PERFUMES AND MEDITATION
Perfumes, natural oils, resins and incense have been used in religious ritual and in private meditation for centuries or even thousands of years. They have been used not only to provide a pleasant atmosphere but to induce peaceful, devotional and meditative moods in the souls of the people.
Modern sophisticated science of perfumery through the additional use of synthetics presents us with an overwhelming variety for personal selection of our body perfumes. These usually contain small amounts of natural ingredients but in the main reflect the wide use of chemicals.
As certain artificially produced scents can be harmful when inhaled, they are not recommended for use in either aromatherapy or for meditation. The olfactory sense is extremely delicate and can be seriously injured, as can the brain, by inhalation of the smell or vapours of toxic materials and by some chemical combinations. Only essential oils, resins or other plant material is safe to use in aiding meditation.
Churches burn copious resins and oils in their traditional ritual incense following recipes that have proven themselves over centuries. Some of the ingredients are available to the public through church stores and this is a reliable basis for creating your own incense for private devotions.
However, many find incense sticks a safer and easier method of censing. However, there is also need for discrimination as to the choice and quality of the materials used. Some commercially produced incense sticks contain questionable ingredients that cause respiratory problems or aggravate asthma. Sticks guaranteed to be based upon sandalwood dust are usually of good quality but there are many adulterants and substitute timbers used by unethical companies. It is best that a sample is tried before regular use.
There are various other ways to use perfumes and incense to enhance your meditative mood.
Essential oils are strong, and usually require only a drop or two with any application.
A drop of perfumed oil on a tissue provides a simple means of direct inhalation as you prepare for meditation by practising Yoga pranayama.
Your favourite perfumed oil rubbed between the palms of the hands or gently massaged onto the chest will usually endure throughout and this is a pleasant way to complete your preparation for meditation.
CARE OF THE NOSE – PRIMARY ORGAN OF OLFACTION
Because of the extreme sensitivity of the tiny nerve endings and olfactory hairs, and the incredible delicate structure of the olfactory system as a whole which relays instant messages to the memory centres of the brain and the pituitary gland it is advisable never to have the nasal passages cauterised.
The olfactory cells in our noses register the size and shape of the molecules involved in each emanation of perfume. Camphor and musk for instance have round molecules and other such as lemon and peppermint have different cubic and square shapes Our modern sciences have developed to the extent that even such a subtle substance can be measured and this opens a window upon new avenues of exploration and confirmation of this gentle art of aromatherapy.
Yogis look upon the nose as the chief organ of absorption of prana or vital force which is inhaled as subtle nourishment to the brain centres. Agreeable aromas induce deeper, slower inhalations which benefit the nervous system directly through relaxing the solar plexus, and reduce nervous tension. Offensive odours inhibit the depth and rate of breathing. Our brain cells are quickened according to the vibratory rate of the perfume we inhale. Aromatics used in incense assist in awakening all the brain centres to sensitivity.
It is best to be aware of some of the processes we now understand in olfaction and determine to experiment with techniques known to sharpen our sense of smell. The simplest is to practise washing the nostrils internally. This is usually done with the aid of a neti pot when it is easier to flush the water into one nostril and out the other. However it can be modified by using the hand and just drawing up water into the nose and expelling it through both nostrils. Cold water is best, but not chlorinated or fluoridated water – be sure that any internal consumption or cleansing avoids these chemicals.
If internal water washing is not possible for some reason, then external cold compresses over the bridge of the nose can help relieve colds and sinus conditions.
An ideal method is the traditional yogic neti pot used as illustrated.
INTERESTING AROMATICS
PLANTS FOR PERFUME
There are an estimated 80,000 plant species in the world. However, pleasantly perfumed plants are rare. Only about one tenth of the known species are suitable for providing us with the aromatic resins and essential oil required in the production of perfumes.
FLOWER COLOUR
The colours of flowers relate to their perfume. White flowers predominant in having fine scent, then yellow, red, blue, violet and with green far behind. There are very few orange or brownish coloured flowers that possess an attractive perfume.
SCENTS CAN ALTER IN CHARACTER
Most women are aware of the fact that skin perfumes are variable both upon their own body as upon another, sometimes quite dramatically so. Scents can alter with temperature, atmospheric influences and chemical alterations. In perfumery it is well evidenced that skin perfumes alter with a woman’s health as well as changing external conditions.
