AN OLFACTIVE INTRODUCTION: POTIONS & REMEDIES

Little did William Penhaligon’s patrons know that beneath his fragrant barber shop was a secret laboratory. His intent? To cure the world’s ills by harnessing the power of herbs, plants and flowers.  Recipes and prescriptions to cure – or procure – altered states. So, imagine one’s relief when we discovered his forgotten formulas and bottled them up for the world to see! It only seems proper to acquaint you with these curious concoctions and the power they possess. Without further ado, Penhaligon’s presents...William Penhaligon’s Potions and Remedies! ​

A word of warning: spritz as prescribed (the side effects cause quite the stir).

Romance. Beauty. Politics (of the heart). When one turns their attention to roses, myriad connotations spring to mind. But where did our infatuation with the red mistress come from? It stems from the Roman Empire, but the fascination really bloomed in the 16th century. Its sweet scent is most alluring, but roses reportedly have remedial qualities, too: they can alleviate grief (and mend a broken heart). Ginger – a rather miraculous root, if we do say so ourselves – has also played a role in medicine since medieval times. Placing ginger root on the table not only warded off the plague, but it was also used in a plethora of potions and tonics (especially for digestion). In Eastern medicine, ginger is used to heighten the libido; how perfect, then, that Penhaligon’s bottled it up in a love potion.

Ah, this brazen duo has been running amok for millennia. With origins in Mesopotamia and Africa, incense has long been burnt for its warm, amber scent. The Babylonians used it extensively during prayer and divining oracles, whilst the Egyptians would use it to fumigate tombs. Rumour has it the incense would drive away evil spirits... but one can only assume this is a fragrant cover up. ​

As for vanilla, well... she’s had quite the racy history herself (heaven knows where her plain reputation came from). Born in Mexico, vanilla was the Totonac Indian’s stirring secret until they were conquered by the Aztecs. Since then, her perfumed pods have travelled around the world, seasoning and scenting all manner of marvels. Whilst vanilla is adored for its floral, creamy notes, one has heard recent rumours that it also reduces cholesterol and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Simply wonderful, indeed.

This final duo pack quite the punch. Let’s meet magnolia: think not of leafy suburbs but cast one’s mind back millions of years to the humble beginnings of this not-so-humble tree. Indigenous to Asia, North America and Europe, magnolia has proven herself to be well-versed in healing all manner of ailments, from asthma and anxiety to migraines and muscle pain. 

Also sharing its roots with China is the energetic osmanthus. According to Chinese mythology, osmanthus was in fact grown on the moon and cut down to earth by Wu Gang, a woodcutter seeking immortality. The flower would also be pressed into an amulet for regeneration and restoration – how fortunate we’ve saved you the bother with a bottle of Vra Vra Vroom!