Shunga Arousal Gel

Shunga's Secret Garden Arousal Gel.  One ounce of this pleasurable gel comes nestled in a beautiful box.  The face of a Japanese woman with stunning red lips graces the front of the box.  So far, of all of the Shunga packaging I have seen, this is my favorite.  Inside the box is a small bottle, with a twist/screw top cap.  The bottle reminds me a bit of a few makeup foundation bottles I've seen before.  I will say that the cap is hard to get off if you need to reapply and your hands are already a bit slippery.  Not impossible, but not ideal.  Also included is a paper with instructions, and a history of Shunga.  Both the box and the bottle are tasteful and I would not hesitate to leave them out where they might be seen.  No one would be able to tell what this was unless they already knew, or got close enough to read the tiny white font on the packaging.

As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the peppermint.  This ingredient causes the main effect in this arousal cream/gel.  The consistency is definitely more of a gel than a cream, though the packaging does describe this as a cream.  It is a clear gel that rubs in easily and cleanly.  It is thick enough that it won't immediately run off your fingers when you're about to apply, but it does melt with body heat.  It reminds me a bit of a high quality lube, though I don't think I would want to use this as a lube for penetration, I think it would feel uncomfortable internally.

Ingredients include: 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).

The peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita) is responsible for creating the cooling, warming and/or tingling sensations.  Damiana extract (Tunera Aphrodisiaca extract) is a fragrant herb that stimulates blood circulation.  L-Arginine HCL and L-Ornithine HCL are amino acids that are known to work together to increase blood flow.  All of these properties work together to enhance the sexual experience.

When applying, I immediately feel a cool and tingling sensation that eventually turns to more of a warm and almost burning sensation.  It is not uncomfortable, but the heat is there for me.  The effect can be different for everyone depending on your level of sensitivity, and how much you apply.  I like to apply just a small dot to the clitoris.  Any more than that and the sensations become too much for me, though of course I would advise you to play around and see what works for you.  Shunga advises that if you'd like the effect to be more intense, to apply more and wipe off the excess, and if you'd like to build up a tolerance to the cream for a weaker sensation, just use more each session.  Shunga notes that for some women, it could take up to three consecutive days of using the product to experience the heightened orgasmic results. 

A bit of a warning, the Shunga Arousal Gel is not recommended for use by pregnant women or by people with STDs. Those who have genital herpes should not use this, as some of its ingredients can cause outbreaks. This also contains glycerin and parabens, which may cause infection/irritation in some women. Those with sensitive skin should use this product with caution.

If you're interested in heightening sensations in your Secret Garden with the Shunga Arousal Gel, you can purchase it at Babeland for $22!