Even if you freaking love sex, sometimes getting in the mood can be a bit of a challenge, especially when the daily grind is zapping your mental and emotional energy reserves. I know for me, at the end of the day, sometimes it takes all I've got just to watch Riverdale or read a book, let alone actually feel ready to roll around between the sheets. My advice? Consider tapping into the wide world of essential oils for the bedroom to boost your sex drive and enhance those relaxing, feel-good vibes. Whether you're due for a solo session, or you and your partner simply want to set the stage for an extra special night, these oils can definitely add to (and potentially even induce) your arousal, while benefitting your shut-eye at the same damn time.
As for a little background on how all this might actually work, an essential oil is a mixture of the chemicals, or "essential" compounds, of a plant with a carrier oil, extracted by a process of distillation. Each type of oil is believed to have unique benefits, depending on what plant it was extracted from. Essential oils are often used for things like aromatherapy through massage, or even by just dabbing the product onto the skin. They can also be used in baths, or you can diffuse them throughout your room, or even your entire home. The fragrances of the oils stimulate the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain connected to your sense of smell.
And while essential oils seem to be having a moment right now, they are by no means a new thing. Apparently there's record of Egyptians using aromatic oils for their healing properties as early as 4500 B.C. — and that includes being used for sexy bedroom adventures, too. Seems like they were onto something, no? Try one of these six essential oils for yourself to see what it's all about.
Venus Amber Body Oil, $80, Shiva Rose Beauty
Rose, baby — it's not just for dusting your pillows with some of those soft, fragrant petals. Roll a rose oil blend onto your pulse points, drop some in a bath, or diffuse in your bedroom for a sexy mood-booster.
Rose is considered a natural aphrodisiac, and in addition to being super relaxing, it's said to enhance your libido, too. In fact, rose is often considered the essential oil "of love," and is believed to open the heart center. Yes, please!
Ylang Ylang, $25, Vitality Extracts
Ylang-ylang oil has long been used as an aphrodisiac, and it's known to uplift the emotions while simultaneously acting as a "catalyst for sexual passions."
This essential oil is also said to slow down a fast-beating heart and a quickened breath. Although, once you and your partner meet between the sheets, I'm not sure how long those effects will last — if you know what I mean.
Neroli + Rose Bath Salt, $6, Etsy
Neroli is considered a majorly powerful libido-booster, as well as a mood- and relaxation-enhancer.
Rumor has it, neroli is even used as a potential remedy for impotence. Why not try it out yourself to see if it's true?
EO French Lavender Body Oil, $14, Amazon
Lavender seems to be the go-to wonder oil when it comes to relaxing, falling into a deep sleep, and yes, even enhancing your dreams.
Pro tip: If you're looking to get into ~the mood~ before a steamy night with your partner, try rubbing lavender oil or a similar lotion blend on your legs and the interior of your thighs.
Le Labo 'Jasmin 17' Body Oil, $68, Nordstrom
Research has shown that jasmine oil, when used for a massage, can cause major increases in how fast you're breathing, an increase of oxygen in your blood, and a drop in blood pressure levels — all of which are factors that point to an increased arousal of the nervous system. Pretty cool, right?
Mood Swing Organic Natural Body Spray Mist, $16, Etsy
Clary sage is a great scent that's been associated with quite a wide variety of health benefits, including decreases in PMS symptoms and, apparently, increases in sexual confidence. Sounds like the perfect combination to me, no?
