One might think that essential oils are solely just aromatics. This couldn't be further from the truth. The beneficial effects of aromatherapy are being continually studied and used in research trials to assess their beneficial effects on many things including temperament, stress, immune function, promotion of relaxation, inflammation and even reducing free radical damage.

We are fortunate to live in the modern era that has generously granted us the ability to cultivate the use of aromatic plants (and endlessly study them scientifically) to help us keep our heads on straight when we need support. While Edens Garden Gentle-Men essential oil blend was made for its aromatic appeal with whoever decides to use it, this blend can in no way escape being touted for its essential oil benefits. 

The top two ingredients in this blend are the citrus oils of Bergamot and Lemon which immediately extends a hand as antimicrobials, mood enhancers, antioxidants and immune boosters.[1,2,3,4,5] Some of the essential oils following closely behind are Patchouli- Dark, Vetiver, Tobacco Absolute and Gurjun Balsam - all esteemed for the competent gifts of relaxation, stress relief and ability to ground the body and mind.[6,7,8]  A few of the florals noted in this blend include Lavandin and Geranium which add a layer of compassion and assist in easing irritability.

What Essential Oils Are Good For Males And What Essential Oils Are Considered Masculine?

While scent preferences can vary from person to person regardless of gender, there is no fixed definition of what makes an essential oil specifically “masculine” or “male”. A general assumption, however, is that using essential oils with heavier, earthy, grounding and spicy aromas such as Patchouli and wood oils such as Cedar, Sandalwood, Spruce and Pine are appreciated by men. These oils are often employed in cologne blends and are noted for their relaxation and stress-reducing properties. 

Other base oils including resins such as Frankincense and grasses like Vetiver are highly favored in masculine blends due to their unique aromatic profiles all offering various health and wellness benefits. This isn't to say that these base oils would be the only ones favored since there is a multitude of oils to choose from in the herbal realm including but not limited to Juniper Berry, Black Pepper and Tobacco Absolute. 

Citrus oils such as Bergamot and Lemon add liveliness and zing to a blend and are often turned to for their ability to first stimulate nasal receptors. Floral oils are not generally used in large quantities as they can make a blend too sweet. Nonetheless, some florals such as Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Rose can and do have their moments. We suggest conducting a smell test with a number of single essential oils to help understand which ones really match the individual personality - helping to ground and center hearts and minds as well as inspire patience. 

How Do You Make Manly Scents For Men?

Aromas are subjective to each individual and can even span into the emotional realm based on fragrant memories. But as a general rule, you can follow some basic guidelines with popular essential oils combinations that are often combined for male colognes. When you are first starting out, choose 3-4 essential oils to work with one base note, one middle note and one top note. You can find this information on Eden’s Garden website on each single essential oil page.

A simple way of testing oils together is to uncap a few of the bottles you choose, hold them together in one hand and bring them under your nose. Take a whiff of the combination and see how you like the mingling of the aromas. If something doesn't seem right, swap out one or two oils until you have found an aroma combination you like. In the end, you may choose 2 base notes and one middle, skipping the top note altogether. The important thing is to just have fun and be creative with it! 

• Wood: most wood oils are base note oils and are grounding and earthy and considered fixatives in a blend. They will help to preserve lighter top notes such as Citrus and Pine (yes not a base note!). Think Sandalwood and Cedarwood which are world-renowned for their sturdy appearance or the unique stress-relieving Buddha Wood. As an alternative, the base note of Patchouli, distilled from leaves, evokes an intense and complex earthy aroma. 
• Spice/Herbs (generally base to middle or top-middle): Spices such as Ginger, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Juniper Berry or Ginger give off a depth that also emits warmth. Essential oils such as Oakmoss and Tobacco Absolute emit a muskier masculine aroma.
• Resins (generally base notes): Resin oils such as Frankincense and Myrrh offer their sacred, meditative space and their aromas are generally balsamic and warm which help support and strengthen the breath. Breathe in, breathe out.
• Citrus (top notes): Citrus notes add a touch of vibrancy, vigor and brightness. Citrus oils that are often considered for masculine blends are Bergamot, Lemon and Lime or Neroli. 
• Floral: Lavender is well known in the aromatherapy world and is usually a safe bet but avoid using too much of any floral as they may add too much sweetness to a blend. There are some off-the-beaten-path floral oils such as Osmanthus and Cistus that can be selected for their heavier notes (middle base and base note respectively). While Osmanthus is in the same family as Jasmine, Cistus with its smokier aroma, can help to even out emotional upheaval and grief.  

Keep in mind that scent preferences are personal, you want to make sure to make a blend that resonates with who will be wearing it. 

What Essential Oil Is Sensual?

