The word 'potpourri' springs from the French word 'pot-pourri ', the term for a stew made of mixed meats. The word potpourri has come to describe a mix of dried plants or flowers with natural fragrances and a pleasing scent. It is rather ironic that the French word itself also translates to 'rotten pot ' in English. Nonetheless potpourri is handy for masking foul odors in rooms or where ventilation is lacking. The scent of potpourri is further said to give an individual a sense of serenity.
In antiquity, the utilization of aromatherapy and potpourri products can be dated back to about 1000BC, where the ancient Egyptians enjoyed scented oil baths and incense was popular with those in the wealthier classes. The Romans indulged in massages using scented oils when visiting the public baths.
By the time of Europe's Middle Ages, dried naturally scented flowers were used to mask bad odors in rooms where the passage of air was poor. These dried floral arrangements were also used to refresh clothing and were hung over doors to freshen the air.
In this modern day, the use of potpourri has not changed a lot from earlier times. The range of potpourri products available now is wider, with various kinds on the market to suit the demands of the masses. For instance, shops may stock herbal potpourri, exotic potpourri, and therapeutic potpourri. But all forms of potpourri serve a common purpose: to give a pleasant scent to the air and to set a calm and pleasing mood within a room.
If you wish to make a particular ambiance in your own home, making your own potpourri is a good idea. You can tailor potpourri to your own tastes by gathering and collecting the kinds of fruits, petals, herbs and oils that best appeal to your senses. Just remember, the rule of the thumb for success in making beautifully scented potpourri is to handle your materials with care. Be sure not to damage herbs or flowers, as bruising their essential oils will change their fragrance.
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To find local aromatherapy products, check your Australian online business directory.
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