An article for Ruohonjuuri: Scent

Home scents and special memories. An English translation of an article written for Ruohonjuuri magazine.

A lot has happened since the last post was sent out in August. I am getting back to activating things here again by sharing something very special with all of you.

Ms. Tonka Bean was mentioned in its first print. Meaning, I wrote my very first tangible article for the Finnish Ruohonjuuri magazine! For all the English speaking readers, my friends, and those who can’t get their hands on a physical copy of the magazine, here is a rough translation of the published text. Accompanied by some image outtakes that did not make it to the mag, but deserve to be shared, too. I hope you enjoy.

Picture of the magazine by dear Karla. I have yet to see it myself and can’t wait read the other articles.

Senses: Scent

Without realizing it, I have created a temple-like atmosphere at home. My evening routine almost always consists of burning incense, candles, diffusing essential oils and cutting the stems of the flowers I have on the table, before I head to bed. The sweet sandalwood scent of my incense and the very green scent of the fresh cut flowers remind me of the environment of a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple I visited with my family years ago. With the help of all these scents, the feeling of relaxation experienced in the temple travels to my home in an instant.

Now, especially with the arrival of the colder months, the importance of the atmosphere and comfort of your home is emphasized. I've been thinking: when we curl up inside, sheltering from the weather, do we pay enough attention to scents as the most important mood creator in our homes? Scents affect us more than we think, whether it's the whiff of essential oils bubbling from a diffuser or the freshness created by your kitchen hand soap on your fingertips.

What if, instead of choosing only a good-smelling detergent or candle for your home, you would consider making fragrance purchases based purely on the emotional feeling they create? The quality of your sleep or reducing possible stress can be relieved with scents with gentle, healing aromas in the air at home.

For years, scents have been used in meditative exercises to help calm the mind. The scent of sandalwood (which is dark and leathery, yet sweet and creamy) is said to calm the mood, as does lavender and rosemary, too. Citrus and spicy scents on the other hand help raise energy levels and cheer you up.

In Sri Lankan Buddhist temples, fragrances have a deep spiritual and symbolic meaning. Scents are used to create a peaceful environment and as an aid to meditation. In temples, incense, flowers brought to the altar, and drops of oil added to water vessels create a general world of soothing scents, which each has its own meaning.

Incense is believed to purify the air and make space for relaxation. The rising smoke marks the passage of thoughts moving higher, at the same time reminding you that nothing is permanent.

Fresh jasmine and lotuses are symbols of life and beauty. The flowers are attractive and fragrant offerings at the temple altars.

In the vicinity of the altars, essential oil can be added to water containers, which signifies purity and respect. I remember my mother telling me about a similar Sri Lankan tradition where fragrant jasmine flowers or rose petals were to added to water used to wash your face and hands.

The sense of smell directly interacts with our limbic system, which is responsible for our feelings, memories and behavior. Certain scents can create a strong emotional response, affect your mood or trigger a memory from the past. A pungent smell can also give someone an instant headache, but for others, a soothing drop of rosemary essential oil on the temple can also calm it down.

For those who are sensitive to smell, perfumes can quickly trigger physical symptoms such as migraines, skin irritation, or in the worst case, feeling weak. Strong chemicals and perfumes often use synthetic ingredients that are not suitable for sensitive noses. Natural fragrances, such as essential oils, as well as alcohol-free and water-based fragrance blends, are good options for delicate scent wearers, as they are not too overpowering.

In my home, scents are grounding, calming, create security, and help me rest. The scents sometimes remind me of my loved ones and special places that I can't get to or that I can't otherwise reach right at that moment, which is comforting.

Scented tips for your home

Ventilating even a small space, thoroughly vacuuming and surface cleaning do wonders. Freshness and clean surfaces at home give room for scents, while dust quickly manages to gather a surprisingly musty scent around itself. After cleaning, it's a good idea to light incense or enjoy scents from a diffuser.

Recommended: Maroma Sandalwood incense, SEES Stone diffuser

A bag of dried lavender in the wardrobe freshens up textiles. This has been my mother's tip for years.

Recommended: Aduki Dried Lavenderflowers

A similar tip for kitchen cupboards or for the bottom of a trash can: Drop essential oil on a piece of paper or a cotton pad, the scent lingers for a long time.

Recommended: Frantsila Rosmary essential oil

Textile detergents are important when creating a scented atmosphere at home, but can be surprisingly strong. Steaming clothes and home textiles can be a great help. You can add a drop of scented water or essential oil to some steamers. However, make sure the machine can handle it. Otherwise different textile sprays do the same trick.

Recommended: Sonett lavender detergent, SEES textile spray N.1 with bergamot and lemon

If your incense has run out, concoctions can be quickly created in the kitchen that affect the aroma of any space. The smell of fresh coffee is a nostalgic and unbeatable scent. You can add one whole tonka bean or vanilla pod to your coffee grounds, which creates a sweet flavor and aroma in the coffee you use. You can also make your own Potpourri with different spices and citrus when adding them to water and boiling it.

Recommended: Mill & Mortar Tonkabeans

Milja Laakso studies photography at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. Alongside photography she has begun to delve into her other passion, fragrances, and she writes a newsletter related to them called Ms. Tonka Bean.

Film photos snapped by Klara!

Final thanks and a bit about Ruohonjuuri

Ruohonjuuri is an ecological retail chain for holistic and organic well-being. Specializing in natural cosmetics, nutritional supplements and superfoods. I feel honored that I could write about ecological and natural products and work with a sustainable brand from my home country that I adore.

Writing in Finnish was a challenge at first. But after a small push, getting into the flow with writing did happen. I had the best support from Jenna, editor-in-chief and AD of the magazine. Regarding the article, the inspiration behind it and for feedback and help, I owe special thanks to Kirsi and Karla. And for the beautiful images, a huge thanks goes to Klara!

Bisous,

Milja