Do we make a Berocho when smelling herbs and flowers?

 

Yes.

However, there are several conditions. See details in Seder Birchas Hanhenin chapter 11. Here are some of them:

• If they grow as grass, or on a soft stalk, the Berocho is Borei Isvei Besamim.
• If they grow on a hard stalk, and certainly if they grow on a tree, the Berocho is Borei Atzei Besamim.
• If one is unsure how it grows then they should recite the Berocho Borei Minei Besamim.

On fruit which possess a good smell one should make the Berocho Asher Nosan Raiyach Tov Bapeiros. This applies only if the fruit is edible as is, i.e. without mixing it into a dish, and if it was picked up in order to smell. Even if it was picked up in order to eat, one can make the Berocho if he changes his mind and lifts it higher putting it close to his nose in order to smell.

One should avoid smelling the scent of foods or spices which are normally not used to smell from (such as crushed pepper or ginger, hot bread, the aroma of coffee) to avoid the question as to whether a Berocho is required.

There is a disagreement in halacha about the correct Berocho on the scent of herbs or spices which are also used as a food but are not edible on their own. Therefore, one should recite the Berocho Borei Minei Besamim. Here too, one says a Berocho only if it’s normally used to smell from and if it was picked up to smell from it. Examples of herbs or spices which one makes this Berocho are mint, peppermint, cinnamon and cloves.

 

 

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