THE PLEASURES OF BOTANICALS: NATURAL SEXUAL HEALTH

Botanical ingredients have been ubiquitous in hair care, skincare, and cosmetics for decades, bringing physical and psychological benefits along with them, but what exactly are they and how can they be used to also improve our sexual wellness?

What are botanicals?

Botanicals are extracts or parts of plants that are used for their effect on the body - they can include herbs, flowers, seeds, nuts, roots, barks, leaves, and berries. They include everything from natural oils like jojoba, essential oils like lavender or sandalwood, chamomile, and even spices like cinnamon. They have been shown to support holistic full body and mind wellness, from improving skin and uplifting mood to aiding sleep and relaxation and even supporting the immune system.

Many natural extracts have been used for millennia around the world to support health and wellness, and western science has begun researching and proving the effects through studies and testing. But what benefits can these plant-based essences bring to our sex lives? Well, it turns out, a lot.

Integrating high quality botanicals into your sex life - from lubricants, oils, and even natural arousal enhancements can have some surprising effects on our overall health and wellness as well as heighten the pleasure we experience from all of the different ways we connect with our partners.

Less Sensitization

For those concerned about irritation or sensitization, a certified organic all-natural ingredient list can mean the difference between a night of intense pleasure and a week of discomfort. Our intimate anatomy can have a delicate balance, and the products we put on every part of our body can have an effect on that balance. Certified organic products often have a lower likelihood of causing a reaction, whether it’s on our skin or inside our vaginas or anuses. 

Naturally Boosts Moisture

Perfectly plump skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of sex and intimacy, but botanicals can have a huge impact on our body’s moisture both inside and out, which can lead to more comfortable and more sensual intimacy

Natural lubricants can be some of the best lubes on the market, not only bringing a smoother glide to lovemaking but also supplementing the body’s moisture with plant-based ingredients that work with the body’s natural process. System JO Naturalove Lubricants, for example, use 98.7% USD Organic ingredients including calming chamomile and moisturizing agave to create a gel-like lubricant that melts into a thin, delicate glide and absorbs naturally during use. It’s especially loved by those of us who prefer a lube that's a bit closer to our natural moisture.

Externally, botanicals really shine in sensual massage, choosing the very best oils and creams to pamper our skin or our partner’s skin shows an unparalleled level of caring and devotion to each other. When selecting a massage oil look for formulas that include natural oils like jojoba, which is known for easily penetrating the top layers of skin to moisturize and helps regulate the production of sebum (the natural oils produced by our skin). It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t block pores. Other, heavier oils like sweet almond oil and coconut oil are great emollients, which keep moisture in the skin. All of these oils also have the wonderful benefit of creating a luxurious slickness during massage, offering a tension relieving rub down while also giving our skin the moisture it so desires.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy using essential oils, or the liquids extracted from useful or aromatic plants, has also been used by natural medicine healers and religious leaders for millennia to improve physical and psychological health. But in many cases, they also function as an aphrodisiac, a substance that arouses sexual desire. Stimulating one sense is a great way to enhance the others. An aromatherapy massage has the double benefit of engaging both the sense of smell and the sense of touch simultaneously, gradually exciting both masseuse and the massaged.

Lavender, for example, is well known to help ease anxiety and depression which can lead to greater relaxation and comfort during intimacy. Which is why lavender oil is a key ingredient in massage oils like System JO Lavender and Tahitian Vanilla Natural Massage Oil.

Sensation Play

Did you know that some of the most intense sensation-play involves botanicals? Extracts from mint, capsicum (chili pepper), and even rosemary are used in many warming and cooling arousal creams, including JO Atomic Clitoral Stimulant which combines a cutting edge silicone formula with the traditional medicine of rosemary extract for a thrilling warming sensation that stays where you put it. And for those looking to extend their sexual adventures, essential oils like pimento and peppermint can even create a smooth numbing sensation.

With so many proven benefits, it’s no wonder botanicals are such a beloved and essential part of holistic wellness and care. Finding a routine and solutions that bring us comfort, peace, and pleasure is an experience we can all enjoy!