Want to spice up Valentine's Day? Try these 6 natural aphrodisiac scents

Love is in the air

Whether you want to have a romantic dinner or surround you and your partner with sensual scents this Valentine’s Day, aphrodisiacs are the perfect ingredient. Here are some to try.

Looking for ways to spice up your Valentine’s Day? You could make it memorable by trying out some aphrodisiacs. 

Aphrodisiac substances work by ‘increasing sexual potency, such as enhancing erections, and by increasing your sex drive and your pleasure during sex.’

You’ve probably heard about the sensual properties of chocolate, strawberries and oysters, but there are countless scents known to help set the mood too.

Aromatic aphrodisiacs

If you’re looking to take the romance outside of the kitchen, you can incorporate aphrodisiac scents from day to night.  

Whether as a room spray, massage or body oil, perfume, or moisturiser, keeping you and your partner surrounded by sensual scents is sure to make this Valentine’s one you won’t forget.

Sandalwood

Founder of beauty retailer Heartwood, Alex Wilson tells Body+Soul “Sandalwood has long been associated with sensuality and creates a romantic ambience that is at once grounding and uplifting”.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the wood’s soothing qualities were used to help stabilise emotions, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. 

But studies have shown that women who inhaled sandalwood essential oil and its primary compound during sex also experienced improved mood and heightened desire compared to those who did not.

Wilson says “with its distinctive combination of spicy, sweet, warm and velvety tones, it’s no wonder sandalwood has excited generations of lovers. The secret behind sandalwood’s sex appeal is probably due to the fact that it smells similar to the pheromone androsterone, which is why sandalwood can awaken your sexual desires.”

She recommends tapping into the wood’s aphrodisiac properties by using sandalwood oil in your room, on your skin or in your hair. Try Heartwood’s pure Indian Sandalwood Oil or The Royal Body + Hair Oil to leave the scent lingering on your body.

Founder of beauty retailer Heartwood, Alex Wilson tells Body+Soul “Sandalwood has long been associated with sensuality and creates a romantic ambience that is at once grounding and uplifting”. Image: Heartwood

Patchouli

Speaking to InStyle, natural perfumer and herbalist, Jane Hendler said "Many woodsy base notes, like patchouli, elicit the strongest aphrodisiac reactions because they can stimulate hormone receptors." 

Try Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle Eau perfume to modernise the scent of the 60s and 70s.

Saffron

In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra tapped into the aphrodisiac properties of saffron, bathing in milk infused with the spice to increase her lovers’ desire. 

Some studies have linked saffron to improved erectile function in men, and increased arousal in women. 

Spritz some Black Saffron by Byredo behind your ears, on your neck and on the inside of your wrists to tap into the spice’s sensual properties.

Jane Hendler said "Many woodsy base notes, like patchouli, elicit the strongest aphrodisiac reactions because they can stimulate hormone receptors."  Image: iStock

Ginseng

The herb has been tied to increased libido, improved performance and suggested as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

According to an NIH study of natural aphrodisiacs, the herb “has enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest aphrodisiacs in the world."

Nourish your skin with the aphrodisiac with Beauty of Joseon’s ginseng range. 

Jasmine

The romantic scent of jasmine flowers on the street is enough to get you in a good mood this Valentine’s day, but it can also boost yours and your partner’s desire.

Besides smelling incredible, Hendler said the floral ‘not only provokes the body's hormone receptors that create the physical aphrodisiac reaction but also "mentally takes us to magical places that make us amorous."

Fill your bedroom with the sweet scent with Glasshouse’s Prince Of The Desert candle. 

The herb has been tied to increased libido, improved performance and suggested as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Image: iStock

Ylang Ylang

On top of promoting relaxation, ylang ylang is closely tied to romance, with its oil sprayed across newlyweds’ beds on their wedding night. The plant can be used to boost attraction and ignite desire this February 14.

Diffuse some of Eco’s ylang ylang pure essential oil to surround yourself with the sensual scent. 

Try combining aphrodisiac scents to get the full romantic effect. Heartwood’s Love Essential Oil Blend is perfect for this, containing sandalwood, ylang ylang, amber, frankincense and patchouli. Wilson says the blend is “designed specifically to enhance libido, attract amorous feelings and provide warmth and comfort”.

Originally published as Want to spice up Valentine's Day? Try these 6 natural aphrodisiac scents