We all hit bumps in the road that affect our personal wellbeing and our outlook on life. It is easy to be derailed by stress, worry, anxiety, hormonal issues, depression, or fatigue. These personal bumps in the road can become potholes in our relationships and lead to intimacy issues with our significant others.
Ultimately, a healthy relationship is dependent on clear communication with our partners and, when needed, professional medical or emotional help.
Additionally, essential oils can play a role in reducing stress and improving our overall health and wellness. They may also be great to boost libido and bring some spice back into the bedroom.
Improving Sexuality
By addressing our personal issues, we can improve our sexual health, our relationships, and our overall health. So, let’s break it down and see what steps we can take toward decreasing stress and increasing libido. In the famous words of Salt-N-Peppa, “Let’s tell it how it is, and how it could be… How it was, and of course, how it should be.”
Hormones
Hormones play a big part in our sexuality and when they are out of balance, the body suffers. Studies have shown that Clary Sage, Neroli, Lavender, Geranium, and Rose Otto are helpful in reducing stress and improving sexual function.
The Balance Synergy can also be used to calm and bring balance to a woman’s life. Not only is this blend balancing and calming, but it also has a few essential oils, such as Jasmine and Ylang Ylang, that are known aphrodisiacs. Win-win!
Fatigue
No matter the cause, fatigue can throw a real wrench in our desire for intimacy. Improving sleep quality will do wonders for mood and overall health. Among others, Sandalwood Australian, Bergamot, and Vetiver are some of my favorite essential oils for encouraging a great night of sleep. You’ll be much more likely to feel up to stealing a few special moments with your partner when you’re well rested. Be sure to check out this blog post for more great suggestions for improving sleep!
Stress
In 1996 a study determined that 75-90% of all healthcare visits are due to stress-related health problems. Stress leads to high blood pressure, heart problems, anxiety, and depression . All of these issues can lead to lower libido. When you’re not feeling your best, you’re not in the mood.
Once again, we see some overlap in essential oils that are not only helpful for stress but other issues we’ve already addressed. Bergamot, Neroli, and Lavender are favorites for reducing stress and uplifting the mood. Reducing stress helps us become the best versions of ourselves. When we’re able to relax, we can better enjoy being with the people that we love.
Communication
Even though is further down the list, I feel it is the most important step in improving our intimate relationships. Removing personal roadblocks helps us better communicate and thus, a whole body approach is important and necessary. Sometimes, we still need a little help communicating our needs to our loved ones, and essential oils can be used to instill confidence, raise our self-esteem, and encourage sensuality.
True Expression is a favorite when additional help with communication is needed. True Expression consists of Ho Wood, Lavender Fine, Spearmint, and Blue Tansy. Individually, these oils are calming, relaxing, energizing, and emotionally clearing. Working together as a synergy, these oils are fantastic for encouraging self-expression.
Aphrodisiacs
Last but not least, essential oils can be used as an aphrodisiac. For centuries, people have used aromatic plants and floral waters to set the mood. Science is now catching up, and new studies aim to prove the efficacy of using aromatherapy to improve our intimate relations.
A study in 2010 was conducted to show the stimulating effect of Jasmine when used in an aromatherapy massage. Subjects exposed to Jasmine had a significant increase in breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure, indicating an increase in autonomic arousal. Subjects reported that they felt more alert and vigorous than the control group, which received placebos .
Jasmine is a wonderfully uplifting essential oil that can help to balance mood and improve mental wellness.
This study is just one of many that explore the use of essential oils for improving sexual health and wellness.
Though there are many oils known for their aphrodisiac properties, some of my favorites include Sandalwood, Rose, Vetiver, Lavender, Bergamot, and Black Pepper.
Setting the Mood
With our mind and body in a better place and our favorite aphrodisiacs in hand, we can move to the bedroom. Massage is a wonderful way to invigorate the mind and body and to set the mood for a romantic evening.
Making your own massage blend is a rewarding way to get yourself into the right mindset for the evening. So, grab your favorite esSENSUAL oils and let’s blend!
For Him Massage Blend
- 5 drops Sandalwood Australian
- 3 drops of Spruce Black
- 3 drops of Cypress
- 1 drop of Vetiver
- 3 drops of Coriander Seed
- 1 oz carrier oil
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For Her Massage Blend
- 6 drops of Rose Otto 10%
- 4 drops of Bergamot
- 2 drops of Clary Sage
- 2 drops of Jasmine Absolute
- 1 oz carrier oil
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The Hookup Diffuser Blend
- 3 drops Spruce Black
- 3 drops Black Pepper
- 2 drops Cedarwood Virginian
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Sources:
1: America’s #1 Health Problem. The American Institute of Stress. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/americas-1-health-problem/
2. Khadivzadeh, T., Najafi, M., Ghazanfarpour, M., Irani, M., Dizavandi, F., &Shariati, K. (2018). Aromatherapy for sexual problems in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29765928
3. Lee, K., Cho, E., & Kang, Y. (2014). Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and cortisol plasma levels in menopausal women after inhalation of clary sage oil. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24802524
4. Farnia, V., Hojatitabar, S., Shakeri, J., Reaei, M., Yazdchi, K., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Adjuvant rosa damascena has a small effect on SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in female patients suffering from MDD. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26098128
5. Choi, S., Kang, P., Lee, H., & Seole, G. (2014). Effects of inhalation of essential oil of citrus aurantium l. var. amara on menopausal symptoms, stress, and estrogen in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25024731
6. Hongratanaworakit, T. (2010). Stimulating effect of aromatherapy massage with jasmine oil. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184043