This article was updated on January 31 at 8:23 p.m.
An aromatherapy garden should be set up in a more accessible location, like the Quad, so students can stop and literally smell the roses. Due to its isolated location on East Campus, many students don’t have time to visit the Botanical Gardens, so a small garden could help relieve stress and provide a pick-me-up for students in the spring.
This semester, I will be looking for housing next year, job hunting, graduation, and The Career Library is still under constructionLuckily, JMU offers many ways for students to de-stress, one of which is taking a stroll among the flora and fauna at the Edith J. Carrier Botanical Gardens.
But it’s far from where most students spend their time, so JMU should build an aromatherapy garden in the quad just outside Wilson Hall to give students an easy way to de-stress in nature.
Aromatherapy relieves ailments such as anxiety through the use of essential oils from plants. Mount SinaiThe practical uses of oils extracted from certain plants have been studied for over 6,000 years. researcher It’s not clear how aromatherapy works, but current theories suggest that the scent of essential oils triggers the brain to recall positive feelings and memories. Scientists also believe that plants such as lavender stimulate brain cell activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for fear, in a similar way to sedatives. Another theory is that molecules in essential oils may affect hormones.
The aromatherapy garden is filled with fragrant herbs and flowers. Sage Creations FarmThese gardens can be planted with both energizing and calming plants. Clary sage, basil, eucalyptus, coriander, lemon balm, and rosemary are considered mood-boosting plants. Other uplifting flowers include lavender, Damask rose, jasmine, gardenia, and Chinese wisteria. Any combination of these plants will have a relaxing effect, and even if the smell doesn’t affect your students, the vibrant colors in a sea of green definitely will.
Another reason for installing an aromatherapy garden on the Quad is the benefits nature has on mental health. Mental Health FoundationBeing in contact with nature reduces depression and anxiety, so planting a variety of colorful flowers and herbs will not only enhance the greenery of your courtyard, but can also bring peace of mind and even inspiration to your students.
Areas like the front of Wilson Hall or the new Carrier Library may be good locations for gardens because of the high foot traffic. The bright colors and scents will encourage students to visit the botanical gardens and King Hall Rooftop GardenWe have gardens on the main campus and we want to ensure that all areas of JMU have a natural feel, and since many students only experience JMU near the Quad, having a garden there would be beneficial for students who don’t normally go to East Campus.
Gardens also help foster student community activity. During warm, sunny spring days, it’s not uncommon to see students in the courtyard. Gardens serve as another place for students to gather and de-stress. They also provide nature lovers with another place to appreciate the campus’s diverse plant life and meet each other. They can also serve as a place to take club or graduation photos.
Sophia Park, a second-year graduate student, said she agreed that creating a garden in the courtyard would be a good thing for students.
“One of the reasons I chose JMU is because it’s surrounded by mountains,” Park said. “It would be nice to have a little bit of nature close to campus, and have a garden. It was a nice change of pace.”
The gardens are beautiful to take photos and study next to, and are also interactive, allowing anyone to plant new flowers each spring semester. The aromatherapy garden will improve student mood and provide fresh air for those who walk through the courtyard every day.
Maya Winder is a fourth-year student majoring in writing, rhetoric and technical communication. She can be reached at windermm@dukes.jmu.edu For more commentary about JMU and the Harrisonburg community, follow the Opinion Desk on Instagram @Breeze_Opinion.
