A Perfect Gift
I came across a very interesting read the other day in 'The Science of Flowers and Feelings' - an article about the effect that receiving flowers can have on our moods.
It details a study showing that people's moods instantly improved upon receiving gifts of flowers, and that their moods were still higher when tested again after a few days. Having received sunflowers last week as a Thank You gift, I can absolutely relate to this. The flowers are still looking gorgeous, and bring a smile to my face each time I walk into the room and see them.
So if you're looking to cheer someone up, and keep that feeling around a while, flowers are definitely a good way to go!
Scent down memory lane
Reading about how much impact the smell of a hibiscus flower had on Dallas Wiens, the first full face transplant recipient, recently I was reminded of just how valuable our senses are, and how we can often take them for granted. I love how a simple whiff or taste of something can take you right back to a time or place and really bring that memory to life.
It got me wondering… what tastes and smells do that for you?
From talking about this in the office, I've just been reminded of a post we did a while back on Edible Flowers. The number and variety of flowers and flavours is incredible and sure to offer something for everyone's tastes! I'm also left feeling quite excited thinking about the new smells we have to look forward to as more and more Summer flowers are coming into season. I can't wait to get a whiff of the lovely arrangements that could soon be on their way out to you!
Flowers and Perfume
Perfume is the mixture of essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents used to give the human body, living spaces, animals and objects a pleasant scent. The aroma compounds that make up a perfume can be artificially manufactured or taken from plant or animal sources. Perfumes have existed since early human civilisation.
Flowers and blossoms have long been used in the making of perfumes - as a source of essential oils and aroma compounds. Flowers and blossoms are the largest source of fragrant compounds or aromatics used in perfumery. These include the flowers of several species of roses, jasmine and freesia as well as narcissus and scented geranium (to name but a few).
A common technique for obtaining aromatic compounds from plants, flowers and blossoms is the process of distillation - Where the raw material is heated and the fragrant compounds are re-collected through condensation of the distilled vapour.
Once extracted the various pieces of the 'perfume puzzle' are put together. The person who makes up a perfume is called a perfumer. The perfumer will blend all of the essential components to assemble a perfume, this is anything from ten to hundreds of different ingredients.
The proper preservation of perfumes involves keeping them away from sources of heat and storing them where they will not be exposed to light.
How to make perfume from flower petals:
You will need...
- Fresh flower petals - rose or lavender are a traditional choice
- salt
- large bowl
- metal pot or saucepan
- distilled water
- muslin cloth
- funnel
- glass bottle for keeping the finished perfume in
Four simple steps to make you own perfume...
1) Remove the moisture and fragrance from the flower petals - Place the petals into the large bowl and sprinkle some salt over them. Give this a good mix with a spoon (it doesn't matter if the petals get damaged as this can actually assist in the process). Leave to rest for about an hour.
2) Boil the petals - Put the rested petals into the metal pot or saucepan and add a couple of cups of distilled water to them. Bring this mixture to the boil on a stove or cooker, once boiling, reduce the heat and partially cover with the pan lid and leave to simmer for 2-3 hours. Then remove from the heat and allow the petal mixture to cool.
3) Strain the petal mixture - Place the muslin cloth inside the funnel and pour the petal mixture through into the bowl. Give the left over petal mixture retained in the muslin cloth a good squeeze so to get all of the petal essence.
4) Transfer the perfume into a suitable bottle - Use a funnel to pour the extracted petal fragrance (perfume) into a suitable bottle. Enjoy!
This perfume will last for only a few weeks as it contains no preservative. If the perfume begins to look funny or mouldy, do not use and throw it away.
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Other Interesting Uses for flowers...
We all know how wonderful flowers are; as gifts, to brighten a room, to celebrate a certain occasion, to evoke a special memory and even to eat - by jazzing up a plate of food.
For hundreds of years the healing proprieties of flowers and plants have been exploited in herbalism, naturopathy and homoeopathic remedies.
These medicinal properties of flowers and plants are usually consumed in the form of a flower tea, or mixed and made into a compress or poultice (applied externally) or are made into an essence or oil which can be heated for it's vapour or used externally.
Here are a few examples of flower types and their medicinal benifits:
Chrysanthemum - Can be used to cure colds, fevers, headaches, eye inflammations and hypertensions. Good to drink in hot summer weather.
Rose - The petals can be used for cooling, blood circulating and anti-depressive.
Tiger Lily - The bulbs are used to treat insomnia.
For some more information on medicinal flowers then take a look here:
http://www.clareflorist.co.uk/medicinal-flowers.aspx
When utilising flowers or plants as natural remedy's it is always very important to seek professional advice before use especially if the remedy is to be consumed orally.
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Clare Florist April News Special:
Clare Florist has today announced it is to sell a new range of ever lasting fresh flowers.
Clare Florist has been working closely with a team of Dutch flower experts (Con van de prank) who specialise in the plastination technique which was discovered by anatomist Gunther von Hagens, who invented the preservation process and is the force behind the "Body Worlds" museum exhibitions (von Hagens's organization has plastinated elephants, humans, and other animals). The specialist process involves replacing flower fluids with silicone. This will lead to flowers being preserved indefinitely and giving a more natural effect than other fake or false flowers or silk flowers that are on the market. They require no water or looking after and can be rearranged time after time.
These flowers will be presented in an array of live forever bouquets and will be available as of today priced from £1570.23 (As the process is improved the price is expected to come down)
Industry insiders are said to be concerned about these everlasting flowers hitting the shops as they will be a threat to the real fresh cut flower industry, the "ever lasting" fresh flowers range do not however keep a scent so every purchase comes with a free litre bottle of flower perfume which should be sprayed on the bouquets every 2 hours.
Order Yours today, go to: http://www.clareflorist.co.uk
For fantastic prize winning opportunities, fabulous flower information and magnificent offers and product news!
