Category Archives: historical herbs

News, Perfume

What Is A Botanical Perfume?

Posted on by Fehmida
11
Apr
Botanical or natural perfume is more than just a fragrance, its a return to the ancient origins of perfumery when scent was revered and held deep spiritual and ceremonial significance. Long before synthetics began to imitate nature, perfumery was an art rooted in ritual and healing, and a profound connection to the earth and to us. A botanical perfume is crafted from raw, living materials such as essential oils, tinctured flowers and leaves, macerated and infused petals, woods, and resins that have been cooked with intention to exacting ancient methods. As a living natural thing, it is not perfect, it is what the earth makes it. Unlike synthetic perfumes that are created in laboratories, where the scent is static, uniform, and lifeless, botanical perfumes are alive. They are composed of real plants, each grown in unique soils, climates, and seasons. These natural elements are ever evolving, and a botanical perfume is a reflection of that, telling the story of the ever changing nature of the plants it is derived from.
I like to think of botanical perfume as more than an just an adornment, I think this diminishes its significance. I would describe it as a living essence, something that follows us like an invisible companion, wrapping around our energy and becoming part of our individuality. For centuries, fragrances has served not just as beautification, but as a bridge to linking the body to the spirit, and to the earth and afterlife. Before perfume was just beauty, it was a ritual. Before it was fashion, it was sacred.

 

Before Perfume Was Beauty, It Was A Ritual. Before It Was Fashion, It Was Sacred.

A Sacred Scent Through Time
In all of the known ancient world, perfume had always been sacred. In Mesopotamia, fragrant resins like myrrh and frankincense were burned in temples as offerings. Egyptians anointed their bodies with aromatic oils for both beauty and spirituality, using scents like lotus and prepared kyphi in rituals and burial rites. In India and China, perfumes were crafted from herbs, flowers, and spices, used in medicine, meditation, and ceremony. The Greeks used perfume in bathing, rituals, and medicine. They believed scent could elevate the spirit and stir desire. Hippocrates, believed in the healing power of scent. He used aromatic herbs and perfumes for therapeutic purposes, purifying the air, easing the mind, and restoring balance to the body. And during the Islamic Golden Age, alchemist, physician and philosopher, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) advanced distillation techniques, capturing the true essence of plants; most famously, the rose. Perfume became both a science and a spiritual art, woven into medicine, prayer, and beauty. In every culture, it seems, perfume was a bridge between the earth and the soul.
An Alchemy Of Sorts
When we wear perfume, it’s not just about the scent. It is a dialogue between the fragrance, our skin, and our energy. This is the true transformation of a scent, it moves beyond the physical, penetrating an emotional, mental, and spiritual layer.
Alchemy, at its core, is transformation, and yes traditionally and popularly, in medieval practice and philosophy, it was known to transform base metals into gold, often blending science and spiritual belief. As a layperson on the subject I am not going to describe what alchemy is or is not. However I will always remember what one of my teachers many years ago, said about the definition of alchemy. He called it ‘a spiritual journey of the soul.’ It is the quiet fire that transforms the nafs (the egoic self) into something luminous. The ego begins raw and tethered to the world. But through the alchemical path, be it stillness, surrender, the remembrance of God, pondering and immersion of nature, it is refined, like lead into gold, and the self is transmuted. What was once restless becomes radiant. What was once veiled becomes clear.

The Spirit Of The Plant Meets The Spirit Of You.

 

The Scent Meets The Self
And you could say similarly, that a scent too, participates in this alchemical transformation. When you anoint with a perfume, the heat of your body interacts with the plant oils, causing them to unfold and reveal themselves in ways that are unique to you. In the meeting point between the perfume and the wearer, your skin chemistry and your energetic imprint shape how the fragrance lives and breathes. No two people will wear a perfume the same way. It becomes a reflection of who you are in the moment. It is where the spirit of the plant meets the spirit of you.
Scent That Communes With The Soul
Scent is like the silent language of the soul. It speaks to us before our conscious minds even have the chance to process it. As the perfume comes into contact with our skin, it begins to affect our emotional and energetic state. Different notes can awaken joy, stir memories, invite introspection, or offer comfort in times of grief. Perfume therefore, is likened to a conduit for energetic and emotional transformation:

Opening the Heart
Floral notes such as rose, jasmine, and neroli hold deep resonance with the heart. They are not just beautiful flowers, they are known to be heart medicine. The scent of the rose in particular, has a calming and uplifting effect on the soul. Its gentle fragrance helps ease emotional pain, lighten sadness, and bring a sense of peace. Ibn Sina believed that the scent of the rose could refresh the spirit, soothe the heart, and restore emotional balance. For those feeling sorrow, anxiety, or emotional heaviness, the rose was not just a flower, it was a subtle medicine for the inner self.

