Scents of Pleasure

 

Do you use herbs and flowers to flavor the air and cooking? 

Rosemary, called "dew of the sea" finds nourishment in sea mist and humidity. Greek mythology reveals it adorned Aphrodite when she rose from the sea. Its fragrance flavors meats and stews. When it's shaped annually in the garden, the aroma scents the breeze, clothes, and work gloves. 

Take a few sprigs to add to your car, or for use in the kitchen.

Bay trees flavor many dishes like spaghetti sauce. They also have symbolic meaning. Greeks fashioned the bay laurel leaves into crowns to place on the heads of victors in games and battles. The God, Zeus, loved the laurel.  It contain oils used in medicines to treat breathing ailments.

In addition to flavoring food, plants provide olfactory effects. Lavender provides a sense of ease when we need relaxation.

Geraniums, a common garden plant, exudes an odor that meets with mixed reviews. They can smell like rose, peppermint, even chocloate and lime.

Leaves of camphor and eucalyptus refresh when crushed or rubbed.

Roses used in sachets and potpourris also add fragrance to water, baths and waft through a room when cut and placed in a vase. After the flowers of the rose have been pollinated, the fruits form rosehips.  They add flavor to tea and provide vitamin C.

Stop and smell the flowers and herbs. 

Slow down, relax and take in the simple pleasures.