Looking at a flower is a happiness source. But flowers and blooming plants have other great benefits in our environment. With the exception of vision, no sense is as closely tied to memory as the sense of smell. Thus smelling floral scents has the extraordinary power to put us in a good mood and feel less anxious. How is that possible and which flowers?
Why flowers don’t have the same fragrance?
Flowers expel various scent molecules into the air. Yet these odors are originally not there for the benefit of human noses! This process has been developed and improved since ages from flowers themselves for their own survival. Indeed, flowers use their scents to attract insects, pollinators and communicate with other plants. All flowers are different and have their proper scent molecules. The result is an extraordinary range of fragrances.
How flower fragrance is affecting us?
The sense of smell is a complicated but logical one. A familiar scent can instantly bring you back to the memory associated with the aroma, even with long-forgotten fragrance. Scientific research revealed the important role that pleasant smells can play in our environment creating good moods and positive mental function. But let’s be clear: flowers will not replace your doctor or the need for medication. Flowers can however help to make your life easier and more pleasant. Before a presentation, during an exam, in a stressful atmosphere, flower fragrances can make you feel better and relaxed. They are also very efficient to ease migraines and headaches or to aid sleep.
Which flower fragrance and scents?
There are many possibilities to use such flower fragrances in your daily environment. In the office, at home, in your car, natural fresh flowers, essential oil or candles make it so convenient. Easy to use, that’s why they are so popular. Certain flowers will help to relax and reduce stress while others spur action & energy. Some also invigorate the senses with sensual fragrances !
- Lavender is very popular to boost energy, increase mental activities. Perfect to feel good in a busy working environment or to develop vitality. At home, place some lavender in your bedroom to help sleep
- Vanilla is perfect to reduce stress and headache pain. Not a surprise to find so many car perfume with vanilla!
- Magnolia is known to have therapeutic properties. Especially famous in Chinese medicine to treat tensions and stress. Perfect to create a relaxing atmosphere
- Bergamote will give you a real boost especially when changing season. Perfect perfume to feel good
- Ylang-Ylang & jasmine fragrances have a strong scent, famous for its sex-appeal properties. Need to be sexy and seduce someone, no hesitation this flower is made for you!
- Patchouli is an anti-stress perfume but sensual. Perfect to create a relaxing atmosphere for a first date. What about this tip for your next Valentine’s day plan?
Did you know?
- Ibn Sina, a Persian physician discovered a thousand years ago how to distill roses into aromatic oils
- Today scientists have catalogued 1700 different scent compounds produced by flowers
- Wisteria, frangipani, lilies are the strongest smelling flowers
The next time you offer flowers to yourself or to someone you care, remember that both visual beauty and smell are important. Some people do like smelling flowers while others don’t. A bouquet with mixed flowers is the perfect choice. Indeed, florists know how to mix and match different types of flowers so the final balance of fragrance is just perfect.
