Creating Natural Perfume from Flowers

The art of making perfume (Latin, per fumum “through smoke”), originated over 4000 years ago in such exotic places as Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and Cyprus. History first makes mention of the earliest known chemist, a Mesopotamian woman named Tapputi (2000 BC), who created perfume by distilling myrtle, flowers and oil. In later centuries Rome and Persia would perfect the art of perfumery. Today, perfume and aromatherapy is more popular than ever, but many people are unaware of the potential health risks in using expensive, synthetic perfumes, which often contain harsh chemicals. For those who seek the emotional benefits beautiful fragrances can provide to soothe the soul, there is always the option of doing as the ancients did and making natural perfume from flowers. Whether plucking flowers from your own garden, purchasing them at your local Edmonton florist or borrowing fallen petals from a neighbour, flowers are so abundant you will have no difficulty acquiring a supply for your fragrances, which you can also share with family, friends and your floral supplier as a thank you.

Here are the ingredients and instructions you’ll need to make your own perfume:

One and one-half cups flower blossoms of your choice;

Two cups of distilled water;

An aluminum pot;

A cheesecloth;

A funnel;

and a glass perfume bottle.

Whether you choose to be a purist and only use one kind of blossoms or to intermix multiple flower petals and create a unique signature blend, it is important to choose fresh blossoms which have not been sprayed by chemicals and pesticides, as these will ruin your scent before it is even begun.

To get started, fill the aluminum pan with two cups of distilled water and put the blossoms inside. Place the pan on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then turn down and maintain the temperature just below the boiling point. Simmer for two and a half hours; then turn off the heat and let the flower water cool.

Take the funnel and place the cheesecloth inside; strain the flower water slowly several times until it is free of pulp. Pour the mixture into a pretty bottle; you have just successfully made your very first perfume!

Now isn’t that simple? And it will cost you next to nothing! By now you must realize the benefits of making natural floral perfumes; there’s no need to purchase chemical laden perfume ever again. One thing to note is that while store bought perfumes are filled with preservatives that permit them to last three to five years, homemade perfumes will only last one to three years. It is said though that you can extend their shelf life to the fullest by keeping the lid on tight when not in use and by using blue tinted glass bottles as opposed to clear. Perhaps the best part of making your own fragrances is that they make a special gift appropriate for nearly any occasion. Just be sure to make extra for yourself – you know you’ll want to!