Fragrance and Wellbeing: Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche

by Jennifer Peace Peace Rhind

Overview

For thousands of years fragrance has been used, across many varied cultures, for altering mental and emotional states, and as part of spiritual practice. This book explores the impact of fragrance on the psyche from biological, anthropological, perfumery and aromatherapy viewpoints.

Beginning with an exploration of our olfactory system and a discussion of the language of odour, the book examines the ways in which fragrance can influence our perceptions and experiences. It introduces us to a broad range of fragrance types – woody, resinous, spicy, herbaceous, agrestic, floral and citrus, as well as the attars that form part of Unani Tibb medicine. Traditional and contemporary uses and the mood-enhancing properties of fragrance types are presented. The book then provides an overview of the theoretical and philosophical frameworks that have been used to analyse how and why we choose fragrance. Finally readers are given guidance on how to cultivate their olfactory palate, which reveals a new dimension in the use of fragrance to enhance wellbeing.

This book offers a wealth of knowledge on plant aromatics and the powerful influence of fragrance on wellbeing. It will be of particular interest to aromatherapists, perfumers, psychotherapists, ethnobotanists and anthropologists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857010735
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	10/21/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	448
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Jennifer Peace Rhind is a Chartered Biologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Strathclyde and qualifications in massage and aromatherapy.
She has worked in flavour research and product development, as a therapist and partner in a multidisciplinary complementary healthcare clinic, in education and course development, and as a lecturer in Higher Education. She is an author, writer, mentor and essential oils consultant.
She lives in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

Table of Contents

Preface. Introduction. Part I. Scent: A Pan-Dimensional Perspective. 1. The Fallen Angel. 2. Smell and the psyche. 3. Per fumum. 4. Perfume: The transcendence of the sweet life. Part II. A Natural Palette of Aromatics. 5. Fragrance philosophies. 6. Woody, resinous, balsamic and coniferous scents. 7. Spices. 8. Herbaceous, green, camphoraceous, cineolic and agrestic scented botanicals. 9. Flowers. 10. Citrus, lemon-scented botanicals and fruity fragrances. 11. Attars and the role of fragrance in Unani Tibb medicine (Jeannie Fatimeh Graham). In conclusion. 12. Cultivating the olfactory palate. Glossary. Appendix A. Classification of fragrance. Appendix B. Ambergris. Appendix C. Fragrance and the four elements. Appendix D. Developing sensory appreciation of plant aromatics, essential oils, absolutes and fragrances. References. Bibliography for Chapter 11. Recommended reading.

Editorial Reviews

[This book] addresses how fragrance strongly links to our soul and spirit, and how each aroma plays a different part in addressing the problems of the mind (...) [with] comprehensive descriptions of the wide variety of natural aromas to be found in the plant world (...) in my decade-plus long experience in the world of aromatherapy, I learned many new things from this book.

NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Winter 2017.4 - Sharon Falsetto

This book explores the impact of fragrance on the psyche from biological, anthropological, perfumery and aromatherapy viewpoints... Readers are given guidance on how to cultivate their olfactory plate, which reveals a new dimension in the use of fragrance to enhance wellbeing.

This book offers a wealth of knowledge on plant aromatics and the powerful influence of fragrance on wellbeing. It will be of particular interest to aromatherapists, perfumers, psychotherapists, ethnobotanists and anthropologists.

Embody Magazine

This book takes in a fantastic range of topics, including the biology of fragrance, the social life of scents, the healing powers of smell and incense rituals from around the world. Its central chapters profile the uses of an impressive list of aromatics (blending myth, folklore and science) and it concludes with some vital suggestions for cultivating our olfactory palate. Written by a true perfume lover, Fragrance and Wellbeing makes for heady reading.

David Howes

Jennifer Peace Rhind's classic delivers an in depth explanation of the effect natural plant perfumes have on the human psyche. This work not only covers a scientific summary of plant chemistry, but also the historical use of plants in shamanic and mystical traditions throughout the world...In this great work, the author explores the various odour types and characteristics encountered in plant fragrances in great detail, and goes on to list and describe plant categories... Having read (or at least scanned) many books on the subject of "Aromatherapy", I have found Jennifer Peace Rhind's "Fragrance and Wellbeing" - to be the one which will remain on my bookshelf, to be referred to and delved into often. A great work which deserves much revisiting.

The Herbalist

Jennifer Peace Rhind is a trained chartered biologist who then undertook further studies in complementary therapies, including aromatherapy... She explores the sense of smell and how it works with the psyche... the emotional response to odors.... The evolution of perfume is explored..introduces us to the language of fragrance... I found this book fascinating and full of really great information.

Homeopathy in practice - Jo Ketterman MARH

A walk through an oriental bazaar, contemplation in a Hindu temple, and reading Rhind's Fragrance and Wellbeing are three experiences that provide a clear insight into what Westerners miss by pushing our sense of smell aside. By presenting ample cross-cultural, historical and psychological evidence, Rhind persuasively argues why we should take our nose seriously.

Dr Jan Havlícek

Jennifer Peace Rhind transports the reader on a fascinating journey while exploring the influence of scent on the development of civilization. This well-referenced book includes research within the last century regarding the use of fragrance throughout history. Fragrance and Wellbeing investigates our evolving relationship with the language of scent and its impact on the personal, cultural, spiritual and therapeutic domains with an acknowledgement to new observations for the possible effects of fragrance. A thoroughly interesting, informative and engaging read!

Lora Cantele