Fragrant Herbs “Sweet perfumes work immediately upon the spirits, for their refreshing sweet and healthfull ayres are special preservatives to health, and therefore much to be prised.” – Ralph Austen (1653) MLGC February 18, 2014 Maggi Coene

What is an Herb? Definition: “Plant of which leaves, seeds, or roots are used for food, medicine, scent or flavor” – Annuals, bi-annuals – Perennials – Shrubs – Vines – Trees – Ferns & mushrooms

Sense of Smell Personal Scent Response Historical use of Scent in Aromatherapy – Chinese – Indian Ayurveda – Stillroom in Elizabethan times Essentials Oils

Invigorate, Refresh Mint family – Spearmint, Peppermint, Applemint and many more. Citrus – Lemon, Lime, Orange Apple – Chamomile and Sweet Briar Rose Stimulating Trees -- Pines, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce and Eucalyptus

Invigorate Mint Apple

Focus, Concentration Slightly pungent and sharp - Angelica, Bay, Calamint, Catnip, Hyssop, and Oregano Rosemary and Basil Bergamot, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mint, Wormwood Pennyroyal, Tansy, Santolina, and Southernwood Cedar, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and Thyme

Focus, Concentration Bay laurel Artemesia Monarda/bergamot

Relax, Unwind, Sleep Lavender Chamomile Clary Sage Lemon Balm Scented Geranium Bergamot, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Sweet Woodruff Sweet Violets Valerian

Relax, Unwind, Sleep Valerian Bergamot Sweet Violet Lavender

Pleasure, Leisure Flavoring Herbs – Basil, Dill, Fennel, Rosemary, Oregano, Tarragon, Thyme Thyme Thai basil, sage, thyme

Pleasure, Leisure Fennel

Love, Romance Rose Orange Blossom Peony Honeysuckle Lily Sandalwood, cedar wood, angelica Valarian root

Love, Romance Peony Lilies

Unique Scents Anise/licorice – Angelica – Anise hyssop – Basil – Sweet cicely/sweet chervil Candy, Water Mint Curry Plant Onion – Chives, onions, garlic, scallions, shallots Coriander/Cilantro Lovage Pineapple Sage Sweet Annie Anise Hyssop Sweet Annie

Unique Scents Curry Plant & SantolinaPineapple Sage Chives, Lovage, Sage

Location, Location, Location Soil type, sun preference, height, and color – Leaf color – Silvery/gray: artemesias, santolina, curry plant Foot level: creeping thyme, sweet woodruff Fingertip level: lavender, santolina, bee balm (compact plants) Nose level: dill, fennel

Bringing the Fragrance Inside Drying takes 2-3 weeks depending on herb. Hang or lay flat. Warm, dry location Away from light

The Keepers 1.Lemon Verbena 2.Oregano 3.Basil 4.Scented Geranium - Peppermint 5.Lavender 6.Marjoram 7.Sweet Annie 8.Scented Geranium – Old Fashioned 9.Lavender Fragrance Oil on Wood Shavings

Fragrant Herb Uses Culinary – Food (sweet & savory), vinegars & oils Medicinal – Salves, tinctures – Tonics & potions – Teas Aromatherapy – Bathing & massage – Beauty treatments (creams, cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, fragrant water) – Potpourri Home & Garden – Insect repellant – Companion plants – Sachets in closets

Aromatherapy Essential Oils Derived from flower, stem or leaf Over 100 chemical compounds NOT fragrance oil Use with carrier oil (1-3 drops to 1 tsp carrier oil) Synergy Adaptogens

Potpourri Recipe Fragrant herb leaves & petals (old roses, lavender, carnations/pinks, scented geraniums) Fillers (dried flowers, cones, leaves, orange rinds) Fixative - Orris Root Essential Oil

References Fragrant Herbal (Crabtree & Evelyn) by Lesley Bremness The Herb Society of America’s New Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs Herbs (Eyewitness Handbooks) by Lesley Bremness The Big Book of Herbs by Arthur O. Tucker & Thomas DeBaggio The Complete Gardener’s Guide – Herbs by Patrick Lima Fragrant Herb Garden by Lesley Bremness The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood Fragrant Herbs (The Little Scented Library) by Malcolm Hillier Landscaping with Herbs by Jim Wilson Fragrant Herbs by Malcolm Hillier