These artificially created aromatics should be tested before release in order to measure their safety or determine if there exists a potential carcinogenic factor or that it can cause harm to the brain and nervous system.

It is the artificial chemicals that we are concerned about.  Some of them when inhaled have a directly damaging affect on the brain. Others spark off allergies and asthma attacks.  Some chemicals used in perfume are known carcinogens. Others are capable of causing birth defects.

This is the responsibility of the FDA in America and of the Health Departments in other countries. It would be no surprise to learn that to prove a substance safe requires a long period of time and keen assessment. A clearly harmful substance could possibly show quickly by tests conducted on animals. These tests are often conducted by the chemical companies that manufacture the products. But there is little likelihood that any agency could guarantee positive benefits and outcomes. However, as consumers we must trust the government health agencies and hope that their decisions will protect us.

However, alongside this hope, we cannot but entertain a through of the demonstrations we have had of their failures in protecting public health.  We recall the ever present power of the tobacco industry, the potentially dangerous drugs freely allowed display on supermarket shelves, the continuing pressure to chlorinate and fluoridate our drinking water, the plastics and carcinogenic properties ….. all these practices continuing in spite of public opposition.

So we must learn to protect ourselves from the known hazards and trust that our health authorities will in time assert their power, privilege and responsibility to overpower the pressures of industry.

Although there are exceptions and some milder products and scents are not harmful, it is only by direct inhalation of essential oils of quality that we can expect to benefit.

The beautiful natural life blood of the trees, flowers, leaves is concentrated in these oils created in Nature’s wondrous laboratory.

 Inhaling the ethereal energies and influence of aromatics from Nature’s mysterious laboratory satisfies both. So we conclude that it is apt to associate both the delightful inhalation of perfumed air with the upliftment of our inner consciousness.

Although aromatherapy and the science of Osmics are fast developing through sophisticated technology and practical experience of professionals, we all should be intent to exercise and maintain our own sense of appreciation of perfume and to assess for ourselves our personal reactions and benefits.

So we enjoy our own olfactory exercises and disciplines that help us to explore and make practical use of aromatherapy.

We do this best by remembering to consciously avoid any harmful inhalations of chemical pollutants, some of which are directly responsible for damaging our hypersensitive sense of smell.

Keep practising regular breathing rhythms and deeper breaths to maintain good respiration.

Allow relaxation and meditation time to quietly draw upon the beautiful life energy released by natural oils and perfumes, appreciating the value of respiration to the full.

Usually we look to flowers to provide this pleasure, sometimes to foliage, less frequently to fruit or bark and rarely to their roots.

What we can cultivate in our climatic conditions affects our range and choices but as important is our own personal olfactory sense. The following listing offers some suggestions.

Acacia spp Mimosa, Wattle – with hundreds of species in Australia, there is a wide range of scents but the A. dealbata  is best known as the Mimosa in commerce in Europe

Acorus calamus, Calamus, Sweet Sedge is scented in all its parts but roots are most valued.

Aponogeton distachym Water Hawthorn has a strong scent – lance shaped leaves white flower unusual shape with black anthers. Scent disappears soon after picking.

Aloysia citriodora syn Lippia citriodora Lemon Verbena leaves scented

Alyssum maritimum Sweet Alice sweet scent like hawthorn

Azaleas Double Ghent and Mollis azaleas are scented, also some Knaphill and Exbury hybrids

A. atlanticum from North America – smaller bush with pinkish white flowers very fragrant

A. pontica syn Rhododendron luteum sickly sweet scent but care as honey is toxic.

Buddleia variabilis syn B. davidii Butterfly Bush is a sweet medium scented shrub

B. globosa pleasantly scented

Calamintha varieties possess scent hinting of thyme and sage

C. grandiflora is taller with rose red flowers

 Calycanthus floridus Carolina Allspice is aromatic with leaves having fruity scent and apple scented flowers. The bark is cinnamon like.

Cananga odorata var. genuine Ylang Ylang is the source of the best essential oil

C. odoratum var macrophylla is scented but inferior

Also known as ylang ylang are the vines Artabotrys odoratissimus, Artabotrys hexapetalus

 Ceoanothus dentatus

C. burkwoodii not as tall as C. dentatus

Gloire de Versailles grows to  2m with powder blue flowers through summer and autumn.

Choisya ternata Mexican Orange – scented similar to Orange blossom or sweet Philadelphus.

