Aromatherapy is not a new concept. Anthropologists believe that primitive man used scented flowers and herbs for both ceremony and pleasure. Ancient Egyptians added the essence of chamomile in massage oils, and Greek athletes sprinkled themselves with scented nectar to enhance athletic performance. Cleopatra used pillows filled with rose petals to induce sleep. The Romans added lavender to their baths to soothe muscles and relax the spirit, and African tribespeople coated their skin with fragrant oils to protect them from the sun.
Floral fragrances can dramatically enhance our moods and health.
Lavender flowers and roses are known for their calming effect. Floral fragrances improve learning and productivity. Similarly, office workers work much faster in offices filled with fragrant flowers than in odorless environments. Using fragrance to enhance the home has occured throughout history. To perfume the air of banquet halls, ancient Greeks and Romans sprinkled doves' wings with scented oils before releasing them into the room.