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, or for your next special anniversary, 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 [source]. The exotic scent calms anxiety [source] 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 [source], ginger is believed to help with building feelings of courage and confidence.
Warming sugar scrub
- 5 drops 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 the 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, its aroma has been shown to have a calming effect [source], which also creates an environment of relaxation [source] 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 been shown to have aphrodisiac effects [source], that it has traditionally been used as a 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 these 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 [source] and is often used to help promote sexual feelings, 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 vodka (the higher the proof, the better), and add the essential oils. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fill the bottle with distilled water and 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 oils. Mix well before applying to skin.
7. Neroli
A great oil for anxiety, neroli is a delicate citrus oil that can set the mood by helping to calm the nerves [source]. You can even wear it by itself as a light perfume.
Steamy synergy
This is a lovely blend for diffusing or adding to your 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 usefulness in women’s menstrual issues [source], but the unique musky, herbal scent is also frequently used as an aphrodisiac due to its ability to promote feelings of relaxation [source].
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 aphrodisiac [source] due to the belief that its scent can help to rekindle desire. Additionally, many find the rich, earthy aroma 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
Add essential oils to a 2-ounce mist bottle and fill with distilled water. Replace the 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 [source] 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 reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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This “Honeymoon night diffusion” blend sounds good I will definitely try it first! Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!