb, food, chemical or other substance that will magically or immediately arouse someone who does not want to become aroused.
Drugs like Viagra are not aphrodisiacs. They simply ensure that a man's system functions as it should if he does wish to engage in intimacy.
Individuals that are physically or emotional exhausted, under stress, lacking proper nutrition, depressed, anxious or physically ill often have a significantly more difficult time enjoying intimacy.
Substances, including essential oils, that are considered aphrodisiacs are substances that can help dissipate the physical, psychological or emotional ailments that may interfere with sexual desire or arousal. For instance, an aphrodisiac may help with one or more of the following:
• Help Aid a Physical Ailment
• Reduce Stress
• Calm Anxiety
• Energize the Body and Mind
• Uplift the Mood
• Ease Depression
• Appeals to the Senses
Essential Oil Aphrodisiacs
This list is not all-inclusive. Remember that the definition of an aphrodisiac is a substance that enhances or helps stimulate passion and sexual arousal. Any essential oil that helps ease your stress or that you find sensually stimulating can act as an aphrodisiac for you.
Use extreme caution when including spicier, sensitizing oils such as cinnamon, clove bud and ginger, in any blends that will come into direct contact with your skin. They must be diluted extremely well.
This list is not all-inclusive. Remember that the definition of an aphrodisiac is a substance that enhances or helps stimulate passion and sexual arousal. Any essential oil that helps ease your stress or that you find sensually stimulating can act as an aphrodisiac for you.
Allspice
Amyris
Anise, Star
Balsam, Peru
Basil
Bay
Bay Laurel
Benzoin
Bergamot
Black Pepper
Cardamom
Cedarwood, Atlas
Cedarwood, Virginian
Chamomile, Roman
Chocolate Peppermint
Cinnamon
Clove Bud
Coriander
Cypress
Fennel
Fir Needle
Frankincense
Geranium
Geranium, Rose
Ginger
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Lavandula abrialis
Lavender
Lemon
Lemon Balm
Lime
Linden Blossom
Mandarin
Melissa
Myrrh
Neroli
Nutmeg
Palmarosa
Patchouli
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Pimento Berry/Leaf
Pine, Scotch
Rose
Rosewood
Sandalwood
Scotch Pine
Spearmint
Spruce
Star Anise
Sweet Orange
Tangerine
Tuberose
Vanilla
Vetiver
Ylang Ylang
Notes:
• Use extreme caution when including spicier, sensitizing oils such as cinnamon, clove bud and ginger, in any blends that will come into direct contact with your skin. They must be diluted extremely well.
• The citrus essential oils can sweeten and mellow out spicier oils.
• Mint essential oils, when used sparingly, can add a crisp, fresh note to your aphrodisiac blends. Spearmint is not as potent as Peppermint Essential Oil, and is a good choice when Peppermint Essential Oil may be too overpowering.
• Not often recognized as aphrodisiacs, the conifers, namely Cypress, Fir Needle and Scotch Pine, can lend a rugged, uplifting, earthy, natural aroma to aphrodisiac blends. They are a good complement to blends used during scenic vacations near wooded areas.
• Patchouli, Sandalwood and Vetiver have a rich and sensual aroma. They are deeply masculine and are often favored by men. For more information, visit AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Tips for Formulating Masculine/Earthy Blends and AromaWeb's List of Essential Oils Favored By Men.
Marjoram is considered an anti-aphrodisiac.