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Aromatic History & Lore

Person applying oil attar natural perfume to back of hand
Aromatic History & Lore
Natural Perfumery
July 15, 20260Comments

The Ancient History of Natural Perfume

Video features award-winning perfumer & school instructor JK DeLapp Imagine what it was like, thousands of years ago, witnessing it for the first time: raw resin dropped onto hot coals, releasing a
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
woman's hand lightly touching a fresh lavender plant
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
July 2, 20260Comments

4 Science-Backed Scents with Ancient Roots

For thousands of years, plants have been woven into human ritual, medicine, and daily life. Long before laboratories existed, physicians, monks, perfumers, and community healers carefully observed how fragrant plants
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
June 4, 20260Comments

Spring Cleaning: Aromatic Herbs for Smoke Cleansing

There's something about spring that makes you want to throw open the windows and start fresh. That urge to declutter and reorganize isn't just a trend on social media, though;
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Topical Medicine
March 27, 20260Comments

The Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins, Part II

Somewhere deep in a forest, a storm rolls through and damages a tree. A branch snaps, the bark splits open, and the tree is suddenly vulnerable. But almost immediately, the
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Sustainability
March 22, 20260Comments

The Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins, Part I

The first time I burned Frankincense, something unexpected happened. Within a few breaths, my awareness sharpened, my thoughts grew quieter, and a deep sense of calm washed over me. There
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
March 6, 20260Comments

Astrology & Plant Medicine

Incorporating astrology into herbal medicine or aromatherapy can be a beautiful way to make your practice more holistic. Astrology shows us how to understand the archetypal forces of nature, which
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Plant Profiles
February 26, 20260Comments

Yarrow in Herbal & Aromatic Medicine: History, Uses, and Energetics

The first time I truly met Yarrow was on a group hike with one of my herbal teachers. As we walked, he pointed out the feathery leaves at our feet
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Sustainability
December 18, 20250Comments

The Sacred Scents of the Season: Frankincense, Myrrh & Beyond

The scents of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, and Ginger drift from the oven. Fresh Pine fills the living room from the Christmas tree and evergreen boughs framing the fireplace. Dried Oranges
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
December 11, 20250Comments

Plant Allies for Returning the Light: Aromatic Herbs for Hope & Renewal

On the morning of the Winter Solstice, something subtle – but powerful – happens. The world seems to slow down. The sun lingers at its lowest point on the horizon,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ayurveda
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Natural Perfumery
Plant Profiles
November 7, 20256Comments

