Roses A man bearing roses is, to some women, about as irresistible as he can get. Others think we have become too sentimental about these traditional declarations of love. But the ancients were assiduous users of rose oil and water: Cleopatra believed the scent had aphrodisiac qualities and drenched her barge in rose water.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that rose is an arousing scent, but many people find that the heady fragrance lifts their spirits. That, according to Dr Alan Hirsch, a neurologist and psychiatrist who heads the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, could put them in the mood for love. "Scatter rose petals among the sheets and continue to inhale the fragrance . . . and enjoy the silky, sensual texture," he recommends.
Jasmine and sandalwood Jasmine, which is particularly fragrant at night, is reputed to promote confidence and strength as well as wakeful relaxation. In India, it is commonly used in bridal wreaths and to rekindle fading romance. However, some people find the scent overpowering.
Sandalwood oil, like jasmine, is a traditional erotic aroma and, with its "woodsy" smell, has the power, says Dr Hirsch, to distract us from worries and lure us towards earthy sensual pleasures.
Jasmine and sandalwood are liked both by men and by women, which makes them good "shared" scents, particularly for massage oils and aromatherapy burners. Dr Hirsch also suggests adding a few drops of the essential oil to melted wax in an unscented candle.
Juniper This is commonly associated with confidence and cleansing. Its reputation as an erotic plant comes from its purported ability to restore strength and ease emotional burdens. It is also what gives gin its special flavour - and foodies will be familiar with the subtle power that crushed juniper berries can give to meat dishes.
Ginger The root has long been valued as an aid to potency. In ancient Persia, a mixture of ginger and honey was considered the Viagra of its day: Avicenna, the physician, claimed that ginger increased blood flow to the penis and restored "manly" erections.
The Romans, apparently, combined strongly scented ginger oil with cinnamon and vanilla to arouse sexual passion during festivals. They also added rhubarb which, cooked with ginger, is delicious. Confirmation of ginger's potency lies in the fact that the English Puritans disapproved of it and discouraged its use.
Black pepper The pungent aroma of black pepper oil is another stimulant, reputed to "wake up" desire among couples whose sex life has lost its sparkle. According to Dr Hirsch, waning passion was as familiar to the ancients as "diminished sexual response" is to today's stressed-out workaholics.
Orange The fragrance is known as neroli and, with the oil distilled from the orange blossom, is seen as a symbol of virginity - though both have been used throughout history by prostitutes for their purported seductive qualities. One woman interviewed by Dr Hirsch regarded orange scent in the bedroom in the morning as erotic, while at night she used something "spicy and woodsy". She also believed that lavender, used cautiously, created a romantic atmosphere.
Vanilla Its distinctive aroma is favoured by older men. Dr Hirsch notes that Havelock Ellis, the sex researcher, wrote that workers in a vanilla-processing plant were in a constant state of sexual arousal because of their daily exposure. He cannot confirm whether that is true, but vanilla has a fresh, clean aroma that lightens moods. He suggests that we experiment. "Add vanilla oil to the bath, make vanilla cookies or eat the best vanilla ice cream you can afford."
