Pheromones are chemicals released in a variety of ways by animals to communicate something to other animals of the same species. This message may be, ""I'm ready to mate,"" or ""Stay away from my territory,"" or ""Watch out, there is a predator near by."" All animals from small insects to large fish seem to have the ability to produce and perceive these powerful chemical messengers.

In humans, pheromones are controversial in scientific circles. Some claim that humans no longer have the need or capacity to detect pheromones while others say that humans do detect and are affected by pheromones in many powerful ways. For instance, it has been shown that human females will respond to the continual presence of human males by an increase in fertility and regulation of their menstrual cycle.

Pheromones can be synthesized and made into pheromone oil that can be topically applied. These oils are sold by companies claiming that they will help you seem more attractive to members of the opposite sex, more respected by members of the same sex, calmer or happier. One scientific study showed that users of pheromone oils experienced a 50-70% over base increase in sociosexual behavior when using the human ""sex pheromones,"" androstenedione and estratetraenol. Though these claims are still in dispute in academic worlds, some consumers claim that pheromone oils can and do work.

Available in both scented and unscented varieties, pheromone oil is a popular choice among singles looking for an extra edge in the dating game and among couples to add some spice to their love life. You can find pheromone oil and related products online and in specialty stores. Like any product, be sure to check the background of the company so you don't just get a fancy smelling massage lotion that doesn't have a trace of synthesized pheromones.