Create Your Own Love Potion!

Testing and Purity

It is important when talking about essential oils to understand the differences between essential oils and fragrances. Fragrances and fragrance oils are produced in a laboratory from a petrochemical base, usually coal tar. Fragrances do not have the same properties as essential oils. They generally contain synthetic components and are far more likely to produce negative reactions in people. Some of these products -- unlike pure essential oils -- contain chemicals that are extremely toxic. In the process of breathing them in or putting them on your skin, you may incorporate these chemicals into your blood stream. There is a particularly nasty chemical used in the fragrance industry called diethyl phthalate. It is a very inexpensive odorless solvent used to "stretch" scents and fragrances. The problem with DEP is that it causes birth defects by interfering with the normal formation of reproductive organs. The testing that we do at Aura Cacia ensures that this chemical, or any other adulterants, are never in any of our products.

The Power of Scent

As newborns the smell of our mother is one of the first familial bonds we form; it stands to reason, then, that scent can be a link we have to the ones we love, or that we want to love.

There are many ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your love life. You can impact the mood of a person or a room simply by infusing the air with particular oils. Or you can try adding oils to the bath, to a massage oil, or directly into your love making. The oil(s) one might choose can vary tremendously. Some of us might feel the need to relax, while others may require stimulation. Some might want an alluring, erotic scent, others a particular spicy, fruity or floral scent. We don't all get turned on by the same things.

There are a few basic issues with getting in the loving mood. Sometimes you don't have the advantage of taking a cleansing bath or shower, scenting the room, and getting everything perfect. Sometimes you are the visitor. Since it is important to smell nice and alluring, think about taking your oils on the road or blending them ahead of time.

And keep in mind that the perfect oil or oil blend is more about art and creativity than it is about science and exact recipes. Alluring scents are all about what speaks to you -- and your partner. Don't be shy about trying new things. Sometimes you have to adjust to the mood and energy of the moment. There are times where a relaxing oils like vanilla, lavender or jasmine, are perfect, and other times when you might want stimulating oils like peppermint, rosemary or grapefruit

Four Categories and Essential Oils for Love Enhancement

Oils that offer a calming effect will reduce anxiety and promote relaxation:
Neroli, rose otto, ylang ylang, rose absolute

Oils that stimulate will inspire and stir the mood:
Cardamom, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon bark

Oils that impact the hormonal system will create attraction and arousal
Geranium, clary sage, lavender, sweet marjoram

Oils used historically as sexual attractants
Sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, cedarwood

Powerful Love Oils

Rose, without a doubt, is the herb of love. It opens the heart to love by alleviating feelings of fear, depression and sorrow. It heals emotional wounds, andrestores self-love, nurturing and trust.

Jasmine has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. It is said to diminish fear and inhibitions, liberate the imagination, and encourage one to become exhilarated and playful. It releases both male and female sexual energy. The female jasmine personality is said to be a passionate seductress, charismatic and bewitching -- and the male jasmine personality equally as charming.

Patchouli is a very calming, almost hypnotic essential oil and thus can be an aphrodisiac because of its effectiveness in relieving nervous tension and calming an overactive mind, thus allowing us to re-connect with our sensuality.

Anise may not be the first oil that comes to mind when you think of love, but it should definitely not be overlooked. Its warm, spicy, uplifting and comforting aroma is helpful for those who are introverted, fearful or withdrawn.

Neroli's intense, erotic aroma can conjure up thoughts and feelings of romance, but is best when used in moderation. It can promote a romantic response and is quite effective in relieving nervousness, and may be helpful in calming yourself or a nervous partner. But too much may cause one to become tired or sleepy, defeating the purpose.

Sandalwood is an intense base note oil that is perfect for "fixing" other oils -- making their aroma last longer. It's wonderful in a "love blend" as it has a slightly warming effect in erogenous zones, and it will last throughout the evening.

Frankincense is again another oil not usually considered for loves rituals. However, it is an oil known to alleviate anxiety and nervous tension. This oil may be helpful for that relationship ascending to the 'next level'.

