Why should you have an Aromatic Garden?
- Conscious Living
- Jun 24, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 3, 2024
Image: A harvest platter of herbs from our garden. Holy Basil, Ajwain, Peppermint and Rosemary (clockwise)
My journey to build an aromatic garden started three years ago in Salem. While me and my friend had some time to kill before meeting a colleague, we stumbled upon a nursery nestled in the chaos of the city streets. I'm always curious about medicinal and aromatic plants, so I asked them to show me all they had.
How do you feel when you enter a big nursery full of lush green plants, flowers and natural aromas? To me, it brings a unique sense of calm and oneness.
It was a mini-tour in itself. In the end, I picked up Tulsi and Rosemary plant pots.
Now picture this : Me lugging these plants and going on a 700kms road trip
You see, at that time I was only visiting Salem. I didn't live there, so these plants had to travel 700 km with me back home. Firstly, I don't know why I picked them up. Ha ha. Beats me!
It's not that we don't have nurseries back home, but in retrospect, I possibly felt a "connection" with these green pals. Thankfully, they survived and have been thriving plus our Aromatic garden has been growing ever since.
WHY Aromatic plants specifically?
Aromas from plants can evoke a strong psychological response because the aromatic molecules travel through our nose (olfactory system) and are processed in the limbic system in the brain, which is closely associated with emotions, memories, and behaviors. Certain aromas can trigger feelings of relaxation, happiness, or even nostalgia.
How do you feel when you hike a mountain surrounded by thousands of trees? Refreshing and happy? Well, now you know why!
Did you know that Essential oils are concentrated aromatic compounds that are extracted through a process called distillation? Hence they have much more substantial psychological and physiological effects. So for every plant I need but don't have/can't grow in my garden, I have an oil for that!
For Eg: This Kashmiri Lavender cannot grow in South India and requires cold, high-altitude geographical locations. Did you know that our 100% therapeutic-grade essential oil comes straight from the farms in Jammu? (For those of you wondering, Yes, this variety of Lavender is called Kashmiri and not Jammu lavender)
Whenever I feel down or struggle to focus, in addition to diffusing my Essential oils, I like to take a quick stroll in my garden and inhale the fragrant plants for about 5-10 minutes, and it never fails to work like magic.
PRO TIP - While you can simply smell the plants by bringing your nose close to them, a method that has proven effective for me is to grasp the plant from its base with both hands, gently move upwards, and then release your hands. This technique prompts the plants to release lots of aromatic compounds which are then transferred onto your hands.
Now, it is time to back up our words with some science-based evidence:
Restorative Gardens: The Healing Benefits of Urban Green Spaces
Study: Sullivan, W. C., Kuo, F. E., & DePooter, S. F. (2004). The fruit of urban nature: Vital neighborhood spaces. Environment and Behavior.
Findings: Exposure to restorative gardens with aromatic plants was linked to enhanced psychological restoration. Participants reported reduced stress levels and improved mood after spending time in these green spaces.
Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective
Study: Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., ... & Kahn Jr, P. H. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances.
Findings: Access to green spaces, including gardens with aromatic plants, was associated with improved mental health outcomes. Participants reported reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-being?
Study: Grinde, B., & Patil, G. G. (2009). Biophilia: Does visual contact with nature impact on health and well-being? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Findings: Visual and sensory contact with nature, including exposure to aromas from garden plants, positively influenced health and well-being. Participants in environments with natural elements reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of life satisfaction.
The Role of Sensory Gardens in Pediatric Neuro-Rehabilitation
Study: Craig, J. M., Logan, C. M., & Gilmartin, C. (2012). The role of sensory gardens in pediatric neuro-rehabilitation. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine.
Findings: Participants reported that the sensory stimulation from natural scents contributed to mood regulation and emotional well-being.
TOP 3 plants to get started with & HOW you can use the harvest?
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Inhaling the invigorating aroma from the Rosemary plant stimulates the nervous system and helps combat mental fatigue and brain fog. The scent of rosemary has been linked to enhanced cognitive function, including improved concentration, focus, and memory retention.
Infuse olive oil with dry rosemary to create a massage oil or hair treatment that promotes circulation and scalp health.
Boil fresh/dried rosemary sprigs in water, let it cool, and use it as a natural hair rinse to strengthen hair and promote growth.
Steep fresh or dried rosemary leaves in hot water for a refreshing herbal tea or to relieve yourself from the common cold as it possesses expectorant properties, which means it can help clear congestion and promote easier breathing.
Dry rosemary leaves and use them in spice blends or sprinkle over dishes for added flavor.
If you love DIYs, add dried rosemary to soaps,candes, and bath salts.
2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Inhaling the refreshing citrusy aroma of fresh lemongrass can help reduce stress and anxiety, and provide an energizing and uplifting feeling.
Use fresh lemongrass to infuse flavor into broths, soups, rice, or curries. Simply bruise the stalks to release their oils before adding them to your recipe.
Wrap meat or fish with lemongrass leaves, marinade them, and cook. It adds a fresh citrusy flavor that complements various dishes beautifully.
Make a refreshing tea by steeping fresh or dried lemongrass stalks in hot water. It aids in digestion.
Grow lemongrass near plants susceptible to pests. Its aroma repels insects and improves plant health.
Mix dried lemongrass with other dried flowers and herbs for homemade potpourri and add Essential oils. It creates a fragrant ambiance and also repels mosquitoes.
3. Tulsi/Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Inhaling the spicy aroma aroma from fresh Tulsi can provide a feeling of upliftment and enegry. It helps combat feelings of fatigue and mental exhaustion, promoting a sense of rejuvenation.
It is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a category of herbs, roots, and fungi that help the body adapt to stressors and maintain homeostasis (Homeostasis is the self-regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to optimal conditions for surviva). Helps balance hormones, improve immune function, and increase resilience to physical, emotional, and environmental stress.
Use fresh or dried Tulsi leaves to brew a soothing herbal tea. Steep/boil a handful of leaves in hot water for a few minutes.
Add fresh Tulsi leaves to salads, soups, stir-fries, and curries for a peppery, clove-like flavor.
Make a unique pesto by blending Tulsi leaves with garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Use it as a sauce for pasta or a spread for sandwiches.
Extract Tulsi juice by crushing fresh leaves and straining the liquid. It can be consumed directly or mixed with honey to alleviate coughs, colds, and respiratory issues.
Grow Tulsi alongside other plants to repel insects and pests naturally. Its strong aroma deters mosquitoes and flies.
This is why you should have your Aromatic garden—where each herb enriches your senses, nourishes your body & mind, and helps you foster a deeper connection with Nature.
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