It Smells Like Paperbark Tree, Mommy

It Smells Like Paperbark Tree, Mommy

Healing cold, learning about plants

Paperbark tree: Image by author

Being a mother is quite demanding. Apart from regular duties, sudden calls of action may be required, especially when small kids are involved.

Cold weather persists, so nasal cold does not go away easily.

I had helped her blow her nose, and some blood had oozed. So, I tried a different strategy today. I got hot water in a bowl and put a lump of cold balm in that, stirred it, and asked her to inhale.

As she inhaled, she said it smelled like paperbark tree.

Now, paperbark trees are related to eucalyptus trees, both from the Myrtaceae family. They have camphor and menthol compounds in them. Known as tea tree oil or melaleuca oil, they often used as essential oil and for a gamut of therapeutic purposes.

I patted my kid for her associative memory.

Speaking of paperbark trees, when I saw them first on California streets, I was amazed. They have spongy peeling barks, and whiteish-yellow birch-like flowers.

Paperbark tree’s spongy bark: Image by author

At one phase of life, my spouse used to pick me up from my lab work late at night. As we passed a stretch populated with paperbark trees, a divine smell would fill the interior of the car. Imagine, how strong the smell must be!

There are many paperbark and bottlebrush plants in my current neighborhood. I encourage my kids to take some leaves, crush, and smell them. She finds the aroma pleasant.

As she inhaled the cold balm vapor today, it reminded her of that tree!

Today, we have arsenal of chemical drugs, but phototherapy was all we had, in the past.

A nod to plants, for saving our lives.