Guide to Essential Oil Aphrodisiacs

What is an Aphrodisiac?

An aphrodisiac is generally defined as a substance that enhances or stimulates passion and sexual arousal. There is no essential oil, herb, food, chemical or other substance that will magicallyor immediately arouse someone who does not want to become aroused. Drugs like Viagra are not aphrodisiacs. They simply ensure that a man's system functions as it should if he does wish to engage in intimacy.

How Do Essential Oils Act as Aphrodisiacs?

Individuals that are physically or emotional exhausted, under stress, lacking proper nutrition, depressed, anxious or physically ill often have a significantly more difficult time enjoying intimacy.

Substances, including essential oils, that are considered aphrodisiacs are substances that may help dissipate the physical, psychological or emotional ailments that interfere with sexual desire or arousal. For instance, an aphrodisiac may help with one or more of the following:

Help Aid a Physical Ailment
Reduce Stress
Calm Anxiety
Energize the Body and Mind
Uplift the Mood
Appeals to the Senses

Essential Oil Aphrodisiacs

This list is not all-inclusive. Remember that the definition of an aphrodisiac is a substance that may enhances or helps stimulate passion and sexual arousal. Any essential oil that helps ease your stress or that you find sensually stimulating may act as an aphrodisiac for you.

Essential Oil Safety

Avoid including sensitizing oils such as cinnamon, clove bud and ginger in any blends that will come into direct contact with your skin. They are best used in a diffuser. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines and dermal maximums that apply to each essential oil that you are considering using. Do not apply any essential oils, even well diluted essential oils, to the genitals or other sensitive areas of the body.

Essential Oil Aphrodisiac List:
Sensual, Energizing, Uplifting and/or Restorative Essential Oils and Absolutes That Can Act as Aphrodisiacs

This list is not all-inclusive. Remember that the definition of an aphrodisiac is a substance that enhances or helps stimulate passion and sexual arousal. Any essential oil that helps ease your stress or that you find sensually stimulating can act as an aphrodisiac for you.

Allspice
Ambrette Seed
Amyris
Anise, Star
Balsam, Peru
Basil
Bay
Bay Laurel
Benzoin
Bergamot
Black Pepper
Black Spruce
Cardamom
Cedarwood, Atlas
Cedarwood, Virginian
Chamomile, Roman
Cinnamon
Clove Bud
Coriander
Cypress Fennel
Fir Needle
Frankincense
Geranium Geranium, Rose
Ginger
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Lavender

Lemon
Lime
Linden Blossom
Mandarin
Melissa
Myrrh
Neroli
Nutmeg Palmarosa
Patchouli
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Pimento Berry/Leaf
Rose
Rosewood
Sandalwood, Australian
Sandalwood, East Indian
Scotch Pine
Spearmint
Star Anise
Sweet Orange
Tangerine
Tuberose
Vanilla
Vetiver
Ylang Ylang

Notes:

Avoid including spicier, sensitizing oils such as cinnamon, clove bud and ginger in any blends that will come into direct contact with your skin. They are best used in a diffuser. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines and dermal maximums that apply to each essential oil that you are considering using. Do not apply any essential oils, even well diluted essential oils, to the genitals or other sensitive areas of the body.
The citrus essential oils can sweeten and mellow out spicier oils but remember that some are phototoxic and need to be used with great care on the skin.
Mint essential oils, when used sparingly, can add a crisp, fresh note to your aphrodisiac blends. Spearmint is not as potent as Peppermint Essential Oil, and is a good choice when Peppermint Essential Oil may be too overpowering.
Not often recognized as aphrodisiacs, the conifers, namely Cypress, Fir Needle and Scotch Pine, can lend a rugged, uplifting, earthy, natural aroma to aphrodisiac blends. They are a good complement to blends used during scenic vacations near wooded areas.
Patchouli, Sandalwood and Vetiver have a rich and sensual aroma. They are deeply masculine and are often favored by men. For more information, visit AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Tips for Formulating Masculine/Earthy Blends and AromaWeb's List of Essential Oils Favored By Men.

Marjoram is considered by some to be an anti-aphrodisiac.

Pheromones

An aphrodisiac is not the same thing as a natural or synthetic pheromone. Further studies need to be conducted, but there is evidence to suggest that humans, like some animals/insects, emit odorless natural pheromones that can repel or sexually attract other humans. Some companies claim to sell pheromones that cause sexual attraction, but be especially leery of such claims.

Foods as Aphrodisiacs

Some substances, namely foods, are loosely considered aphrodisiacs because they resemble sexual organs, are sensual to consume, provide nutrients that support the libido or provide all three benefits simultaneously.

Why are Oysters Considered Aphrodisiacs?

The oyster has been regarded as an aphrodisiac for nearly 1800 years. Visually, some find that oysters resemble feminine genitalia and some find them sensual to consume. Nutritionally, oysters are rich in protein and zinc. For both genders, protein can help provide endurance while the zinc can help progesterone levels. For men, the oyster's high zinc content may help reduce or prevent impotency.