Aromatherapy opens new world of gardening

Those of us who enjoy gardening do so for many reasons. The freedom of being outside, working with our hands and the reward of being surrounded by natural beauty are probably among the most common attractions of home horticulture.

Then there is the enjoyment we feel, but cannot put our fingers on. These are the things that allow us to gain from gardening a unique sensory dimension and fulfillment.

Horticultural fads come and go. Landscaping styles, popular plants, even specific uses of various species can be as trendy as clothing fashions.

One aspect of horticulture that has come into vogue recently is also one that is ageless: aromatherapy. Certain herbs and flowers can be made into potpourris, as a source for essential oils and the ingredients in salves, creams and fragrant ointments.

Those who believe in holistic medicine stand by the value of aromatherapy as a healing medium for the mind and body. Teachers of positive thinking say happy thoughts are healing thoughts. Horticultural therapists and some people who practice holistic or alternative medicine believe that by those standards, when we recall or experience the fragrances of plants and associate them with positive experiences, we may improve our health or even heal ourselves of disease.

Those who hold steadfast to the concept that principles of healing must be firmly grounded in research and science must question the validity of their convictions, considering that aromatherapy is an ancient practice that has been refined and passed on from our forebears. Many herbs have specific uses and effects on the human body. Chamomile is soothing, astringent and antiseptic. Mints are refreshing, invigorating and also astringent. Rose is relaxing, lemon balm stimulating.

Perhaps the occasional lack of satisfaction in the results of medicine and science is why people are turning to alternative medicine. Perhaps we benefit from being united with the natural elements in healing, making a vital connection with the core of our humanity. In a world where more and more people are growing less and less in touch with the fundamentals of life, gardening affords an intimate connection.

For some, especially those who enjoy flower gardening and landscaping, the draw to horticulture is mainly visual. Recent research has shown that while we gather most of our information through our sense of sight, we pass judgments based mainly on our sense of smell.

The topics of plant fragrances and aromatherapy can open up a whole new world of gardening. Herb gardening itself is the subject of reams of writing.

A few key herbs most commonly used in aromatic mixtures, in addition to those mentioned, are lavender, eucalyptus, sage and calendula, all commonly used in aromatherapy. Comfrey, lemon verbena, parsley and thyme are used to soothe and relax.

Fragrant flowering plants create an aroma in the garden. Nicotiana, rose, sweet alyssum, carnations, lilacs, peonies and marigolds all produce distinct fragrances. To some these fragrances are appealing, while to others some are nothing short of repulsive. It is in our own individual interpretations of what is pleasing that therapy lies.

The best part of gardening is that there will always be another season with which to experiment with the diverse gifts of nature.

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, c/o Maine Weekend, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone