Wellness for the Nose: Scents for Beds and Beauty

Blooms, leaves, and more unleash a fireworks display of aromas. Let them pamper you: on a stroll through the garden, while sitting on your balcony or terrace – or through "Homemade" natural cosmetics!

"Since ancient times, natural scents have been used and honored: gods were paid homage with the burning of woods and resins, pharaohs were embalmed with herbal oils, in ancient Rome, cushions were stuffed with flowers to be constantly surrounded by their fragrance, Cleopatra even had an entire chamber filled knee-deep with roses to enchant her beloved with the scent. Floral scents were also en vogue among the ladies of the Victorian era. All garden paths were bordered with geraniums, so that as they strolled, their long dresses brushed against the plants, releasing their fragrance.

Much like back then, today we harness the aromas of nature, either through garden design or preservation for cosmetics and body care. We'll show you how – step into the realm of scents!"

"Fragrant plants come in every form, from shrubs to potted cultures, for every season and time of day. If you plan correctly, you can immerse yourself in a romantic mood in spring with the delicate note of lilac and refresh yourself in summer with the lively aroma of lemon balm. Sniff roses during the day and night-scented stock on warm evenings. Sit on a garden bench under a fragrant honeysuckle pergola or on the terrace, surrounded by the delicate nuances of daffodils and hyacinths in boxes and pots.

There are infinitely many design possibilities, but generally: Scent islands should be sheltered so that the wind doesn't carry away the delicate fragrances. In small plots, you can create aroma niches, and in large ones, actual paths with seating near scent hotspots. Utilize every space, horizontally and vertically!

Creeping plants are suitable as path borders or bed edgings; climbers can twine upwards on house walls, fences, privacy screens, or balcony railings; hedges and borders can either consist entirely of fragrant species and varieties or be interspersed with them. Low-growing plants or those that only reveal their olfactory secret when you rub their leaves are best placed in a raised bed in the garden, or simply on the table on a balcony or terrace – at eye or nose level. Some herbs are even suitable as lawns: walking over them feels like floating on clouds of scent. This way, you'll be pampered from head to toe in your perfume garden!"

You can capture many of the fleeting aromas from your garden – right in your cosmetic jar!

The beauty trick lies in the essential oils contained within the flowers and/or leaves, which you can use in two ways: they not only affect your senses and thus influence your mood, but also contain various substances that nourish and heal.

The simplest method to harness these aromatherapeutic powers is an infusion. Pour hot water over fresh or dried flower or herb leaves, let steep, and then cool. Bottled in spray bottles, they instantly create cooling and invigorating body sprays and toners. If you desire something a little more luxurious: fragrance oils are a wellness dream combining the active ingredients of oils with plants. You can choose from a huge selection of organic oils, from simple sunflower oil to more expensive wheat germ oil. In a sterile screw-top jar, pour 500 ml of oil over 25 to 50 g of dried plant parts, ensuring they are completely covered. Place a cloth or foil over the opening, close the lid tightly, and let it steep in a warm place for about 4 weeks, shaking or stirring vigorously occasionally. Then filter, store in a cool, dark place, and enjoy: As care for face and body, for massages and baths – for a holistic fragrant pampering program for body and soul!