As aromatherapists, perfumers, and the specter of Cleopatra will tell you, perfume is so much more than a personal accessory.
Throughout history, certain fragrances have been harnessed for their mystical properties. The Egyptians reportedly used thyme, cedar, and myrrh in burial ceremonies, believing they could aid in the journey to the afterlife. The Romans spritzed scents to ward off evil spirits, and in the Middle Ages, fragrant oils were believed to have healing powers.
Flash forward to today, and we're once again turning to scent for more than simply smelling good. “In the midst of significant turmoil and anxiety, fragrance can serve as a comforting force,” says Walter Johnsen, vice president of product development at Interparfums.
And there may be no better example of this than palo santo, a name you may have heard before. The term refers to the wood from trees of the same name, native to South and Central American countries such as Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. “The name translates to ‘holy wood,’ and it produces a smoky, rich-scented resin that’s still used by Indigenous peoples for spiritual and medicinal purposes,” says Giselle Wasfie, DACM, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. “Ancient rituals involved using palo santo to help clear negative energy and alleviate stress, and it has inspired Westerners to explore using it for similar purposes.”
Esta historia es de la edición Winter 2025 de Women's Health US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Winter 2025 de Women's Health US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Super Bowls
Introducing the WH game plan for nutrient-packed mixes of healthy goodness
Protein Upgrade
Six ingredients, two sheet pans, one stellar chicken dinner for the fam
How to Fly Without Fear
Trying to stay calm on a bumpy airplane? WH asked experts for the best tips and tricks to quell flight anxiety.
Mantra Magic
Sometimes, all it takes is one little phrase to smash your goals.
be a force
These five trainers each built a following by forging their own path in the wellness world. Now they're coleading the Women's Health Flex Challenge, 28 days of workouts you can customize for your unique goals. They're proof that strength comes in many forms— and they're here to help you unlock it within yourself. Let's go!
This Is Your Brain on Menopause
Jessica Shepherd, MD, a WH advisor, explains how your mind shifts during this body-altering phase in this excerpt from her book, Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause.
HOW WE HEALTH-CARE NOW
The whooooolllllle landscape has changed. Finally— finally-here is your everything guide to all the new services you keep hearing about, and how to game the system to get the care you need.
LIGHT THERAPY
You've seen those LED face masks on social media and may be wondering, \"Do they work?\" The answer is more than a simple \"yes.\" In fact, experts are just beginning to understand how this energy and the sun's rays profoundly impact skin.
Scent Energy
How one mystical aroma has made a comeback as a modern-day \"wellness fragrance.\" WH explores the power of palo santo.
The New Sleep Guide of Your Dreams
Experts' rules of rest have shifted a lot—what to know now.
