Posted by Rita on July 10, 1997 at 14:00:27:
In reply to Re: Perfume/Soap posted by La Demoiselle on July 10, 1997 at 13:28:31
] I know that essential oils, herbs, etc...were used for fragrances, etc. long before the French..,(I didn't know about the anti-bacterial properties though...very interesting!)
] What I want to know is about the more modern form of perfume(like today's) used by the french--when did they start, and how it might have influenced the English during the Regency...
It is in the URL given below, related to Napolean/Coty.
The anti-bacterial properties, some I will list:
Sandlewood- anti -b, woodsy, has oils,aphrodisiac/pheromonal properties.
Orange flower(tangerine/Neroli), used very much in Europe(seville oranges),anti-b, highly aromatic, good for calming nerves-thus very suitable for brides.
Lavender, almost the basis for many European perfumes, medicines. It's curative/healing properties are legendary, as smell.
Rose, blended to a milder version from the attar, the Belgian Damask became very popular.
Best refernce(easy/readable), the Body shop book of Beauty- this is available at the store and public libraries.
also catalog's of stores such as Casewell-Massey and Crabtree&Evelyn.
My knowledge comes of interest in this subject since i was a teenager. The subject is so vast in the East, where traditional methods are still used.
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