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Aromatic History & Lore

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
glass cork bottle of benzoin oil next to benzoin resin on a counter
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Natural Perfumery
Plant Profiles
Ritual
August 13, 20250Comments

Why Benzoin Resin Belongs in Your Apothecary: Benefits & Ritual Uses

Imagine something that looks like a beautiful golden rock, but upon closer inspection, you're greeted with sweet, balsamic, resinous notes, with hints of vanilla that feel like a warm embrace.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
June 30, 20250Comments

Attar Perfume: The Soul of Scent

Picture this: You open a small glass perfume vial and touch a drop of oil to your skin. The aroma doesn’t hit you all at once, it builds slowly, like
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Plant Profiles
April 25, 20250Comments

Jasmine Benefits for the Mind, Body, and Soul

The alluring aroma of Jasmine is more than just a scent – it’s an experience that lingers in the soul. Ethereal, intoxicating, and deeply evocative, Jasmine carries an almost sacred
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿

Why do certain aromas hold such power over us? Why Why do certain aromas hold such power over us? Why can a single inhale of Pine, Rose, or Cinnamon instantly transport us across decades, stirring tears or lifting the heart with inexplicable joy? 

The answer lies in scent’s unique connection to memory and emotion. 

Unlike other senses, which pass through the thalamus before reaching consciousness, scent travels directly to the olfactory bulb, which links straight to the amygdala and hippocampus, the brain’s centers for emotion and memory. 

In other words, scent bypasses logic and speaks directly to the heart.

This is why certain aromatic plants feel profoundly moving... 

They're keys that unlock entire worlds of feeling and memory. 

What scent speaks to you the most? 🌿

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#aroma #aromatherapy  #scentmemory #scenttherapy #aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine
Which aromatic plant matches your energy? 💜 Lave Which aromatic plant matches your energy? 

💜 Lavender: super chill
🍋 Lemon: upbeat and energetic!
✨ Rosemary: great memory and laser-sharp focus
🌿 Eucalyptus: fresh and exciting
🌲 Cedar: steady and faithful

So… which one are you today? 

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#aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy #aromaticenergy
“Making a perfect medicine incense is in itself th “Making a perfect medicine incense is in itself the most wonderful process. It usually takes 2 to 3 years, in which we experience with our heart, nature's ingredients in the ways our ancestors did, and learn to enjoy the four seasons drenched in nature's exotic and mystical scents.”

– Li Shiliang, 7th generation Master Medicinal Incense Crafter

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#incense #naturalincense #incensecrafting #incensecrafter #aromaticmedicine
Myrrh is often seen as a symbol of life and death. Myrrh is often seen as a symbol of life and death.

Myrrh was one of the first things given to Jesus upon birth (along with Frankincense and gold, of course). Myrrh was also often used in the embalming process in ancient Egypt, anointing those who had left the Earth. In fact, the body of Jesus was rubbed with Myrrh for preservation before being placed in the tomb. 

Emotionally, it has been traditionally used to help people work through grief and sorrow, often accompanied by loss. There is a sweet ancient story about a Roman emperor who burned a full year's worth of Myrrh when his wife passed away.

Myrrh is a gentle hug and a comforting crutch. It can help remind us that everything on Earth is connected, and from death comes new life.

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#myrrh #incenseresin #naturalincense #myrrhoil #MyrrhMagic #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine
5 things you might not know about Marjoram: 🍃 Wil 5 things you might not know about Marjoram:

🍃 Wild Marjoram was known as a funeral herb to the Greeks. It was planted on graves to promote peace to those who have passed on.

🍃 The Latin name, Origanum marjorana, comes from the Greek words “oros” and “ganos,” which translates to “joy of the mountains.”

🍃 Ancient Egyptians used Marjoram to make perfumes, unguents (ancient ointments), and medicines.

🍃 According to folklore, the plant’s aroma was a gift from Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Because of this, it’s commonly used as a floral crown in weddings, symbolizing love and honor.

🍃 Dioscorides, a famous ancient Greek physician, made an ointment of Marjoram to warm and strengthen the nerves and called it “amaricimum.”

What's your favorite way to use Marjoram?

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#Marjoram #aromaticherbs #aromaticspices #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy #ancientfolklore
This time of year, the plants inherently know that This time of year, the plants inherently know that the Earth is growing warmer; they can tell that things outside are changing, and it’s time to get ready to sprout and grow new leaves and flowers.

Just as the plants and animals know this wisdom deep down inside, our energetic bodies know on a subconscious level as well.

The opportunity for growth is always there for us, but this time of year, the potential is most potent…

The fresh flowers popping up and new colors everywhere stir up energy and inspiration deep down inside of us that has been dormant through the winter months…

Do you have plans to take advantage of this energy and cultivate something new? What’s on your bucket list this year? 

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#spring #newbeginningsahead #freshenergy #natureisinspiring #plantgoals
What is an aroma? How does our body process aroma? What is an aroma? How does our body process aroma? 

Our instructor Erika Galentin dives into the scientific essence of aromas, explaining how these molecules transcend their chemical origins, becoming sensations within the body. 

Want to hear more from Erika? Stay tuned for a very special announcement tomorrow!

##aroma #aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine #aromaticmedicineschool #aromaticmedicinegarden
If you were stranded on a deserted island and coul If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one herbal item, what would it be? 

For me, it would be Pine resin salve. 🌲

Many years ago, I gave a jar of Pine resin salve to a farmer friend of mine who was worried about one of his goats, Daisy. She’d been with him for many years, and they had formed a sweet bond over the years.

One morning, he noticed Daisy limping in the distance and discovered a deep gash on her leg. He called me to ask if I had anything that might help, and I could hear the concern in his voice. I’d just made a fresh batch of Pine resin salve, so I delivered him some, knowing its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties would help soothe whatever had happened to sweet Daisy.

He gently cleaned Daisy's wound and applied the salve, spreading it evenly over the injured area. And as he did, he whispered comforting words to his loyal friend, assuring her that everything would be alright.

Daily, he faithfully tended to Daisy's wound, applying the Pine resin salve. Slowly but surely, the deep wound began to close, and Daisy's limp gradually faded away. Her spirits lifted, and a spark returned to her eyes.

One day, my friend called me again, this time excited and relieved to share that Daisy was okay. The Pine resin salve had helped seal her wound, and she was back to her happy, playful self. My friend was in awe. 

While I trusted in the healing potential of Pine, it was still a magical marvel and a reassuring moment to witness and be a part of. It's little stories like these that remind me of the beauty, wonder, and healing power of the natural world. 

What’s your trusted herbal ally? Share with us in a comment below!
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#pine #pineresin #herbalsalve #herbalally #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
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