

Something that I get from my (late) father is a deep adoration for information, no matter how “random” it might be. And so, since I spend A LOT of my time writing about sex and relationships (not necessarily in the order), it’s always fun to discover what science has to say about intimacy. For instance, something that I’ve mentioned in sex-themed articles before is that our sense of smell plays a bigger role in sexual arousal and pleasure than it’s typically given credit for.
Not only does science reveal that the keener your sense of smell is, the easier it is for you to climax, but it also states that around ovulation, you’re more drawn to the natural scent of a man. Not to mention the fact that research also reveals that when a man takes in the scent of a woman’s (healthy) genitalia, his testosterone levels naturally increase.
And this is why I oftentimes say that one of the best things about sex is it’s an activity that thoroughly incorporates all five senses: taste, touch, sight, hearing, and yes, smell. That is why I wanted to share 10 scents that are proven to make it easier for you to not just get into the mood for sex but orgasm once you’re in the process of participating in it.
1. Vanilla
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Back in the day, I penned an article for the platform entitled, “8 Natural Aphrodisiac Scents, Where They Go & How To Make Them Last.” The first one that made the list was vanilla, and, as you can see, it’s on this one too (carpolobia and jasmine were featured as well). Am I being redundant? Eh. Perhaps a little. However, it should go on record that an aphrodisiac is something that is designed to arouse you — and while that definitely can make it easier to orgasm (and have a more pleasurable sexual experience all around), today, we’re looking into scents that can make it easier to climax, specifically. Because, as I’m sure we all know, you can be aroused all day long, and you can even enjoy copulation with someone…that doesn’t automatically mean you’re gonna see any mountaintops, though.
Okay, so vanilla. It’s funny because, as I was reading a recent review for Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex perfume, I thought about how so many people tend to think that vanilla sex is ho-hum when the scent of vanilla is anything but. One reason is that the sweetness of vanilla not only helps to reduce anxiety, but if your partner struggles with moments of impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED) or simply lasting long enough to get you what you need to orgasm, vanilla has the ability to address all of these issues too. Awesome.
2. Carpolobia
Speaking of sex-related issues some men may have, if yours is dealing with infertility, the African plant carpolobia is one that might be of assistance for him. Speaking of your man, whether he decides to chew on this plant (in stick form, like a licorice stick) or apply it as an oil (whether it’s on your body or his own), carpolobia can also improve his sexual performance and even increase his stamina. And since it can take (on average) twice the amount of time for women to orgasm as it does men, well — I’m pretty sure why you get why I just had to add this scent to the list.
3. Patchouli
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Even though a lot of people like patchouli because of the way it smells, don’t sleep on the fact that it’s great for your skin. Between its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s good for you if you’re looking for an all-natural way to treat acne, dermatitis, and dandruff. Patchouli’s also bomb if you want to relieve depression, suppress your appetite, speed up the healing process of a cold, or even soothe an upset stomach.
On the climaxing tip, patchouli is another oil that will reduce anxiety (there are plenty of studies that link anxiety and stress to inhibited orgasms). Plus, it can help to sharpen your concentration, and since you also need to be focused (on the moment) in order to climax, that makes it highly beneficial to sexual fulfillment, wouldn’t you say?
4. Saffron
As a spice, saffron contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that can do everything from improve your heart health and vision to reduce depression-related symptoms and make it easier to fall and stay asleep at night. Some other cool things about saffron are it contains cancer-fighting properties, helps to reduce blood sugar levels, and it can make PMS symptoms more bearable as well.
Orgasm-wise, if you add the spice to milk (or your favorite milk alternative), it can intensify your orgasms (check out “Want A More Intense Orgasm? These Tips Are Sure To Make You Cream”). Scent-wise, you can use this in the form of an essential oil; its spicy smell will help to reduce sexual dysfunction in both men and women. And since one thing that qualifies as “sexual dysfunction” is the inability to orgasm — welp, there you have it.
5. Jasmine
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When it comes to the topic of essential oils and aphrodisiacs, I’d be shocked if you ever came across an article that didn’t mention jasmine. It’s fragrant. It’s seductive. And it’s the kind of scent that women really like to wear, and men really like to smell. Aside from that, if you’re looking for the kind of oil that will improve your moods, lower your stress levels, boost immunity, fight off infections, or even bring relief to PMS and menopause symptoms, it’s jasmine to the rescue.