Citrus spp Orange blossom, (Neroli) is the finest but Lemon blossom is scented too

Clematis spp

C. montana wilsonii highly perfumed

C. flammula has best fragrance

Clethra

C. ainifolia Sweet Pepper Bush with white scented flowers

Corylopsis spicata pale yellow flowers scent of cowslip

C. wilmottiae is more fragrant

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn blossom, sweetly scented

Cyclamen europeum has a strong scent

Daphne - all are popular scented plants

D. odora,D. burkwoodii

D. blagayana is a prostrate fragrant plant

Dianthus  spp Carnations

D. fragrans, D. onoeanus, D. petreus all scented

D. caesius – Cheddar pink from England has best perfume old cloves

Eucalyptus citriodora Lemon Scented Gum from Australia as are most in this genus. of over 700 species.The leaves are the source of its unique and beautiful scent. Its influence is appreciated most after a shower of rain releases the scent.

Eucharis grandiflora Amazon Lily scent is good

Exacum affine - a greenhouse annual only a few inches high with violet flowers somewhat like Lily of the Valley.

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet - strewing herb – richly perfumed of English wild flowers – similar to hawthorn but stronger

Gladioli tristis has a very sweet scent

Gladstoniana is a huge scented waterlily

Hamamelis mossis from China has wonderful scent on warm day.

Hedichyum alba White Ginger with flowers good enough to eat!

Heliotropus arborea Heliotrope, Cherry Pie strong reminiscent of hawthorn. Mauve hybrids are vanilla scented and fascinating in the garden. Attractive little plants to 60cm .

Hesperis matronalis Sweet Rocket has a perfume like cloves

Humea elegans Incense Plant biennial- can cause skin irritation but has  fragrant foliage.

Hymenocallis

H.narcissiflora.

H. speciosa Sacred Lily of the Incas

 Humea elegans Incense Plant biennial- can cause skin irritation but has fragrant foliage.

Iris spp

I .aphylla, I.arenaria, I.florentina, I. germanica, I.graminea,I. histrioides,I. reticulata, I.stylosa all scented species are sweet

I. florentina flower is violet scented and the root dried in use of perfume

I. pallida Fleur de Lis or Flower de Luce of Dalmatia has very sweet perfume like orange flowers.

 Jasminum spp 

J. officinale – important ingredient in the perfume industry

J. polyanthm strongly scented flowers

J. sambac specially sweet scented is the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Lavandula spp  Lavenders all are enjoyed for their refreshing, gentle scent enjoyed for their scented delightful leaves and balsamic flower scent used in perfume industry

Lilium spp

L. candidum Madonna lily scent is delicious

L. giganteum (Cardiocrinum) scented white flowers on a stem. Bulb dies after flowering.

L. longiflorum Easter Lily rich perfume

L. pyrenaicum pleasant perfume at distance, can be objectionable close up.

L. regale Chinese lily with heady scent

Lomandra effusa – Scented Mat Rush

Lonicera spp – Honeysuckles Most species are delightfully scented with only one known to be without perfume.

L. japonica  Japanese Honeysuckle is one of the most popular garden and also L fragrantissima and L. periclymenum

Mathiola bicornis Night Scented Stock – waves of delicious heady fragrance in evenings.  – sow the Virginia stock and the Night stock together,  for a display in the day and perfume at night!

Melaleuca argentea, M/.Squarrosa  Silvery Paper Bark

Mentha spp -Mints have scented leaves and flowers with reputation for pleasant and refreshing scents

M. requiernii mat forming for scented paths, very aromatic when disturbed.

Michelia champaca Champac – a really popular perfume

M. figo – Port Wine Magnolia has small flowers that release in warm condition, the most delicious, satisfying sweet scent that will never be forgotten and is often likened to the liqueur or sometimes called the Banana Bush.

 Myrtus communis Myrtle possesses fragrant leaves and flowers

Narcissus  spp Daffodils , Jonquils There is a reputed double daffodil introduced by John Tradescant, gardener to Charles I, with an incomparable perfume as have many wild ones. Modern bred daffodils have much less perfume

N, campoernelli odourus plenus double has great perfume

N. poeticus Poets Narcissus, Pheasant’s Eye has white flower with yellow trumpet and red crisped margins.

Nepeta mussini Catmint or Catnep. This is popular as a bedding plant amongst roses. Most attractive to cats. They roll in it and go into cat ecstasies.