Sensual essential oils generally are found in the floral family altho there are some exceptions to this rule: 

• Patchouli: As an earthy, musky and captivating aromatic, Patchouli is exceptionally grounding. Its potential in the realm of sensuality brings forth one’s confidence.
• Sandalwood: This oil is traditionally associated with enhancing relaxation, and brings with it security and trust that can foster a sensual mood and emotional connection.
• Ylang Ylang: an exotic oil, it is known as poor man’s Jasmine. It is a floral base note that needs no more than one or two drops in a blend as it can cause headaches for some. 
• Jasmine: One of the most romantic and sensual oils for passion and intimacy and its aroma cannot be matched. The flowers of Jasmine are gathered in the evening or early morning. Use this oil for self-love as well as for opening the heart to tenderness and grace.
• Rose: Rose essential oil has a delicate, floral, and romantic scent. It is a popular choice known for its ability to evoke feelings of love and sensuality.

Ways To Use Gentle-Men Essential Oil Blend

Using Gentle-Men essential oil blend and incorporating it into a personal care routine is very simple. We have a few tried and true ideas for whoever might be using it. 

1. Diffuse: the simplest way to breathe in and experience this blend is to add 6 drops per 100 ml of water in your nebulizing diffuser such as Edens Garden Diamond and the Terrazzo. Want to take it on the go? Try out the portable and savvy Mio Mist!
2. DIY Cologne: Use a 1 oz bottle of Edens Garden pre-bottled carrier oil of your choice and mix in a 3-5% dilution of Gentle-Men essential oil blend. For one ounce, this equates to 15-18 drops of essential oils. Don't have the time? Try out Edens Garden pre-blended Gentle-Men 10 ml roll-on which is convenient for its travel-safe size and portability. Apply to pulse points, wrists and at the sides of the neck. Reapply after 3-4 hours or when needed.
3. DIY Liquid Soap: blending with Gentle-Men essential oil blend not only smells great and inspires calm confidence but can help boost health and immune function. This blend also has properties that are antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial. In a soap dispenser, add 10 drops of Gentle-Men essential oil blend per 1 oz of liquid Castile soap. To understand more about diluting essential oils to get the perfect balance with an unscented liquid soap, check out our dilution guide.
4. Mustache Wax: In a double boiler, melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax and add 1 tablespoon Coconut oil and 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil. Remove from heat and add 6 drops of Gentle-Men essential oil. Transfer to a small jar and allow to cool before using to style mustache and facial hair. Use as needed.
5. Cologne Cream: In a double boiler, melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax and once melted add 3 tablespoons of Fenugreek carrier oil. Remove from heat and add 6 drops Gentle-Men essential oil blend. Pour into a 2 oz tin and place in refrigerator to allow to fully cool and harden before use. Soften with a fingertip before applying to pulse points, wrists and neck. Reapply after 3-4 hours or when needed.

When using essential oils, less is more. Edens Garden has experts formulate their blends so that they are perfectly suited for use in diffusers or made into DIY projects. So as not to confuse the nose and keep the aromatics simple, if using essential oils on your body, stick with that same blend until you have showered or bathed. 

What Edens Garden Customers Are Saying:

If you have never experienced Gentle-Men previously and are unsure about how you will like its aroma, we have a number of customer reviews that may help. Many of our customers have compared Gentle-Men to Best Man essential oil blend. While Gentle-Men is more citrus-heavy with heavier grounding oils and added florals, Best Man applies a number of tree oils with spicier hints of Cinnamon- Bark, Juniper Berry, Spearmint and some light floral. 

Here’s are saying about the blend:  

Alice wrote that she believed Gentle-Men essential oil blend is “really brilliant” and that “this blend indeed smells like good cologne!” Before purchasing and after reading some reviews, she can attest that it is a “very complex, rich, but not heavy” blend where the “aroma makes [her] want to wear it as a perfume”.

Another rave from Susie compared Best Man to Gentle-men and stated while Best Man has a “nice, woodsy fragrance,” Gentle-Men “is more cologne-y”. Once in her diffuser, she and her husband “both loved it.” 

For women who prefer heavier aromatics, Nicole, who is headache sensitive to some chemical smells, said of Gentle-Men: “I don't care for floral scents. This is a nice masculine scent.” although on the term "masculine" she believes that “it can [and should] be appreciated by anyone.’

SOURCES:

1. Antimicrobial Action of Some Citrus Fruit Oils on Selected Food-Borne Bacteria https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC376603/
2. Chemical Profile, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Algerian Citrus Essential Oils and Their Application in Sardina pilchardus https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/4/2/208
3. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
4. Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9774566/
5. Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6943609/
6. The Medical Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil https://www.scitepress.org/Papers/2019/99544/99544.pdf
7. A Comprehensive Review on the Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Pogostemon cablin Benth.: An Aromatic Medicinal Plant of Industrial Importance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6272783/
8. Synergistic Effect of Fragrant Herbs in Japanese Scent Sachets https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0034-1396138