Grounding the Spirit
Earthy notes such as sandalwood, patchouli, and vetiver connect us to the root and ground, our link to the earthly world. These grounding scents provide stability, calm, and presence. Sandalwood, revered in spiritual traditions, anchors us during chaos and opens space for stillness. It brings us back to our centre.

Elevating the Soul
Resins such as frankincense and myrrh have long been used in ritual to purify, bless, and transcend. These materials can elevate the spirit, and feel like open portals to higher consciousness, and create a transcendent atmosphere. Frankincense, in particular, feels like a bridge between worlds. It draws us inward, quiets the mind, helps us to reflect and invites connection to something vast.

When we wear or anoint ourselves with a natural perfume, crafted from the aromatic ‘soul’ of plants, we are gently reminded that we are part of the earth’s living breath, rooted in its rhythms, nourished by its fragrance, and connected to it most profoundly.

herbal medicine, historical herbs

Botanical Lore – The Pomegranate

Posted on by Fehmida
27
Feb

So something different here. A pomegranate monograph I have written in the style of a fable or myth. A ‘Mythograph.’

I had the idea when thinking about the many ancient medical texts that incorporated parables and anecdotes to make complex concepts more memorable. And how, many origins of myths began as explanations for real life events or observations. For example, old wives tales about medicine often originate from early medical practices. Many ancient cultures used herbal remedies that had real healing properties, but without scientific understanding, their effects were explained through mythological means. No doubt we all have handed down advice from our grandparents that have come from somewhere.

Anyway the below ‘mythograph’ story is a bit over the top and blousy, but I had fun with it. The term ‘Anaar’ in the story, refers to Pomegranate. A number of languages including Farsi, Hindi and Urdu use this term for Pomegranate. The medicinal properties are based on Middle eastern, Indian, Persian and Unani sources. Please do your own research regarding the medicinal benefits, and the botanical details of a Pomegranate.

BOTANICAL LORE: PARISA AND THE POMEGRANATE TREE

In an age when the earth was acknowledged by all to be hallowed, when the sky was a tapestry of stars and the winds carried whispers of forgotten knowledge, there went a traveller by the name of Parisa, a woman bound not by hearth or home, but by the road itself. She had wandered through highland passes where the eagles soared through valleys, and where the roses bled incense into the air, and through deserts where the sun wove golden dust into the earth. Nonetheless still, her journey, she felt, was not complete. Her soul was a vessel of curiosity, her spirit free as the rivers that carved through the mountains, and her feet ever in search of learning. After many full moons, she arrived at an archaic orchard, where the trees stood like longing dervishes, their branches whispering prayers to the heavens above. At its heart grew a tree unlike any other. Its roots curled like serpents, rough and twisted around the stones of the earth, its branches draped in the fire of ruby red fruit.
This was the Anaar, the Pomegranate tree, beloved by sages, healers and commonfolk alike.
The Anaar was no common tree. Her leaves were a verdant, deep green that flickered in the light, turning to gold when the autumn touched her branches. Her flowers were fiery red, each one shaped like a refined cup of flame, foretelling the harvest to come. The ether around seemed to pulse with the substance of life, and Parisa stood in the presence of the Anaar, when a quiet knowing voice arose from the very heart of the tree, echoing through the quiet valley.
“O wayfarer, who walks between fate and destiny, you have searched for me, and therefore I shall reveal to you my mysteries. You have sort out wisdom in isolated lands, but the absolute wisdom lies within the indivisible things – the earth, the air, the water and fire, and within the fruit of my branches is the essence of life. I am the keeper of balance and within me lies the strength to restore, and to bring harmony to the soul.”
The tree then beckoned Parisa to approach, offering her three fruits, each distinct from the other, each bearing a unique spirit and promise. The tree then spoke in the language of those who think and ponder. “Take each of these three fruits that hold the wisdom of the earth, and in each one, there lies healing.”

