AROMATHERAPY HERBSCAPE

The practice of using scents to heal is centuries old as memories associated with smells often are more vivid and emotional than those associated with the other senses.  Used by Egyptians (incense burners), Chinese (civil and religious ceremonies) and Europeans (pomanders to mask odors and fend off disease),  you can plant a wide array of fragrant plants, including those known to have aromatherapeutic effects and have new aromas with each change of season.   Plant herbs and flowers with the fragrances you most enjoy so that you can reap the benefits while working and relaxing in the garden.  Just imagine yourself breathing in the fragrance of some of the world's most aromatic plants!

You can create an outdoor garden room with curved beds plus depth to mingle the fragrances.  Don’t forget to add low-growing herbs in the cracks of the footpath to add to the aroma as you walk as well as sit.  You can also use containers with fragrant herbs to add to the herbscape to add some tender herbs that can be moved inside during winter.

Add these plants to your aromatherapy herbscape to provide these specific effects:

Stimulating:

 

 

 

Peppermint - increases concentration, stimulates mind and body to stay awake

 

Rosemary - uplifting and energizing stimulus to the brain to relieve headaches, help induce sleep, and restore memory, but also raises blood pressure

Sage – useful for mental clarity and stimulates the nervous system.

Lemon Verbena - lifts the spirits and counters depression plus stimulates one's sense of humor and sense of well being

 

Soothing:

 

 

Lavender - lowers stress, blood pressure and headaches for an exhausted mind and body. 

 

Chamomile - will soothe, relieve irritability and promotes sleep

Lemon Balm - Calming and stress-reducing effects for nervous tension headaches, to treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression

Jasmine - wonderful for the nervous system - it deeply relaxes, lifts depression and boosts confidence

 

 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friend
springs from his earnest counsel.”
Proverbs 27:9