We know that ‘in the olden days’ women were respected as somewhat frail in temperament and it was wise to have on hand a bottle of ‘smelling salts’ to revive one who was inclined to faint. They are still in use today, but not for gentle sensitive ladies as much as to revive drunks, motivate boxers to get up and go again, and by some athletes. Times have changed.

The early smelling salts on the market were known as sal volatile and consisted of a mix of ammonium carbonate and perfume. They had a fair reputation as being effective but in spite of their continued, if limited use, doctors are increasingly urging caution.

The basic ingredient, ammonium carbonate, is a white crystalline salt and when mixed and bottled with water or perfume or perfume, causes fumes intended to be deliberately inhaled as a therapeutic agent. Sometimes the fumes can help to restore consciousness and sometimes they can cause allergies and irritation of the mucus membranes and can seriously harm humans if used over a period of time. Any discarded contents can also cause environmental damage to fish should the contents leak into waterways.

All in all, the consensus is that smelling salts can on occasion be helpful in some circumstances but because of the toxic effects of ammonia can cause problems if used frequently so we must take notice of the medical caution.

There is little to commend the use of smelling salts over the direct inhalation of natural essential oils as advised in aromatherapy but some claim to be successful in making their own mix using the ammonia and perfume in combination.

What can we do to contribute some beneficial influence to our environment?

Amongst the several most dangerous fumes that enter our atmosphere in great volume and which we cannot as individuals control are from the constant fumes of vehicles on our roads. Whether we suffer as pedestrians or drive in air conditioned vehicles or not, we all have to endure this situation in our cities. In some of the worst cities masks are used as some protection. In our cars we can inhale strongly perfumed esse

We know from the Cheops pyramid papyrus that incense made of myrrh, calamus, juniper and coriander used for embalming and for the ritual of exorcism. Many other traditional ingredients were imported from Asia and Arabia with sandalwood and frankincense being generously used. Now natural ingredients are becoming rare.

The science of Osmics had a positive stimulus by the 2004 Nobel Prize being awarded to Linda Buck and Richard Axel for their “discoveries of odorant receptors and the organization of the olfactory system.” Buck went on to provide evidence for odour coding and they continue to work in the field of molecular biology. Recent advances in osmics.

Perfumes are used now as they always have been, to smother the unpleasant smells and odours – of individuals, of society en masse and of poor sanitation and odours associated with decomposing material of various kinds. The accent is shifting to counter chemical stenches resulting from commercial and industrial manufacturing processes and the effluents that are involved as a by-product.

In eastern and middle eastern cultures it was more highly developed as it had been built into traditional religious practice from earliest times and was integral in Vedic lore. The materials used were important as they are today, that they are a clean and natural as possible. Until science can indicate others that are appropriate to aid elevation of human consciousness and increase spiritual awareness .

Iit is obvious that inhalation of pleasant perfumes and flower essences of natural origin have a positive and enjoyable effect, stimulating our sense of well being, so fundamental in protecting our psyche from disease, physical and mental.

Many invisible fumes are present in our environment. Some are identified and can be avoided by our sensitive olfactory sense that tells us to refrain from inhaling an unpleasant smell. But others cannot be consciously avoided because not all subtle fumes can be registered on the average human sensory scale. If we are unaware, we are not in a position to protect ourselves.

It’s fun being creative with perfume and is particularly successful if you have developed a fine sense of smell and can distinguish subtle differences and enjoy them. Old and new recipes are available for your experimentation.

Frankincense, also known as Olibanum, is derived from the tree Boswellia thurifera. For centuries it has been employed to assist in elevating the emotions and in particular, our feelings of aspiration and spiritual devotion. Inhalation of the subtle emanations or the burning fumes really helps relieve depression and to soothe frayed nerves. It is a popular aid to help our mood for meditation when a drop or two rubbed between the hands ensures that we have a prolonged time to enjoy its scent.