Dr. Carla Goddard

Herbal Scents: Selecting Herbs for Sachets



Posted: Friday, August 13, 2010

by Dr. Carla Goddard

Sachets differ only slightly from the potpourri. The herbs used are identical, the only difference is that they are ground and crumbled rather than used as whole leaves. Existing potpourri that has begun to loose its aroma works perfect for sachets. Crumble and grind the whole leaves and stuff in a handkerchief or small piece of paper and tie off with a ribbon. Toss it in the drawer or closet to keep the air fresh.

If you want to make the sachets from scratch, you will need to follow the same procedures as used in making potpourri, make sure the herbs are completely dry ensuring that they will not mildew or mold. Crumble the leaves and flowers almost into a powder, this includes roots and bark, with a wood or ceramic mortar and pestle. Be sure that you do not you use anything metal on the herbs which will change the smell. A little fixture will hold the scent.

Be create with your sachet bags, choose one that has a tight weave however to hold the ground herbs. Satin works well. Embroider, stitch, add beads or lace to the fabric to make it something extremely personal from you.

When selecting an herbs for a sachet they should be chosen for both scent and color since the mixture should be attractive and fragrant.

The fragrances that are best suited for sachet are woodsy/earthy scents such as bayberry, chamomile (apple like fragrance), lavender cotton (musky, apple like), oak moss, marjoram (pine), rosemary, thyme or wormwood. For a spicy scent angelica root (licorice), anise, basil, bay, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander (fruity), ginger, mint, nutmeg and vanilla.

For an exotic or oriental scent use frankincense, myrrh, patchouli or sandalwood. Citrus is easily obtained from bee balm, lemon balm or lemon thyme, and orange peel. Floral scents from gardenia, geranium, hyacinth, jasmine, lavender, lilac, orange blossom, or violet.

Many of these same flowers can add color to the mixture; but even flowers that are bright in color that do not have a strong aroma will add a different, personal look to your sachet.

Fixatives:

Fixatives are plant or animal material that prevents the evaporation process from happing in the sachet allowing the fragrances to last longer. The most common and least expensive fixative is orriss root; however, it can be difficult to locate. You can also use ground or dried rosemary, sweet flag or sandalwood. Add 1 tablespoon of your fixative per quart of herb. Any essential oil can also be added to the sachet just before closing in an air tight container. One or two drops of oil is all that is necessary.

When mixing your herbs it is best not to touch them to expose them to metal as it can alter the the fragrance. Instead use a wooden grinder or ceramic/glass containers. Crush any seeds before adding them to release the aromas. If storing the herbs for a later time, be sure to keep the container's in a dark location and shake them weekly to preserve the fragrances. A glass container will show off the colors as well as the aroma.
Dr. Carla Goddard is a contemporary Shaman Medicine Woman. Father was of a small Nation in Maine, trained with a Mohawk Shaman, studied with a Waiest Monk, and academia background in Metaphysical Sciences specializing in Parapsychology.

She draws upon the energetic flow of life to share with people a path to heal their own souls, to find the flow of energy in their own life, and to have profound shifts in awareness. Connecting individuals with their own soul and with other soul’s to create a “tribe"; her own desire to change the world one soul at a time across the globe by envisioning what the world needs next. Believing that the change in the world will happen through active presence, active communication, and active connections to blaze a new path.

Learn More About Carla visit her website at http://www.shamanmedicinewoman.net/about-dr-carla-goddard.html

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