Growing an aromatherapy garden

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Sunday, August 19th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

If you enjoy aromatherapy, and have a garden, you can grow your own plants to use in your aromatherapy. A rose bush or two, for example, will give you lots of petals which you can use in pot-pourri, and can macerate for rose-scented oils for face and hand care.

Growing plants suitable for aromatherapy isn’t complex.

The eventual quality of the plants you grow will be dependent on the quality of your soil. Before you begin gardening, test your soil. It may not be the right consistency to support plant life, it might have insufficient drainage or it may be lacking some important nutrients. These situations can easily be remedied. Your local garden center can help you with soil testing and preparation.

Growing herbs, something that many people do already, is an easy way to begin reaping the benefits of aromatherapy. Fresh herbs not only smell great, they can add a whole new dimension to cooking. Herbs and some flowers can be infused into oils or water and mixed into butter to create tantalizing new flavors.

It’s your space so plant the flowers you enjoy smelling. Aromatherapy activates the part of the brain responsible for recalling memories and it’s amazing how a simple scent can bring you back in time. The ability to recall a simpler, happier time is one of aromatherapy’s most amazing benefits. If you grew up surrounded by roses or other fragrant plants, add these to your aromatherapy garden. When mature, you’ll look forward to regular strolls through your very own ‘memory lane’. Enclosed spaces are more intimate and can really hold in the aromas.

If you’re short on outdoor planting space, use containers instead. Containers also work well in colder climates as they can be used to grow plants indoors. You can also get creative and plant seeds in between the cracks along sidewalks and stone paths.

You can plant anything you like in your aromatherapy garden. It might help to learn more about the qualities of various plants. That way, in addition to growing the plants with pleasant fragrances, you’ll grow those that can actually help in the areas you seek relief.

Eucalyptus, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender and Peru Balsam Bark are effective natural insect repellants. Eucalyptus also has antibiotic qualities.

For insect stings, minor cuts and abrasions, create a poultice. Into a blender add 1/2 cup of lemon balm. Slowly add boiling water while blending until a paste is created. Spread paste on the affected area. Cover with gauze or a bandage.

Here’s another recipe for insect bites. Combine 2 drops roman chamomile, 3 drops lavender, 1 drop peppermint and 3 drops eucalyptus in a container and mix well, then add 1 ounce cider vinegar. Moisten cotton ball with mixture and dab on the insect bites as necessary to relieve discomfort.

If you’re looking for an insect repellant add 60 drops of citronella essential oil into a spray bottle. Next add in 2 ounces of witch hazel extract. Shake the bottle well before each use. Spray all exposed area to keep insects away. Citronella repels insects and witch hazel has moisturizing and soothing qualities.

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