How Indigenous People used Scent
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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