Love is in the air: aromatherapy for Valentine's Day

The use of herbs and oils to help heal the body has a history dating all the way back to the Neolithic period, with plenty of people attesting to their feel-good-factor and even their aphrodisiac qualities. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, here are a few of our favourite aromatherapy oils for scents to fall in love with!

Vanilla for calming, warming and sensuality

According to Totonac (ancient Mexican) mythology, the tropical orchid (from which Vanilla is derived) was born when Princess Xanat, who was forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover.  The lovers were captured and beheaded and where their blood touched the ground, the vine of the plant grew.  True to tragic literary form, the vine’s rather unhappy germination is said to mean that the plant grew from true love.  On a more practical note, vanilla is said to have a calming, warm, sensual, scent that has a euphoric effect on the brain - all qualities one would hope to experience in close proximity to a partner.

Jasmine for restoring confidence, mental energy and vitality

Having been used in perfumes for centuries, Jasmine is said to have the psychological effect of restoring confidence and optimism, mental energy and vitality - something of a conversation starter then.

Lavender for reducing stress and inducing relaxation

Historically, lavender is credited with being a particularly potent aphrodisiac for men by increasing blood flow.  More realistically it has a relaxing and stress reducing effect on the mind and body that many people look to alcohol for, but without inducing a headache the following day.

Ylang-ylang for mental stimulation and hormonal balance

A heady scent similar to Jasmine, Ylang Ylang is used as a mental stimulant and is said to balance hormones.  It is also used to calm the central nervous system, which will explain why traditionally the flowers are spread on the beds of newlyweds in Indonesia to soothe the first night nerves of blushing brides.

Bergamot for reducing stress and tension

Believed to have originated in South East Asia, Bergamot is best known as a strain of plant from the Calabria region of Italy.  The citrus scent can be used as a quick pick-me-up for minor depression, stress, and tension and is also used to treat fear and hysteria - perhaps one for before that first date then? It is also used to flavour Earl Grey tea - which is definitely something to be fond of.