Roses, lilies, and other fragrant flowers can help improve your social life, as well as your overall health and well being. This is only one aspect of the field of aromatherapy, which is currently increasing in popularity.

Helen Farmer-Knowles, an aromatherapist and counselor on natural remedies, provides some interesting insights into the uses of flowers in aromatherapy in her book, The Healing Garden: Nature’s Remedies and Cures. Here are some of her thoughts:

Roses are the flowers perhaps most associated with love, and there are sensual reasons for this. The petals are soft and silken to the touch. The color red is often seen in clothing ads as a "suggestive" color. And there is even a scientific basis to the theory that fragrance aids in "falling in love."

Phenylethylamine, or PEA, is a chemical in roses that helps give them their distinctive scent. And it is PEA that contains an amino acid (the building blocks of proteins that all living plants and animals contain), which slows the breakdown of beta-endorphins. And it is these latter chemicals that are the "happy hormones" in our bodies—those chemicals that make us feel happy, put us in a state of euphoria, or of being in love. So chemically and scientifically speaking, this is why smelling roses helps us remain happy and promotes feelings of love.

With this PEA chemical in roses being described as a "mood-altering substance," putting a vase of roses by the bedside has been suggested as a way to prolong sensual feelings. It’s probably no surprise, too, that PEA is also present in chocolate. So the practice of a romantic suitor bearing a bouquet of roses and box of chocolates is not only tradition, but has a scientific basis!

Many people believe that a good or happy mood leads to a healthy immune system. So smelling roses, or other favorite fragrant flowers, can help boost your health and well being, in addition to promoting a healthy love life.

Clear or spring scents such as lily-of-the-valley or sweet violets are familiar favorites for some people in love. The latter were the favorite flower of the famous lovers Napoleon and Josephine. If you prefer exotic scents, you might find tuberose tantalizing, jasmine exciting, or narcissus addictive. Other flowers considered to be romantic for their scent include tobacco flowers (Nicotiana), gardenias, and hyacinths.

Lilies have for centuries had a "feminine" appeal, and are often associated with purity and the Virgin Mary, as in the Madonna Lily. In ancient times, a scented ointment made from them was used for "female complaints." During this ancient period, this oil of lilies was made from 2,000 stems and was often associated with sexuality in the Orient. Today the purchased scent may be synthetic, but is still used for calming and to create a relaxed attitude. A bedside bowl of heavily scented lilies is a natural means to lull and relax.

So, whether it’s a slower pace and relief from stress or an improved love life you are seeking, don't ignore the power of fragrance.

source:By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont





Ain't got a pretty bouquet handy ? Don't worry ! We've arranged many flowers for you... So take your pick and convey your ever blooming love to your sweetheart !

	Your Love Is Precious... A beautiful message that'll make him/ her feel really special. [ Flash ]		Falling For You... Sprinkle these lovely rose petals on your love and say how much you love him/ her. [ Flash ]
	Beautiful Roses ! Reach out to your beloved and let him/ her know how special he/ she is. [ Flash ]		Until I Met You... Convey loved one how he/ she has made you know what love is. [ Postcard ]
	You Are The One For Me... Tell your beloved that you know deep inside that he/ she is the one for you. [ Animated ]		Love You Just The Way U Are... Tell your loved one that you love him/ her just the way he/ she is. [ Postcard ]
	You Touch My Soul ! A loving message for your sweetheart. [ Animated ]		The Sweetest Impression... Make your beloved feel special with this intense expression of love. [ Postcard ]

	You Set My Heart On Fire... Red Roses are the best way to describe your passion... So send this to your beloved. [ Postcard ]		Share My Blanket... Invite your loved one to spend the night with you through this ecard. [ Postcard ]
	My Heart Aches For You... Red Carnations mean that your heart is aching for the one that you love, send this ecard to him/ her and convey your feelings. [ Postcard ]		Moments Of Togetherness... Send this ecard to your beloved, wishing the moments of togetherness to last forever. [ Postcard ]
	Sweet Thoughts Of You ! Let your sweetheart know that you always think about him/ her with this card. [ Flash ]		Feels Like Heaven... Tell your loved one how nice it feels when he/ she is in your arms. [ Postcard ]
	Beautiful In My Eyes... Orchids mean mature charm, so send this to the one you love telling her that she will always be beautiful in your eyes. [ Postcard ]		Stir Up My Senses... Ask your sweetheart to ignite your passion in his/ her special way. [ Flash ]

Labels: ecards, Love flowers