Several decades ago, I lived for a short while in London. Since I had a connection with fresh flowers from my childhood, I was particularly interested in the scent of plants and, especially, essential oils.
While in London, I decided to learn more about them. I went directly to the home of an aromatherapy teacher and was taught
any things.
I frequently visited several stores selling essential oils. My favorite among them had a unique appearance - it had the
atmosphere and charm of a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy you'd find in Japan.
Inside the store, there were large wooden boxes filled with various essential oils. The boxes were finely partitioned, each
holding a different oil for different uses, to be incorporated into daily life with care.
While not as large as the teacher's boxes, I purchased two wooden boxes of my own, each 20 centimeters long and 7 to 8 centimeters high. Even now, they contain classified essential oils.
Many things I learned during that time have had an impact on my life thereafter. One such thing is making my own insect repellent spray in the summer. Because I do not use any preservatives, it can only be used for two weeks, but my friends are always delighted when I gift it to them.
I make it a point to consciously enjoy the natural scents found in plants and flowers. As a senior, my estrogen levels have depleted, and my hormonal balance has started to become unstable. I feel that simply smelling the pleasant scent of the aroma may
have slightly increased my serotonin levels - though I wonder if it's just my imagination.
It may be a small thing, but I am enjoying the luxurious time that comes from using aromatherapy.