Vanilla is considered to be an erotic and alluring aroma. It is a sexually charged oil and is attractive to both men and women.

Eucalyptus is an oil known for its ability to cleanse a space where there has been conflict, anger, or negative energy. It is an aroma associated with newness and renewal. Consider this oil when you are in the dog house with your lover.

Basics of Blending

Massage Blends are easily made by adding essential oils to a carrier oil base such as almond, sesame, grapeseed, etc. What's even better is Aura Cacia's Unscented Massage Cream -- it was specifically formulated for maximum glide and is superior to carrier oils for massage.

When blending your own potion, a combination of top, middle and base notes is most effective. Top notes are the most volatile scents -- they fill up the space instantly, but only last a short time. Middle notes are less volatile and more stable and can last up to an hour or more. Base notes are heavier in aroma, more stable and linger even longer.

Common Oils by Type of Note

Top Note Oils: Citrus, Pine

Middle Note Oils: Lavender, Bergamot, Rosewood

Base Note Oils: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli

Some oils contain a balance of top, middle and base notes themselves -- rose oil is such an oil.

If you’re not sure how oils will smell together, simply uncap them and waft them together under your nose. If you like the way it smells, then start by combining a few drops of each. Add more of what you want to be the dominate scents and less of what you want to be subtle. Take notes of the number of drops you use of each oil so that you will have a recipe of the scent combinations that you like and those you don't.

Potions

Following is a collection of essential oils combinations used to elicit a loving response. If you want to make up more of the formulas ahead of time, simply double or triple ingredient amounts until the desired quantity is reached.

Subtle Seduction Formula
This is a very subtle blend that, as with most massage blends, can be pre-blended into a small container or simply mixed into the palm of the hand. If you prefer a stronger aroma, add additional drops of jasmine, vanilla, or both until the desire aroma is achieved.
1 drop Precious Essentials Jasmine
2 drops Precious Essentials Vanilla
1 drop patchouli essential oil (optional)
2 tablespoons Aura Cacia Unscented Massage Cream
Heat if desired. Use liberally for sensuous massage.

Spicy Seduction
3 drops Precious Essentials Vanilla
2 drops Precious Essentials Rose
1 drop clove essential oil
2 tablespoons Aura Cacia Unscented Massage Cream
Use liberally for sensuous massage.

Lusty Love Massage Formula
This is enough oil to massage someone's shoulders and neck. If you're doing a full body massage, you can triple or quadruple the recipe.
30 drops of Rose Otto Precious Oil
10 drops of Vanilla Precious Oil
5 drops of Sandalwood Oil

There are many possible formulas using the oils mentioned above. Just remember to use enough carrier oil or blend directly into our massage cream. The nice thing about these oils is that, when properly diluted, they are not irritating to the more 'personal’ parts of the anatomy.

Cocoa butter is an excellent lubricant and, of course, smells delightful!! It is a solid at room temperature, so you do have to melt it a little to make it easier to rub on. It is easy to melt in a microwave or on the stove or, immerse your tightly closed container in very hot water and let it hang out there until you’re ready to use.

Chocolove Formula
This blend will smell like chocolate. Then, lightly melt some cocoa butter and add the oils to it. Rub it all over your lover's body. The formula is edible and yes, you can just lick it all off.
20 drops of Vanilla Precious Oil
1-2 drops of sweet orange essential oil
1 drop of cardamom essential oil
2-3 drops of Rose Otto Precious Oil

Also, chocolate is a very romantic food that comes in many forms and can enhance the mood even further. For instance, chocolate liquor, chocolate covered strawberries, or chocolate sauce! You take it from there……..

