10 Aphrodisiac Essential Oils for Love and Romance

Aromatherapy can play a powerful role in relationships – in fact, some essential oils are so good at sparking passionate feelings that they’re believed to be aphrodisiacs. This Valentine’s Day, spice things up with one of these essential oils for love and romance.

10 Essential Oils for Love + How to Use Them

1. Ylang ylang

The sweet floral aroma of ylang ylang has a relaxing effect that makes it popular for romance. The exotic scent calms anxiety and is believed to help release inhibitions. In fact, petals of the ylang ylang flower have traditionally been scattered on the beds of newlyweds. Ylang ylang has a strong scent, which can become overwhelming, but it pairs well with bright citrus oils. Put some love in the air with this blend of sweet ylang ylang and uplifting orange and clary sage.

Honeymoon night diffusion

• 3 drops ylang ylang
• 3 drops sweet orange
• 2 drops clary sage

Just drop these essential oils into an electric diffuser, adjusting the ratio as needed for your machine, and set it up in your bedroom.

2. Ginger

When it comes to essential oils for love, the musky, earthy aroma of ginger is said to be very arousing. A warming oil that has traditionally been used to get the blood flowing, ginger is believed to help with building feelings of courage and confidence.

Warming sugar scrub

• 5 drops fresh ginger
• 3 drops black pepper
• 4 drops cardamom
• 1 drop cedarwood atlas

In a mixing bowl, combine essential oils with 2 tablespoons carrier oil and 4 tablespoons granulated sugar. To use, apply to skin using gentle, circular buffing motions, rinse with warm water and pat dry.

3. Rose

The blooming floral fragrance of pure rose oil is thought to bring about feelings of love, care, and comfort. Not only does rose oil support women’s reproductive health, the calming aroma also creates an environment of relaxation that can help foster intimacy.

Pucker up scrub

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 drops rose

Stir all ingredients together until you have a smooth paste. Apply a small amount to your lips using your fingertips, then rinse with warm water.

4. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spicy, stimulating essential oil that may help create feelings of connection. It’s no surprise since the herb has traditionally been used as an effective treatment for sexual disorders. For a relaxing bath that you can enjoy together, combine warming nutmeg and the comforting yet romantic fragrances of rose and vanilla.

Sensual milk bath

• 3 drops rose absolute
• 2 drops nutmeg
• 2 drops vanilla

Combine essential oils with one ounce of carrier oil and 1 can of full fat coconut milk. Stir together to blend. Pour into a tub of warm water and use your hands to disperse the mixture.

5. Sandalwood

Sandalwood might not be your first pick for essential oils for love, but its warm, woody aroma soothes nerves and is often used to help promote feelings of sexuality, especially in men. Spritz your linens to set the scene with this exotic aroma.

‘I love you’ linen spray

• 35 drops sandalwood
• 35 drops spruce
• 30 drops lavender

Fill a 4-ounce spray bottle with 1/8 cup grain alcohol and add the essential oils. Let sit for 5 minutes and fill the bottle with distilled water then mist linens.

6. Black pepper

Stimulating black pepper combines well with sandalwood and peppermint to create a sensual blend that will warm you right up! Turn down the lights and take turns massaging each other’s shoulders, neck and back.

Love potion massage oil

• 6 drops sandalwood
• 4 drops black pepper
• 3 drops peppermint
• 1 drop cinnamon leaf

Add the essential oils to two ounces of carrier oil, like grapeseed or sweet almond oil.

7. Neroli

A great oil for anxiety, neroli is a delicate citrus oil that can help set the mood by helping to calm the nerves. You can even wear it by itself as a light perfume.

Steamy synergy

• 2 drops neroli
• 1 drop rose
• 3 drops rosewood

A great blend for diffusing or adding to a warm bath. Add essential oils to one ounce of carrier oil, then dissolve into 1 cup Epsom salt and add to a warm bath.

8. Clary Sage

Clary sage is known for its affinity for women’s menstruation issues, but the unique musky, herbal scent is also frequently used as an aphrodisiac due to its ability to promote feelings of relaxation.

Love-at-first-scent sachets

• 3 drops geranium
• 4 drops clary sage
• 6 drops sweet orange

You can scent dried rosebuds with this pretty blend to create a passion-inspiring potpourri mix. Just pour it into small cotton bags, then store them in your lingerie drawer. Or transfer the potpourri to a decorative bowl on your nightstand or dresser.

9. Patchouli

An intimate evening doesn’t require heavy floral musks! Patchouli has a long history of use as an aphrodesiac, due to the belief that it can help to rekindle desire. Additionally, many find the rich, earthy scent to be deeply relaxing before bedtime. 

Adding patchouli to your diffuser along with ylang-ylang, bergamot and frankincense will create a sweet space to become uplifted and adored.

Romantic body spray

• 7 drops bergamot
• 7 drops lemon essential oil
• 7 drops patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops rose otto essential oil

Add essential oils to a 2-ounce mist bottle and fill with distilled water. Replace cap and shake vigorously until well blended. To use, shake the bottle and apply 2 to 3 sprays to the body.

10. Jasmine

One of our favorite essential oils for love, the sultry scent of jasmine has long been used as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. The heady floral aroma can help boost your mood and promote feelings of confidence. Try a bit of this evocative scent on the inside of your wrists, behind your ears, and on other pulse points.

Enchantress perfume

• 4 drops jasmine
• 3 drops frankincense
• 3 drops sweet orange

Add the essential oils into a 10-ml roll on applicator, then fill the tube with a carrier oil. Shake well before each use.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon, M.D., a university-trained obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.