The Sweet Pomegranate – A Balm For The Heart

The first fruit Parisa chose was the sweetest of them all. Its rubied flesh gleamed in the light, and as she ate its jewels, a wave of calm swept over her. The sweetness of the fruit soothed her troubled spirit, cooling the heat of anxiety that had long plagued her. The very essence of peace seemed to flow through her, as if the turmoil of her soul had been quelled by a temperate breeze.
The sweet pomegranate is cool and moist in temperament, making her a balm for the heart, mind, and blood. She nourishes the body gently, restoring lost vitality.
“Of sweet fruit,” the tree proclaimed, “carries the essence of balance and tranquility. Her nature is cooling, and she heals the heart and mind. She purifies the blood, clears the thoughts of confusion, and brings joy to the weary soul.”
Parisa, feeling the weight of her travels lift from her shoulders, knew that this sweet fruit was a remedy for those whose hearts were burdened, whose minds were restless. In the tradition of medicine of Ibn Sina, it was said that the sweet pomegranate purified the blood, improves digestion, soothing the belly and cools the body and tempers the heat of the heart. It was a balm for those who suffered from palpitations, anxiety, and fever, restoring clarity and serenity to their spirits.

The Sour Pomegranate – A Quencher Of Fire

The second fruit was sharp, with a sour, astringent scent that filled the air. Its taste was bold and intense, striking a contrast to the sweetness Parisa had just tasted. As she consumed the sour fruit, a sharp cooling sensation spread through her, quenching the internal fire that had burned within her from the long travels, the harsh climates, and the fevered nights. The sourness worked to restore balance, like the sudden refreshment of a cool breeze in the heat of summer.
The sour pomegranate is cold and dry in nature, making her a potent cleanser and absorber of flow. She is the warrior against excessive heat, inflammation, and digestive disorders.
“This fruit, O Parisa,” the tree uttered, “is for those whose bodies are overtaken by too much heat. When the body suffers from bile, inflammation, or digestive imbalance, my sour fruit restores harmony. Her rind, when powdered, is a powerful cleanser, tightening the tissues and calming the digestive body. Like the crisp wind before a storm, she cleanses, she strengthens, she fortifies.”
Parisa felt the effects of the sour fruit instantly, her body cooled, the heat of fatigue drained from her limbs, and a sense of relief washed over her.
This fruit, with its dry and cold temperament, was revered in the ancient texts for its ability to balance excess heat and bile, cooling the body when inflammation or heat that rages within, and also tame the flames of fever. The pomegranate’s rind, when prepared crushed, was known to cleanse the liver and intestines, restrict the heavy flow of menses, and the looseness of the bowels. Furthermore it is known to treats digestive disorders, expel the parasites within, and restoring balance to the body.

The Balanced Pomegranate – The Keeper Of Harmony

The final fruit Parisa chose was a perfect blend of both sweetness and sourness. It was neither too tart nor too sweet, but held the perfect union of both. As Parisa ate into its balanced nectar, she felt an overwhelming sense of harmony spread through her. Her body, mind, and spirit seemed to align in a perfect equilibrium, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly whole.
The balanced pomegranate is a unique fusion of both temperaments, making her an principle medicine for restoring equilibrium for those whose humors are disordered or misaligned.

“O cherished Parisa,” the tree murmured, “this fruit is a valued gift. For she is the union of opposites, the perfect balance of sweet and tart. She heals the body, soothes the soul, and brings vitality to the spirit. When the humours within are out of balance, this fruit restores order, bringing peace to the mind and strength to the body.”
Parisa, filled with newfound vitality, understood that the balanced pomegranate was the key to true restoration, the perfect remedy for those whose energies were scattered, and their bodies and minds were at war with themselves. In the Unani tradition, the balanced pomegranate was considered the ultimate healer.
The anaar then continued with the benefits of the balanced pomegranate: “She restores balance to the body and soul, aligning the humours and energies within. She strengthens the heart and stomach, nourishes the blood, and promotes vitality. And restores resistance, protecting the body from the diseases inside, and on the periphery.”

The Healing Powers of the Anaar

The Pomegranate tree lastly conveyed, “My seeds purify the blood, guarding the elements of the body to cleanse and enrich. Those who suffer from skin blemishes, swellings, and dark spots find relief in my essence. My juice soothes the digestive system, relieving fiery bellies, and abdominal tenderness. My rind cools the fevered body, and eases the pain of bones that are stiff and ache or suffer gout.”
As Parisa rested on the trunk of the Pomegranate tree, listening to the whispers of the earth, she comprehended the deep extent of the tree’s healing gifts. Every part of her, from the seeds to the rind, from the juice to the peel, held healing powers that had been known to sages and healers for centuries.
Parisa took this wisdom to the heart of her being, knowing that the pomegranate was not just a fruit, but a living, healing entity, one that restores the balance of nature, heals the body, and soothes the spirit.
And so, Parisa continued her journey, sharing the blessed knowledge of the pomegranate tree with all who would listen. Her voyage became not just one of discovery, but a quest to heal, to restore, and to teach others, the ways of the Pomegranate. The spirit of the Anaar followed her on her path, its presence a reminder that true health is found in the balance of opposites and the earth’s abundance. When comprehended correctly, is the most authentic form of medicine.

