What’s the most universal thing people have looked to for thousands of years during times of pandemic and infectious disease outbreak? It’s not hand sanitizer or Clorox wipes, though those are great modern tools that are definitely helpful. It’s much more ancient than that..
For ages incense and aromatic plants have been used as immune system support, air purification, symptom control when people do get sick, stress and anxiety management, and for spiritual and ritual nourishment during times of pandemic.
Everyone has been affected by COVID-19 in some way, whether you’ve lost a job or have reduced hours, have kids out of school, are stressed about finances, getting sick, or what our future looks like, you or a family member has become ill, or you’ve lost a loved one to COVID-19. If that’s your case, my deepest condolences. These times are challenging to most people, and in any times of challenge, I always look first to the plant kingdom for solace and aid.
At this time there’s no known cure for the COVID-19 virus. And there has been no sufficient research into the effectiveness of aromatic plants against it. However, looking back throughout history at how herbalists and healers have kept their communities healthy during countless viral outbreaks can give us insights into the possibilities we have to keep ourselves and families healthy.
Join me in this video as I share about the best aromatic plants and incenses that can potentially help us keep our air clean, our immune systems strong, treat minor symptoms associated with viruses like colds and flus, and help chill us out when we feel overburdened and stressed from the many pressures of intense change.
For ages plants like Frankincense, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Myrrh, Rosemary, Pine, Lavender, and so many others have been burned as incense or used in fumigation, or herbal steam, to cleanse and purify the air, killing or inhibiting airborne pathogens and preventing the spread of disease.
If you think about it, the main domain of incense and aromatic plants is the air. At the same time, the domain of respiratory viruses is also the air: mainly the airways of the body where they often enter and are rooted. So why not use aromatic plants in the ways they’re most capable and effective? Why not call aromatic plants to our aid to defend our airways against malicious intruders?
Watch the video above to learn about many aromatic herbal remedies and how they’ve been best used during times of pandemic for either preventative medicine, immunity boosting, stress management, symptom control, or all of the above.
Article & Video by Evan Sylliaasen
Evan Sylliaasen is the founder of the Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine and Higher Mind Incense. For the past decade his incense company has been a leader in sustainability and conscious sourcing of aromatic plants. As the head instructor of his online school, he teaches aromatherapists, incense lovers, herbalists, and spiritually-minded folks the traditional art of incense crafting, incense as medicine, and the art of wild-harvesting aromatic plants responsibly.
Evan lives with his family in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains of Washington state. He channels his creative passions through writing, photography, wood working, craftsman building, and music. When he’s not working, he’s out in the garden, forest and fields, walking along rivers, beaches, or in the mountains breathing deeply.
© 2020-2021 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine. All rights reserved.
*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.