Nicotiana  Scented Tobacco

N. alata – cream fragrant flowers

N. sylvestris white fragrant flowers

Nymphaea capensis Blue water Lily

N. flavo-virens Mexican water lily – white flowers

N. odorata, N.elegans N. stellata,N. tuberosa N. pygmaea are perfumed

N. stellata pale blue scented flowers

Oenothera odorense – Evening Primrose – biennial well known in cultivation

O. trichocalyx white flower almost as pleasantly scented as the former

Osmanthus delavayii white flower with a penetrating perfume

O. fragrans – exquisite perfume, like ripe apricots

Pelargonium spp often called Scented Geraniums many of these have highly scented leaves due to oil content and are popular in pot pourri and scent making. There are many varieties.

Petasites fragrans Winter Heliotrope has hawthorn like perfume – exceedingly strong

Philadelphus spp Mock Orange – most in this genus are delightfully scented.

Pittosporpum revolutum, P. rhombifolium, P. undulatum all possess attractive fragrances

P. tenuifolium this one is night scented

Plumeria  acutifolia Frangipani from Mexico.

P. alba and P. rubra are highly perfumed tropical flowers

Pogostemon patchouli Patchouli produces very potent oil for the perfume industry

Polianthes tuberose Tuber-rose – said to be the strongest of floral perfumes – its potent sweet perfume is extracted by a more complex process than others.

Primula kewensis has yellow flowers and fragrant as are other species

Pyrus coronara and P. augustifolia  Crabapples both with scented flowers

Rhododendron spp a few of the species in cultivation are scented

R. azaleoides similar to R.fragrans and R. odoratum – highly scented

R. desquamatum, R. rubiguisum and R. saluense are aromatic.

R. bullatum and R. cillatum are fragrant as R. veris

 Ribes aureum, Golden Currant

R, fasciculatum from Japan has cream fragrant tubular terminal  flowers

R. gayanum White flower tubular, fragrant from Chile

R. odoratum has yellow scented flower in terminal racemes

R. speciosum flowers said to be clove perfumed

Rosa spp. Some of the finest perfumed roses include many old roses Renowned for those with outstanding perfume:

R. alba , R. albasemi-plena, R. alba maxima 

R. damascena – Celsiana, Gloire de Guilau, Ispahan, Kazanlik Leda pink form , Madame Hardy, Marie Louise, Omar Khayayam,

R. gallica Provins Rose, – ancient Apothecary’s Rose – Alain Blanchard Belle Iris, Cardinal de Richelieu, Gloire de France Jenny Duval Duchess de Montebello

R. mundi – Tuscany Rose

R. indica Chinese rose – Common Bush China, Cecile Brunner, Bloomfield Abundance,

R. moschate Musk Rose – Buff Beauty, Felicia, Magenta, Pax, Penelope, Pink Prosperity, Vanity.Bourbon rose -Zephyrine Drouhin, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Boule de Beige, la Reine Victoria, Louise Odier, Madame Isaac Pereire, Madame Pierr Oger.

R. rubiginosa Sweet Briar – stems and leaves Marechal Neil yellow, highly perfumed

R. turkestanica -single apricot flowers, Jenny Wren

Modern hybrids – Double Delight – Charles de Gaulle, Emanuel, Olympia, Mister Lincoln,  Perfume Perfection

Rosmarinus officinale Rosemary few can refrain from crushing the tips of this bush when passing by –balsamic scent, clean and therapeutic for brain and mental faculties

Salvia spp Sage

S. rutilans has a pineapple scent

S. sclarea Clary strongly scented but not as strong as common sage, S. officinalis

Sambucus  nigra  Elder tree – flowers have pleasant perfume but not so the leaves

Santolina chamaecyparissus  Lavender Cotton – used once as cooking herb but suited to strewing and keeping away moths in clothes

Spartium spp Spanish Broom sweetly scented as many species and hybrids

Stephanotis Madagascar Jasmine sweet strong exotic perfume

Thyme spp all offer a degree of perfume that varies considerably with each

T. herbaborona smells of caraway seeds

T. nitidus has attractive perfume

T. serpyllus is the wild, culinary herb use along pathways as is

T. citrinus lemon scented

 Trachelospermum  jasminoides produces white sticky jasmine like scented flowers – climber

 Tulipa Mendel tulip Orange wonder is strongly scented.

