Hathor Aphrodisia Exotic Love Oil is a massage oil with a pecan oil base and five herbal and woody essential oils for an aromatherapy boost, plus Vitamin E (probably as a natural preservative, plus a skin conditioner.)

Although there are no instructions on the bottle, it is assumed this is to be used for a massage oil, although I suppose it could be used as a bath oil as well. With some of the ingredients being what are known as "Counter Irritants" (oils or herbs that may overstimulate the skin or other tissues to counter pain or discomfort) I wouldn't use this as a sexual lubricant.

The essential oils, spicy, woody and flowery seem to add to the massage experience, without the aroma being too strong or overpowering.

This oil, in addition to the pecan oil base contains: Ylang Ylang, which is known as an aphrodisiac, as well as being touted as a good treatment for muscle spasms (great addition to a massage oil) stimulating circulation, lowering blood pressure, relaxing "nerves" and helping with High Blood Pressure, Sexual Dysfunctions and Stress. Ylang Ylang is a powerful herb and can cause headaches and nausea, but usually only in those very sensitive and when used in high concentrations.

Geranium is used as an antiseptic, and as an astringent, has been used to stop bleeding and is touted to help stimulate adrenal glands and "normalize hormones." These last two claims have not been proven by research, but are folk cures.

Cedarwood is a spicy wood scent which is known as an anti-fungal, and antiseptic and a mild sedative as well as being used in many parts of the world as a sedative and for skin conditions.

Cinnamon has been used for centuries also. It is said to stimulate the libido, used as an aphrodisiac, an "emotional stimulant" and an antidepressant. It is known for reducing stress and headaches, and in one actual study helped people concentrate on mental tasks and concentrate better. It also, physically, provides heat to a liniment, and can relax tight muscles and help with pain in the joints. It has also been used, in food to fight viral, fungal and bacterial illnesses and is said to boost the immune system.

Being strong, it does come with some warnings: Cinnamon can irritate skin, and even burn skin if used in high concentrations, (this particular oil appears to have a low concentration of this spice) It also should not be used on children or on pregnant women.

Ginger reduces inflammation, can help arthritis, sore muscles and menstrual cramps. It is also used, internally and externally to help ease nausea and motion illness. Many people use it during cold and flu season to help break up mucous and ease very mild respiratory distress.

These scents are appropriate for use on healthy adults, who may need the invigorating or relaxing effects of a massage, plus the use of the properties some of the added essential oils are said to aid in relieving. This particular oil is meant for external use only.

Hathor Aphrodisia Love Oil has a regular oil texture. It feels warm when poured onto the skin and will drip if not rubbed in immediately. A little seems to go a long way, for most massages on My Man's large back, I use about a tablespoon to start, and then about a teaspoon or so later, if I need more Slide during the massage.

It slides nicely at first and then stays smooth, but not greasy or sticky at all. The texture is very lovely, as we have used massage oils that were too greasy, felt almost gritty or had overwhelming aromas. This one had nice gliding properties and we didn't feel that an immediate shower was necessary, when the massage was over. It blended into the skin well, and left his skin soft and mildly scented.

It was slightly thinner than I would like my perfect oil to be, but in some cases thicker oils tend to be greasy. This oil had no greasy residue and I didn't feel the need to continually wipe my hands to remove grease, like I have with some cheaper massage oils.

A wash of my hands with soap and warm water seemed to remove most of the oil and scent. The first time I used it, I was about to use my own scent on my body, so I washed a second time, and all the scent was removed. My Man's back was not washed until morning and stayed soft and mildly scented all night.

I did taste this and I don't recommend it. As I wouldn't use this as a sexual lubricant, based on the herbs and spices contained, this shouldn't be an issue for most. In fact I just tasted it, and can't get the taste out of my mouth. I higher recommend simply NOT doing this.

The aroma is part of the appeal of this oil. It is woody with some slightly flowery undertones, from the Ylang Ylang and the Geranium, the lasting part of the scent is very earth like, and would probably be acceptable to most men and women.