Since jasmine can also cause your system to mimic many of the actions that come with having an orgasm (including increasing your heart rate and body temperature), that’s why it’s a top-tier essential oil and scent as far as climaxing goes.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb that you can also wear as a scent (like infusing it with your favorite carrier oil or simply purchasing it as an essential oil). In the health benefits department, it helps to lower blood sugar levels, gives you more energy, boosts cognitive function, and decreases bodily inflammation. Also, if flu season always seems to get a hold of you, there are studies to support that ginseng can make getting over the flu faster and easier.
When it comes to orgasms (red), ginseng has been associated with treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Another cool thing about ginseng is if you’re a woman who has a hard time getting off due to menopause, ginseng can help to bring your sexual arousal back. Yay!
7. Ylang-Ylang
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The fruity-floral smell of ylang-ylang has all sorts of antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help to bring relief to chronic body aches and pains; plus, they can help to treat a variety of fungal and bacterial infections.
Sexually, something that makes ylang-ylang stand out is the fact that it not only has the ability to reduce the feelings that are associated with anxiety, but it also can improve your self-esteem. This is both awesome and quite relevant, considering the fact that there is plenty of data out here to support the fact that the higher your sense of self-worth is, the easier it is for you to enjoy sex — and climax, too.
8. Lavender
What doesn’t lavender do? Lawd. I mean, if you’ve got eczema or acne, use lavender. Got trouble falling asleep? Use lavender. Seeking some all-natural asthma relief? Use lavender. Wish your hair was stronger or longer? Use lavender. Perimenopause or menopause-related hot flashes getting on your very last damn nerve? Yep — you guessed it: lavender.
Wanna climb the walls tonight? Try some lavender. The reason why it can help you to get off is because it has a way of reducing stress while increasing sexual desire at the same time. And since stress has been proven to keep women so distracted that it can literally prevent an orgasm from transpiring — the less stressed you are in the bedroom, the absolute better.
9. Citrus
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Citrus oil is wonderful on a myriad of levels. For instance, lemon oil is great for treating morning sickness and depression-related symptoms, improving the quality of your skin, reducing pain, and treating yeast infections naturally. Orange oil can help to improve the quality of your workouts, help you to lose weight, and put you into a better mood.
If you’re postmenopausal, the aromatherapy of citrus oil can help you to “get your groove back.” And since lemon and lime juices can help men out in the ED department, some believe that the scent can be just as effective.
10. Oakmoss
People who enjoy earthy pine-like scents will oftentimes choose a type of perfume that contains the fungus oakmoss in it, whether they realize it or not. When it comes to its health benefits, this is a type of scent that experts are still discovering new things about, although many say that it has potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties and that it can help to do things like break up congestion, soothe a cough and make it easier to breathe if you are dealing with a cold. Some also say that it can bring forth relief to digestive issues and it can even help to calm your nervous system.
As I bring this to a close, oakmoss is worth at least trying out in the bedroom because it’s starting to gain some respectable popularity when it comes to being able to increase arousal, particularly in women. So, if you want to bring something unexpected into your boudoir tonight, oakmoss should go on the very top of your list.
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There you have it. Ten scents that not only smell alluring; they can get you that orgasm that you both desire and deserve more often, too.
Whew. Essential oil shopping, anyone?
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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Patricia "Ms. Pat" Williams has always marched to the beat of her own brutally honest drum — and that’s exactly what makes her so magnetic to watch. Whether she’s making us laugh until we cry on The Ms. Pat Show or now laying down the law on her courtroom series Ms. Pat Settles It, the comedian-turned-judge proves time and again that there’s nobody quite like her. Unfiltered, hilarious, and real to the core, she’s made a name for herself by turning her life’s journey — including the pain — into purpose.
Now in her second season of Ms. Pat Settles It, airing on BET and BET+, she’s not only delivering verdicts — she’s dishing out life lessons in between the laughs. The show feels less like your typical courtroom drama and more like your outspoken auntie running a court session at the family cookout, complete with celebrity jurors, petty disputes, and a whole lot of real talk. xoNecole sat down with Ms. Pat to talk about her wildest cases, balancing motherhood and fame, and why sleeping in separate bedrooms might just be the key to joy.
CASE CLOSED, BUT MAKE IT CHAOS
If you’ve ever tuned in to Ms. Pat Settles It, you already know the episode titles alone deserve awards. But when we asked Ms. Pat which case stood out most, she didn’t even have to think twice. “There was this one woman — Shay — who got out of federal prison and was working for her old bunkmate. But the bunkmate didn’t want to pay her!” she says, chuckling. “That girl came in the courtroom like a firecracker.”
