PERFUME APPLICATION
Apply a drop or two behind the ear or/and in the neck. Another way to enjoy the benefits of the Attar is to put a few drops in the hair, like the maharani (maharajah wives). The fragrance will be subtly diffused in the atmosphere, like the beautiful flowered braids of the South Indian women.
If we want to benefit more from their properties, we can also apply the Attar on the pulsation points: hollow behind the ears, hollow under the Adam’s apple, back and top of the neck (at the root of the hair), inner side of wrists, inner elbows, solar plexus, rear knees, possibly arch.
One can also impregnate a tissue (handkerchief...) with a few drops of Attar and breathe the emanations when the need is felt (anxiety, insomnia, headaches, depression...). It is interesting to note that the Attars have a particularly long hold on natural fibre fabrics. The clothes worn soak naturally and durably without having to apply Attar directly on them (to avoid the risks of tasks).
Other Ways to Apply Attar
Meditation
Attar has been a cornerstone of meditation practices for centuries. Its calming and grounding properties make it the perfect companion for moments of mindfulness and reflection.
- Creating a Sacred Space: Apply a drop of sandalwood, oud, or rose attar to your temples or wrists before beginning your meditation. These fragrances help clear the mind and enhance your focus.
- Aromatherapy for Inner Peace: Diffuse attar in your meditation area to create a serene environment that promotes relaxation and spiritual connection.
- Enhancing Energy Flow: Certain attars, like frankincense and myrrh, are known for their ability to stimulate spiritual energy and deepen your meditation practice.
Yoga
Elevate your yoga sessions by incorporating attar into your practice. The natural and therapeutic qualities of attar help you connect your body, mind, and soul.
- Setting the Mood: Diffuse floral or woody attars like jasmine or patchouli in your yoga space to create an uplifting and tranquil environment.
- Balancing Chakras: Use specific attars that resonate with the energy centers in your body to enhance your poses and breathing exercises.
- Personal Aroma Therapy: Apply a small amount of attar to your wrists or the soles of your feet before starting your session to keep you grounded and centered throughout.
MASSAGE
Massages are very beneficial wellness practices and are an integral part of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine. Their virtues are many including :- relaxing (which effects for the body and the mind), detoxing, nourishing, stimulating, balancing both body and mind. Using of the Attars in the joint and the massaging them allows to optimise their respective effects. Diluting a few drops of Attar in a vegetable oil or Sesame oil is balancing for all constitutions. You can also use sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil... The oil/Attar mixture must be made at the time of the massage because it gradually loses its properties if prepared in advance. The support of an oil allows the solubilization and penetration of the active ingredients through the skin towards the blood circulation (hence the importance of using the purest natural products possible).
ADVICE :
Avoid taking a bath or shower just after a massage (wait at least 15 minutes), otherwise the benefits would be reduced because of the loss of some of the active ingredients, brought on with the water.
AROMATIC BATH
Aromatic baths are little practiced in our society, but they are an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine and their effects are notable, in particular on stress-related imbalances, nervous and muscular tensions, insomnia, headaches, skin or blood circulation problems, respiratory ailments, and menstrual pain.
The heat of the water promotes the penetration of the active ingredients through the skin, the resulting aromatic vapours will also be absorbed by inhalation. 15 to 20 minutes are enough for the aromatic bath to take effect.
Just before entering the bath, put a few drops of Attar in a stopper and add some vegetable oil (sesame) or milk to emulsify them. Then place under the tap to disperse in the bath water.
Religious and Cultural Practices
Attar holds a profound significance in religious and cultural ceremonies, symbolizing purity, reverence, and spirituality. Its natural and rich fragrances are perfect for creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
- In Prayer: Apply attar to your clothing or prayer mat to enhance the spiritual ambiance and focus your thoughts during prayer.
- Cultural Traditions: Use attar during weddings, festivals, and special occasions as a mark of respect and celebration. Fragrances like rose and saffron attars are especially popular in these events.
- Sacred Spaces: Diffuse attar in temples, mosques, or homes to create a spiritually uplifting environment that encourages reflection and devotion.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
The risk of over dosage is not comparable to that of essential oils because the flower and vegetable essences of the Attars are already mixed with an oil base (sandalwood oil or vetiver), which also has beneficial properties for the skin.
In addition, the Attars does not contain alcohol and their components are totally natural, they are therefore very soft for the skin.
However, Before applying attar to large areas of your skin, perform a patch test on a small area (such as your wrist or inner elbow) and observe the reaction within 15 minutes to check for any allergic reactions or skin irritation. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs, discontinue use.
Attars are highly concentrated, so avoid applying them to sensitive areas like your eyes, mucous membranes, or broken skin, not to ingest (precautionary advice but it is necessary to know that Attars are used, in small doses, in the Indian kitchen).
CONSERVATION
Conserving attar properly is essential to maintaining its potency, fragrance, and quality over time. Here are some tips for preserving attar:
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Heat and sunlight can degrade the fragrance oils in attar. Always store your attar in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources (like radiators or windowsills). A drawer or cupboard is ideal.
Tight-Sealing Lid: Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use to prevent air from getting in. Air exposure can oxidize the oils, causing the fragrance to weaken or change over time.
Avoid Excessive Air Exposure: Try not to open the bottle frequently or for long periods, as exposure to air can alter the fragrance. Only open the bottle when needed, and reseal it immediately after use.
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Try to store attar at a consistent temperature. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the oils’ molecular structure and impact the fragrance. Ideal storage temperatures are between 15°C - 25°C (59°F and 77°F) .
Minimize Contact with Water: Water or moisture can spoil the fragrance of attar over time. Be careful not to get any water inside the bottle, especially when opening it.
Do Not Refrigerate: While refrigeration may seem like a way to extend shelf life, it’s not advisable for attars. The cold can cause the oils to become too thick and might affect the scent profile.
By following these simple yet effective storage practices, you can ensure that your attar remains fresh, fragrant, and of high quality for an extended period.