T. gesnerica and T. persica are good fragrance

T. sylvestis smells like violets.

 Victoria regia the giant water lily is said o be sweetly scented

 Viburnum spp

V. carlesii – sweetest scent in the plant world according to Fletcher

V. grandiflorum has larger pink flowers. Fruits are Edible

V. bodnantense is pink flowered hybrid of V. fragrans.

V. burkwoodii is finer some say

V. fragrans – sweet scented blossoms  and fruits are eaten

Viola spp Violets

V. palustris Marsh Violet

V. riviniana Dog Violet with no smell

V. odorata true perfumed flower

Wisterias spp are sweetly scented for arbors and walkways

W. floribunda are very fragrant

W. sinensis has highly perfumed flowers

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Conifers, Cypress, Pines and many trees with aromatic leaves or gums release powerful and should not be neglected for inclusion in gardens for their vital healing influence.

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Check both nostrils are free of mucus before deliberate inhalation of precious essential oils.

Although it is natural that one nostril is more open than the other every couple of hours, there are times when both nostrils are open and these times are best for providing full benefit to both brain hemispheres.

Sometimes splashing the nose with cold water will be helpful.

Meditation with Oils

If you have time to give to meditation – say half an hour, and wish to optimize the use of perfumed essential oils such as frankincense or sandalwood for instance, it is a good idea to use a drop or two and rub between the hands. The warmth will release beautiful wafts of the scent throughout your meditation.

Concentration

If you wish to improve your mental skills and your powers of concentration, regularly inhale appropriate oils or sprigs of plants such as rosemary, bay, pine, cypress or sage.

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Cleansing unwanted thoughts

If you find that poor concentration is due to restless and undesirable thoughts that you would like to banish, then try using the wonderful cleansing powers of lemon, spearmint or ginger before focussing upon your desired thoughts and mood.

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Tags: clear the mind, help concentration, hints, keep nostrils clear to help brain, maximize benefits of aromatic oils

Perhaps your choice includes food supplement tablets and capsules for internal general use or specific herbs for the complaints that relate to you or your family such as the unexpected needs in emergencies when we call upon the Bach and homoeopathic remedies. Care is always advised in the regular attention to your health cabinet as all internal medications draw attention to a use-by date that should be observed.

In the case of natural essential oils however, as few are advised for use internally, shelf life is unlimited.  They are generally applied topically, externally massaged into affected areas or directly inhaled.  It is possible to accumulate a permanent number of oils that offer a range of needs to suit your health needs.

Although it is naturally a very personal issue, there are a few generalities that will ensure you have on hand an appropriate remedy such as –

Aniseed Oil – is used with just a smear on the back of the tongue as a breath freshener or to relieve asthma. It is helpful digestive particularly helpful after a meal that includes garlic.

Bergamot Oil – in case of mental depression, emotional distress or fatigue this perfume can help life your spirits naturally and gently. Inhale about 10 gentle and deepening breaths of this pleasant natural scent. It is promising an extended potential for uses in healing the psyche.

Frankincense Oil – is one to keep on hand if you practise relaxation and meditation when it can be rubbed between the hands – just a drop will be sufficient to tune you in beautifully to your inner self, or focus of prayer

Ginger Oil – to take with you on travelling by car or plane if you suffer from travel sickness, nausea or morning sickness. Simple direct inhalation with the most practical being from a tissue will help to make a more comfortable journey.

Lavender Oil – for ladies is a feminine perfume usually appreciated for its gentle influence. It can be used as a bath oil, directly inhaled to relieve stress, or to assist a peaceful sleep. Some choose to also use a sprig of fresh lavender under the pillow or fresh rosemary if a child suffers bad dreams.

Lemon Oil – for preventing infection through oral or close contact with those with flu symptoms. This is one of Nature’s potent oils.  It is usual in this case for only a smear of the oil to be placed on the back of the tongue. If there is likelihood of lung problems, the oil should be directly inhaled ( for about 10 deep inhalations) from a tissue or steam inhaler. This oil is extremely powerful, fresh and cleansing in its quality. Do not use this oil internally for children, but is quite safe when used as an inhalant. Care must be taken when using this oil as contact can cause damage to plastics, polished timber and other materials.

Pine Oil – is one of the most popular bath oils for both men and women but many choose to use it as a direct underarm deodorant, after a skin check in case of any irritation or possible allergy. It has a delightfully warm and yet fresh scent that is appealing to all. Advised as an inhalant for those with nasal polyps of suffer from snoring.

Rosemary Oil – is for hair and scalp when a drop or two are added to rinsing water following shampoo and conditioning. It can be massaged directly into the scalp having diluted a few drops with a gentle carrier oil such as almond oil. Also can be used with care through applying a drop to your hairbrush for a refreshing scent as a regular use to encourage stronger hair growth. The qualities of rosemary are associated with brain function and concentration so can be used to advantage by students.