The cinnamon, Ylang Ylang and Ginger seem to predominate at first, while the Geranium, which has a rose like reminiscent aroma, seems to hang around long after the other scents have faded, even after wiping off the body. The cedar was very muted and I could barely detect it, the pecan didn't seem to dominate at all, in fact it was fairly neutral.

This product was lasted throughout a rather long massage (about 45 minutes.) I used about a tablespoon or so of oil to start, and then added about a teaspoon or so about 20 minutes later. (These are estimates, we were in bed, and I did not measure.) This amount lasted an entire massage, and gave the ability for my hands to glide easily over his skin, without being too slick or greasy. I was able to grab individual muscles and it didn't slip so much that this was impossible. Both easy slide and a small amount of friction to hang onto the flesh is necessary in a good massage oil, and this oil did both honorably.

Most of the oil was absorbed into his skin by the time the massage was over. I only used a soft cotton cloth, rubbed gently on his skin afterward to avoid getting any residual oil on the sheets. There didn't seem to be any stain on the cloth, although I would be careful with this, especially if you have expensive sheets. We had no problems with staining, however.

Those with nut allergies, or allergies to cinnamon (it's more common that people think) or any of the ingredients of this oil need to stay away from it. Also, as I mentioned this is not to be used with pregnant women or children, due to the strength of the individual oils and herbs as well as the care needed in massaging either.

The oil arrived in a beautiful glass cobalt blue bottle with a gold Hathor label encircling it. The bottle color is dark blue too keep out light that might break down the constituents, so it is hard to see how much oil is left, unless it is held up to bright light. However, it is a beautiful presentation, and the bottle could be used for plain oil for massages or for decoration when the product is used up. The bottle has a plain screw cap, and a wide open bottle mouth and although a pump might have been preferable, it was usable. Be careful when pouring this oil, because there is no "drip proof" cap on the bottle and too much product may pour out. It is also better to use too little oil at first and then add more than to pour too much onto your partner or into your hands.

There were no instructions included with this product. With the exception of blurb saying the essential oils were "ethically cultivated" and that the product is "for your pleasure." More specific instructions and any warnings would have been appreciated. I also would have preferred a pump top.

You need two hands to open and close this bottle, which makes for a slippery, messy bottle and cap.

Being glass, the bottle is high quality and can be cleaned of oil. I much prefer massage oils in glass than in plastic.

There was no box for the bottle, but it is a lovely bottle and seals pretty well. I have notices a little oil around the edge of the bottle and some is now dripping on the label, as it is hard to put the cap back on the bottle after applying the product to your partner or your hand without getting it back on the bottle and the cap.

The bottle looks like a bottle of oil or herbal medicine, so is quite discreet. I can be stored on a dresser, nightstand or headboard of a bed. I will probably use this bottle for decoration after the product is gone.

Several of the spices in this oil are known to be "warming" and many are used in Winter Holiday scents. The herbs and spices do seem to help with muscle relaxation, and this only adds to the massage experience.

While looking at the label I noticed a little "joke" in the Hathor Copyright Picture. The picture on the bottle's gold foil label, at first glance, seems to be a heart, with a flower inside it. On closer look, it appears to be a heart shaped "egg" with a plethora of tiny sperm attempting to infiltrate the egg. What the "egg and flower" indicates, I can only guess.
They do say it is an aphrodisiac.

I have yet to receive a massage with this oil, myself. I have been promised one. However, My Man has received several, with me as the massage therapist. He said the scent "doesn't bother" him (which is a compliment from this man) and it is "manly" enough that most Alpha Males would not mind having this scent on their skin. It also has some very discreet flowery undertones, and would also be appreciated by anyone who likes a basically earthy, spicy fragrance.

I massage My Man in this regular fashion; I usually sit beside him on the bed, while he lies on his tummy, or I sit on his butt and lean forward to reach his shoulders and arms and to get better leverage. He seemed very relaxed and I could feel the muscles relaxing in turn. When I was done, after one particular massage with this oil, he said, "That was the best massage I have ever had." So, either I'm getting better at this (and I've been doing it for years) or the muscle relaxing and antidepressant attributes of this herb based oil did indeed work!