The first to feature in our Aroma April fragrant flowers series is the elegant tuberose. Featuring a soft and creamy yet powerful and narcotic aroma, the tuberose has most commonly been used within aromatherapy for its aphrodisiacal effects and calmative properties. Currently in high demand in countries such as India, the Middle East and Africa due to its valuable usage in the perfume industry, natural perfumers such as one of our all time favourites Hiram Green, have too begun to utilise this entrancing scent. Read on to find out more about the humble tuberose and be sure to visit us in store to try out our tuberose perfumes and experience the unique properties of this night-blooming botanical for yourself.
THE PLANT
Tuberose is a night-blooming plant thought to be native to Mexico along with every other species of Polianthes belonging to the asparagaceae family. It is a perennial plant, which grows in elongated spikes up to 45cm long that produce clusters of fragrant waxy white flowers. The long leaves upon the body of the plant are bright and green, whilst those that grow at the base tend to be smaller, clasping along the stem. The name tuberose is derived from Latin meaning swollen and polianthes meaning “many flowers” in Greek. Often referred to as the “mistress of the night”, the scent of the Tuberose is currently in high demand in countries such as India, the Middle East and Africa due to its valuable usage in the perfume industry.
THE HISTORY
The tuberose is possibly one of the earliest cultivated plants and may be extinct in its natural habitat. The Aztecs were growing it nearly 600 years ago and once the Spanish discovered the plant during the 15th century taking it back with them to the “Old World” where it became renowned for its intoxicating after-dark aroma. A French missionary, returning from the Indies also collected the plant and started to cultivate it in his home country. Once introduced to Europe a collection of white or pastel flowers became part of the Moon Gardens, the gardens famous for the intensely beautiful fragrance after dusk. The sun- shunning Victorian ladies of the 1800s who valued a milky pale complexion would go for elegant walks once the sun had set, drinking up the luscious scent of the decadent tuberose whose potent aroma could enchant an entire garden with merely two open blooms. Later the tuberose became a common funeral flower and fell out of favour.
THE AROMA
The most common use of Tuberose lies in Aromatherapy. The scent has narcotic and aphrodisiac properties and is indicated for impotency and frigidity. The scent exerts a warming effect on the organs, because it increases the circulation of the blood. The rich and floral fragrance has also proven to be the ideal choice as a deodorant; hence it is so popular in hot and humid climates. The chemical compounds of the oil also exert relaxing effects on the brain, nerves and the muscles, while providing relief from stress, anxiety, depression, cramps and spasmodic coughs.
The scent has been widely used to flavour sweets and 1 drop in a bottle of champagne can create a delicious aphrodisiac for two lovers. Who can resist?
THE BENEFITS
- Anti- bacterial properties
- Helps to prevent skin infections
- Hydrates the skin
- Deodorises the skin
- Enhances physical attraction
Perfumes containing Tuberose include – Hiram Green Eau De Parfum Moon Bloom; Honoré Des Prés Vamp A NY or Fleur Sauvage from Tsi-La
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