Peppermint Oil – is helpful to have on hand should you have need of spinal massage to ease pain or any muscle strain. The pure oil is diluted with a little carrier oil as it is extremely strong. After applying it through massage take great CARE to wash the hands very well to avoid the fumes affecting your eyes. Children who suffer from bronchitis or asthma respond almost immediately to treatment with massage on chest and back before bedtime.

Neroli Oil – Oil of Orange Blossom – is a happy, celebratory influence to use as a female personal body perfume at appropriate social occasions when a male may choose sandalwood or cypress.

Sandalwood Oil – is a rare and expensive substance that is often adulterated so a caution is used here. It is well worth seeking for the finest product, either in obtaining Australian sandalwood or in high quality Asian source. Unless you are sure, it is best to avoid internal use of it as a remedy for cystitis, retention of urine, and some prostate and bladder conditions. A drop on a teaspoon of sugar is the dose and it should only be taken as needed or at most, once a day.

Tea Tree Oil – This oil has a wide range of uses. It is a most dramatic remedy for ‘germ under the nail’ when applied directly and regularly for a few applications with results far better than other patent remedies. A drop can be used in warm water for oral wash and rinsing the mouth particularly if suffering any soreness or inflammation. It is anti-fungal and used upon stubborn skin problems such as ringworm or sores. It is a popular choice for use in foot baths.

There are many, many more oils that have been used and the range is increasing as more becomes known of the value of aromatics in human health.

There are many similar natural substances that are being presented for easy application in the form of ointments and creams that can increase your natural healing aids always available by being on hand in your health cabinet at home.

Tags: essential oils are wonderful, health uses many, natural tonics and uses, pleasant therapy through oils

These particular examples of the 700 or so known species produce a rose scented Geranium Oil often used as substitute for “attar of roses” and frequently marketed as “Rose Geranium”.

The Oil of Geranium is a colourless to yellow/green liquid obtained from the leaves of various species. It is used in perfumery, in medicine and is invaluable in aromatherapy for a wide range of benefits for the psyche. These range from cosmetic and physiological conditions to psychological states when in the latter, the gentle, feminine qualities in the temperament are encouraged.

It is particularly effective and attractive when used subtly as a body perfume and is   exceedingly popular as a choice of personal perfume and toiletries for women. It has a relaxing effect used as a bath oil, helping to relieve pre-menstrual tension, fatigue and emotional stress. As a natural underarm deodorant it is a valued as an appropriate alternative to commercial suppressant deodorants that are now under suspicion as being one of the common causes in breast cancer.  A skin test should be used to determines what strength of Geranium oil is used and of which particular selection of species.  It is wise to always check for any possible allergic reaction before applying essential oils in massage.

Externally in massage it is applied for broken or fragile capillaries; nervous exhaustion, or for ringworm. Invaluable in cosmetic work and used in massage helps regulate the lymphatic and hormonal systems. Sometimes applied to relief facial neuralgia, back pain and shingles and research indicates that it stimulates the adrenal cortex. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety, stress and depression and is sometimes be used in direct application to scars and unbroken scar tissue from injury. Until certain of skin reaction, always dilute the application at first with a little carrier oil such as almond oil before using the essential oil direct. This particularly applies to children.

Geraniums can also be used as an ingredient in pot pourri and as an air freshener in the home.

Geranium Essential Oil when directly inhaled acts as an anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and also antiseptic. Its influence is harmonizing and uplifting, helping to balance mind and body.

Inhale the scent directly from garden plants and crushed leaves or from the oils used in vaporizer, bath, or as a body perfume. Use of the natural fresh leaf or flower rarely requires any caution, but offers only delight particularly used in meditation.

In perfumery, all oils from the genus Pelargonium tend to blend harmoniously with lavender, patchouli, rose and sandalwood.

Tags: feminine influence, geranium, healing mind and body, oil geranium

However there are commonly found degrees of sensitivity throughout all age groups.

Definite irregularities in the ability to function fully in olfactory sense include two conditions that are well documented.

Anosmia or the complete absence of the ability to smell and detect odours is a serious condition both for the enjoyments of the individual and in other ways for those who live in close association.

At present there is no remedy.  There are certain exercises that can be given to assess the intensity of the problem from a sensory functional point of view, by using samples in a scale of potency.  Aromatherapists and psychologists are working upon using different aromatics to stimulate or revive the sense of smell as the condition has serious consequences for the one who suffers anosmia, particularly when the associated sense of taste is affected also. It is hoped that the science will find a remedy.