In nature we have changes that are dramatic with some flowers seeming without perfume in the day but at night exuding potent perfume, and vice versa. This allows for some scents being advised as night perfumes and others for day use.
Many perfumes are extracted by the process of crushing, called maceration. However, the plant Henna has an exquisite scent until it is crushed, and then it becomes almost unpleasant.
TIME – How long does a perfume last?
Modern perfumery uses alcohol and ‘fixatives’ to help stabilize the product chemically so there is little likelihood that an expensive quality perfume will deteriorate to cause concern with age.
There is evidence that oils and scents of ancient times, for instance, can sometimes still retain a vestige of perfume after thousands of years – how is this possible ?
MYSTERIES
The perfumes of flowers usually exude in waves and cycles but much of this process still remains mysterious. We only find that their differing habits must relate to the activity of the insects upon which they depend for pollination.
An American perennial, known as the Musk Plant Mimulus moschatus perplexed botanists when the plants all over the world suddenly and simultaneously lost their perfume. Even plants in the wild lost their scent at this time. It remains a botanical mystery to this day.
ELUSIVE NATURE OF VIOLET SCENT
One’s enjoyment of the perfume of the violet flower is fleeting because a substance within the violet flower called ionine inhibits our sense of smell. The flower does not lose fragrance – we lose our perception and must take a few breaths to recover before enjoying another sweet sniff!
GARLIC SCENT
Cassia flowers, that possess the scent of violets, make the breath of one who inhales it, smell of garlic. The scientist, Sawyer, thinks there must be some connecting link between these two scents. Yet another flower joins in – the Lily of Buenos Ares flower has an exquisite scent of violets until it is crushed and then it too, smells of garlic!
POISONOUS PERFUMES
Not all perfumes are pleasant or have a positive influence upon us. Catherine de Medici, with the help of her infamous perfumier Rene, concocted special lethal perfumes which were used as poisons to kill the unwanted, and the unwary!
PERFUME OF SAINTS
Accounts are not uncommon of extraordinary and beautiful perfumes around the bodies of saints and this is often referred to as ‘the odour of sanctity’.
CREATION OF PERFUMES
The Indian adept Vishuddandha, is reported through reliable witnesses as having an extraordinary ability to utilize the sun’s rays to materialize any perfume an onlooker would request. He used only a simple magnifying glass and the handkerchief of the onlooker. After concentrating for a few minutes he would return the handkerchief to its owner, and it would be filled with the requested perfume! He became known as ‘the perfumed saint”.
CREATION OF COMMERCIAL PERFUMES
These are created by skilled perfumers who are not only extremely sensitive but who are able to construct chemicals in such a way as to complement natural perfumes in creation of the huge and enjoyable range of modern perfumery.
PERSONAL PERFUMES ENJOYED BY OTHERS
Perhaps one of the strangest and regrettable aspects of the sense of smell is when scents are used as a personal perfume. Soon after we apply a cologne, our olfactory sense becomes dulled or ‘tired’ through familiarity and after a very short few minutes we are usually no longer aware of it. Others however, may be acutely aware, sometimes to their disadvantage, but hopefully to their pleasure, through receiving intermittent wafts of delight !
NATURAL GARDEN PERFUMES
Actinidia Actinidia kolomikta tiny fragrant flower similar scent as Lily of Valley
Allspice Calycanthus floridus, scented as the name indicates sweet
Amazon Lily Eucharis grandiflora scent is good
Artemisia arborescens – ‘Powis Castle’ is a soft, ornamentla variety strongly scented
Arum lilies Zantedeschia aethiopica, Z. odorata has a strong perfume of freesias
Backhousia citriodora lemon scented leaves
Basil Ocimum basilicum slightly camphorous, attractive scent
Bay leaf Laurus nobilis , Pimenta racemosa has a warm, spicy smell
Belladonna Lily Amaryllis belladonna heavy perfume – too heavy
Broom-Spartium, Genista and Cytisus scented spp
Buddleja asiatica, B. auriculate B. davidii spice scented flowers and other scented spp
Buffalo Currant Ribes odoratum spicy scented flowers
Calamints Calamintha alpinahas scent mixed thyme and sage C. grandiflora is taller with rose red flowers aromatic leaves
Californian Lilac Ceanothus dentatus Gloire de Versailles powder blue flowers
Carnation, Gillyflowers spice scented
Catmint, Catnip Nepeta cataria, N. mussini attracts cats
Cestrum nocturnum heavy, toxic scent at night
Chamomile, Roman Anthemis nobilis-lawn chamomile, apple scented
Chilean Jasmine Mandevilla laxa syn M. suaveolens scented white flowers.
