APHRODISIACS
Assuming that our body is functioning property, the next important factor is being 'in the right mood' and it is here that essential oils can play a useful and welcome role. Our sense of smell is closely linked to receptors in the brain which regulate the bodily functions, and of our five senses, it is the one which has the closest link to our emotions. We can be 'turned off' or 'turned on' by what we smell even more so than by what we see, after all it is easy to close our eyes and let imagination take over, but we cannot close off our sense of smell. Aromatherapy can literally 'spice up' your love life when certain essences are employed. There are many essences which excite the senses and register in the brain as being a 'turn on'. these include ylang, ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli, rose and clary sage. All of these essences make an ideal aromatic bath (aphro?matic bath) and may be used singly or in combinations of two or three. just mix and blend until you find the aroma which is right for you. Sprinkling the essences around your room would be a beautiful way to create the right atmosphere, or add a few drops of your chosen oils to a bowl of hot water. Your favourite essence could also be worn as an all?over body perfume when added to jojoba oil, but an increasingly popular way to utilize the power of sensuous oils is by making your own massage oil. A massage between lovers is sensual and highly enjoyable, and when using a specially concocted massage oil to massage the back, legs, arms and so on, the result is physical relaxation and sexual stimulation. As the mucous membranes of the genitals are extremely sensitive, it is not advisable to use the massage oil in that area; however, the use of sandalwood here is completely safe, and will create a very pleasant sensation.

We are all sensual beings, created to give and receive pleasure, and each of us has an inbuilt flame of passion. Sometimes the pressures of surviving in this crazy world descend like a wet blanket to smother that flame, so that we can't imagine how good it was to be consumed by fire. When you are feeling this way, a long lingering ylang?ylang bath helps to remove that blanketed feeling, allowing you to feel once again, like a total woman.

TEA FOR TWO!
I am not talking here about tea and biscuits with a neighbour while discussing the weather, but drinking an aphrodisiac tea when you are alone with your partner. Either green tea or black tea may be used, although green tea is preferable, owing to its delicate flavour and beautiful colour. One or two teaspoonfuls of tea leaves should be placed in a teapot. Put one drop of jasmine oil into the pot and add 3?4 cups of hot water. Serve immediately, and observe. The taste and aroma is exquisite and quite different from, the jasmine tea which we can buy in packets from supermarkets. This is a practical and easily, made 'love?potion and should be used with caution. A further caution must be to Use only a quality essence. Jasmine is expensive to Produce as well as to buy, and the obvious temptation to adulterate the oil must be considered. You Probably will not be able to purchase good quality jasmine oil in the high street because of the high cost of the oil, but jasmine oil is available through reputable aromatherapy companies.