5 Most Bizarre Sex Boosters

Even though we look forward to the holidays as a well-deserved break from the daily grind, it can still be difficult to get "in the mood" when you're fighting mall traffic and dealing with relatives. 

In fact, feeling tired and stressed is probably the number one libido-killer.

That's why it couldn't hurt to lean on some wacky, possibly even bizarre tricks to light the spark. After all, who knows? They could get your sex drive motor revving right on through what could be the naughtiest time of the year ...

1. Tell your guy to pump gas

No, this has nothing to do with the fact that men acting helpful around the house makes us happy and, therefore, randy. It's a little stranger than that. A new British survey found that women get hot when their guys smell of paint, gasoline, leather, or—get this—a printer ink cartridge?! Apparently these are the scents that "transport" many women back to a happy, romantic memory. Hey, whatever works! For the man in your life, you should try to smell like lipstick, baby lotion, or a roast beef dinner. Maybe now someone will invent a perfume that works like Willy Wonka's Three-Course Gum ...

2. Clean up the house

A study from last fall found that for husbands and wives alike, the more housework you do, the more often you are likely to have sex with your spouse. Mopping isn't exactly the key to getting hot-and-bothered. It's more about being a go-getter. Researchers found that if you throw yourself into your housework, you're also likely to throw yourself into having sexy sex. There's also something to be said for working together as a team. So get that vacuum out while he does the dishes, and later you can give each other a "high-five."

3. Have a gingerbread latte

Ginger increases blood circulation to act as a natural Viagra for him. It's a trick that's been around for centuries ... Madame du Barry regularly served ginger to her lovers, including Louis XV, to drive them mad.

4. Use a super-charged lube

For a more direct effect, you could try a sex drive-boosting lube, like Zestra Feminine Arousal Fluid (which uses a botanical blend of angelica extract, evening primrose oil, and other botanical ingredients to increase clitoral and vaginal sensation) or KY Intense Arousal Gel for Her (which employs niacin to boost blood flow to the area and heighten sensitivity). Many women swear by both.

5. Wear red

Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that men get turned on by ladies in red. And apparently, we get turned on when they wear it, too! So for your next holiday party, go for a LRD (Little Red Dress), and suggest he wear a crimson tie to match. It's a win-win, and you'll look festive to boot!

This post first appeared on The Stir.