Common Folk Using Common Sense

Hat tip to Not Exactly Rocket Science:

From the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago:

Folk wisdom suggests that various aromas are sexually enticing, but no data exists demonstrating the actual effects of specific odors on arousal. Dr. Hirsch and colleague Dr. Jason Gruss initiated a study to investigate the impact of ambient olfactory stimuli upon sexual response in the human male.

Each of the 30 odors produced an increase in penile blood flow. However, not all increased arousal to the same degree. The combined odor of lavender and pumpkin pie had the greatest effect, increasing median penile blood flow by 40%. Next in effectiveness was the combination of black licorice and doughnut, which increased arousal by 31.5%. And so on, all the way down to cranberry, which only increased penile blood flow by 2%. Depending on the man’s age, they may have reacted differently than their counterparts to certain smells. For instance, older men tended to respond strongly to vanilla.

Here are the 10 odors that elicited the largest responses:

1. Lavender and pumpkin pie
2. Doughnut and black licorice
3. Pumpkin pie and doughnut
4. Orange
5. Lavender and doughnut
6. Black licorice and cola
7. Black licorice
8. Doughnut and cola
9. Lily of the valley
10. Buttered popcorn

Dr. Hirsch’s team theorized that pleasant odors, since they tend to positively increase other behaviors, would likely increase penile blood flow. Their data supported this hypothesis. However, a multitude of mechanisms could be at play. The odors could induce a Pavlovian conditioned response reminding partners of sexual partners or their favorite foods. Odors could have evoked nostalgic recall. Or the odors may simply be relaxing. The odors could also awaken the reticular activating system, making the men more alert to any sexual cues, thus increasing penile blood flow. The odors may also act neurophysiologically. A direct pathway connects the olfactory bulb to the septal nucleus, which in turn induces blood flow and erection.

So if you want to excite your man forget about those expensive perfumes – just daub some pumpkin pie behind your ears, stuff a doughnut between your breasts, or wrap your waist in black licorice.

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