The popularity of essential oils continues to grow, due to their ability to alleviate a variety of ailments. Their effects include inducing sleep, reducing stress and promoting an anti-aging effect. With Valentine’s Day coming up, their demand may continue to soar as these oils can also help to boost libido.

Low libido

While it may be embarrassing at the time, loss of libido is quite common.

Contributing factors for low libido include stress, alcohol, fluctuating hormones, and illness. If you’re looking to boost your libido in a natural and drug-free way, essential oils are the way to go.

Essential oils and libido

Cinnamon oil

A welcome addition to baked goods, cinnamon as an essential oil can help to boost libido. An animal study published in the journal Biology and Medicine revealed the oil’s ability to enhance sexual function by boosting both sperm count and sperm vitality.   

In regards to humans, a separate study showed how the scent of cinnamon essential oil was able to result in increased blood flow to the penis.

Clary sage oil

Part of the mint family, clary sage as an essential oil not only alleviates menopausal symptoms, but can also be used as an aphrodisiac (1). This is important for a postmenopausal’s woman’s sex drive as fluctuating hormones can affect libido.

Moreover, clary sage can also decrease the risk of low libido by alleviating stress.

Jasmine oil

A common staple in teas and perfumes, jasmine oil helps to boost alertness and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety (2). 

In addition to improving blood flow and heightening the senses, jasmine oil also induces arousal.

Lavender oil

Probably the most sought-after essential oil, a study published by the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons proved exactly why.

According to the study, the scent of lavender oil helps to boost both penile blood flow and arousal.  Moreover, another animal study done on rats revealed how the oil helped to reduce the damage done to their sperm and reproductive systems.

Neroli oil

Neroli is an orange from southern Spain with quite a sharp taste. Furthermore, its oil can help to enhance sexual function.

The oil contains properties that can help to alleviate menopausal symptoms and, as we know, this can help to counteract the effects of low libido resulting from hormonal fluctuations and stress (3).

Rose oil

If you’re spending Valentine’s Day with a partner, there’s probably going to be a lot of roses. That being said, you could also include the use of rose essential oil.

Apart from relieving depression and stress,  rose oil can also help to secure sperm quality and testosterone levels by protecting against the effects of formaldehyde inhalation (4).

Using essential oils for libido

Now that you’ve acknowledged the natural ways to enhance libido, here’s how you can use these oils for your big date on the 14th of February.

Firstly, you need to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. You can then treat your partner to a massage, using the essential oil mix. You can also add a few drops to the bed sheet or to your skin – particularly rose and lavender oil. Most people use an essential oil diffuser, but the previous suggestions work just as well.