Cistus ladanifer has sticky leaves and white flowers
Clematis Clematis. Armandii ‘appleblossom’ is best perfume C.montana wilsonii highly perfumed scent like cowslips C. flammula has best fragrance
Clerodendrum Clerodendron trichotomum has scented flowers but smelly foliage
C. bungei, C. fargesi have sweetly scented pink flowers
Clethra arborea Lily of the Valley tree
Cosmos, Chocolate Scented Cosmos atrosanguineus
Cotton Lavender, Santolina Santolina chamaecyparissus aromatic foliage.
Crinum x powellii has scented flowers
Curry Plant Helychrysum italicum
Cyclamen europeum has a strong scent
Cypress cupressus sempervirens
Daphne odora, D. pontica D. Burkwoodii D. blagayana is a prostrate fragrant plant
Datura syn Brugmansia D. candida wonderful perfumed flowers to intoxicate
Dianthus Carnations Dianthus fragrans, D. caesius – Cheddar pink from England has best perfume old cloves, many hybrids
Dregea sinensis syn Wattakaka sinensis scented pink flowers
Eau de Cologne Mint leaves and flowers when crushed scent of eau de cologne
Elaeagnus angustifolia honey scented flowers intoxicating fragrance
Elder Tree, Sambucus flowers have perfume – leaves are smelly
Eucalyptus globulus, E. citriodora one of the cleanest antiseptic scents, the latter lemony
Evening Primrose Oenothera odorense – biennial O. trichocalyx white flower almost as pleasantly scented
Flowering Tobacco ,Scented Tobacco- Nicotiana alata yn N. affinis only the white has the perfume “Fragrant Cloud’
Franjipani possesses the well known scent of tropic gardens
Freesia corymbosa the wild ones having best perfume
Gardenia augusta, G. florida, G. jasminoides etc. – exquisite perfume
Geranium Geranium Bourbon, Pelargonium graveolens flowers and leaves scented
Giant Lily Cardiocrinum giganteum from the Himalayas has fine scent.
Ginger plant and root possess the wonderful warm well known ginger scent
Ginger Lily Hedychium gardnerianum scented yellow flowers H. coronarium White ginger Lily
Gladioli tristis has a very sweet scent G. murielae syn gladiolus callianthus has lily scented flowers
Heliotrope, Heliotropium spp Cherry Pie strongly reminiscent of hawthorn. Some are
vanilla scented
Himalayan magnolia, Champaca source of perfume
Honeysuckle spp Loniceras fragrantissima L. periclymenum, and others sweet scented
Hoya carnosa, H. lanceolata
Humea elegans Incense Plant – can cause skn irritation but has fragrant foliage.
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis heavy, overpowering scent
Iris aphylla, arenaria, , germanica, graminea, reticulata, stylosa all scented species
I. florentina flower is violet scented and the root dried in use of perfume I. pallida Fleur de lis or Fower de Luce of Damatia has very sweet perfume like orange flower.
Jasmine Jasminum officinale, J. angular has larger leaves than J. polyanthm and heavier flowers J. sambac ‘/Grand Duke of Tuscany’ double exquisite perfume.
Jonquil, Narcissus spp heady perfume that is either loved or avoided
Juniper Juniperus communis strong masculine type aromatic
Katsura tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum perfumes the air
Lavender Lavendula officinalis, L. Vera , L. dentata
Lavender cotton, Santolina – once as cooking herb but suited to keeping away moths Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis – lemony scent
Lemon blossom Citrus limonum unique clear, citric scent allied to the orange flower
Lemon Oil from fruit Citrus limonum antiseptic, shart and cleansing
Lemon scented thyme Thymus best for garden verges, walkways and culinary use
Lemon Verbena Aloysia citriodora syn Lippia citriodia Lemon Verbena leaves scented
Lilac Syringa vulgaris exquisite perfume. Many hybrids.
