SENSUAL AND SEDUCTIVE

above: This glorious rose pomander is a modern adaption of the traditional variety, and is scented with neroli and rose essential oils.

We all need a little pampering every now and then, and some scents and flowers seem almost synonymous with luxury, whether in the form of a simple posy of fresh flowers or as fabulously evocative essential oils used in a warm bath. In particular, certain fragrances, such as rose, jasmine, neroli and ylang ylang, are well-known aphrodisiacs, and there are a variety of ways they can be used to bring a little romance into your daily life.

The exquisitely scented rose is the classic symbol of romance and seduction, and is associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and fertility. There are many other, less extravagant, ways to experience the powers of rose: in pot pourri or dried flowers, in perfume and in eau de Colognes. To make an undeniably sensuous bath oil, mix rose essential oil with that of sandalwood; the scent will linger on your skin long after the bath.

If rose is regarded as the Queen of Flowers, then jasmine is considered King. Although the white flowers are delicately shaped, their long-lasting fragrance is of a more masculine nature: rich, musky and earthy. Like rose, jasmine is a remedy for sexual frigidity and impotence, helping to relax and calm the body - use a little of the oil in the bath or in massage.

The richly scented yellow blooms of ylang ylang have an exotic and voluptuous, sweet and heady aroma. The term ylang ylang means "flower of flowers" in the Malay language, and the blooms are used by native women in Indonesia to perfume their hair, and are spread on the beds of newly-weds to calm wedding-night nerves. Renowned for their ability to relax and seduce, they help slow down an over rapid breathing rate and heartbeat.

Of a gentler nature, neroli is one of the finest floral essences and is often used in eau de Cologne. It comes from the bitter orange tree whose flowers are used in bridal bouquets and garlands to symbolize innocence and to secure love. The simple, sweet fragrance of neroli brings happiness and nourishment to the soul.

above and right: Certain flowers, such as the rose, seem to symbolize luxury and are delightful in many forms, from lotions to floral displays.