healthbriefs
Romancing
the Scent
We are still masters of our fate.
We are still captains of our souls.
S
eduction by scent is at least as old
as Cleopatra, who was said to have
—Winston Churchill
scented the sails of her barge with rose
water to attract Mark Anthony. To-
day, Indian women traditionally wear
garlands of jasmine flowers in their hair
and Mediterranean brides adorn them-
selves with orange blossoms on their
wedding day. Scent has historically
contributed to romantic power.
The reason is found in the olfac-
tory lobe of the brain, which is
part of the limbic system, the same area
that produces sexual desires. It’s why
essential oils may be found in health
food stores and specialty shops in per-
sonalized blends used to scent a room
and as ingredients in massage oils and
seductive perfumes.
Sweet orange, neroli, rose, jas-
mine, coriander, ylang-ylang,
patchouli, ginger or sandalwood may
be selected to enhance the mood of a
romantic encounter. If used directly on
the skin, essential oils should be diluted
in a base, such as jojoba or almond oil.
A few drops of these potent oils go a
long way.
Adapted from Essential Oils for Body
and Soul by Anne Simons.
February 2009 21
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