Cardamom Benefits: The Ancient Spice for Digestion, Clarity, and Vitality

Imagine a single seed pod, no larger than your fingertip, holding within it the power to kindle digestive fire, clear stagnant breath from congested lungs, and lift the fog of
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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An herbal farm in our community needs our support An herbal farm in our community needs our support 💔🌿 A devastating fire recently broke out at @oshalafarm in Applegate Valley, Oregon. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, and their fields of growing herbs were spared. But the fire destroyed so much of what they’ve built: their dryer barn, storage barn filled with inventory, and essential farm infrastructure. Oshala Farm is a truly special place, a family-run farm that has spent over a decade cultivating high-quality organic herbs and sharing them with our community. If you have the means, please consider donating to their GoFundMe (linked in our bio) or sharing this post to help spread the word. Every contribution and share helps. 🌱
Do you dream of crafting your own luxurious, all-n Do you dream of crafting your own luxurious, all-natural perfumes using botanical scents that linger, captivate, and tell a story? Our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course was designed to help you do exactly that. In 8 immersive lessons, you'll: 🌿 Explore the ancient history of natural perfume & attars 🌿 Discover the traditional aromatic materials used in attars 🌿 Learn how to formulate balanced, long-lasting fragrances 🌿 Master both traditional & modern attar-making techniques 🌿 Get familiar with the essential tools & supplies 🌿 Follow step-by-step guidance to craft your own attar perfumes 🌿 Discover techniques for creating depth & scent longevity 🌿 Experience the joy of creating perfumes that are entirely your own Taught by award-winning perfumer JK DeLapp, this course is perfect for both beginners and experienced perfumers who want to deepen their skills in natural perfumery. It's also an ideal introduction for anyone interested in our Natural Perfumery Course but not yet ready to dive into the full program. ✨ For 1 week only, enjoy an exclusive discount before the mini-course price increases permanently. Learn more about our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course at the link in bio. 🌿✨ #aromatics #aromaticoils #attars #attar #naturalfragrance #naturalperfumery
There’s a corner of the aromatic world that many h There’s a corner of the aromatic world that many have yet to explore. ✨ It’s a place where scent becomes story, and the line between perfumery and sacred ritual begins to dissolve. It goes beyond simply blending top, heart, and base notes, inviting you into an art of creating fragrances that carry beauty and intention. For centuries, traditional attar-making has brought together aromatic plants and craftsmanship into a truly unique form of natural perfumery. And this week, we're opening the door to this world once again. The Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course is an immersive journey into the timeless traditions of botanical attar-making. You'll explore the ingredients, techniques, and cultural and spiritual significance behind this extraordinary aromatic tradition while learning how to create your own all-natural attars. If you've felt called to deepen your aromatic practice, this may be exactly what you've been looking for. 🚨 For 1 week only, we're offering an exclusive discount on this mini-course before the price increases permanently. Learn more at the link in bio. ✨ #attars #attar #naturalperfumery #naturalperfumeryhistory #essentialoils #aromaticoils
Our instructor, JK DeLapp, explores the history of Our instructor, JK DeLapp, explores the history of sacred Kyphi incense and its connection to perfumery and aromatic medicine. Kyphi is an ancient Egyptian blend of aromatics historically burned as incense, worn as perfume, and ingested as medicine. Ancient texts suggest that Kyphi contained at least 16 ingredients, though the exact recipe varied across different dynasties and regions, often including Frankincense, Myrrh, Storax, Cinnamon, honey, raisins, wine, and other precious botanicals. JK leads our Natural Perfumery Course and Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course. Stay tuned for a special announcement from JK! 🌿✨ ____________ #kyphi #incense #ancientincense #naturalperfume #ancientegypt #sacred
Which aromatic material still leaves a master perf Which aromatic material still leaves a master perfumer in awe after decades of working with aromatics? Oud. Also known as Agarwood, this rich, resinous wood is formed only when Aquilaria trees are wounded by a specific fungal species, and respond by producing resin deep within their heartwood. This slow, alchemical process can take many years, and only a small percentage of trees ever produce resin at all. Unlike almost any other aromatic material, no two Oud oils are exactly alike. Their aroma is shaped by the tree species, where they're grown, the resin they produce, and even how they're distilled. One can smell warm and honeyed, another deeply smoky, another bright and fruity. As JK puts it: "There's nothing else like Oud out there." It's just one of the many topics we explored in our recent conversation with JK about the ancient art of attars and natural perfumery. In the interview, we also talk about: 🌿 How JK's journey led him into natural perfumery 🌿 What makes an attar different from modern perfume 🌿 The biggest misconceptions beginners have about perfumery 🌿 Why he believes anyone can learn this ancient craft ✨ Comment PERFUME to get the full interview sent to your inbox! _____________ #oudoil #oudperfume #naturalperfume #perfume #attar #agarwood #artisanperfumer
Many people think aromatherapy and natural perfume Many people think aromatherapy and natural perfumery are essentially the same thing. Spoiler: they're not. In fact, that misunderstanding is one of the biggest reasons people never discover the incredible depth of traditional perfumery. We recently sat down with master perfumer JK DeLapp to explore the ancient art of attars, how his journey into natural perfumery began, and why this centuries-old craft is unlike anything most people have experienced. In the interview, you'll discover: 🌿 How JK's path from medicine led him into natural perfumery 🌿 What makes aromatherapy and perfumery fundamentally different 🌿 What an attar is and why it's unlike modern perfume 🌿 The biggest misconceptions beginners have about crafting perfume 🌿 Why JK believes anyone can learn this ancient art If you've ever been curious about natural perfume, aromatic plants, or the history behind fragrance, this is a fascinating read. ✨ Explore the full interview at the link in bio. ____________ #naturalperfumery #masterperfumer #attarperfume #naturalperfume #naturalperfumer #artisanperfumer #artisanperfume
Comment AROMA to get our full Cardamom Plant Monog Comment AROMA to get our full Cardamom Plant Monograph sent straight to your DMs! 🌿✨ You don't need a fancy apothecary to start working with aromatic plants… Sometimes the most "ordinary" plants are the most powerful, simply because they're so accessible. Many of the world's most beloved aromatic herbs and spices are probably already sitting in your kitchen. Here are a few of our favorites: 🌿 Rosemary: Traditionally used to support memory, focus, and mental clarity with its fresh, uplifting aroma. ✨ Ginger: A warming aromatic root that helps soothe digestion and brings comforting heat to the body. 🌿 Thyme: A classic respiratory ally with a rich history of supporting the lungs and immune system. ✨ Basil: More than a culinary favorite, Basil's uplifting aroma can help brighten the mind and ease everyday stress. 🌿 Oregano: One of nature's most potent aromatic herbs, prized for its powerful cleansing and immune-supporting properties. ✨ Cinnamon: A warming spice that supports healthy circulation and fills any space with its comforting aroma. 🌿 Fennel: Sweet and slightly licorice-like, this spice has long been used to calm digestion after meals. ✨ Citrus: Fresh peels from Lemons, Oranges, and Limes contain vibrant aromatic oils that naturally uplift the mood. 🌿 Star Anise: Its sweet, spicy aroma has been traditionally used to support respiratory and digestive wellness. ✨ Cardamom: Known as the "Queen of Spices," Cardamom is a beautifully complex aromatic that supports the lungs, digestion, and overall vitality. Comment AROMA below, and we'll send you our FREE Cardamom Plant Profile! 🌿💚 ___________ #cardamom #aromaticherbs #aromaticspices #aromaticmedicine #apothecary #herbalism
Did you know that perfumes actually don’t need alc Did you know that perfumes actually don’t need alcohol? Long before spray bottles and synthetic fragrances, artisan perfumers were working with something very different: highly concentrated natural perfumes known as attars. These fragrances were crafted from precious woods, flowers, resins, and aromatic oils, using methods that predate modern perfumery by centuries. The result is a dense, intimate style of oil-based perfume that wears and unfolds in a completely different way than what most people are used to. To explore this tradition more deeply, we sat down with master perfumer JK DeLapp. ​​​​​​​ Over the past decade, JK has traveled the world in search of high-quality aromatic materials, built relationships with traditional distillers, and worked with some of the rarest aromatics on earth. We asked him the questions we've always been curious about: • What exactly is an attar, and what makes it stand out? • Which aromatic material still amazes him after decades? • What mistakes do nearly all beginner perfumers make? • Can anyone really learn this ancient craft? ✨ Read the full interview at the link in our bio. ______________ #attar #attaroil #attarperfume #naturalperfumery #naturalperfumer #expertinterview #artisanperfume
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