It’s moments like those that remind viewers Ms. Pat isn’t just bringing the laughs — she’s giving people a platform, even if it’s a little messy. And if her court ever gets turned into a real-life franchise, we need Shay on the promo posters immediately.
WHEN THE CELEBS SHOW OUT
It’s already hard enough to get a word in with Ms. Pat running the show, but throw in a celebrity jury featuring Tamar Braxton, Ray J, TS Madison, and Karlous Miller? Whew. “I don’t even try to control them,” she laughs. “Thank God we have something called editing.” According to her, behind the scenes, things get wild — but that chaos is part of the magic. “People only see the cut-down version. What you don’t see is all of us losing it in real time.”
Still, Ms. Pat makes it work. The courtroom becomes a stage, but also a safe space for guests and jurors to show up as their full, unfiltered selves. “It was a wild season,” she explains. Let’s be honest — if your jury looks like a BET Awards afterparty, you might as well let it rock.
IF FAMILY COURT WAS REALLY A THING
Ms. Pat might wear the robe on screen, but at home, she’s still managing her own wild bunch. When asked what kind of case her kids would bring into her courtroom, she burst into laughter. “Oh, they’d be suing my oldest son for eating their food,” she says. “You know how you have that one roommate that eats up everybody’s food? I can see my oldest son getting sued for that..”
And let’s face it, we’ve all either been that sibling or have one. Ms. Pat says moments like that — the everyday family squabbles and real-life irritations — are what make her courtroom show so relatable.
THE VERDICT SHE WISHES SHE COULD REWRITE
Ms. Pat is known for keeping it real, even when the conversation turns serious. When asked if there was one “verdict” in her real life she’d change, she pauses for a second before answering. “I wish I had graduated high school,” she admits. “All my kids went to prom and I took all of their high school diplomas.”
“I wish I had graduated high school,” she admits. “All my kids went to prom and I took all of their high school diplomas.”
It’s a rite of passage in most Black households — your diploma doesn’t really belong to you, it lives at your mama or grandma’s house like a family heirloom.
HOW SHE STAYS GROUNDED
Between filming TV shows, headlining comedy tours, and running a household, Ms. Pat makes it very clear: she will find time to rest. “People swear I don’t sleep, but I do — I just knock out early and wake up early,” she shares. “And sometimes, I’ll just sit in my car.” She’s also a big fan of solo naps and mini getaways when things get overwhelming.
But one of her favorite forms of self-care? Separate bedrooms. “Me and my husband don’t sleep in the same room. That way, when I don’t feel like being bothered, I go to my space,” she laughs. She’s also found a new love for facials. “They’re addicting! I don’t need a lot — just sleep, a facial, and a little quiet.” Honestly? That’s a self-care routine we can get behind.
FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE
Ms. Pat’s story is one that’s deeply rooted in resilience — and she’s always been transparent about how her journey shaped her. Her advice to other Black women trying to turn their pain into purpose? Speak up. “You have to tell your story,” she says. “Because once you tell your story, you realize you’re not the only person that’s been through that situation.”
She adds that sharing your truth can be one of the most powerful things you do. “When you give a voice to pain so many other people who have that pain gravitate to you,” she says. “To heal, you have to speak out loud about it. What you keep inside is what eats you up.” Coming from someone who built an entire brand on truth-telling? We believe her.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MS. PAT?
While Ms. Pat’s got her hands full with Ms. Pat Settles It and her comedy show, she hints there’s much more to come. “I got some stuff poppin’ that I can’t even talk about yet,” she teases. “But just know, like Kendrick [Lamar] said, we about to step out and show ‘em something.” That multi-genre deal with BET and Paramount is clearly working in her favor — and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
She says one of her proudest moments in this chapter of her career is seeing things she once dreamed of finally come to life. “In this business, you never know what’s gonna work or what’s gonna stick. But now I’m working with a network that really understands me — and that’s special,” she says. “I feel seen. And I’m just getting started.”
Whether she’s in the courtroom cracking jokes or catching up on rest in her own sanctuary, Ms. Pat is living proof that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity. She’s rewriting the rules in real time — on her terms, in her voice, and for her people. As she continues to turn pain into purpose, laughter into legacy, and everyday mess into must-see TV, one thing’s clear: Ms. Pat is in her prime. And we’re lucky enough to watch it unfold.
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