Balm of Gilead, Comfort for the Soul
Considered to be among the most sacred of herbs throughout many ancient Eastern cultures, the renown Balm of Gilead was once used in various forms of holy incense and anointing oils as a sacramental herb. It was also widely used in Christian, Islamic, Egyptian, Judaic, Greek, Hindu, and many other cultures as an ingredient in…
Recreating Feelings and Moments in Time with Aromatic Formulas
This time of year demands of most people to journey inward. To reflect on the warmer months that have recently passed, to create, think, dream, and appreciate the beauty in life through the stillness of nature. The Fall and Winter are also the most rewarding times for burning incense. Not only do many aromatic plants…
The Art of Traditional Incense Crafting
Since time immemorial, people have burned incense for aesthetic, medicinal, spiritual, and practical purposes in nearly every culture on Earth. Since ancient times, incense has been one of the most prized commodities found burning in temples, courts, palaces, markets, on the streets, and in the homes of commoners and nobility alike. To put it simply,…
The Magic & Medicine of Aromatic Tree Resins, Part II
The aromatic tree resins of the world are some of the most potent healing materials on Earth, used in folk medicine, indigenous medicine, and many of the more established systems of healing, from East to West. Whether used topically, as incense or fumigants, or for internal applications, these precious medicines have a wide range of…
The Magic & Medicine of Aromatic Tree Resins
Tree resins have been a major part of human history and have been used in nearly every culture on Earth for thousands of years. Whether used in perfumery, as incense, medicine, or for more practical uses in crafts, construction, ancient boat building, and insect repellents, tree resins continue to share their many virtues…
The Ancient Divinity and Healing of Sandalwood
One of the most widely used metaphysical plants of the world is the renowned Sandalwood tree. The use of this sacred tree in spirituality and ritual dates back thousands of years throughout India, Tibet, Nepal, other parts of Asia, and the Middle East. It grows between 20 to 30 feet and blooms with white, red,…
5 Tips on Buying Essential Oils – Quality, Purity, & Truth
5 Must-Know Tips for Sourcing Quality, High-grade Essential Oils and Aromatics With so many choices in today’s essential oil and fragrance markets, a lot of people have a hard time finding reputable sources and the highest quality materials. With a lack of transparency and proper product information from many essential oil companies, consumers are often…
5 Incenses and Aromatic Plants for Anxiety & Stress
In a world full of face-paced jobs, technology, and busy schedules, anxiety and stress seem to be one of the most common symptoms of a modern life. As someone who’s overcome one of the worst cases of anxiety I’ve ever seen, I’m here to say that if you or someone you know deals with nervous…
Aromatics for Congestion, Colds and Flu
Throughout the year I have friends, family, and students ask me what they can do for their loved ones or themselves to either help prevent them from getting sick, or help them reduce their symptoms and fight off infection. In late September my partner Heather and I journey up the mountain behind our house and…
White Sage – Wisdom and Clarity
Many people around the world have heard of or have had an experience with the wise and powerful White Sage plant. Healer, cleanser, spiritual purifier, sacred smoke; these are some of the words used to describe the powers of this strong-spirited plant. For centuries, Native Americans have understood the deeper aspects and healing qualities of…
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