Aromatherapy and Fragrance
Follow your nose to less stress, brighter moods
and
greater productivity at work!
Aromatherapy is exactly what the word implies: using
plant and floral fragrances to heal and refresh the body and mind. Every
plant, flower, or herb has an aromatic essence that determines its unique
smell or taste. Working through our sense of smell, these essences trigger
the brain to release chemicals that reduce pain and relax and calm the
body.
Aromatherapy is not a new concept. Anthropologists believe that
primitive man used scented flowers and herbs for both ceremony and
pleasure. Ancient Egyptians added the essence of chamomile in massage
oils, and Greek athletes sprinkled themselves with scented nectar to
enhance athletic performance. Cleopatra used pillows filled with rose
petals to induce sleep. The Romans added lavender into their baths to
soothe muscles and relax the spirit, and African tribes people coated
their skin with fragrant oils to protect them from the sun.
Floral fragrances can dramatically enhance our moods and health.
Lavender flowers and roses are known for their calming effect.
Strongly-scented flowers such as the lily, rose, lilac and sweet-pea are
known to invoke feelings of romance. The fragrance of the ylang ylang
tree's yellow flower is so captivating that Indonesians place it on
newlyweds' beds!
Floral fragrances also improve learning and productivity. In
1995, a study at the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation
showed that aromatic essences - especially floral scents - increased
learning speed by 17 per cent. Similarly, office workers work much faster
in offices filled with fragrant flowers than in odorless environments.
Using fragrance to enhance the home has occurred throughout
history. The Bible notes the frequent use of frankincense, and
potpourri is often mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. To perfume the air of
banquet halls, ancient Greeks and Romans sprinkled doves' wings with
scented oils before releasing them into the room.
Today, relaxing music and soft fragrances are combined to make a
home more inviting. A home's scent is particularly important to
potential buyers, for it can make or break a buyer's interest. Placing
fragrant bouquets or mild potpourri in selected rooms before an open house
often results in a faster sale. |
