Flowers, indoor herbs, and even houseplants have loads of benefits to calm or energise you
Walk into the reception of a fancy hotel and you’ll often be overwhelmed by stunning blooms and an indulgent fragrance. This sensory experience, which has been used for decades, is a well-known trick to make you feel welcomed and pampered. Known as ‘scentscaping’, the right fragrance has an efect on our energy, emotions and even memory. And researchers confirm that our sense of smell isn’t limited to our noses: it’s connected to receptors throughout the body (there are scent receptors in the kidneys and muscle tissue, for example). Our sense of sight is powerful too – it’s no surprise that the right scent combined with the right visual stimulation can have a positive efect on the body. ‘Nature has qi (a word that roughly translates to “life force”) energy,’ says life coach and feng shui consultant Alexandra Lees. ‘Being in close contact with nature by arranging flowers, tending to plants and enjoying their changing form, colour and texture will have a positive efect on our energy and health.’ This means that when you pick up your blooms, consider the colour of the leaves and petals. ‘The colour of a flower or plant can have either a stimulating or calming efect on your own energy,’ says Alexandra. Ready to try it for yourself? Scentscaping at home ‘Scent can infuse a whole room, so you don’t necessarily need to be near the flower or t to benefit from it,’ says lexandra. But to heighten our sensory experience, try the following:
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Position any flowers or plants where they are more visible or loser to where you sit. Spend five minutes just g quietly, focusing your attention on the flowers or plant and mindfully enjoying their scent, colours and form.
When flowers start to decay, dispose
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Of them with love and gratitude. ‘The energy of the plant or flower will no longer be beneficial,’ says Alexandra. ‘This is why the use of dried (or fake) flowers is discouraged in feng shui.’ Find your flower fix
The energisers
GERANIUM The leaves contain a stimulating and uplifting scent, plus go for bold and vibrant red or pink flowers for an extra energetic boost.
FREESIA A peppery floral scent, particularly with bright pink, orange and yellow flowers, is uplifting and great for awakening the senses.
The calmers
LAVENDER Its herby scent and muted lilac, purple and green colours have soothing and calming properties.
JASMINE The sweet scent and its delicate white flowers calm the senses.
ROSE A heady floral scent coupled with flowers (either as cut stems or indoor rose plants) in soft creams and pinks create a calm and serene atmosphere in any room.
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