Olfactory

The Power of Olfactory

Exploring the World of Scents and Aromatherapy

While cycling through my neighbourhood this morning, I caught a delightful scent that compelled me to make a U-turn and trace its origin. It turned out to be the enchanting fragrance of jasmine blossoms. This nostalgic aroma took me back to lazy childhood summers spent in Iran, where the air was filled with the sweet scents of orange blossoms and jasmine. What scent do you personally connect with a special place, experience, or person? Our sense of smell has become a commodity in the beauty and lifestyle industry. Can we really blame them? 😉

I simply can't resist the allure of a sandalwood-scented diffuser, filling my home with Tulum vibes, or the soothing beeswax candles with notes of citrusy bergamot and more. These scented habits find their roots in the ancient modality known as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy involves using aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for wellness purposes. Practitioners of this healing art are known as aromatherapists. Essential oils are natural oils typically obtained through distillation, possessing the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which they are extracted. They are called essential because they were believed to represent the very essence of fragrance and flavour.

Hippocrates, a renowned figure from the fourth century BCE, wrote that "The way to good health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day." Count me in! He taught that certain aromatic oils offered protection against contagious diseases, displaying his advanced knowledge since many essential oils do possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. The polymath Abu Ali al-Husayn Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, created numerous herbal and aromatic formulations using chamomile, lavender, camphor, and others. He is credited with discovering the method of distilling oils, making Avicenna the original perfumer.

Your Aromatherapy Starter Kit:

I recommend consulting a fully trained aromatherapist to receive a personalized treatment based on your specific needs. The most common way to use essential oils is by diluting them with a carrier oil (such as almond or avocado oil) and applying them to the skin through massage. I encourage you to build your own collection of healing oils and begin incorporating them into your home and daily routines.

Here are four essential oils that I keep in my home apothecary throughout the year:

• Lavender: If you only choose one oil, let it be lavender. Its delightful fragrance comes with a host of healing properties. Lavender is antiseptic and can quickly soothe burns. It is known for its healing, purifying, balancing, and calming qualities. Lavender helps release negative emotions and promotes peaceful sleep. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bedtime bath or pillow can aid in relaxation and bring sweet dreams.

• Sandalwood: Sandalwood has been considered sacred for centuries. In the East, it was used to aid meditation and alleviate anxiety and insomnia.

• Ylang-ylang: Renowned as an aphrodisiac, ylang-ylang is also an incredibly soothing and calming oil. Spritzing a diluted mist of ylang-ylang around your home during gatherings can create a serene atmosphere. It promotes confidence and can be beneficial during exams or when facing problems. Add a few drops to your diffuser or place a tissue with three drops in your sleeve.

• Tea tree: Tea tree oil is a powerful antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial agent. Incorporating a few drops into your bath can help combat colds.

Did you know that one of the gentlest emotional healing practices is flower remedy healing? Flowers... Fleurs... Fiori... Blumen... Flores... Flower power all the way!

Flower remedies have been used in ancient cultures worldwide to address emotional imbalances. This practice, known as flower remedy healing, continues to thrive. One well-known practitioner was the British physician Dr. Edward Bach, who created 38 flower remedies based on common trees and plants like oak, walnut, and mustard. You've probably seen those little amber bottles with the yellow "Dr Bach" stickers around.

Flower essences are incredibly safe, making them the ultimate DIY therapy for gentle and effective healing. Although they have no physical part of the flower in them, flower essences work on the vibrational level of our feelings and emotions. To create a flower essence, flowers are placed in a bowl of pure spring water and allowed to stand in sunlight for a couple of hours, transferring the healing energy of the flowers to the water. Unlike essential oils or herbal remedies, which contain physical plant substances, flower essences purely hold the healing vibration of the flowers. By ingesting the essence or "flower-infused water," our own emotional vibrations are elevated. While it may sound odd, flower remedies have been working for millennia.

Here are three soothing yet potent flower essences:

• Flannel Flower: This remedy is particularly useful for men who have been hurt or traumatized in relationships. It helps promote emotional trust, sensitivity, and deep feeling.

• Gymea Lily: For individuals who tend to be dominant and demanding, accustomed to getting their own way, this remedy reduces the need for status, recognition, and constant control.

• Isopogon: Ideal for those who feel disconnected from their emotions, often ruled by their minds rather than their hearts. Isopogon helps reconnect with emotions and forgotten aspects of oneself.

Are there any flowers that have brought healing and soothing to you in the past? What types of fresh flowers do you keep around your home?

Your energy matters,

Negin