When we think of Valentine's we so often think of roses as the traditional flower given on this special day! But, why to stop at flowers, here's how you can enjoy the therapeutic and aphrodisiac powers of Rose essential oil too!
Rose - a symbol of love and romance
According to fossil evidence, the rose dates back to over 35 million years ago. The flower was traditionally associated with Venus, the Greek Goddess of love, beauty, desire, and fertility, and has long been viewed as a symbol of love.Cleopatra and Josephine Bonaparte are just two famous historical figures who used roses, in one form or another, to seduce their lovers. The Romans used roses in many ways, including scattering the petals on marital beds - which is where the custom of throwing rose petals at weddings is thought to have come from.
It is also thought that rose was probably the first flower from which essential oil was ever distilled, in 10 th century Persia. Today, Rose is considered one of the finest essential oils, offering many therapeutic benefits for mind, body, and skin. It is also a very popular ingredient in high-end perfumery. Rose oil is extremely expensive as huge amounts of petals are required to produce just a small quantity of oil. The yield is so low that it can take between 30-50 roses to produce a single drop of this precious oil.
Why use Rose essential oil at Valentine's
Although expensive, Rose Otto essential oil has an amazing ability to lift the spirits and boost the mood. It can help to melt away life's anxieties, stress, and tension and is perfect for enhancing feelings of love, romance, and sensuality. It is perhaps the most well-known of all the aphrodisiac essential oils and is an excellent choice if you're looking to create a truly romantic and intimate mood.
The oil is extremely powerful and concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and as with any essential oil, it must be diluted before application to the skin. Because pure rose oil is so highly concentrated some aromatherapy suppliers also sell Rose Otto pre-diluted with a carrier oil such as Jojoba. This offers a great way of experiencing all the benefits of this amazing oil at a more affordable price.
A brief explanation of how essential oils work
Essential oil molecules enter the body via the lungs - when we breathe them in, or via absorption through the skin. Once inside the body, they circulate through the bloodstream where they can start to take effect. The scent of the oil also impacts our emotions via our olfactory system or our sense of smell. Our sense of smell is connected to the limbic system in the brain - which is the control centre for our moods and emotions. This is why certain smells can trigger certain emotional responses or memories.
Using Rose essential oil to create romantic moments
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways but the most popular choices for a romantic Valentine's are as follows.
- In an aromatherapy diffuser - As described above the delicious, sensual aroma of Rose can create a lovely atmosphere and promote a relaxed and romantic state of mind.
- For a massage - One of the best ways to connect with your partner is via massage. Touch, combined with beautiful aromatherapy oil, is one of the most powerful ways to calm mind and body and bring your attention back to the present moment. Remember that you must dilute an essential oil with a suitable carrier before applying to the skin.
- In an aromatic bath - Taking a bath together can be a lovely therapeutic experience. Water as an element is calming and comforting and by incorporating soothing essential oils you can create a perfect moment for romance. Remember to dilute your essential oil with a suitable carrier oil, bath oil or bath gel first.
Recommended blends to try:
Whilst you can use Rose oil by itself, it's also nice to mix it with other aphrodisiac or mood-enhancing oils to create a more powerful, synergistic blend. Here are some options to try:
Diffuser/Burner:
Diffuse 1 drop Rose Otto essential oil, 1 drop Jasmine, 3 drops Sandalwood and 3 drops Bergamot.
His & Hers Massage Blend:
Mix 30ml of carrier oil (e.g. Sweet Almond oil or Grapeseed oil) with 2 drops of Rose, 3 drops Cedarwood and 4 drops each of Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
Aromatic Bath Blend:
Mix 15ml carrier oil or bath oil/gel with 2 drops rose, 2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Neroli and 4 drops Geranium. Take care if using a carrier oil as it will make the bath slippery.
Important safety notes: Avoid Rose essential oil in early pregnancy, especially if there is a history of miscarriage. Always read the safety notes and contraindications for any essential oil prior to use and seek professional advice if suffering from medical conditions or taking medication.
