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Potpourri
From CopperWiki
Potpourri is the generic name given to an assortment of dried flowers, seeds, petals, leaves, dried fruit peels, shells, aromatic essential oils and Natural essences that are mixed together keeping in mind colour, textures and smell.
In most cases, natural fixatives like Orris root, apple pieces, citrus peels are also added to help retain the scent. Fixatives are a crucial ingredient for without it, the potpourri has a very short shelf life. Potpourri is mainly used as natural,aromatic air fresheners by people in various places inside their houses.
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[edit] Did You Know
- Freshly cut flowers will eventually fade if left in the light because a chemical reaction requiring water and light breaks down the pigment
- It is best to cut your flowers in the morning hours after the dew has evaporated from the plants.
- Duration of drying time depends on many factors including humidity, temperature, airflow, and the type of flower you are drying.
- There were references given to flowers, herbs and plants in Biblical times, and during the Middle Ages
[edit] Advantages
In today’s fast paced, technology driven instant world, it is impossible to lead an existence without being seeped in a chemical filled lifestyle. Possibly everything the modern man or woman uses, touches, smells and tastes has potentially environment or health damaging materials.
According to studies done by the US based Environmental Protection Agency, the air one breathes inside their homes and personal spaces is arguably almost five times more polluted than the air outside. One of the main reason for this is the excessive use of over- the- counter common house cleaning products that, according to studies, cause much damage to health. The chemical composition of most of these cleaning products consists of many harmful and hazardous toxic elements which, unfortunately, most people do not even notice or bother about. These same cleaning products also leave residues and run-offs that add to the possible contamination of the environment and all living things in and around the homes.
According to studies done in the US, of the roughly 15000 chemicals found in the common household products, only three out of every ten have been tested for their effects – harmful or otherwise, on human beings. The same studies have shown that air fresheners and aerosol sprays when used often, lead to
- headaches in women
- In infants below six months - a 30% more chances of ear infection and 22% more chances of diarrhea.
Above all, most of these air fresheners, contain synthetic fragrances or phthalates, chemicals that have been linked to cancer in laboratory rats.
So, it then depends on people to start making small changes within their own homes and purview to make life a little better and safer. The need of the hour is to be both environmentally safe and environmentally conscious. The use of potpourri arrangement as an alternative to packaged air fresheners is a useful tool to initiate this change.
[edit] History
Humans have been using potpourri from the time of the early Egyptian and Chinese civilizations, dating back more than 6000 years. Flowers, herbs and spices, scented oils and extracts were used as decoration, as part of the beautification process as well as in religious ceremonies and rituals. Then came the Romans who used dried scented flowers in their baths and even during their sporting events. During the middle ages, the lack of proper sanitation and ventilation in homes and public places led to the use of fragrant herbs being strewn on the grounds, so that when people walked on them, the fragrances got released. Similar arrangements were also used in pouches and sachets and tied to doorways and among the clothes to keep the air fresh. The story behind the name potpourri comes from France, when the people collected partially dried rose petals and kept them between layers of salt inside covered jars and pots and allowed it to rot thus giving it the name potpourri or ‘rotten pot’. The idea behind it was that when they would open these jars, it would give out a fragrance that would immediately fill the room. The salt was used as a preservative.
[edit] Uses
Besides being used as room fresheners, these natural methods of adding fragrance to homes can sometimes also evoke strong memories and feelings. They bring to fore the powerful effect of the sense of smell. Sometimes when the potpourri is steamed, the warmth and moisture combine to produce a fragrance that immediately makes the room come alive and breathe. It is but another natural way to enhance well being. Lavender and rosemary smells keep one calm while a lemon or eucalyptus based potpourri is known to make people more alert.
[edit] Do It Yourself Tips
People can make their own sachet by placing the potpourri in small silk pieces and tying it with ribbons or strings.
There are a couple of ways to make one’s own potpourri.
- Collect the leaves, flowers, roots in the early morning, when the dew has just evaporated.
- They should then be dried. This can be done by two ways . Either keep them in a warm, dark place that has good air circulation or use their stems to tie them up in bunches and hung upside down.
- Once they are dry, they have to be mixed in a pot with the essential oil of choice and store in airtight containers till used.
One can also make, what is known as the simmering potpourri. This involves steaming it by mixing a selection of herbs, spices, seeds and fruit peels and then to mix essential oil with a fixative which allows the potpourri to slowly release the scent when steamed. Place it in a glass jar, pour a few drops of essential oil over the top agai, cover it with an air tight lid, shake it and leave it undisturbed for a few days.
Potpourri ingredients can vary from flowers such as lavender, rose, chamomile, cockscomb, coco, orchids etc. to leaves like dried eucalyptus, dried fern, pine cones, fir, cedar, and spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, anise to fruits like apple slices, orange slices etc. It is basically upto the imagination and creativity of the individual to make his or her own potpourri arrangement.
History has revealed that potpourri is not a passing fad but is something that has actually evolved over time. Potpourri, thus, can be used as an alternative to not only keep the place smelling nice but also to calm the mind, relax the body and improve the quality of life.
