Every flower possesses a distinct color and fragrance. The therapeutic effect resides within both the color and the scent. Apart from awakening delicate and pure emotions such as love and affection, fragrance also actively influences various organs of the body.
Every creation of nature upon this earth possesses some form of color and odor. The mere mention of the word fragrance (Khushboo) evokes a sense of freshness. Fragrance removes the heaviness of disposition, generating freshness and exhilaration within the temperament. While it dispels mental fatigue, it also alleviates the distresses brought on by changing weather. Muslim scientists prepared essences (Atr) from countless fragrant flowers, which were utilized according to the season. Within our historical culture, specific Atr were designated for summers, winters, the rainy season, and spring. Their application within the science of medicine (Tibb) is still prevalent today in the formulation of various medicines, syrups (Sharbat), and distillates (Arqat).
Syrups and distillates of sandalwood (Sandal), rose (Gulab), and cardamom (Elaichi) are widely used to this day. The distillates of Kewra and Bedmuskh serve as effective treatments for summer fevers. Hakim Ajmal Khan used to prescribe massaging high-quality Atr-e-Gulab over the region of the heart for patients suffering from angina. The method of treatment through fragrances and flowers is ancient. In Tibb, alongside Sharbat and Arqiyat, medicinal flower preserves (Gulkand) of various flowers are used for different ailments; for instance, Gulkand-e-Amaltas, Gulkand-e-Bakain, Gulkand-e-Banafsha, Gulkand-e-Gurhal, and Gulkand-e-Gulab are particularly noteworthy. Our physicians (Atibba) were experts in treating through fragrances. It is famously narrated that when a sick prince of Lucknow insisted on being treated solely with fragrant medicines, the master royal physician (Tabeeb) successfully restored the prince’s health using only aromatic remedies possessing varied therapeutic effects. The martyr of Pakistan, Hakim Mohammed Said (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), also used to share that he treated his own cardiac ailment purely through rest and the consumption of Arq-e-Gulab. He would often chew rose petals that separated during the traditional ritual of Gul Poshi (flower covering). Contrary to all other therapeutic modalities, fragrance therapy proves to be the most favored, pleasant, exhilarating, and health-giving. Beyond the internal consumption of fragrant Sharbat, Gulkand, and Arqiyat, their external application for various ailments is also highly beneficial. Different types of aromatic oils are utilized for this purpose as well. Applying them to the head, forehead, or body allows them to restore the patient’s health through their specific healing characteristics.
Fragrance holds a special significance across various religions. It has consistently been utilized in sanctuaries, temples, and places of worship. The ancient Greeks considered fragrant herbs to be a divine gift. The people of Babylon incorporated fragrance into the mortar of bricks while constructing tombs and sanctuaries. In India, sandalwood (Sandal) is regarded as deeply sacred.
The systematic initiation of utilizing fragrances (Khushboyat) explicitly as a medical treatment was pioneered by Muslim physicians (Atibba). The first name among them is Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, who authored more than 200 books and treatises on medical science. It is said that Hippocrates initiated Tibb, Galen revived it, Al-Razi synthesized its scattered branches, and Ibn Sina brought it to perfection. Hakim Ibn Sina also presented numerous treatments utilizing Khushboyat, their Arqiyat, and therapeutic steam. During the zenith of the British Crown, when a plague epidemic broke out in London, people began using a fragrant paste made of orange and cloves to protect themselves from the foul odor and infection of the plague. During this period, it was observed that individuals working in perfume factories remained safe from the epidemic. Following these observations, experts began to seriously investigate therapy through fragrance.
Currently, extensive work is being carried out on Aromatherapy across various countries worldwide. Through this modality, relief has been observed in joint pains, chest ailments, cold afflictions, cough, catarrh and flu (Nazla-o-Zukam), anxiety, fatigue, indigestion, asthma, tension, burning sensations, itching, eczema, throat problems, dryness, swelling, abdominal pain, allergies, headaches, body aches, toothache, liver ailments, stones, and insomnia (Be-khwabi).