For thousands of years, people from cultures throughout the world have worked with aromatic plants for healing, perfumes, cooking and for sacred medicine. We are often surrounded by aromatic plants in gardens and in forests. Think of roses, lavender, rosemary, daphne and jasmine that may grow in our backyard. Or think of walking through a forest of cedars, firs and pines. All of these aromatic plants and trees naturally exude “phytoncides”, volatile organic compounds that are enlivening, relaxing and healing.