HERBALS AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

The Garden of Serenity The Soothing Scents of Aromatic Plants

■ Stephanie Maxine Ross, MH, HT, CNC

Holist Nurs Pract 2009;23(2):124–126

ORIGINS OF THE SCENTED GARDEN gardens as a place of contemplation. In addition, these temple gardens functioned as the repository for known For thousands of years, the medicinal properties of medicinal herbs and aromatic plants, forming the herbs and aromatic plants have played a vital role in the earliest known “botanic garden.” history of humankind. Historical records indicate that the first scented gardens were planted over 2500 years ago within the enclosed courtyards of Persian palaces. CREATING A GARDEN OF SERENITY These gardens were constructed primarily to provide As we have seen, the very concept of creating a Garden a spiritual sanctuary. Persians were taught from of Serenity, by using the soothing scents of aromatic an early age that it was mankind’s duty to conserve plants, is deeply rooted in ancient history. Even and honor nature as part of the divine creation, though the aromatic gardens of the ancients were often and these sacred gardens were looked upon as a elaborate, with imagination and determination, a small means of recreating and experiencing heaven on earth. garden space or even attractive ceramic containers For much of the ancient world, including Egypt, filled with soothing aromatic plants can still provide a Greece, and Rome, scent was held in such high regard calming and uplifting experience, a tranquil retreat that it was virtually seen as vital to life as food and from everyday concerns. The following aromatic plant water. Of all the ancient civilizations, it is the species have been carefully selected for creating the Egyptians who were renowned for their knowledge modern aromatic garden, a “Garden of Serenity”! and expertise on aromatic plants, especially regarding their medicinal, cosmetic, and ritual applications. Since natural aromatic preparations were considered AROMATIC PLANT PROFILES an intrinsic part of everyday life, they cultivated German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) aromatic plants, herbs, and spices on the fertile banks of the Nile, in order to provide fresh flowers and other Scent: Sweet, apple-like aroma, relaxing, and plant material for their daily needs. profoundly soothing. The Egyptians’ love for nature is clearly evident Botanical description from the extensive botanical carvings in their temples. Chamomile enjoys a rich history of use, which The Egyptian priests also placed great importance on transcends both reality and imagination. References to this aromatic healing plant abound in the medicinal Author Affiliation: College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel Uni- writings of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman versity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. civilizations. The name itself is derived from the Corresponding Author: Stephanie Maxine Ross, MH, HT, CNC, College Greek words chamos (ground) and melos (apple), of Nursing and Health Professions, Program in Complementary and Inte- grative Therapies, Drexel University, 1505 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 referring to its low-growing habit and the warm apple ([email protected]). scent of its daisy-like blossoms.

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Emotional qualities and increasing well-being. It has a long history of use In the language of flowers, chamomile is symbol of as a nerve tonic, with a strengthening yet soothing “patience in adversity,” because of its delicate floral effect. In aromatherapy, 5 to 7 drops of lavender structure but hardy, tenacious nature. During the essential oil when added to a warm evening bath will Victorian period, it was used as an herbal tea in the help to sooth the mind, body, and spirit into a deep treatment of hysteria and nervous afflictions of all restful sleep. To encourage relaxation during the day, types, especially in children and women. Even today, place a few drops of lavender essence onto a tissue and throughout Europe, chamomile continues to hold an gently inhale. esteemed position as an aromatic plant. In a tea form, chamomile is widely used as a mild sedative, for Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) calming emotional upset and bringing about a restful night’s sleep. Scent: Fresh and herbaceous, distinctly lemony, refreshing, and uplifting. Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) Scent: Honeysweet, floral, uplifting, and refreshing. Botanical description Melissa officinalis is a tender growing perennial Botanical description that stands upright to 3 ft in height. This aromatic herb One only needs to recall sipping the sweet nectar is delightfully scented, with lemony-fresh white or from honeysuckle blossoms on those lazy, warm pink flowers. Native to Europe and to Mediterranean summer days of youth to realize how this aromatic countries, this hardy herb will grow well in almost any vine acquired its name. Often growing in the wild, the soil or light condition, although it prefers a light shady pervasive and evocative aroma of honeysuckle can environment. Lemon balm is a gardener’s herbal transform its surroundings into a garden of floral favorite due to its appealing scent and steadfast nature. enchantment. The common honeysuckle is a deciduous climbing plant that reaches up to 20 ft high, Emotional qualities bearing clusters of pinkish-yellow flowers that Lemon balm has a long history of medicinal use. resemble tiny trumpets. Its hardy nature lends itself to Dioscorides considered it a potent sedative and most soils, although it likes to be shaded at the base. prescribed it for nervous disorders, the emotions, and the heart. Avicenna, the 11th-century Persian Emotional qualities physician, recommended Melissa for making the heart The sweet floral bouquet of honeysuckle is and mind merry. In aromatherapy, the extracted uplifting, as well as refreshing, and adds charm to any essential oil is used primarily for nervous disorders, naturalistic landscape. including anxiety, hypertension, neurasthenia, and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) depressive illness. For aromatherapy applications, add up to 4 drops of Lemon balm essential oil to a warm Scent: Sweet, floral-herbaceous, calming, and bath and inhale the delicate citrus aroma. The relaxing. therapeutic effect is good for exhaustion, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress. Botanical description Lavender is a fragrant aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years; it remains a classical and Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) vital ingredient in any aromatic garden. Its hazy Scent: Deliciously sweet and floral, heartwarming, and bluish-purple flowers are arranged on floral spikes, strengthening. located at the ends of fine stems. Lavandula angustifolia, which is commonly known as true lavender, is a hardy, evergreen, and woody plant that Botanical description grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Convallaria majalis is a small perennial that reaches only 9 to 12 in tall and is commonly found in Emotional qualities the shaded woodlawn. It is characterized by an This fragrant aromatic herb has been used since extensive underground network of rhizome roots that antiquity for evoking relaxation, dispelling anxiety, enjoy rich, moist soil that is well drained. 126 HOLISTIC NURSING PRACTICE • MARCH/APRIL 2009