Some modern medical drugs unfortunately have the side effect of affecting both smell and taste.

Agnosia is a general condition applied to the inability to co-ordinate information through the brain and senses, including the inability to distinguish different odours.

This is a field that promises application of aromatherapy and essential oils scents in fully activating Osmic function. As yet no information is available regarding results of research in this field as in the cases that involve extra-ordinary or extra-sensory perception  (ESP).

Tags: agnosia, anosmia, diminished enjoyment, limited olfactory sense

In time it is anticipated that there will be more satisfactory general guidelines in shared terminology  in all research aiming to increase understanding in what is essentially the most subtle sphere of sensory exploration.

Anosmia -  is the total absence of the ability to detect an odour or perfume.

Agnosia – is dysfunctional ability in recognizing smells and can apply to other cognitive senses.

Apocrine – the glandular processes that contribute to one’s personal natural  body scent.

Aroma-chology- is a recently coined term to relate psychological and fragrance reactions and is used specifically in tracing olfactory pathways of the brain.

Aromatherapy – concentrates upon therapeutic benefits of certain aromas and perfumes that are shown to have physiological as well as psychological potential to heal.

Limbic System of the brain – allows aroma molecules to access emotional and sensory memory and is of vital interest for both psychologists and those in the field of psychiatry.

Essential Oils – only those extracted directly from natural substances that can be applied externally through massage of the skin or inhaled to directly benefit the brain. In both physical health and in aiding any psychological condition it is imperative that only the finest quality oils are used.

Artificial Essences – those laboratory manufactured scents and commercially utilized perfumes. These are generally not considered as legitimate in the sphere of aromatherapy although there is a growing awareness in the perfume industry that is stimulating research.

Tags: aromas, delights of perfume, healing aromatics, perfumes, scent, sense of smell, subtle soothing or stimulating aromatics

The majority of these breaths are taken unconsciously, with many being taken in the hours of sleep. But we expect that in sleep the breath will continue and it does so. It is a potent reminder of the absolute faith that we place in nature and this natural process every time we go to sleep.

Respiration is so fundamental and dependable a physical process, that we are apt to take it for granted. We tend to overlook its importance, and the wonder of it. But specially, it is our breath we should recall, that allows us to speak, to sing, and to enjoy the gift of creative language allowing us to communicate our thoughts.

Learning breath control produces physical results and psychological benefits beyond the most obvious one that maintains and even strengthens the hold we have on life, through the link between body and soul. This is facilitated and made more pleasurable by inhaling natural perfumes that represent the soul or finest spiritual energies of the plant kingdom.

Only the essences of Nature can help to

elevate our spiritual self.

Tags: breath is life, breath link to our soul, breath link to soul and spirit, energies of plants, plant souls are scents

The term pot-pourri is from the French. Although intended to indicate a perfume pot, its literal translation is suggested to be ‘rotten pot’! Scented flowers and leaves are used according to season. Simple fixatives are used to help the scent endure and these can include barks, powdered seeds and rind of fruits.

Drying the petals – it is important that flowers are just opened, and at the peak of the blossoming. They are preferably gathered in clear weather so as to be as dry as possible.

Pull the petals gently, discarding other parts of the flower head. Include a few buds for decoration.

Dry the material and flowers away from harsh light or sunshine in a well ventilated place. A simple drying rack can be made from fly screen material or netting.  They must be tended and turned each day. A cheesecloth covering will protect them from insects or strong breezes.

To dry the material fully takes about 4-10 days depending on the weather conditions. If necessary, use a slow oven – no more than 40 degrees or so for a short time only, to complete their drying should the local atmosphere be humid.

Petals are then placed carefully in glass jar or container with lid and kept in a dark cupboard until you are ready to mix all ingredients.

Mixing the Pot-pourri

About 1 tablespoon of spice or powdered resin is required for each quart of petals. Cinnamon bark, mace, cardamom seeds –can then be sprinkled over the petals and fixatives. Also dried citrus peel, rose leaves crumbled or vanilla beans can be gently mixed before adding the oils and tinctures of your choice.

Then add musk or amber or geranium oil, neroli or other essential perfumed oil.

Store for about a week before sampling the mix and adding what you feel gives the note that you wish to your potpourri.  If it is not quite to your liking then continue experimenting until you feel it is just right.

Your will best enjoy presenting your Pot-pourri in an ornamental container and preferably one designed for the purpose.

Tags: dried aromatics freshen, ornamental containers, pot pourri, scent your room