Aromatic Plants in Medicinal Gardens

“Simples”… but what are they?

Since ancient times, “simples” have been plants used for their medicinal properties. They were believed to possess divine powers.

But it was during the Middle Ages that what are known as “herbal gardens” began to be established in convents and monasteries.

The herbal garden included not only medicinal plants but also a carefully arranged blend of aromatic and culinary herbs, which were also believed to possess therapeutic properties.

These plants were cultivated by monk herbalists, who possessed a deep knowledge of pharmacology, plants, and their medicinal properties. The monk herbalist, who had studied the properties of all these plants, was highly respected. He served as both the village apothecary and physician. He advocated the use of plants in the form of powders, poultices, herbal teas, and other decoctions to heal and purify. Belief in the protective and purifying powers of aromatic plants was so strong that they were burned at the entrances to villages to ward off epidemics such as the plague.

These aromatic herbs were called “simples” to indicate that a single plant, used on its own, could treat a specific ailment.

For example, white mallow was recommended for coughs. Mugwort for menstrual cramps. Thyme as an antiseptic. Chamomile to soothe, mint for stomachaches, and so on.

These were referred to as “simple medicines” as opposed to “compound medicines,” which involved mixing several plants to create potions or elixirs.

At the time, every convent or monastery had its own secret recipe. Some are still used today, such as the Carmelites’ Lemon Balm Water or Chartreuse.

The Spiritual Dimension of the Herb Garden

Plants have always fascinated and healed people.

For a long time, this knowledge of therapeutic properties was the exclusive domain of monks, who used them for their medical practices.

This is why a “medicinal herb garden” is organized in the same way as in a monastery or convent: with thematic and geometric spaces, arranged in regular, square, or rectangular beds of trimmed boxwood…

Between the squares, paths are laid out in a cross pattern (and this is no coincidence) to allow the gardener to move about and to facilitate drainage and irrigation.

These gardens were meant to symbolize the perfection inherent in God. References to Christianity are everywhere: boxwood symbolizes immortality, a well or fountain in the center of the garden symbolizes the resurrection, and sometimes a bench provided a place for contemplation and meditation.

Cultivated Aromatic Plants and Their Properties

It’s easy to see that the cultivation of these plants has returned to the forefront of wellness.

In private and community gardens, as well as on balconies, the French have developed a passion for creating and maintaining herb gardens since the multiple lockdowns caused by the recent pandemic.

Of course, it has become more of a hobby than a practice for medicinal purposes; however, in the collective unconscious, it’s always a good idea to nurture a little piece of nature at home—whether from a religious perspective or not!

Check out our full video on the Jardin des Simples!

The Principles of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic compounds—essential oils extracted from plants—for medicinal purposes. These include, among others, plants from the medicinal herb garden.

Aromatherapy is sometimes used as complementary or alternative medicine. Originally practiced using traditional methods, it is now considered a form of unconventional medicine.

Nevertheless, aromatherapy is effective against certain infections, and the antibacterial and anti-infective effects of essential oils are now scientifically proven. However, it is still difficult to study its effects clearly and precisely.

And what about perfumery?

We can, of course, mention the famous Queen of Hungary’s Water, presented in 1378 by Charles V. A true elixir of youth made from rosemary flower alcoholate, when used in daily rubs, it restored this 72-year-old woman’s youth and beauty so effectively that the King of Poland fell in love with her and asked for her hand in marriage! Fact or fiction concocted by a clever apothecary…?!

In the world of modern perfumery, medicinal plants are mostly associated with the “aromatic” olfactory profile.

This is one of the most expressive olfactory facets, since aromatic fragrances are composed of well-known herbs such as clary sage, and aromatic bouquets featuring thyme, rosemary, and, of course, lavender.

From an olfactory perspective, these scents evoke sensations of freshness and purity—crisp, green, and sometimes airy or camphor-like and spicy notes. Some are soothing, while others are invigorating.

For a very long time, aromatic fragrances—often referred to as “masculine”—were associated with a virile character. In fact, the aromatic facet was first introduced into perfumery in aftershaves due to the antiseptic and soothing properties of its ingredients. It is therefore only natural that it became a classic foundation of men’s fragrances.

It is the dominant facet of the Fougère olfactory family, the archetype of men’s fragrances since the late 19th century.

It is most often paired with these other notes:

MARINE: Aromatic fragrances with marine notes are a true breath of fresh air, perfect when temperatures rise.

CITRUS: Fresh aromatic scents are also pleasant to wear in the summer. This fragrance accord complements citrus or floral notes for a splash of freshness and elegance.

GREEN: Here, the predominant aromatic scents are plant-based, such as freshly cut grass, stems, crumpled leaves, or galbanum…

WOODY: Aromatic notes also blend with woody notes or those of the forest floor (oak moss)

AMBER: Softened by amber notes, the aromatic facet retains its masculinity while revealing a sensual and charming side.

If you’d like to learn more about the major olfactory families in perfumery, we recommend our Pocket Quiz perfume trivia game!

Today, we’re delighted to see unisex, gender-neutral fragrances becoming more widespread. This also allows women to embrace greener and more aromatic fragrances without falling into clichés.

Ultimately, these aromatic plants are no longer reserved exclusively for monks and the pharmacopoeia but are also used in modern perfumery… much to our delight!