Who We Are

Redlands Aromatherapy Foundation, Inc
Using Aromatic Horticulture to Improve Life's Landscapes

Raf, the Redlands Aromatherapy Foundation, Inc, is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) public benefit organization dedicated to advancements in human well-being through knowledge and application of sensory science as a means of improving overall well-being.

In furtherance of our mission, we educate as to the benefits of aromatic horticulture, both in clinical application as aromatherapy and in garden setting, also referred to as horticulture as therapy.

The Foundation is a collaboration of knowledge and experience in the fields of traditional and complementary health-care, convalescent health care administration, public service, agricultural science, public education and work in the non-profit sector.

RAF has been serving the public's need for education and training specific to skilled application of aroma to impact health and well-being since 2000. In 2007, our vision for increased public health and well-being through sensory integration, which includes sensory garden settings that demonstrate the connection between our senses and well-being, expanded us into a 501c3 public benefit organization.

In an effort to demonstrate the connection between Nature and human well-being, we design therapeutic garden spaces utilizing aromatic, multi-sensory vegetation.

Studies show that Nature plays an important role in physical healing.
Studies show that garden spaces help to relieve stress and anxiety as well as improve both physical and emotional well-being.
The fragrance, sights and sounds of the garden help to restore the mind, body and spirit, especially of those with compromised health.
Gardens are beautiful safe sanctuaries where people can connect with the natural cycles of life.
Gardens allow us to change our environment which is especially helpful when we feel that we have lost control of what is happening in our life.

Sensory Garden Outreaches

With the help of our community, Raf is proud to bring the therapeutic benefits of a sensory garden to our neighbors in convalescent and assisted living care.

Our sensory hanging baskets allow for individuals in all stages of health the ability to benefit from the healing power of nature. Baskets are places outside patient rooms, allowing for passive viewing and fragrance to enter the room.

Baskets, when suspended on a drop down pulley, allow for ease of patient access and for occupational goals to be met using gardening as an activity.

Would your facility like to learn more about horticulture as therapy? Would you like to bring the therapeutic benefits of a garden to those you care for? Would you like your facility to be considered as a recipient of our 2009 Sensory Hanging Basket Outreach? Contact the Foundation today to learn more.

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