Nelly Grant, the wise, intuitive greengrocer from the book As It Is in Heaven by writer Niall Williams, was my first dreamy touchpoint of food as medicine in an everyday setting. She's a greengrocer who believes in the healing powers of fresh produce. I highly recommend this book. I nearly became a nutritionist after reading this divine story!
On this glorious spinning ball we call earth, there are so many remedies; the scent of jasmine, right now the sweetness of a mango, the salt in the ocean air, herbs growing in the garden (currently an abundance of Parsley because it can grow under any condition π), sunlight on our skin, the rhythm of the seasons, tinctures, oils, beautiful flowers and the sunny arrival of each new day.
Speaking of earthly offerings, after writing about Jasmine here and here, and photographing it a gazillion ways, I decided to dive a little deeper. I came to relearn (Ayurveda dives deep into this flower) and discover more about this tiny little flower that has so many star qualities (and yes, pun intended!) such as:
Jasmine's aroma is traditionally associated with helping to soothe the mind, lift our moods and encourage a sense of inner devotion.
This tiny, delicate flower has a long history in traditional practices and aromatherapy. Its beautiful fragrance has been cherished for centuries, and jasmine has a special place in Ayurveda and other traditional healing traditions.
The earth never ceases to amaze me with its at-the-ready offerings for many of our modern-day afflictions. Jasmine's scent is traditionally associated with easing nervous tension and encouraging a sense of calm. Some early research into jasmine fragrance also suggests it may influence mood and feelings of wellbeing. Keeping on with this topic, and staying with this particular rabbit hole, I just went to my bookshelf and pulled down my go-to book on Yoga and Ayurveda: Soma in Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley (highly recommended!). And sure enough, there's more information on this sweet aroma and its rejuvenating and mood-shifting qualities. Frawley writes about the importance of sweet flower essences in aromatherapy for rejuvenating the mind. He also discusses how many of the night-blooming sweet flowers are more fragrant at night (and perhaps that's why some can be rather expensive).
Who's putting up their hand to go picking Jasmine at night? Under a full moon, maybe! Letβs take our rose tea, our blankets, our soft pashminas and prayers and go lay under the moon. Iβm taking bookings now ΛΛΛ κ° βοΈ κ± ΛΛΛ How about a nighttime walk? Either at dusk or a little later (always be safe and mindful of where you live and your surroundings, ladies).
Keeping with the theme of earth medicine, Jasmine can be woven into our lives in so many ways:
Aromatherapy β Jasmine pillow mist, or a few drops of essential oil in your diffuser before bedtime, might just create the most beautiful evening atmosphere. αΆ» π π°
Facial / Hydration Mist β This one is beautiful.
Perfume Oil β There are so many to choose from, and I've recommended a few in the above article.
Incense β This online store has many varieties of Japanese incense, which I find much more subtle and delicate than many other countries incense offerings.
Diffuser β Pop a couple of drops of jasmine essential oil into your diffuser and tuck it into the corner of your living room for the most fragrant feel.
Jasmine Tea β A lovely floral ritual to add to your afternoon, with a little time to pause and savour.
Photography β Sit with a photograph of Jasmine to encourage your imagination. ΛΒ°π· ΰΌΛΒ°
Painting β Pick up a paintbrush and have a go at capturing those delicate little flowers. I did, it was fun and scary. LOL.
There are a myriad of ways to bring this beautiful scent into your world. Think of them as little earthly goodies, ready and waiting to be enjoyed.
But here's where I'd like to turn the question over to you my friend:
Do you have a problem that needs a remedy? Might your favourite scent be your medicine?
Maybe it's the smell of the ocean and its gentle breeze through your hair that offers you just what you need. I can feel my shoulders relaxing at the thought of this.
Can you let the natural morning light find your face first thing in the morning (before tea & coffee), helping to regulate your body clock and sleep cycle?
Perhaps you could explore flower essences, or simply add a little floral ritual to your day. Imagine filling your water jug, adding a few edible flowers for decoration and reminding yourself that you're drinking something rather lovely! Water infused with flowers!
Letβs become curious about the remedies already waiting for us?
Sometimes what we need for our minds and hearts aren't more words.
Some days we need a ripe peach,
a handful of cherries,
a little sweetness, kindness and thoughtfulness of someone,
maybe ourselves, who knows which little offerings from the earth might nourish us.