Emotional qualities panic, elevate the spirit, and reduce stress and tension. It is not surprising that the Lily of the Valley In aromatherapy it is used to calm the nerves and helps symbolizes the “return of happiness,” for it is the overcome hyperactivity and insomnia. The sweetest flower imaginable. With its delicate white sweet-floral aroma of rose has been used historically floral bells that curve upward at the tips, and to help ease grief and subdue sadness and to inspire unmistakable green herbaceous scent, it is said to lure creativity and activate intuition. the nightingale from his nest and lead him to his mate. It is the symbol of May Day and was historically Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) known as the May Lily. Scent: Fresh, pine-like and woody, purifying, and Essential oil applications restorative. Since every part of the plant is toxic, the essential oil is not used in aromatherapy. Today, although Botanical description perfumes and toilet waters are sold as bearing the true Rosmarinus officinalis is a small evergreen bush essence of Lily of the Valley, they are mere synthetic with silvery-green, needle-shaped leaves. Rosemary is derivatives of the actual plant. native to the Mediterranean region but is cultivated worldwide. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) Emotional qualities Scent: Sweet, floral, balsamic, soothing, and uplifting. In ancient times, Rosemary was a highly esteemed aromatic plant by both East and West. The early Botanical description Egyptians used it as a ritual cleansing incense for Hyacinth is a native to Asia Minor and is cultivated burials, while the Greeks and Romans viewed it as a in the Netherlands and Southern France. This sacred plant, symbolizing both love and death. In the powerfully perfumed plant produces spires of West, Rosemary has been historically associated with bell-shaped flowers on a shortened stem, which the qualities of faithfulness and friendship, as centrally emerges, surrounded by bright lance-shaped Shakespeare noted: “There’s rosemary, that’s for leaves, rooted tenaciously by an expanded bulb. remembrance.” In aromatherapy, rosemary essential oil is used as a tonic for the nerves. It is a very effective Emotional qualities nerve stimulant. It has a refreshing, invigorating scent, The ancient Greeks described the fragrance of which has a reviving, uplifting effect on the spirit. hyacinth as being both invigorating and refreshing to a tired mind. Sweet violet (Viola odorata) Rosa damascena Rose ( ) Scent: Sweet and flora, uplifting, and soothing. Scent: Sweet-floral, slightly spicy, soothing, and uplifting. Botanical description Viola odorata is a tender perennial with Botanical description heart-shaped leaves, and sweetly scented violet-blue Throughout history, roses have been the subject of flowers, and with an extensive rhizome (underground art, poetry, literature, medicine, and love. The rose has stem) root system. It is native to Europe and parts of been called the “Queen of the Flowers,” due to its Asia and cultivated in gardens throughout the world. beauty in form and the allure of its scent. Of the This plant thrives best in rich, moist soil in a estimated 5000 or more species of rose, Rosa semi-shaded environment. Easily propagated through damascena is one of the most fragrant and is used in root cuttings, this small plant spreads rapidly, forming the production of essential oils. a sweetly scented carpet.

Emotional qualities Emotional qualities The aroma of Rosa damascena helps to support and The flowers have a calming, sedative effect, which soothe the emotions. It is known to ease anxiety and has been used for nervous exhaustion and insomnia.