Is Vanilla an Aphrodisiac? A Look Into the Science

Vanilla is one of the most beloved aphrodisiac scents, cherished for its classic aroma. Throughout history, it has been associated with enhancing sexual arousal and desire — but how does it all work, and what makes it so effective?

Today we’ll be taking a scientific look at how this natural aphrodisiac can be used to improve your sex life. Let’s get started!

What Does Vanilla Smell Like?

Wondering why vanilla is such a popular scent? It’s a no brainer. Vanilla has a sweet, creamy aroma that evokes warmth and comfort. There are many variations of the unisex fragrance that make it the perfect choice for any occasion.

Some takes on the vanilla fragrance are spicier and have woody undertones similar to sandalwood or cedarwood. This is especially common in vanilla pods in their natural form. Others are a little more floral and blend with soft sophisticated notes like lavender and orchid.

Vanilla most commonly smells sweet and rich, similar to the smell of a tasty pastry or treat baking in the oven. The right vanilla perfume can bring back nostalgic feelings of pouring vanilla extract into cake batter.

Is Vanilla an Aphrodisiac?

Aphrodisiacs are believed to be substances that arouse sexual desire… and by that definition, vanilla can absolutely function as an aphrodisiac. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the smell of sweet, warm vanilla?

In fact, if we look back throughout history, natural vanilla was used as an aphrodisiac thousands of years ago by early Mesoamerican civilizations.

The Aztecs would mix vanilla with chocolate to create chocolatl. Their emperor, Montezuma, has been cited as consuming large amounts of chocolatl before being intimate with his partners. The substance is believed to have worked as a sort of love potion.

Aside from being used as an aphrodisiac, these early civilizations used the sacred vanilla bean for religious ceremonies, medicinal purposes, and as good luck charms for travelers.

All these years later, vanilla and other gourmand scents continue to be amongst the most popular notes in perfumes and colognes.

How Do Aphrodisiacs Work?

Aphrodisiacs are substances that induce desire and pleasure, and many factors are believed to play a role in making aphrodisiacs arousing. 

The psychological effects of aphrodisiacs are mainly rooted in sensory stimulation. Put simply, interacting with certain substances can reduce stress and improve your mood. For example, when you inhale the deliciously familiar scent of vanilla, it can stimulate your senses and summon sensual feelings.

There are also physiological effects to using certain aphrodisiacs. Smelling something enjoyable like vanilla can release a hormone called dopamine in your brain. This “feel-good” chemical is triggered during pleasurable activities and plays a role in your body’s reward system. 

The consumption of foods like vanilla can also enhance sexual arousal. Vanillin is the major flavor component of vanilla, This crystalline organic compound is thought to support blood flow, which can help turn up the heat in the bedroom.

What Are Some Vanilla Scents To Try?

Just a small spritz of the right vanilla fragrance on your pulse points will leave you (and them) wanting more. Here are three popular scents to try:

Sweet Ash

One of our bestsellers and fan favorites, Sweet Ash is a vanilla scent featuring vanilla bean, juniper, fir balsam, bergamot, and white moss. It starts off lowkey and sweet, but it’s addictive and sure to leave you wanting more. 

Vanilla Vice

Here’s the inside scoop: if you have a soft spot for soft serve, Vanilla Vice is the scent for you. This vanilla ice cream fragrance blends Madagascar vanilla with ice cream, jasmine sambac, amberwood, musk, and orcanox for a complex, rich scent experience you’ll melt over.

Honey Suite

This next scent manages to capture the sweet and sultry of a honeymoon phase. Honey Suite is a decadent honey fragrance with crystallized honey, vanilla bourbon, and lavender flower. This scent is warm, spicy, and woody, and it’s sure to have you feeling over the moon.

A Favorite for a Reason

Celebrated for centuries, vanilla’s allure stems from its ability to evoke warm, positive emotions. From the psychological effects to the sensory stimulation, it’s no wonder science suggests the aroma functions as an aphrodisiac.

Simply put, vanilla is one of nature’s most sensual pleasures. Whether it’s in the form of an essential oil, body spray, or candle, vanilla might just be the ingredient you’re missing in the bedroom. 

Sources:

Vanilla as a Medicinal Plant | ScienceDirect

Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs | PMC

Dopamine: The pathway to pleasure | Harvard Health

Vanillin | American Chemical Society