 

Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10598818/
Reading: Canon of medicine book II by Ibn Sina.
Top image: William Adolphe Bouguereau’s ‘Pomegranate Seller’, 1875 (Public domain)

Free stuff, News

Luna Calendar 2025

Posted on by Fehmida
luna calendar 2025

Free Luna calendar for 2025! Stay updated with the moon phases, this one includes the full moon, new moon, first quarter and last quarter.
The lunar calendar is one of the oldest systems of timekeeping, deeply rooted in human history and culture. Unlike the solar calendar, which is based on the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, the lunar calendar tracks time by the phases of the Moon.

The lunar calendar and cycle has remained relevant for cultural, religious, and spiritual purposes for millennia. It reminds us of our deep connection to nature and its rhythms. Observing the Moon’s phases can be a grounding practice, helping us to slow down and align with the natural world.

Whether you’re relying on the moon for religious or spiritual practices, planting a garden, for cupping therapy, observing emotional or menstrual cycle changes, or simply gazing at the night sky, the lunar calendar and cycle offers a timeless rhythm that connects us to the cosmos.
I’m hoping to write more on the influence of the moon when I get a chance.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this calendar. To download and print, click here: luna calendar 2025

luna calendar 2025
historical herbs, News

Autumn Garden

Posted on by Fehmida

A calm quiet resonates in the garden. Autumn is like an intending looming temporal loss. In Unani medicine, Autumn is associated with the Earth element, as all the vegetation and plants prepare to return back to earth. The sadness of autumn reflects its melancholic temperament. It is a contemplative state, as the season shifts from summer’s warmth to winter’s cool grasp. The gradient hues of the falling leaves; oranges, reds, browns and yellows mark an end, a reminder that life is transient. As the days grow shorter and the air turns brisk, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot feels like a quiet farewell.

This year everything is extremely overgrown. The Valerian has been invasive, it has creeped in to all the pots, and leached through the slabs and in every orifice. My three cats adore it though, they dig the pots and take out the root to roll around in pure delight. I have left it as is, for them, for now anyway. I may regret this.

The walnuts fruits are opening up, and I can hear the snapping of the shells as the squirrels are feasting and hiding the nuts in my pots and planters. The hydrangeas are drying out, I have dead headed most of them, but left a few to dry out on the stems, as they make stunning dried flower displays. There’s still a few evening primroses determined to play with the wind, and an abundance of blackberries to harvest still.

A new plant I grew from seed this year was the Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), commonly known for its astringent and healing properties, especially for women’s issues

The name ‘Alchemilla’ translates as ‘little alchemist’, coming from the Arabic word Alkemiya and is linked to medieval alchemy. The dew that gathers on its leaves was understood to possess spiritual qualities. This highly prized liquid was known as Aqua Celestis (heavenly water), and thought to be the purest form of distilled water used in alchemical practices with the aim of achieving spiritual purity and transformation.

I am trying to get to know the ‘little alchemist’ a little bit better. She appears to me especially feminine, earthly and quite motherly. I have made it a ritual to go out in the garden, and to observe the dew that she exudes every morning. Her broad cloak like velvety leaves appear to be so inviting, and I eagerly accept her offerings, and sometimes make a cold tea infusion combining the dew filled leaves. I truly hope she makes it through the winter.

Autumn is strange, its sadness is both gentle and bittersweet. It can evoke nostalgia for what has passed or spark reflections on the fleeting nature of things. The sombre skies, bare trees, and cold air indicate solitude and loss, yet there’s a quiet appeal in the stillness. It’s a season for reflection, for releasing the past, and for embracing change, and even accepting the subtle melancholy it offers.

lady's mantle

Aromatherapy, News

Sacred Bath Rituals

Posted on by Fehmida

For centuries Sacred Bath rituals have signified a sacred and spiritual act, rooted in the belief that water not only purifies and cleanses, but also, heal, and connects the mind body and spirit.
Bath and water rituals have been practiced in numerous cultures around the world.
Historically civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians used water for spiritual and physical purification. Ritual baths were part of preparations for religious ceremonies, involving the use of oils and herbs.
In Ancient Greeks baths were integral to daily life, serving not just hygienic but also social and spiritual purposes. Hippocrates prescribed baths as medicine of the body and the spirit. Unani medicine traditions also prescribe herbal baths as a regimental therapy.

