aphrodisiac  (n.)

1719, from Gk. aphrodisiakos “inducing sexual desire,” from aphrodisios, “pertaining to Aphrodite” (q.v.), Gk. goddess of love and beauty.

 

aphrodisiac
adjective
1.	exciting sexual desire
noun
1.	a drug or other agent that stimulates sexual desire

Are aphrodisiacs just the stuff of folklore…or is there something to them? Is there really a “Love Potion #9”? I did an entire Romance episode of my show, “ Everybody Nose “, and I delved into the details of scent and psyche.

 

Our sense of smell sets off many reactions all leading to impulses sent to the brain. The instinct of smell bypasses logical thought processes concerned with language – the hypothalamus connects us to the limbic system which is the home of the emotions and the sex center of our brain. This is why fragrance is so captivating and moving. Consider that with the wonderful properties of essential oils, and you’ve got yourself a powerful tool for romance!

 

It’s no surprise that many of the reputed aphrodisiacs are spices – and the reason why, “spicy” doesn’t just refer to too much Tabasco! Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, coriander and oregano used to be imported not only for fragrant foods….but for fragrant bodies. The essential oils of these particular spices are stimulating, warming and sweet.

 

Add to that the sultry Sandalwood and Jasmine essential oils, and you’ve got yourself a love potion that not only gets you in the mood…but gives you an extra kick of energy!

 

For your Valentine’s Day pleasure…here is one of my favorite “Love Potions”:

 

Vim Love Potion #8 – Aphrodisiac Massage Oil

3 drops      Coriander essential oil

2 drops      Ginger essential oil

6 drops      Sandalwood essential oil

4 drops      Jasmine essential oil

4 oz           Base: Sweet Almond Oil – or your favorite carrier oil with a lot of slip!

 

Blend in a dark glass or essential oil safe plastic bottle. Have your Valentine apply liberally…and enjoy!

 

CORIANDER

Is THE aphrodisiac of the Middle East, Egypt and Palestine. It’s used in the classic tale, “The Arabian Nights “as an aphrodisiac.

 

GINGER

St. Hildegarde, a 12^th century healer, extolled the virtues of its aphrodisiacal properties, recommending it for older men married to energetic young women.

 

SANDALWOOD

It is considered an aphrodisiac throughout the Eastern world – India’s ancient text, the Kama Sutra, suggests that a man “give her your jasmine garland, lie her back gently and massage her body with sweet sandalwood oil.”

 

JASMINE

Sweet and heady, it is a euphoric scent that tend to dull the keenness of the logical thought processes.