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> Aromatherapy Article Archive > Setting
the Mood with Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Introduction
 Preciously
fragranced room sprays, body mists, bath oils, massage oils, and other
natural aromatics can enhance a romantic evening or add variety and intrigue
to your marriage.
Planning in advance for special dates,
evenings or other moments can help set the mood for a beautiful and quiet
(or lively!) occasion. Putting special thought into all the factets of
a beautiful evening will make your partner feel special and appreciated,
and will make the event unforgettable in his/her mind. Much, however,
can also be said about the benefits and wonders of spontaneous moments.
Impromptu moments can rule out including some aromatic practices, but
it is also possible to plan ahead for spontaneity. A lovely selection
of natural aromatics can be purchased or prepared in advance so that you
have them on hand for when the mood strikes. Read on for ideas.
A Word of Caution Before We Get Started...
We are all unique and differ in our appreciation
and awareness of the sensory cues around us. At any given moment, we have
unique sights, sounds, aromas, tastes and textures all demanding our attention.
Some individuals prefer to maintain consistency in their surroundings
and have a harder time than others in embracing new sensations. If you
are unfamiliar with the preferences, limitations, allergies or possible
sensitizations of the individual that has captured your romantic interest,
it's best to play it safe and limit your use of aromatics until you know
more. It's less spontaneous, but it's caring and safe!
Aphrodisiac/Sensual Essential Oils
An aphrodisiac is generally defined as a substance that
enhances or stimulates passion and sexual arousal. 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.
Visit AromaWeb's Aromatherapy
and Aphrodisiacs article for
details and a list of sensual/aphrodisiac essential oils
that can be incorporated with the below ideas.
Room Fragrancing
 If
planning a romantic evening at home that begins with dinner, select essential
oils and oil blends that will complement the aroma of your meal or other
aromas that may be present throughout the evening. Start with light, fresh,
energizing aromas and lead to more sultry, exotic blends as the night
progresses. Remember that less is more and not to overpower the
room. If you or your partner smoke, consider diffusing lemon essential
oil or including it in a blend to help rid the smoky odor from the room.
Diffusion
Diffuse your favorite sensual essential oils or blend. Refer to AromaWeb's
All About Diffusers article to learn of the different
ways that you can diffuse essential oils.
Room Sprays / Room Mists
A quick and easy way to sensually and naturally fragrance a room is to
create a room spray in advance. A room spray is especially practical for
those beautiful, spontaneous moments where minimal advance planning is
the key ingredient.
Use AromaWeb's Air
Freshener Recipe as the basis for your alluring room spray. Include
seductive, sensual essential oils that you and your partner find especially
appealing.
Linen Spray
Refresh your bed linens by spraying them with an aromatic spray. Use AromaWeb's
Linen Spray Recipe as a basis for
your sensual spray.
 Candles
Candles are frequently used to make romantic evenings more sensual.
They simultaneously delight three of our senses. They tantalize our sight
with their soft, flickering light. Fragranced candles heat the aromatics
embedded within their wax and disperse the aroma throughout a room. They
also generate heat and provide warmth to the skin.
When selecting candles for your most erotic
or romantic evenings, choose candles that are fragranced only with essential
oils or that are not fragranced at all. If you must use candles that are
fragranced with synthetic fragrance oils, select candles that are lightly
fragranced with a delicate, mysterious and arousing scent. Although an
old addage says "The way to a man's or woman's heart is through
his/her stomach," I'd suggest saving your sugar cookie
and pumpkin pie candles for holiday entertaining or other fun purposes.
Most candles, even those marketed as aromatherapy
candles are fragranced with synthetics. Read AromaWeb's Aromatherapy
Candles article for information on selecting natural and aromatherapy
grade candles.
Incense
The term incense is a broad term for perfumed dry aromatics
that are burned. Countless forms of incense are available, but most are
manufactured using synthetic ingredients. Some incense, most notably incense
powders, cones and Japanese incense is available that contains only natural
ingredients. Incense, when slowly burned, and when burned in a manner
that doesn't overpower a room can stimulate the senses. Incense, most
notably those that include sandalwood, aloeswood, cinnamon, frankincense
and sensual woods and herbs can simultaneously ease stress and enhance
arousal. For more information about natural incense and what to look for,
see AromaWeb's Incense
and Aromatherapy article.
 Fresh
Flowers
No aroma is purer than the aroma that permeates directly from freshly
cut aromatic flowers, herbs and other fragrant botanicals. Create your
own fragrant bouquets to complement your passionate evenings.
Rose Petals
Rose petals are not only beautiful, they are delightfully aromatic and
velvety soft. They can be sprinkled upon the bed, upon a beautiful tablecloth
awaiting a lovely meal, or even sprinkled as a "come hither"
path leading your lover to you. Call your local florist or nursery to
obtain fresh petals.
A Word About Unpleasant Household Odors
Stale odors, smoke and other unpleasant aromas can be unappealing at any
time let alone during your most special occasions. Whenever possible,
try to fully eliminate unpleasant odors and don't just try to mask them.
