Most people would recognize The Tuberose (Agave amica, syn. Polianthes tuberosa) as being one of the key flowers of which leis or flower garlands are made. In areas such as India, Bangladesh and Polynesia Tuberose garlands are used for offering to gods, for ornaments during celebrations or for offering guests.
Originally native to Mexico, this exquisitely fragrant plant is now cultivated in many tropical areas of the world and enjoyed as an ornamental and in perfumery. In Indonesia, the tuberose flowers also have culinary uses such as in soups, sauces and also in soy sauce called ‘kecap’. Tuberose is also valued for its essential oil, and in perfumery it has been used since the 17th century and was one of the ingredients in the perfume of Marie Antoinette.
In aromatherapy, Tuberose is valued as not only easing the mind, stress and anxiety, it is thought to help with self-esteem and confidence, also helping to calm anger. Due to these qualities, it has been suggested as a scent to help with those trying to overcome additions. Some of these aromatherapy uses are starting to be confirmed through science, as a randomized controlled clinical study found that inhalation of Tuberose essential oil was shown to reduce the test taking anxiety of high school students. Preliminary studies into the chemical compositions of the flowers have also yielded interesting bioactives.
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Photo by Sengai Podhuvan