Indian, Turkish, Japanese, African, Indigenous peoples of America and many more cultures practice the tradition of sacred baths, which can be a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience, combining elements of mindfulness, to purify and soothe the soul and increase health and vitality. Spiritual practices of ablution and cleansing are also found in Islam with its ritual cleansing before prayer known as wudhu. In Judaism there is the practice of Mikveh, the ritual immersion in water to achieve purity, and in Christianity the practice of Baptism.

The sacred bath ritual can be a personal journey to re connect with the subconscious aspects of yourself and your life, fostering greater clarity and a sense of completeness.

Reverence for water

Water is the essence of life as we know, it was the first home within the womb, and connected to every life form. With regards to the four classical elements of Water, Air, Fire and Earth, water is associated with emotions, fluidity, and the ability to listen and hold memory. As a shape shifter water can change  from liquid to gas to solid, it moulds and hold and accepts various shapes without permanency. Unani philosophers also describe the character of water as nurturing, calm, accepting, intuitive, and feminine.

Suggestions for creating a calming sacred bath ritual:

a) Cleanse the space by tidying up your bathroom to create a quiet and disorder-free environment.
b) Using aromatherapy candles, or dim lights can create a calming atmosphere, but is optional.

Prepare the Bath with any one, or all of these below, there are no hard and fast rules. I gathered what I had in the garden, rose petals, cedar leaves, rosemary and sage. Also Amethyst and clear crystals that I already had.
c) Salts such as Himalayan pink salt, or Epsom Salts to help to relax muscles, increase circulation, and reduce any inflammation.
d) Essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, lemon balm, chamomile, and orange can be used, or use your intuition to choose an oil. Please note, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier before adding to the bath water.
e) Herbs, plants and flowers can be dried, such as lavender, rose petals or chamomile. Alternatively go to the garden or green area and intentionally gather a few sprigs or flower heads of the plants that speak to you.
f) Place crystals like amethyst or rose quartz in the bath to elevate the vibrations further.
While immersing yourself in the water, you can choose to make an intention. Invite within, the stillness, and the quiet to promote a sense of peace. Focus on the sensations of the essence and the character of the water element, as well as your chosen oils, and the plants or flowers. Trust your intuition and let yourself be centered and allow your thoughts to be open to messages or ideas that come to mind without judgement. Visualise the water as a conduit to absorb the energy from the plant and oils, to reflect, and to renew and nourish the soul, and wash away any negative thoughts that may arise.
You can also journal your experiences, write down any insights, or if you notice any shifts in the mind or body.

News

Spring

Posted on by Fehmida

Spring marks the moment when the sun sits directly over the Earth’s equator as it heads northward. The Northern and Southern Hemispheres share the sun’s rays equally at the equinox, and night and day are roughly the same length, therefore there is a natural energetic balance in nature and in us.

Taking a life lesson from springtide, I have woken up to a whispery scented zephyr wind, and am mindful of the natural energetic shift that we can feel right now. Notably being a melancholic person, which is a cold and dry temperament, and the Spring season is the natural opposite, being a hot and moist temperament, this combination is an aligned one.

Spring is a good time to start something new, to declutter mental and physical spaces, to spend time outside, listen to bird song, read a new book, and generally make use of the energy that comes with the Spring equinox.

In the garden, I am embracing the blue Hyacinth with its hypnotic trance and taking pleasure in the violets against a backdrop of green foliage. St John’s wort has arose, from the soil scented earth, as has the Lemon balm with its sprightly charms, letting me know it is here once more. The flowering buds of the motherly Elder with it shape shifting leaves stands firm and succeeds in making me feel grounded. The fleeting petals of the magnolia tree reminds me of new beginnings, of hope, of change, and a promise of what is yet to come.

 

News

Winter Garden

Posted on by Fehmida

The intending depth of winter infers us to look inwards, to reflect, and feels drawn to the warmth of indoors. Those of a melancholic constitution, may feel this need with more severity, with feelings of sadness and maybe even loss. Uplifting essential oils I like to use includes orange and bergamot, cinnamon to add cosiness, and black pepper to lift sluggish spirit.
However the garden right now is not lifeless, it is transiently quite, and looking inwards as nature intended. Peeled back, the energy within the roots of the plants gently brew for the preparation of spring. There is internal life and light still, and the moments spent outside in between the dappled light, and the colours of gold, browns and fawnlike beige are beneficial places for contemplation.
I do not weed – at all, merely sweep up the leaves from the slabs. Otherwise all is left to fall, grow and decay as it wishes. Images below are from my garden right now.