When it comes to the history and the science of sex and mating (pardon the unromantic approach), it was never really about lust at first sight, being tickled by the vibrations of a deep, throaty voice or feeling transfixed by the taste of skin. No, the brain has always favoured tracking down copulation prospects with the nose.
Odors and scents have always been a major influence to human behavior. It triggers a distant memory, it evokes a sense of familiarity, it awakens the appetite and it can even accelerate puberty and affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.
So, surely we can smell our way into better sex? Right?
As a “sequel” to herbs that will spice up your life sexually, which we recently shared with you, here are some herbs and foods that you can inhale to reach that desired stage of heavy breathing…
Jasmine
Some have described it as the king of essential oils, and others have called it exotic and sensual. The delicate Persian plant has long been considered an aphrodisiac that influences both sexes. It’s used to promote intimacy and romance for its antidepressant properties and soothing effects. Plenty of cosmetics and bodycare brands carry jasmine scented soaps and gels, so how about you lather up with your partner and bathe in jasmine before retreating to the bedroom?
Lavender
…will not put you to sleep midway. Gosh. That would be just… sad. Lavender may be the first scent that comes to mind for de-stressing and getting sleep, but there is also a heavy sensual appeal in its fragrance. A study revealed that the aroma that aroused men the most included lavender. Here’s an idea: boil a pinch of dried lavender with some water, sugar and fresh lemon juice. As you sip this love tonic, inhale the sensual smell that steams up from your cup.
Ylang-Ylang
This spicy-smelling and erotic scented Indonesian flower is a powerful aphrodisiac that increases libido and increases the attraction level between lovers. Its pleasing and gentle fragrance is particularly helpful for women who have lost their interest in sex. We read that a single drop of ylang-ylang oil on a piece of unfinished pottery on your nightstand can enhance the sex drive… and that’s a Feng Shui tip too, by the way.
Cinnamon
The smell of baked cinnamon rolls doesn’t just make your cravings growl, it can make you growl as well. Cinnamon is an aphrodisiac that actually generates heat inside your body and increases appetite and sexual desire. Rubbing a few drops of cinnamon essential oil on your sensitive parts – even your genitals, we hear – can produce powerful sexual stimulation. It’s no wonder singer Suzanne Vega analogized desire through her song entitled ‘Cinnamon’ (what else?)
Which of the above scents excite you? Do you have other scents that you know will stir up some frisky business? Enlighten us or get creative and surprise us!
