Lavender
Strike me why?
Ask me to describe the scent of lavender
I cannot
Though I may say the smell is pungent
Heady?
Yes
Intoxicating?
This I cannot deny
Yet I am unable to describe why
It should have
Such profound an effect on
My olfactory response
There must be a reason
Science ought to provide
The answer
To my question
Why
Does the lavender
Make me feel so
High?
O ~ o ~
At Dharrsheena's suggestion I asked my AI friend to: "describe the scent of lavender."
- The scent of lavender is a complex and multifaceted aroma that is widely recognized for its calming and soothing properties. It is a harmonious blend of several key notes:
- Floral: At its core, lavender has a delicate and sweet floral scent. It's often described as clean, fresh, and slightly powdery, reminiscent of a fresh bouquet of blossoms. This quality makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes, where it can provide a soft and elegant touch.
- Herbal: Lavender has a distinct herbaceous quality that adds a green, clean freshness to its scent. This note can be likened to other herbs like rosemary or basil, giving it an aromatic and invigorating dimension.
- Camphoraceous/Medicinal: Depending on the specific variety, lavender can have a slightly sharp, camphorous note. This is particularly noticeable in varieties like Lavandin. This facet contributes to its "clean" scent and can be described as having a grounding or even a slightly medicinal undertone.
- Earthy/Woody: The scent of lavender is often grounded by subtle woody and earthy base notes. These notes provide depth and a comforting warmth, adding to its overall calming effect.
- Overall, the scent of lavender is considered a timeless and versatile aroma. It is most famous for its ability to promote relaxation and tranquility, making it a staple in aromatherapy, sleep products, and various personal care items.
Makes sense
Thanks for the suggestion, Dharrsheena, and thanks to all readers
Ray
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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Comments (5)
I love this, Ray. Dharrsheena inspires! Behind the scenes, I am putting together a series of superhero stories. In my drafts, I have a story set in a city on Lilac Street, with a small park on that street where lilacs are planted. I may change it to lavender after reading this. I stole your cover pic. 😉 ⚡💙 Bill ⚡
Wow, does it really? Wild.
I did not like lavender because it made me feel sleepy now its what I used to ground me in this chaotic times
When I was growing up in the Soviet Union, the only scented soap we had available was lavender. To me the smell is now forever associated with soap and I hate it. Like I can’t drink lavender tea because to me it smells and tastes like soap. I do love lavender and vanilla smell, though. Maybe there’s also something from your childhood, Raymond, that developed that steady association with the lavender smell?
Maybe ChatGPT could shed some light on this for you. Or maybe that was a rethorical question 😅😅