What are the few things you look for in a man? Aside from his physical appearance, you may not notice it, but how he smells also plays a big factor on whether or not you should give him a chance. This is because in the world of aphrodisiacs, your brain also pays extra attention to scents. Well, this makes sense, since all five senses must be activated to get you in the mood, though not necessarily all at the same time.
Decades of research show that the sense of smell is important when it comes to mating behavior. In fact, animal’s ability to mate and bond with their fellow species is greatly affected by odors and subliminal scents.
Of course, humans are not exempted from this phenomena. Once you smell something, your brain activates a certain portion of it, and then sends a signal to your limbic brain that influences emotions and feelings.
This either triggers desire or aversion, which dates back to the ancient times. This means once you associate a certain smell with erotic feelings, you are turned on every time that scent arises.
Unlike men, women, yes you, are more keen when it comes to scents. Believe it or not, you are more likely to get sexually aroused by certain scents compared to the dudes. The question now is what type of scents can get you in the mood for love?
Licorice-Flavored Foods
Fact: scents associated with food can turn a woman on. Of course, male and female sex drives react differently on food scents, but the bottom line is, it can turn you on.
If you are looking for the ultimate aphrodisiac smell, then licorice-flavored foods takes the royal throne.
Based on a study conducted by Dr. Alan Hirsch, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, licorice-flavored candy is the top potent aphrodisiac smell among all foods and can increase blood flow to the vaginal area.
According to Dr. Hirsch, a combination of psychological and physiological factors is the reason why foods can be sexually suggestive. A licorice scent triggers your sex hormones – in a good way – and helps recall pleasant experiences, therefore getting you in the mood.
Peppermint
Hmm, who wouldn’t love that fresh, minty scent? Fine, it reminds you of gum or toothpaste, but the smell of peppermint helps keep you alert, awake and energized, which is a good thing when it comes to sex. But that’s not all.
According to a study, women are attracted to the idea of men who smell and taste like minty toothpaste. Yes, it might sound crazy. However, don’t ask your man to open his mouth and smell his breath, since that would lead to weirdness.
A little trivia – mint is names after Minthe, a hot water nymph that seduced Hades, the God of the Underworld. Hades’ wife, Persephone, got so mad that she turned Minthe into a plant. Now you know why mint has such a reputation for boosting one’s libido.
Lavender
Here’s a simple task for you. When you go buy your toiletries, can you check what scent is the most common in the shelf?
Of course, the natural, baby scent is a sure hit, but if you notice, anything with lavender always has a spot. This is because this scent has always been a crowd pleaser.
Lavender may be used to help you de-stress and fall asleep easily. Aside from this, did you know that lavender could lower your sexual inhibitions? This is because lavender scent relaxes your mind and shoos away tension inside the bedroom, which are exactly what you need to get you in the mood.
It won’t hurt if you invest in lavender massage oils and lavender-scented candles once in a while.
Chocolate
Chocolate will always be a favorite, regardless of the occasion. There may be conflicting views on whether or not chocolates are aphrodisiacs, since some experts argue it’s all in the mind.
Still, the point is, it does affect your mood for sex. Just think chocolate-dipped strawberries and you get the picture.
Fine, the smell of chocolate only excites you, but it does not really get you in the mood. However, the case is different when you eat it. Chocolate enhances your mood and makes you feel happy, thanks to its ability to trigger dopamine production. Dopamine is a feel good hormone. At the same time, the effect of chocolate on your brain is similar to falling in love, which is why it is an effective mood-booster.
Vanilla
Who doesn’t love the smell of vanilla? You’ll find it in things like candles, soap – even trash bags are infused with it.
It may be a staple ingredient used in coffee and ice cream, but vanilla is more than just a yummy flavor. In fact, vanilla is the scent that can make you and your man go crazy for each other and drive you both wild – in and out of the bedroom.
Aside from this, the scent of vanilla is capable of inducing a positive effect on your moods and emotions. It also helps uplift depression, and makes you more open to enjoying love – and more, anytime and anyplace.
That’s not all. When you combine it with cinnamon, vanilla can intensify the presence of pheromone-like substances, which eventually leads to a heightened attraction. So go ahead and take a whiff. Vanilla is also perfect in adding flavor and a sweet smell to your baked goods, so make sure you are best friends with this scent.
Pumpkin Pie
Don’t you just love Thanksgiving? Aside from the abundance of food and turkey on the table, Thanksgiving is also a perfect time to get your sex life up and running. How is that possible? By eating pumpkin pie, of course.
According to a study, the smell of pumpkin pie especially when combined with lavender can increase your arousal by 11 percent. Fine, this may not be a huge percentage, but 11 percent is still 11 percent that can affect your sex drive. This percentage can already make a difference, which is way better than zero.
The good news is pumpkin pie is one of the easiest pies you can make. If you’re not into using your baking skills, then you can still buy one, although making your own is still advisable. And don’t forget those pumpkin-scented candles for even more romance.
Citrus Scents
You always associate citrus scents, such as orange and lemons with something healthy.
After all, citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help boost your immune system. Plus, don’t you just love how it tastes?
However, citrus fruits are more than just giving you your daily dose of vitamin C and protecting your body against colds. Did you know that grapefruit and its cousins in the citrus family could give you clean and energizing scent? In effect, this scent can give your libido an instant lift. At the same time, citrus scents boost your body’s oxytocin levels, a hormone that encourages you to engage more in cuddling.
Who knows, this could lead to something greater after, something that you and your man will enjoy.
Baby Powder
Admit it. There’s something about babies and baby powder that affects your mood in a positive way.
If you are looking for a way to feel secured and loved, then the scent of a baby powder might help you.
Generally, women are after men whom they can trust, someone who can make them feel safe. As weird as it may sound, baby powder can offer that kind of feeling. Of course, you can’t force your man to sprinkle baby powder all over his body. At least something with the same scent will do.
Cinnamon
This spice is another staple ingredient in your kitchen. Aside from adding flavor to your toast, pancakes, baked goods and other favorite dishes, did you know that cinnamon could give your libido a boost too?
Cinnamon helps lower your blood sugar, which eventually prevents restricted blood flow in important areas, such as your area down there. This makes your vaginal area more sensitive, thanks to improved blood flow and eventually results to heightened sex drive.
Plus, don’t you just love the scent of cinnamon in the morning? Take a whiff first thing in the morning to get you and your man in the mood for a sweet morning delight.
Ylang-Ylang
A native of the Philippines, ylang-ylang is well known and valued for its natural perfume properties. Here’s why.
Ylang-ylang is known to deeply stimulate your senses. This signals your brain to increase the sex hormone activity, and this can lead to enhanced sexual arousal and desire.
Thanks to its aphrodisiac properties, the scent of ylang-ylang can also increase attraction between you and your man, elevate sexual energy and eventually bringing your relationship to the next level.
Because of these benefits, it’s no wonder ylang-ylang is among the favorite scents used around the world.
According to legend, Cleopatra used a combination of cinnamon, cardamom and rose to seduce Marc Anthony. Folklore says young Italian women use basil plant oil to charm and entice their potential lovers. This truly shows that scent can affect your mood and desire for sex.
Is it effective? That depends on you. Keep in mind that what works for you may not work for others, so it is best to give each scent a try first to find out which among them triggers your sexual desire.