Freshen Up Formula
Bacteria causes odor, and this gentle combination of antibacterial oils can be applied directly to the areas of the body where the odors occur to most effectively combat them.
6 drops of Rose Absolute Oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil
1 drop vanilla

Foot Fetish
Smelly, fungus-ridden feet are both a health problem and a major turnoff. Here is a simple formula for dealing with athlete's foot and plain old smelly feet.
15 drops of Sandalwood Precious Oil
5 drops of Rose Absolute Oil
1 drop of sweet orange essential oil
1 drop of Vanilla Precious Oil
Massage into the feet just before putting on clean socks. You can also add this blend to 4 to 6 ounces of water in a spray bottle to your shoes. These oils are antibacterial and antifungal and will make stinkiest shoes smell good.

The thing about 'love' formulas is that there is a lot of trial and error in it. Some people are attracted to one thing, and some people to others. We should also note that some oils are very easy, very safe and generally loved. These include vanilla, rose absolute, sandalwood, patchouli, and jasmine. However, there are others you need to be more careful with. Peppermint, for example can work wonderfully in love blends because it is so stimulating, but it can be overly stimulating, and even irritating, if there is too much peppermint and not enough carrier. Clove is another example -- it's a warming and spicy essential oil that goes well in many blends, but it can be a little too warming when overused.

The Power of Touch

We all crave touch. It's the one thing that bonds us as human animals. Essential oils have many benefits to the body and the spirit, to the giver and the receiver that will last far beyond Valentines Day. Take it from the top, literally!

The head is a great place to give a massage. It makes us close our eyes and relax our brains. Can you recall a time getting your hair washed at the salon or the barber shop and how relaxing that might have felt? Use the tips and pads of your fingers to gently massage and kneed the scalp, nape of the neck, temples and even the face. Essential oils of rose absolute and patchouli are very good for the skin and the scalp as are jojoba and coconut oil

The neck and shoulders are another, sometimes forgotten, erogenous zone. Start with a gentle massaging action and then gradually begin adding pressure, paying close attention to areas that make noise, have knots or seem particularly tight.

The feet are another perfect place to definitely receive a positive response. Shake up a normal foot massage with Aura Cacia's unscented body polish. It will intensify the massage by helping to slough off dry skin while waking up the circulatory system. Don't forget the ankles and calves. And be sure to have a warm moist towel on hand to wipe off any excess scrub.

Scenting Your Space

Enhancing the atmosphere of your romantic endeavors is a great way to add impact to your efforts. There are many ways to introduce oils into a room. Many types of diffusers can be purchased in stores and on the internet -- wall plug-in diffusers, steam diffusers, car diffusers, electric and fan diffusers. But don't forget that there are many natural diffusers we can use all over our homes and offices. Sprinkle oils directly on pine cones, rocks, pillows, teddy bears, rugs and carpets. (Avoid staining by using an oil that is clear or putting it on a dark color that won't be conspicuous.) Adding a drop or two of your favorite oil to a candle just before lighting will also release the oil into the atmosphere. Or you can easily make a spray by adding essential oils and water to a spray bottle. Start with about 20 to 30 drops of your favorite oil or oils to about 4 to 6 ounces of water. Add more oil until the desired aroma is achieved. For a very romantic touch, take some rose petals and lightly spray them with an essential oil such as rose, jasmine or vanilla. Wow!

The Way to the Heart is Through the Stomach

You can also use the centuries-old practice of adding essential oils to recipes to enhance your romantic efforts. Bake some cookies and mist the finished product with lemon, lavender or rose. Mist your fudge brownies with rose essential oil, or put a couple drops of rose or lavender oil in your ice cream. Yummmm. Twenty to thirty drops of essential oil to 4 to 6 ounces of water is a good place to start, add more if you want a more powerful scent. Add a couple drops of rose, lavender, or lemon to cookie or cake frosting to give your cookies or cakes a romantic aroma. But not too much -- a little goes a long way.

Other Thoughts

Valentines Day should not be just a time for physical love, but a time for emotional love, as well. If your love is in need of some uplifting, try a cheering oil like grapefruit or bergamot. Grapefruit is a happy scent that is loved by many. Spray it, diffuse it, add a drop or two to your favorite massage blend or to a candle just before lighting. Bergamot is also famously cheering -- it's especially helpful for one grieving or melancholy. Your lover will notice and be moved by your caring heart.