Lost in the Orgasmic Labyrinth? Shunga's Secret Garden arousal cream is a peppermint-fresh lube that will help you find your way to that sometimes elusive O! Secret Garden is a topical female orgasm enhancer. It should be applied to the clitoris in small amounts. The cream, which is more like a slightly thick lube (see Texture section), is water-based but contains active ingredients that allegedly* help blood flow to the clitoris, thereby heightening sensitivity (see Performance section). Secret Garden leaves your clitoris tingly, super-sensitive, and ready to blossom into an orgasm. The cream can be used during masturbation, during sex with a partner to spice things up, or with a toy to bring you over the edge. Shunga notes that the cream may work for some women instantly, while others may have to use the lube for 3 consecutive days before experiencing the (ah-ah-amazing) results. Whether you feel the effects immediately or after multiple reapplications, Secret Garden really is incredible and worth the wait.

WARNINGS: Secret Garden is not recommended for use by pregnant women or by people with STDs. Those who have genital herpes should absolutely steer clear of this lube, as some of its ingredients can cause outbreaks. Secret Garden contains glycerin and parabens, which may cause infection in some women. Those with sensitive skin and those who are prone to UTI should use this product with caution.

Secret Garden is self-described as an arousal cream, but I'm more inclined to label it as a lube or gel. The product is clear in color and has the consistency of many other water-based lubricants (it is viscous: slightly denser than water yet not quite thick). Because of its consistency, the lube isn't runny and is easy to apply. However, if left out in the air for too long, the lube can get a bit stringy; this does not affect performance, but it can affect the degree to which the lube is able to initially soak into your skin. To avoid stringiness, be sure to apply quickly and close the bottle when you're finished. What I especially love about Secret Garden is that it's refreshingly slick and smooth—and it stays that way. This lube feels absolutely wonderful again and again and again! After some good rubbing, the lube is easily absorbed into the skin and does *not* become sticky or tacky or otherwise gross. Reapplying Secret Garden does not change the texture, so reapply all you want!

One thing's for sure: Secret Garden is no "Bog of Eternal Stench"! As soon as I opened my postal package that held the Secret Garden box, I could smell the peppermint! It's a cool, fresh scent that is neither overpowering nor too faint. The minty aroma lingers until the lube has been completely absorbed. Although the lube smells like a peppermint, don't expect it to taste like one! For me, Secret Garden has a very, very light flavor when tasted directly after application. It stings only a bit, so it's okay to have oral adventures while in your Secret Garden. If you want to avoid the slightly bitter taste completely, wait until the lube has been more absorbed by the skin and you won't taste anything. Thankfully, this lube won't numb your tongue... both giver and receiver will be able to enjoy the sensations of oral play!

Whether you're sensitive or desensitized, Secret Garden will tease your clitoris into an orgasm. Its amazing efficacy is due to its ingredients. The peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita) is what causes the wonderful smell and that irresistible tingling sensation. Similarly, damiana extract (Tunera Aphrodisiaca extract) is a fragrant herb that stimulates blood circulation. If you doubt the effectiveness of herbal concoctions, note damiana's Latin name: Tunera Aphrodisiaca was named for its use as an aphrodisiac during ancient Aztec civilization. Damiana worked then, and it works now! Two more active ingredients are L-Arginine HCL and L-Ornithine HCL. Both are amino acids that work together to increase blood flow. *Most studies testing the blood-increasing properties of these amino acids, however, have been proven only through introducing the chemicals directly into the blood stream, not through topical application like Secret Garden requires.* As a result, the science of this lube is debatable. So, whether the lube's magically orgasmic-inducing properties are due to the peppermint or the damiana or the amino acids, I'm not exactly sure. But if you ask me, it doesn't really matter much because Secret Garden works. Period.

Full list of ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, L-Arginine HCL, L-Ornithine HCL, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Damiana Extract (Tunera Aphrodisiaca Extract), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita), Vitamine E (Tocopherol).

Secret Garden's packaging is absolutely beautiful! The bottle of lube comes in a small black box with a shiny finish. The front of the box is graced by the face of a Japanese woman in the Shunga style of art, from which the company takes its name. Shunga is an ancient style of Japanese erotica. A very informative and interesting leaflet explaining the history of Shunga is included in the package. The sides of the box have descriptions of the content ("Jardin 'Secret' Garden: Female orgasm enhancing cream"), a list of ingredients and warnings, and the label "Intimate Moments Products." The back of the box has instructions in 4 different languages. The exterior of the box is very sleek and somewhat discreet. Others will not be able to tell that the package contains an arousal lube unless they pick up the box and read it... or open it. The pamphlet inside that details the history of Shunga art also has information on other products offered by Shunga (the company). The pamphlet only offers this information in English and French. Another slip of paper in the package explains that Secret Garden will work differently for its different users. It explains how to achieve an overly intense (reapply and wipe excess) or overly weak (use more each session) sensation.

The container of lube itself is also very chic. It is a smooth black bottle with instructions, ingredients, and descriptions in tiny white font. The cap of the tube is its base. To open/close the lube, hold the bottle cap-up and twist. The design of the cap is what I like least about this product (see Experience section). The bottle contains 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of the Secret Garden lubricant.

This lube's ingredients are responsible for tingly, cooling, and/or warming sensations that can be experienced during use. Also, Secret Garden purportedly increases blood flow to the clitoris, heightening sensitivity.

I highly recommend Secret Garden to both those with sensitive and desensitized clits alike! Its minty aroma, tingly vibes, and blood-flow aids will help freshen things up in your bedroom. Embrace your bush and rediscover the orgasmic side of your Secret Garden. Trust me, this lube is worthy of the garden of Eden!

I love getting lost in my Secret Garden! The peppermint in this lube feels and smells refreshingly cool, and it instantly makes my clit tingle! I can definitely feel my clit pulse when I use this lube, especially during and after the deep and throbby orgasms it induces. I've found that a dime-sized drop of Secret Garden is just the right amount; in this case, a little bit really does go a long way. However, because this lube is absorbed so well, I do have to reapply. Reapplications, while not frequent, are still kind of bothersome. Here's why: the cap is not very in-the-middle-of-sexual-shenanigans friendly. It's nearly impossible to open/close the tube with one hand. And reapplying the cap is an absolute must since it serves as the base of the bottle and the other end of the bottle isn't flat. The smoothness of the bottle also makes it pretty slippery. So, be prepared to reapply, and be prepared to wrestle with the bottle. But if you're willing to do so, and if this lube works for you, be super prepared for a super-intense orgasm!

Even though I really dislike the bottle, it's not enough to lessen my love for this arousal lube! 5 stars!