During my observation this season, it became clear to me how plants have their own defense mechanism, teachings and ways of being that we can learn & benefit so much from! Because they cannot move, They have taken their defense mechanism to creative levels, some are physical defenses from thorns & spines and others are chemicals ones such as scent & poison

Tackling today plant kins that chose scent as their primary defense mechanism such as basil, oregano, thyme, mint, rosemary…
We think they are delicate because they lack the hardiness to grow thorns but they prefer to play it differently .To defend themselves, they emit a strong odor that humans find appealing but insects find repulsive. (Hence plant as many herbs as you can between your crops and on your contours) Smell is an essential form of communication for plants. Their scents are a type of ‘volatile organic compound,’ a complex chemical combination that evaporates and floats through the air to attract pollinators and repel predators.

Linalool is one of those volatile compounds found in lavender, basil, thyme (and a variety of other flowers and spices) that contributes to the plant’s scent. Linalool serves two distinct purposes: attracts pollinators and repel insects.

Linalool, on the other hand, is a potent terpene to humans due to its effect on the nervous system, specifically the serotonin receptor. It aids in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as the treatment of insomnia.
Another perfect illustration of our symbiotic relationship with the plant kingdom!

This defense mechanism has the lightest, most graceful, and beautiful energy teaching us to enjoy life’s little simple moments by being completely ourselves.They instantly make us feel good in our own skin, reminding us that we are beautiful as we are with all of our quirks and flaws, goofiness and vulnerabilities.

Scent has such a powerful impact not to be undermined! Unlike our other 4 senses, Odors are processed slightly differently than the rest of our 4 senses. All other sensory systems are routed through a structure in the brain called the thalamus.

Like a relay or train station, all incoming movement and sensory information must first pass through your thalamus before being routed or directed to its destination for further processing and interpretation.
The sense of smell does not pass through the thalamus. Rather it is directly relaying to the limbic system (emotional brain), a brain region that helps us store our memories and process our emotions. Because scent bypasses the thalamus, smells can enter our brains and attach to memories without us consciously registering or processing them like what we do with our other 4 senses. This provides olfaction with a unique and potent power to influence mood, our brain activity and help improve our lives be it from smelling an herb or flower, burning incense, herbal steams, to tucking lavender in your pillow & closets !