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 Stop...and
smell the roses. Literally!
The dictionary definition for aromatherapy is "the use of aromatic
plant extracts and essential oils in massage or baths". The National
Cancer Institute's medical definition of aromatherapy is "A type of
complementary and alternative medicine that uses plant oils that
give off strong pleasant aromas (smells) to promote relaxation, a
sense of well-being, and healing."
The history of aromatic oil and plant use extends thousands of years
before Christ and across many cultures, religions, and traditions.
Egyptians incorporated plants into multiple aspects of every day
life including embalming the dead. Hippocrates burned plants for
medicinal purposes. The Romans used, and grew, their knowledge of
plants across a massive empire. Jesus was gifted frankincense and
myrrh at his birth. Both are derived from plants. Even Simon and
Garfunkel sang about "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme".
Aromatherapy, and the use of aromatic plants, has played a major
role in holistic medicine since the dawn of man. Many of the plants
our ancient ancestors believed treated the mind, body, and spirit
are still in use today. Based on thousands of years of belief, and a
few decades of real science, you can turn your garden or home into a
place of refuge. A place of healing. A place of peace.
The following is a list of plants, their believed benefits, and a
few tips to help grow them in central Illinois.
Roses
The scent of roses is thought to be relaxing and to help reduce
stress.
Scientists conducted a study from October 2015 through December
2016. They published their findings in an article titled "Effects of
rose and lavender scents on nurses' job stress: a randomized
controlled trial." The scientists found that over the course of four
weeks there were "statistically significant differences" in a group
of nurses exposed to the scent of roses or lavender versus a group
that had been exposed to a placebo. The report concluded that
exposure to the scent of roses and lavender was safe and "can reduce
nurses' overreliance on medications for relieving the symptoms of
job stress."
First things first, get that nurse friend some roses! Second, if
roses work for nurses why wouldn't they work for you? Adding these
to your garden could be the first step in finding that safe harbor
from your daily worries. Roses are typically planted in the spring.
They need lots of sun and good soil to grow successfully. Rose
specific fertilizers are available.
Lavender
In the study referenced above you'll notice there were two plants
used. Lavender is somewhat of a superstar when it comes to
aromatherapy. The scent or oil is believed to lower stress, help
with sleeplessness, soothe wounds and more. The science on lavender
as an essential oil is split, however. In a National Center for
Biotechnology Information published study it was concluded that
"lavender EO (essential oil) inhalation was shown to produce a
decrease of arousal level and an improvement of sustained component
of attention."
The University of Illinois Extension suggests that lavender be
exposed to sunlight at least eight hours a day and grows best in
well-drained soil. It can be grown in pots or raised beds with
potting soil.
Mints
Mints truly are "whole body” kinds of plants. Their scents are known
to assist in stress relief. They can be used to flavor foods and
make teas. They can be used to help ease nausea, stimulate appetite,
or support digestion. Mints have even been used as a pain reliever.
Growing mints in Illinois is fairly easy. The two most common are
peppermint and spearmint. U of I Extension suggests mints grow best
in full sun but do tolerate partial shade. Mints are invasive and
will take over a garden, so it is recommended they be grown in
containers above ground.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a strong scent of, as the name would imply, lemons
with a dash of mint. Lemon balm has been linked to stress relief,
easing sleeplessness and indigestion, and pain relief. It can be
used in teas, tinctures, and ointments. According to the Mount Sinai
website there is evidence lemon balm benefits also include treatment
of cold sores, anxiety relief, and "may help improve cognitive
function and decrease agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease."
Lemon balm grows in full sun to partial shade and likes moist,
well-drained soil. Like mint, lemon balm can overrun your garden if
not tended to. In Illinois it is safe to plant two weeks or so after
the last frost.
Sage
Sage, technically a mint, has long been used to calm anxiety,
relieve stress, and is even thought to improve memory. In a
scientific article published on the National Center for
Biotechnology Information's website, scientists used sage in a
number of ways to test its medicinal uses. In their conclusion the
scientists noted that "Salvia (sage) species may represent a
natural, safe and effective treatment for many diseases and their
symptoms." They continue "these herbal medicines have been found to
be very effective in the development of novel natural drugs to
prevent, control and treat many minor health problems as well as
more serious and complicated diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's,
and cancer." U of I Extension suggests Sage
be grown in full sun with soils prepared with compost. Sage must be
grown in very well-drained soil. Seeds may take several years to be
harvestable, so cuttings are suggested.
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Lilac
Lilac is known for its beauty as well as its scent. The fragrance is
thought to provide a calming effect and ease anxiety. There is a
belief that white lilacs can also enhance sensuality. Medicinal uses
of the plant have ranged from ridding the body of worms to treating
rashes and sunburn.
Lilacs are best planted in sunny, open areas that drain well. You'll
want to watch for mildew on the leaves and if planting multiple be
sure to give them lots of space.
Dill
The scent of dill, strongest in the seeds, has been thought to help
ease stress and anxiety. Dill is used in aromatherapy as a way to
relax nerves, muscles, and help relieve spasms. Dill has also been
thought to aid digestion, flatulence, and stomach pain.
According to U of I Extension dill is best grown in full sun with
moist, well-drained soil. It should be planted directly in the
garden at least one to two weeks after the last spring frost.
This list just begins to scratch the surface if you are looking to
add some healthy aromatics to your home or garden this spring. Other
plants to consider are lilies, garden phlox, hosta, peony and all
kinds of herbs. The options are enormous, and you can tailor your
garden to fit your preferences or a specific scent profile. Not only
do these plants provide the aromatics they also add flavor to food,
make teas, are used for their essential oils in modern aromatherapy,
create ointments, and just brighten up your yard!
All of us have been there. The world rests squarely
on your back. You can't sleep. You can't eat. What are you going to
do? Start by stepping outside. Now STOP. Close your eyes. Take a
deep breath and REALLY smell the roses. It might just make you feel
better. Sher, S. (2022, April 27). 11
Fragrant Plants for Creating the Ultimate Aromatherapy Garden.
Bob Vila: Lawn & Garden.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles
/aromatherapy-garden/
History of Aromatherapy. (n.d.).
International Federation of Aromatherapists.
https://ifaroma.org/ko_KR/home/
explore_aromatherapy/what-is-
aromatherapy/history-aromatherapy
How to Grow Roses. (n.d.).
Chicago Botanical Garden.
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
plantinfo/how_grow_roses
Emadikhalad, M. et al (2023, January 07) Effects of rose and
lavender scents on nurses' job stress: A randomized controlled
trial.
Science Direct.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/
article/abs/pii/S1550830723000022
Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Lemon balm.
https://www.mountsinai.org/
health-library/herb/lemon-balm
University of Illinois Extension (2019, May 30).
Lavender: A must-have plant for all gardens.
https://extension.illinois.edu/node/
21429
University of Illinois Extension (n.d). Lemon Balm
https://extension.illinois.edu/
herbs/lemon-balm
Hamidpour, M. et al. (2014, Apr-Jun). Chemistry, Pharmacology, and
the Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure
Illnesses Such as Obesity, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism,
Heart Disease, and Cancer.
National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology
Information.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pmc/articles/PMC4003706/
Malloggi, E. et all. (2022, May 14). Lavender aromatherapy: A
systematic review from essential oil quality and administration
methods to cognitive enhancing effects.
National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology
Information.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pmc/articles/PMC9291879/
Brent, M. (2022, August 24). What Are the Health Benefits of Lilac?
Leaf.tv.
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/
what-are-the-health-benefits-of-lilac/
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