Article - How to de-stress Valentine’s day:
an aromatic path to love

by Dr Gillian Hale

“ Valentine’s day can be a stressful occasion ”

Mainly because expectations can be high. Having agonized all day over the choice of gift, slaved over preparing the perfect dinner for two or spent hours making yourself beautiful for the perfect date it can be difficult to relax enough to actually enjoy the occasion and even harder to get your self in the right mood for romance on this special occasion.

The role of fragrance should not be underestimated when it comes to romance, and the wonderful aromas of many essential oils have been shown to help you unwind and induce a romantic mood. Unique essential oils particularly associated with sensuality include ylang ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli, rose and clary sage. Ways to use these oils to spice up your love life are many and varied – but all are exciting! Here are a few you could try…

Fragrance your Valentine’s day card – start your romantic date early by fragrancing the card for your Valentine. The day before you want to send the card, put a drop of your chosen essential oil in the envelope, add the card and seal. On opening the card, the aroma will give your Valentine just the right start to his/her day.

Take an aromatic bath before your date – an hour before your Valentine is expected, take a warm but not too hot bath into which you have added a few drops of one or more essential oils. Relax, close your eyes, breathe in the aroma and de-stress for 15–20 minutes. A bath for two can also be highly enjoyable!.

Try a little mutual massage – a sensual massage of the back, arms and legs using essential oils diluted in a base oil can be both physically relaxing and sexually stimulating. Try adding about 5 drops of one or more essential oils to a small amount of base oil. Make sure that the room is warm, and use nightlights for added romance!.

Turn your bedroom into a boudoir – liberally sprinkle drops of essential oil(s) around the bedroom to help set the right mood (ylang ylang and rose are particularly recommended). Make sure that the room is warm, and use nightlights for added romance!.