The Difference between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are inspired by the scents of flowers, herbs and trees in our world, but they are created in a laboratory. Chemicals are used to create these perfumes that mimic the real scents and increase the shelf life of the perfumes. While they may contain elements of the original essential oils, they are adulterated by chemical fixities, which stabilize them and create unique scents. You can usually tell fragrance oils because they leave a slight chemical or artificial taste in your mouth.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are created by a steam distillation process or by pressing plant material to extract the natural oils. These oils are really concentrated plant essences. They contain all the actually chemical components of the plants as well as the energy of the plant. In other words, essential oils contain life force that makes the plant unique and beneficial for use in botanical perfumes, ritual work and Aromatherapy.
Caution: Practice safety when using essential oils be safe. Internal use is discouraged unless you are consulting a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist. Store your oils in a glass container in cool dark place because undiffused / pure essential oils eat through plastic vials and cause a nasty mess!
Why Use Essential Oils?
Scents are one of the surest ways to trigger feelings and memories. Think about your favorite perfume or flower. The instant you smell it, it floods you with good feelings. Why does the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking fill you with love and comfort?
Scents can also trigger negative feelings if the memory associated with the scent is painful in anyway. That is why a scent can cause both a positive or negative reaction. For example, if you associate lavender with a positive feeling or memory, it can work as a calming scent. However, if you are allergic to it or associate the scent with a negative feeling or memory, then its scent will most likely agitate or upset you as opposed to having a relaxing effect. In the case, our brain overrides the "regular" reaction with a negative association. Keep this in mind when mixing your oils. Even if the oil is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac, it won't work if you have a negative association with it.
What are Aphrodisiacs -
An aphrodisiac is a food, drink or drug that stimulates sexual arousal. Certain essential oils are considered aphrodisiacs because they stimulate sexual and/or romantic feelings. The following oils are some of the safest and most powerful aphrodisiacs: Jasmine, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang. They have other qualities and uses as well, but here we are focusing strictly on their romantic qualities.
1. Jasmine
Metaphysical Uses: Carries your wishes, prayers, desires and spells to the ear of Spirit. Enhances sensory perception and heightens touch sensation. Excellent additive for love potions
Aromatherapy Uses: Aids with self-love, self worth. Encourages compassionate feelings. Heightens libido and lowers frigidity. A stimulant that encourages us to appreciate the beauty around us.
2. Neroli
Metaphysical Uses: Attunes the Heart Chakra so we can feel and express love. Increases sensuality and is fantastic in love potions.
Aromatherapy Uses: Promotes feelings of sexual desire. Helps to create romantic feelings. Increases libido and decreases the effects of frigidity, impotence and erectile dysfunction.
3. Rose
Metaphysical Uses: Fertility Rites. Encourages new souls to join us on Earth.
Aromatherapy Uses: increases feelings of forgiveness, love and compassion. Very heart centered. Highly nurturing feminine oil.
4. Sandalwood
Metaphysical Uses: Deflects negative energies. Used to attract a lover.
Aromatherapy Uses: Balances and soothes feelings. Reduces anxiety. Soft feminine oil that encourages compassion.
5 Vanilla
Metaphysical Uses: Attracts a lover. Promotes positive sensual contact. Enhances creativity.
Aromatherapy Uses: Stimulates the secretion of testosterone and
estrogen. Promotes sexual arousal and behaviors. Reduces effects of
frigidity, impotence and erectile dysfunction.
6. Vetiver
Metaphysical Uses: Grounds and balances. Use during meditation to increases psychic awareness, ability to manifest and overall prosperity.
Aromatherapy Uses: Calming, balancing and centering. Cools overstimulation. Brings you back to reality. A great balance for blend designed to increase sexual arousal.
7. Ylang Ylang
Metaphysical Uses: Wards off negativity, fear and jealousy. Used in love rituals. Attracts a lover.
Aromatherapy Uses: Lowers inhibitions. Overcomes sexual dysfunction. Creates a feeling of euphoria and helps to lift self-confidence. Harmonizes the mind.
* Blending and Using the Oils
Essential oils should be blended into a carrier oil such as Olive oil, Sunflower oil, Apricot Kernel oil or Sweet Almond oil before having direct contact with the skin. The best dilution formula is 8 to10 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil.
Once you have your very own botanical perfume. You can place it in aromatherapy jewelry or wear it on your skin. Note your own body chemistry may change the scent of the blend. If the change is not to your liking, rub a small amount on an inside seam of your clothing so you can enjoy the scent without it changing.
You can also use it in any of the following ways:
• Place it in an oil diffuser to scent a room
• Put it on cotton balls to place them around your room, in drawers or your purse to enjoy a flameless aroma.
• Dress a candle by rubbing the top and side with the oil before you light the candle.
• Place 7 to 10 drops in a full bathtub to enjoy an aromatic bath
* Remember to charge your blend with your intent by concentrating on the purpose of the oil as you make it. After you have finished making your blend, hold it in your hand and fill it with your energy and intent to give it that extra boost!
FAQs
Where to purchase essential oils?
Try health food or supplement stores or metaphysical shops in your area or look online or through Young Living and Doterra representatives.
What to do if you start to itch or have an allergic reaction to your blend or certain oils?
Cease using it until you discover which oils you might allergic to. Rub the affected area with pure carrier oil then wash with soap and water. If the reaction persists or worsens take an allergy relief medication and / or seek medical attention.
What happens if you don't like the scent you’ve ended up with?
Just because oil is classified as an aphrodisiac, doesn't mean it will always work for everyone. You need to identify which oils work for you. You are the expert in what turn you on!
What if the scent is too strong?
Just add more carrier oil. It is easy to add too much when you begin working with essential oils. Be patient and simply add more carrier oil a tablespoon at a time to dilute your scent.