Physical intimacy is an essential part of the human experience. Modern research supports what we intuitively know: touch is important to overall well-being, as well as the health of our relationships (Sreenivasan & Weinberger, 2021).
Studies show that physical affection reduces levels of cortisol (Ditzen et al., 2008), a stress hormone that is released to help your body react to a perceived threat, but can be detrimental to your health if levels stay elevated long term (WebMD, 2020).
In romantic relationships, physical intimacy helps to build stronger bonds and boosts relationship satisfaction (Whitbourne, 2017). However, for many couples it can be difficult to find the time and energy to connect. Modern life is busy, and often quite stressful, making it hard to prioritize pleasure.
But, it is important to develop sweet, simple rituals to ensure that you are making time for affectionate touch. Trading massages, for example, can help promote bonding with your significant other, and improve overall health and happiness. This herbal oil can be used for sensual massage and is safe to use in more intimate zones, as well.
Lovely rose & damiana infused into a blend of nourishing oils makes for a luscious, silky blend.
Roses (Rosa spp.) have long been associated with love, beauty, and romance. In Greek mythology, roses were affiliated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Roses were also linked to the Roman goddess of love, Venus.
Roses are cherished for their soothing, relaxing, and gently uplifting qualities. They are nourishing and toning to the skin, heart, and reproductive system (de la Forêt, n.d.; Gallagher, 2021).
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been used as an aphrodisiac by various traditional cultures, including the Mayans. Modern studies have shown that it has potential for stimulating desire and enhancing male sexual performance (Feistel, et al., 2010; Kotta et al., 2013)
Damiana helps improve blood flow to the genitals and boosts the overall health of the reproductive system. It can be used as a revitalizing and stimulating tonic to enhance orgasmic potential and sexual endurance. (Gallagher, 2021).
Damiana is also soothing to the nervous system, helping to promote relaxation and improving mood (Gallagher, 2021).
Ingredients:
- 4 Tbsp coconut oil infused with damiana
- 1 Tbsp olive oil infused with rose petals
- 1 tsp jojoba oil
- 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
This recipe makes approximately 80 ml of massage oil.
Note: If you live somewhere where coconut is solid at room temperature, this oil blend will be the consistency of a soft salve, that melts easily with body heat. If you live in a warmer climate, this oil will be liquid, and would be better to store in a glass bottle, rather than a jar.
Directions:
The first step, is making damiana & rose infused oils. If you are new to herbalism and aren’t familiar with how to make an herbal infused oil, click here to learn how.
If you live somewhere where coconut is solid at room temperature, melt the coconut oil. Then blend all the oils together in a large glass measuring cup (like the ones that Pyrex makes, though there are off-brand versions available too). Pour into jars or bottles, let cool (if the coconut oil was heated), and voilà — you just made a sensual massage oil. Enjoy!
References
de la Forêt, Rosalee. (n.d.) Rose Benefits. Herbs with Rosalee. Retrieved from https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/rose-benefits.html
Ditzen, B., Hoppmann, C., & Klumb, P. (2008). Positive couple interactions and daily cortisol: on the stress-protecting role of intimacy. Psychosomatic medicine, 70(8), 883–889. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e318185c4fc
Feistel, B., Walbroel, B., & Benedek, B. (2010). Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd.) – A traditionally used aphrodisiac as modern PDE-5 inhibitor. Planta Medica, 76(12). http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1264300
Gallagher, K. (2021). Aphrodisiac: The herbal path to healthy sexual fulfillment and vital living. Hay House, Inc.
Kotta, S., Ansari, S.H., and Ali, J. (2013). Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 7(13): 1–10. http://www.phcogrev.com/article/2013/7/13/1041030973-7847112832
Sreenivasan, S., and Weinberger, L.E. (2021). The Importance of Touch. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/202108/the-importance-touch
WebMD. (2020). What is cortisol? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol
Whitbourne, S.K. (2017). The Secret Reason Why Sex is Such an Important Part of Relationships. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201707/the-secret-reason-why-sex-is-such-important-part-relationships
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