It’s always a pleasure to hear from new writers and I’m delighted to feature Jo Evans with her very first blog post. She explains how the sweet aroma of travel and the powerful memories it can evoke, inspired her to start her very own Aromatherapy business in the Lake District.
The sense of smell is truly an amazing thing. I have a very sensitive sense of smell, indeed I can’t walk through a perfume section of a department store without getting a headache. So what have I ended up training in? Aromatherapy! I find the whole subject fascinating, how essential oils can work with each other to create wonderful healing synergies. Many of us have strong memories related to smells and that made me think about the sweet aroma of travel that evokes such wonderful memories of the people and places I have come across around the world.
The exotic smell of coconut suntan lotion makes me think of our holiday villa on the Greek island of Lefkada. The pagodas that surrounded the house and the pool were hung with large red and pink blooms which smelt heavenly in the evening. To sit there with a glass of wine relaxing after a hard day soaking up the sun, was absolute bliss. You really know you are on holiday when you can close your eyes and smell that coconut aroma wafting on the warm breeze …
America is somewhere that springs to mind immediately. When I remember my trips there I can always smell the food. The mouth-watering pancakes and maple syrup; the sticky sweet smell of the theme parks with their abundance of snack stands and restaurants; the fresh fruits on show waiting to be turned into smoothies.
I can clearly remember two very distinctive aromas from a holiday in Cornwall. First, and predominantly, salt. The gorgeous salty air of harbours mixed with the smell of the days’ catch reminds of the wonderful strolls I have had there, as well as people-watching whilst sitting on a harbour wall with a refreshing ice cream. The other aroma, and it is one of my all-time favourites, is warm scones. I can’t resist that smell and my obsession with cream teas is a constant source of amusement to my husband!
And what about the Lake District? Although I now live, here I wasn’t born and bred here. Before relocating I had been visiting the lakes for about 12 years and every time I made the journey north on the M6 I would look forward to the sight of the fells and, more importantly, the smell of the Lake District. I can only describe it as ‘wholesome’. There is a fresh, clean, natural smell to the Lakes that always makes me feel content, which is probably why I now live here.
I’ve spent a long time experimenting with aromatherapy blends that people can take with them when they’re travelling for an aromatic boost on the go. Headaches, tiredness and stress are often unfortunate side-effects of travelling, so I’ve come up with three blends to help with these issues. Lemongrass and Peppermint for headaches and muzzy heads, Lime and Mandarin for a pick me up and Lavender and Bergamot to help relax and unwind. I’ve put these blends into little Rollerballs to keep in your travel bag and I have to say that I don’t go anywhere now without at least one of them tucked in a pocket somewhere!
For further information on Aromatherapy and any of Jo’s products visit her website BespokeAroma.
From Zoë Dawes:
What a wonderfully sensual article Jo – you really transport the reader with your sense of smell from places near and far. And I can recommend those little Aromatherapy Rollerballs – I keep the Lime & Mandarin one in my bag all the time!
From Linda:
Aromas, smells are so evocative, aren’t they. It can be like time travel sometimes, getting a whiff of something familiar.
Must try those rollerballs. I used to have a lavender one years ago, a gift from a friend, and have never been able to find a replacement, so I was especially happy to read about that!
From Zoë Dawes:
So agree Linda – we can whirled off to far-flung places in dithe backstreets of Athens. There was an old orange tree outside the bedroom and its dark green glossy leaves were always either adorned with tiny white blossoms or big orange globes of bitter orange…
Jo’s Rollerballs are very good – sure she posts overseas
From Jill Durnford:
What a wonderfully aromatic article. It’s amazing how our minds can conjur up smells just by reading about them…. The pictures didn’t load for some reason but that didn’t detract from the experience. I can also vouch for Jo’s rollerballs – I’ve got the lemongrass and peppermint one and it’s lovely.
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks for your comment Jill and yes, isn’t it a lovely article. Jo’s definitely got writing talent as well as aromatherapy skills!
From Jo Evans:
Thank you for your lovely comments. I had such fun writing that blog – brought back some wonderful memories! It’s made me think about trying to capture some of those aromas in my aromatherapy blends. Not sure how I’ll reproduce American pancakes though! Thank you for your support with my roller balls Zoe. I am getting some great feedback from people using them when they travel.
From Zoë Dawes:
Delighted to help you share your aromatic story Jo. Took a couple of your Rollerballs (lavender & citrus) on Tenerife trip recently – lovely!