Medicinal and personal use of scent were valuable and well known to most indigenous cultures. Besides religious ceremony, inhalants and hygiene, aromas were used to treat mental, emotional and many physical diseases. Some cultures also enjoyed perfumed cosmetics and used fragrance in domestic practices. Fumigation was used for broad spectrum cleansing and protection, insect repellents and good fortune. They believed Nature Spirits responded well to aromatics.

Native Americans used aromatics 5-6000 years ago. Some of these practices are described in Mother Nature's Herbal, for headaches, sinus, grief and mental imbalances. Aromatic poultices were applied to wounds. Hygiene was achieved by burning aromatic woods which did not alarm prey. They chewed aromatic native herbs and roots, like ginger, to clean their teeth. Sages were especially favored for dental hygiene.

American Natives did not distill like we do today to produce aromatherapy. They soaked fragrant plants in animal grease, with fresh flowers and roots every day to produce a fragrant balm, or inhaled the smoke of a fragrant tea or burning plant. Any member of a tribe could benefit aromatherapy. Other," more advanced cultures", used aromas only for royals and aristocratic members.

Basic stills were discovered at least 5000 years old in Crete used to produce aromatherapy. Ancient African, Egyptian and later, Greek cultures produced and traded aromatic oils for religious, and later, personal use. More detailed information is available in Antique Rose Collection e-book, both books are available on our website.

East Indian Ayurveda medicine especially utilized aromas of sandalwood and many spices in medicine and cooking. I studied with a Brahman priest, who is like their doctor, learning how they also use foods for psychological and physical well-being. Aromas are a way of a healthy life, which we can emulate.

Flowers like  Butterfly Lily clean the air in our environment, as well as protect us from pollutants in the environment. NASA approves using the plant for cleaning the air. An aroma like this will also support better breathing and cognitive well-being.

The aromas pleasing to you will support the unique scent you have carried since being in the womb. They will help your thoughts and feelings stay positive and productive. Aromas will also increase vitality and physical wellness. You will attract like-minded people and achieve your highest goals.

If your sense of smell has diminished, inhale basil or rosemary daily. The intensity of smell often returns within weeks or a few months.

Utilize the inherent brilliance of past cultures and allow natural scents guide your path to success.

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The three varieties of lavender are: Lavender Vera, the most popular; Lavender Spica; and Lavender stoechas. Each contains different chemical properties and have specific healing abilities. I will name a few.

Lavender Vera is most well known as an all purpose essential oil. The very fragrant scent is due to 50% esters and 41% monoterpene alcohols. Small amount of ketones support the urogenital organ functions. Esters and monoterpene alcohols are especially healing and beautifying for the skin. They also relax muscles and reduce tension, making lavender a great pain reliever and sleep enhancer.

Large amounts of ketones in Spike lavender fights viral and fungal infections. Spike lavender also relaxes the heart muscles to help anxious and hypertensive people. It also has ketones to increase tissue regeneration and heal wounds.

Lavender stoechas has a predominance of ketones that reduce mucus, earaches, whooping cough, burns and regenerates skin.

I successfully grow all three lavenders in North Central Texas. They require very good drainage and lots of sunlight.

On an emotional level, lavender opens the heart and clears the mind. They are prevalent in blends that enhance intimacy, social and emotional balance.

Keep lavender refrigerated or in a very dark, cool place in tightly sealed bottles. The high amounts of monoterpenes cause oxidation and turns the aroma stale and less fragrant.

Note: Monoterpene alcohols have a light, floral aroma. They are antiseptic, antiviral and increase immunoglobulins. They can reduce intestinal inflammation; are sedative and tonic. Monoterpenes in essential oils are mild and usually non offensive.  A patch test before application can assure safety.

Purchase organically grown, steam distilled onsite lavender essential oils and flower essences at www.aromahealthtexas.com