Keep your fridge and garbage cans free of decaying produce, meat stuffs
and other smelly items by taking out your trash frequently. If you smoke,
try to smoke outside whenever possible. Wash draperies and freshen fabrics
regularly. Use a kitchen fan if you cook a lot of meat/fish.
Personal Fragrancing
Personal Fragrances - Body Mists and Perfumes/Colognes
Delicately fragrancing yourself with a natural body
mist, perfume or cologne can complement your natural aromatic chemistry.
Refer to AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Blending Guide
for details on how to blend and formulate beautiful essential oil blends.
Visit the following links to view natural essential oil recipes:
Hydrosols
A hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential
oil via steam or water distillation. Hydrosols are sometimes also referred
to as a floral water, hydrolate, or distillate water. When shopping for
hydrosols, however, be careful of those labeled as "floral waters."
Many floral waters are fragranced with synthetics, so it's best to ask
the supplier if their use of the term "floral water" is synonymous
with the term "hydrosol." Hydrosols are delicately fragranced,
and can be used as body mists, room sprays and linen sprays. Neroli, the
blossoms of the orange tree, features a soft, sweet, slightly floral aroma
that is sensual and favored by both men and women. Neroli Hydrosol is
a good choice to keep on hand for sensual occasions. Hydrosols are often
sold in spray mist bottles, or they can be rebottled into spray bottles
that you purchase separately.
Sensual Activities
Dinnertime
Select foods that you and your partner like, and that are fun or sensual
to eat. Get creative. Foods that have been considered aphrodisiacs for
their texture, shape or nutritional value includes oysters, avocados,
cocoa (chocolate), asparagus, and strawberries/raspberries.
 Bathtime
View AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Baths Article
for a general introduction to aromatic bathing. Then, using sensual essential
oils, create a luxurious Bath Oil or
sensual Bath Salts for that next
special bath.
Showertime
If you both prefer showering over bathing, you can still enjoy the natural
aroma of essential oils during your shower ritual. After turning on the
water and allowing it to get hot, sprinkle 2-3 drops of essential oil
on the sides of your shower. The oils will disperse into the steam-filled
air. Make sure that the surface that you drop the oils on will not become
damaged (essential oils are highly concentrated) or stained.
Snacktime
Prepare a beautifully adorned snack plate that includes nourishing bite-size
portions of fruit or cheese that you and your partner can serve to on
another.
 Massage
Massage between consenting partners eases stress, relaxes sore muscles,
and can lead spontaneously into intimacy. Essential oils are the perfect
aromatic complement to massage. Learn more about aromatic massages within
AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Massage Article
and use AromaWeb's Massage Oil Recipe
to create a sensual massage oil blend. Select essential oils that you
and your partner find seductive and that are not sensitizing to the kin.
Rose Against Skin
After removing the thorns, gently brush the velvety tip of a long stemmed
rose against the nose of your partner, allowing him or her to enjoy the
aroma, and then glide the velvety tip across your partner's skin. The
combination of the aroma and feeling as it glides against the skin can
be sensual and arousing.
Do not use essential oils, even
diluted essential oils, on the genitals or other sensitive areas of the
body.
Travel/Vacationing/Spontaneity
Amongst the suggestions above are an array
of ideas that can be used even when you are away from home or when you
don't have time earlier in the day to prepare. Described above, room mists,
personal fragrances, linen sprays, bath oils and massage oils can all
be prepared in advance and kept on hand for when the mood strikes. They
can also be transported in your luggage (keep carry on luggage restrictions
in mind) and kept on hand when you travel.
Book Recommendations
For more information regarding aromatherapy
and love, romance and related topics, consider the following books.
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Essence of Love
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Level:
Beginning Intermediate
Author: Maggie Tisserand
ISBN: 0-06-250914-4
Summary: This text covers some
interesting historical and practical information about the use of
aromatics and essential oils in romance and intimacy. |
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The Healing Aromatherapy
Bath |
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Level:
Beginning Intermediate
Advanced
Author: Margσ Valentine Lazzara
ISBN: 1-58017-197-4
Summary: This delightful book
focuses on the joys and benefits of aromatic baths. |
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Making
Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions |
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Level:
Beginning Intermediate
Advanced
Author: Donna Maria
ISBN: 1-58017-241-5
Summary: A must-have book for
those wishing to make natural aromatherapy skincare products. |
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Sacred Luxuries:
Fragrance, Aromatherapy & Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt |
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Level:
Beginning Intermediate
Advanced
Author: Lise Manniche
ISBN: 0-8014-3720-2
Summary: Aromatherapy and precious
aromatics traces its roots back to Egypt several thousand years ago.
Complete with many outstanding photographs, Sacred Luxuries
lets us explore the perfumes, cosmetics and other aromatics created
during this fascinating era. |
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Scents & Scentuality |
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Level:
Beginning Intermediate
Advanced
Author: Valerie Ann Worwood
ISBN: 1-57731-075-6
Summary: Provides a very comprehensive
look at how aromatherapy can be utilized to enhance relationships,
romance and intimacy. It also delves into discreet issues such
as lost potency, stamina, energy, etc. |
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For a more expansive list of aromatherapy
publications,
visit AromaWeb's Book Shelf section.
If you haven't already done so,
visit AromaWeb's Aromatherapy for
Romance article.
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