Lilium – many sp. Most have scent but careful as pollen often stains
Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis strong and distinctive perfume
Luculia gratissima cherished plant for pink delicate scented flowers
Magnolias sinensis, M. stellata, M. wilsonii, M, grandiflora
Mahonia japonica flowers like lily of the valley
Marjoram Origanum majorana familiar scent in garden and kitchen
Meadowsweet Spiraea sp once a strewing herb – richly perfumed English wild flower
Mexican Orange blossom Choisya ternata scent similar to sweet Orange blossom
Michelia, spp includes the indescribable richness of the Port Wine Magnolia
Mimosa , Wattle Acacia dealbata and many others – but care with allergies
Mint, Mentha spp scented foliage and flowers
Mock Orange, Philadelphus Philadelphus coronarius, strongly scent P. microphyllus,
Murraya paniculata delightfully fragrant shrub with white flowers
Myrtle Myrtus communis aromatic leaves
Narcissus/Jonquils, Daffodils – select spp N, campoernelli odourus plenus doule has great perfume N. jonquilla flore pleno
Night Blooming Cereus, Night scented Cacti – Epiphyllum crenatum
Night scented Stock Matthiola longipetala bicornis waves of delicious fragrance in evenings.
Orange blossom, Neroli Citrus aurantium one of the supremely satisfying scents
Osmanthus fragrans exquisite perfume similar to warm ripe apricots
Ozothamnus ledifolius leaves covered in sticky gum perfumes, white flowers pink buds from Tasmania, Australia
Passion flower ‘Incense” Passiflora incarnata x P cincinnata has fragrant flowers
Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli popular first in India and now world wide
Pelargoniums – many scented varieties P, tomentosum, P. graveolens Rose Scented used for rose substitute perfume. Some spp have are evening scented flowers P. gibbosum is strange plant hightly scented green flowers in evening. P. triste also evening fragrance
Peppermint Mentha piperita attractive to the senses of taste and smell
Petitgrain Citrus aurantium bitter orange tree – refined scent in demand in perfumery
Petunias – suitable for warm climate gardens and exude wonderful scent at night
Phlox paniculata scented flowers
Pine Pinus sylvestris has strong, clear, mellow scent. Masculine scent used in aromatherapy for general massage
Roses – Rosa gallica sp and R. moschata, also David Austin roses (See Rose List)
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis a scent traditionally associated with the mind and with memory. It is a culinary herb well suited to all potato dishes
Sage. Salvias Salvia officinalis S. rutilans has a pineapple scent S. sclarea Clary Sage strongly scented but not as strong as common sage
Spanish Broom Spartium junceum sweetly scented – many hybrdis are scented
Stephanotis floribunda Madagascar Jasmine sweet strong perfume
Stocks- White Perennial Matthiola incana – most heavily scented
Sweet Alice Alyssum scent like hawthorn
Sweet Box Sarcococca confusa, S. hookeriana
Sweet Peas Lathyrus odoratus – soft, powdery sweet perfume
Sweet Pepper Bush Clethra alnifolia white and pink flowers scented
Sweet Rocket Hesperis matronalis has a perfume like cloves – evening perfume
Sweet Sedge, Calamus Acorus calamus, scented in all ita parts but roots most valued
Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum scented flowers and foliage – strewing herb
Tangerine Citrus reticulata from peel of ripe fruit
Thyme Thymus. serpyllus wild the – culinaryT. herba borona smells of caraway seeds
T. nitidus attractive perfume
Tobira Pittosporum tobira – scent of orange blossom
Tuberrose Polyanthes – said to be the strongest of floral perfumes.
Vetivert Vetiveria zizanoides for tranquillity
Viburnum fragrans – fruits are eaten there are many hybrids with perfumed flowers.
Violet, Viola Viola odorata true perfume V. ruviniana Dog Violet with no smell
Wallflower Cheiranthus cheiri syn Erysimum cheiri Best scent are the original yellows
Water Hawthorn Aponogeton distachym has a strong scent lance shaped leaves white
flower unusual shape with black anthers. Scent disappears soon after picking.
White Flag Iris –perfumed like lemon sherbet -delightful
Winter Heliotrope Petasites fragrans has hawthorn like perfume – exceedingly strong
Winter’s Bark Drimys winteri jasmine scented flowers and aromatic leaves.
Wisteria floribunda Japanese Wisteria W. sinensis Chinese Wisteria
Witch-hazel Hamamelis mollis from China has wonderful scent on warm day.
Ylang Ylang Cananga odorata an exotic tropical perfume used discreetly in perfumes
Zaluzianskya. Zaluzianskya ovata heavily scented plant from Sth Africa
