What Happened When I Brought Aromatherapy Home to Egypt
What if a single day could shift the way you see plants forever?
This spring, I hosted The Alchemy of Plants: Spring Edition—my first aromatherapy workshop in Egypt. It was a deeply personal experience, not just professionally but emotionally. To return to my homeland and share my work in such a meaningful way felt like a full-circle moment.
A Private Garden Filled With Stories
The event took place and was sponsored by the stunning Mazhar Botanic Gardens, home to one of the most diverse plant collections in the region. These private grounds, usually closed to the public, opened up for our group.
We were given a rare tour of their herbarium, guided by a renowned botanist from around the world. Surrounded by preserved plant specimens from across continents, you could feel how deeply rooted the garden is in both tradition and research.
A Small Group With a Shared Passion
How can the same plant nourish both body and mind?
This was an invitation-only event. Each participant was carefully selected based on their interest in natural wellbeing. What connected them all was a shared curiosity
Throughout the day, we explored that idea in practice. Here’s how.
A Multi-Sensory Exploration
Each participant:
Composed a seasonal salad using wild herbs and edible flowers
Infused Egyptian extra virgin olive oil with their own choice of local botanicals
Created a personalised aromatherapeutic perfume oil using essential oils
Sipped herbal tea under the trees, with a plant-based dessert to close the day
These weren’t just creative tasks—they were deeply personal rituals. Some guests chose herbs linked to family memories. Others blended oils for emotional clarity or sleep support.
A Beautiful Send-Off
Every guest left with:
A handwoven basket
A living herbal plant in a clay pot
A handmade pottery mug
Their own infused oil and bespoke scent blend
A Yatlina® goodie bag
The garden was filled with smiles, laughter, and quiet reflection. I was especially moved by the variety of blends people created. Some were combinations I wouldn’t have thought of—and that’s the magic of scent. It reveals something unique about each person.
Why This Matters
Aromatherapy isn’t just about products. It’s about presence. Connection. Remembering that the same mint you taste in your salad can also uplift you as an essential oil. That rosemary can clear your mind and your palate.
Scent has the power to transform the ordinary into something meaningful.
That’s the kind of experience I want to keep creating.
Alchemy Of Plants event in Egypt with Yatlina in collaboration with Eatery at the Mazhar Botanic Garden. April 2025
