The Benefits of Botanical Aromas
The natural world is brimming with scent. Plants produce a vast array of aromatic molecules that are crucial to their survival, such as to attract pollinators, ward off pests, adapt to their environment & repair physical damage. Since the beginning of history, humans have been drawn to these unique aromas, weaving them into medicine, adornment, and ritual.
Plant aromatics can be remarkably beneficial to our physical, emotional & spiritual wellbeing. Even just through inhalation, the volatile compounds of fragrant plant material are brought into our lungs and interact with our physiology. While much of the chemistry remains to be studied, we have some idea of how many different types of molecules work in the body. Similar scent profiles allow us to discern patterns about their effects.
The following aroma families can be grouped together by both their similarity in fragrance and the overarching benefits they provide. Note that our personal impressions and partiality to any given scent will vary greatly by our lived experience, but many of the actions described here underscore unique physiological effects regardless of our conscious perception.
HERBACEOUS AROMAS
Herbaceous aromas are commonly found amongst our aromatic culinary herbs. Many of these plants help to open the vessels, relieve pain & congestion, and fight infection. Rosemary is a classic example of a circulatory stimulant; just her aroma alone can help ease a headache and boost memory. Mints like Peppermint & Spearmint contain menthol, a compound that interacts with our skin's cold receptors to relieve pain. Thyme & Oregano are both antimicrobial, cleansing the air and helping the body to fight off pathogens.
This category of botanicals is highly useful for herbal first aid. We infuse several of our formulations with potent herbaceous botanicals: Head Tonic for headache & tension relief, Breathe Relief Balm for congestion & sinus pressure, and Pain Healer Salve for injury repair & pain alleviation.
CITRUS AROMAS
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many different types of citrus are used medicinally, from Tangerine to Pomelo to Buddha's Hand. While employed for slightly different applications, they all are part of the Qi Regulator category: herbs that help to move stuck energy in the body, whether physical or emotional. This can look like tightness in the chest from stress or food sitting in the stomach after a heavy meal.
Citrus aromas are revitalizing & uplifting, helping to move what is stuck. Many people find that their brightness and sweetness is lifting to the mood. Both our Tropical Locks Hydrating Hair Serum and Tulsi Lime Botanical Deodorant are citrus-forward formulations to provide a daily pick-me-up.
FLORAL AROMAS
Brimming from soft & delicate or plump & juicy petals in bloom, flowers are full of aromatic molecules to make them irresistible to pollinators ~ and those same molecules can work their magic on us. Floral aromas often bring us into a more sensual space.
Some, like Jasmine and many night-blooming flowers, possess a heady, intoxicating fragrance that can leave us feeling stimulated & impassioned. Others, like Rose, are more gentle: Rose is a classic heart-opener, helping us to find softness and lower our walls for love that is worthy of us.
To be immersed in Jasmine's enrapturing scent, adorn yourself in Moon All Over Oil or Jungle Jasmine Botanical Perfume. To embrace the gentleness of Rose, anoint in Enchanted Rose Botanical Perfume.
WOODY AROMAS
The category of woody aromas is largely made up of durable, fibrous materials: root, bark, evergreen leaves, heartwood. These are the scents that allow you to blend into the forest depths: from sharp, herbaceous Pine to rich, sweet Sandalwood to deep, earthy Vetiver.
Many people find woody aromas to be very grounding, helping us to feel rooted when we are otherwise unanchored. Cycles of overthinking or stimulated anxiousness may find reprieve from these scents. Certain woody aromas, like Sandalwood, can also assist in calming the mind during meditation. Explore ethereal spaces with Lucid Dream Balm, and enjoy unique woody notes in the Enchanted Rose Botanical Perfume.
WEAVING SCENTS TOGETHER
Plant aromatics can be woven together to both potentiate their respective effects and to fuse multiple therapeutic effects into a single blend, much in the same way we combine herbs into formulas. When you understand the benefits of each ingredient, it adds a healing dimension to your work that honors the plants within.
If you're drawn to scent alchemy, our Botanical Perfumery Virtual Course provides a foundational framework for working with plant extracts to make your own perfume blends. Learn how to source and safely use botanical aromatics, and how to weave them into beautiful perfume oils for adorning. Get instant access to the course here.