The Apothecary
In the Middle Ages, an “Apothecary” referred to a person having the experience or ability to craft medicines from herbs and other natural substances. At that time, the role of medicine-making in Europe was traditionally filled by men.
About 300 years later, the term Apothecary came to represent the place, rather than the person. So, ironically its meaning went back to the ancient Greek concept of a storehouse of medicines, mostly herbs. Located outside of a medical establishment, it offered therefore an occupation open to women.
The Apothecary of Aromatic Plant Essences is your introductory gateway to aromatic herbs, spices and essential oils …
beginning with the floral aromas, see below for more on the many varieties of scent.
Read Aromatic Inspiration on this page, where
masterful writers and doyens offer their take on how intentional inhalation of natural essences is key to the natural world and enlivens our sense of purpose in life.
Roses, the Floral Scent of Unconditional Love
Looking for the scent of a flower and want to know more about it? Floral aromas have many qualities to offer us, and one of these is creativity.
Read more about the floral scent of roses in “About the Rose”, here.
Aromatic Inspiration from the Masters of Olfaction & Natural Essences
Advice for Listening to Scent
A brilliant phrase, “Listening to Scent” is borrowed in part from Jennifer Peace Rhind’s book by the same title. The concept comes from a Japanese custom which incorporates the perfume of incense with the memories or instincts that burning a stick of Pine Tree resin (for example) might have for us.
How I view the idea of Listening to Scent, is simple. You need to have, to hold onto, to sniff, a small sample or an aromatic herb, spice, or essential oil. I think of smelling scent as a way into the senses, but besides the aromas we choose, it’s a way to discover the self. What do aromas tell us? Smelling sweet, pungent, green, fruity, rooty, or resinous, and more is to source or obtain the richness of nature. Intentionally smelling a single essential oil, or blend of several, allows us the freedom to explore.
Explore by “listening”. Or by inhalation and then reflect on your experience. When a fragrance tells you, “this smells delicious”, or beautiful, or calming, or exciting, you sense you’re on a path of discovery. Make time to intentionally smell find the aromas you love. Choose from Aromatic Plant Essences such as Flowers. More essences of a wide variety of types come from Leaves, Seeds, Roots, Resins, Fruits, or Woods.
Resources: Listening to Scent by Jennifer Peace Rhind. Published by Singing Dragon, Philadelphia, London.
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