Sexual problems like impotence, infertility and frigidity often are related to a psychological problem that has established itself from stress related conditions. The loss of physical sexual function can also create its own set of emotional responses, which can also lead to stress, depression and anxiety.

Libido problems like frigidity (Anorgasmia), impotence and retarded ejaculation can result from emotional frustration or negative feelings, causing a loss in sexual appetite. Usually when the emotional problems are resolved, the libido and function will return. In the cases of frigidity and retarded ejaculation, longer time spent in foreplay and different sexual positions may help bring a solution. Vaginismus, which is the involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscles, is often linked to overwhelming feelings of fear, often a result of trauma or a violent sexual experience. Sometimes vaginismus can be a result of lack of sexual experience, which may cause fear of sexual intercourse. All of these sexual problems can result in infertility as conception is less likely to occur if there is a problem with one or both partner’s sexual function. Stress can affect the menstrual cycle, attributing to conditions such as amenorrhea (scanty or total lack of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (uterine cramps during menstruation) and menorrhagia (an excessive menstrual flow with uterine cramps) which can also affect a woman’s ability to conceive.

In all of these cases of sexual dysfunction, there needs to be a supportive, sympathetic, co-operative partner in the relationship. Establishing intimacy and trust is also very important. Aromatherapy can help when used in aromatic baths or massage, which in themselves are intimate experiences. Aromatic bathing and massage can help relax and open the way for sexual communication between two people. Massage can be a sensual experience and a part of foreplay.

Below is a list of Essential Oils with known healing properties for sexual disorders:

Sandalwood - is a potent aphrodisiac, promoting feelings of sensuality and encouraging emotional openness within relationships. Helpful for understanding and honesty in all aspects of love by supporting feelings of togetherness and stability. Medicinally, sandalwood can treat disorders of the urinary system; Cystitis, urinary infections and the reproductive system; herpes, impotence, thrush, and vaginal pruritus. Sandalwood is a tonic to the reproductive organs.

Patchouli - helps decrease inhibitions, and allows a person to communicate clearly on both a physical and emotional level. Patchouli is a useful aid in seduction, helping those who are oversensitive to release sexual fears.

Ylang Ylang - As an aphrodisiac, Ylang Ylang enhances attraction between lovers, enhances feelings of ‘togetherness’, sensuality, tenderness and increases the libido. Ylang Ylang is a good choice for treating feelings of sexual inadequacy.

Jasmine - is a fragrant emblem of love; its sensual character brings romance, strength and warmth to relationships. It is a strong sensual stimulant. Jasmine boosts self confidence and enhances feelings of self worth. Jasmine medicinally treats disorders and conditions of the reproductive system such as; dysmenorrhea, impotence, frigidity, labour pains and uterine disorders.

Cardamom - A reputed aphrodisiac, cardamom enhances feelings of sensuality and provides confidence to those who may have judgmental feelings or feelings of uneasiness concerning their own bodies, or who may be distrustful due to experiences from the past.

Clary Sage - is an oil that can decrease inhibitions. Mildly intoxicating, Clary sage counteracts feelings of negativity and arouses the emotions, giving a sense of well-being. An effective oil for anxiety or for tackling phobias as clary sage helps to dissolve these negative feelings. Clary

Sage - also helps to regulate and balance hormones and can be of assistance to; amenorrhea, labour pains, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, frigidity, impotence.

Fennel - is another oil that assists in balancing and regulating hormones of the female reproductive system due to its chemical composition (anethol) resembling estrogen. It is an adaptogen oil. Fennel also helps with amenorrhea, menopausal problems, stimulating the milk supply in nursing mothers.

Geranium - invokes love and happiness and aids communication and resolve, Geranium is an adaptogen oil having a close yin/yang balance, it is a helpful oil to restore equilibrium. It is also helpful for the adrenal glands, menopausal problems, PMS, and sterility.

Lavender - may be used for hormonal imbalances stemming from stress, PMS, menstrual cramps, pruritus, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, cystitis, leukorrhea, prostatitis, vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease.

Rose - is a particularly beautiful oil that has a strong affinity with the feminine, in particularly the female reproductive cycle. Rose’s positive affects on the emotions can be related to it’s influence on the female reproductive organs, making it an excellent oil for treating emotions caused from problems stemming from infertility, sexual fears and problems, menopause and PMT. It may also be useful for irregular & scanty menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, infertility, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, pre-menstrual tension, uterine disorders.

Juniper - is particularly a good oil for those with self–esteem issues who feel that they are unworthy of love or suffer from insecurity in their relationship. Juniper has the ability to stimulate and awaken love and sexuality, enhancing self-confidence and openness. It may also help with amenorrhea, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, and metrorrhagia.

Basil - arouses sexual instincts and is a good choice for someone who is anxious due to inexperience, and may help with cramps and amenorrhea.

Vetiver - is sexually arousing and strengthening, earthy and positive. It helps to release deeply felt tensions and fears.

Angelica - As an aphrodisiac, angelica root oil is helpful in treating emotional states that may stem from frigidity.

Ginger - is erotic oil that supports sexuality by heating up the libido. Ginger helps us to melt cold emotions, and may ease menstrual cramps.

Cedarwood - opens emotions in relationships whilst soothing fears and anxieties relating to sexuality. Encourages the sexual response.

Neroli - enhances self confidence and sensuality, and may ease PMS.

Coriander - is a known euphoric and aphrodisiac, coriander helps encourage spontaneity, communication and passion, whilst reducing feelings of self doubt, making it a useful oil for reigniting a fizzled spark in a relationship.

Camomile - Reproductive System, Dysmenorrhea, menopausal problems, menorrhagia, PMS, Morning Sickness Genito-urinary systems- Cystitis, Urethritis, Thrush, Vulval Pruritus

Peppermint - aids the Reproductive & Genito-urinary Systems; Amenorrhea (small doses), Cystitis, Uterine Tonic

Marjoram - for the Reproductive system, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Leukorrhea, PMS, Menstrual Cramps

Cypress - Reproductive and Genitourinary System, Dysmenorrhea, Menopausal problems, (hot flushes) menorrhagia, incontinence, Prostatitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Cinnamon - Reproductive System, Stimulates uterine contractions, Frigidity, leukorrhea, metrorrhagia

Cumin - Reproductive System Irregular Periods, Menopausal problems, PMS Genito-urinary systems- Cystitis

Hyssop - Reproductive system, Amenorrhea, Increase milk supply in nursing mothers, Menopausal ailments, Leucorrhoea

Lemongrass - Reproductive System, PMS

Melissa - Reproductive System, Menstrual Problems, painful or irregular periods, PMS

Myrrh - Reproductive & Genito-urinary system, Amenorrhea, Leukorrhea, Pruritus, Thrush

Parsley - Reproductive System, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Labour Aid, Engorged Breasts, Urinary System, Cystitis