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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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Modern herbal education often begins with utility: Modern herbal education often begins with utility: What is this herb good for? What are its actions? What symptoms does it address? While these are important questions, they can also unintentionally shape the way we relate to plants, reducing them to products or commodities existing solely for human use. But deep down, we know plants are far more than that. Plants are living, intelligent beings participating in vast and intricate ecosystems. They communicate with one another, adapt to their surroundings, nourish ecosystems, stabilize soil, create oxygen, and sustain countless forms of life — including us. When we begin to see plants only through the lens of “What can this do for me?”, we risk losing sight of this. The moment we stop viewing plants only through utility, we create space for relationship to emerge. We move away from commodity and into connection. We begin to approach the plant kingdom with curiosity, presence, humility, and wonder. We shift from consumer to student, with plants as our teachers. And perhaps that is where true herbal wisdom begins. 🌱 ✨ Explore ways you can deepen your relationship with plants in our new video blog. Link in bio. _______ #plantwisdom #herbaleducation #plantsareteachers #herbalwisdom #plantsaremedicine #herbalist #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
🌿 MISSED YESTERDAY'S WEBINAR? THE REPLAY IS HERE! 🌿 MISSED YESTERDAY'S WEBINAR? THE REPLAY IS HERE! 🔥 Yesterday, we explored a side of incense that goes far beyond simply enjoying a beautiful fragrance. The ancient relationship between aromatic plants, healing traditions, sacred ritual, and the remarkable art of working with botanical smoke. And if you couldn't join us, I've got good news! 🎥 The replay of my FREE webinar is now available: THE MEDICINE & ART OF INCENSE Healing, Ritual, and the Wisdom of Smoke During this special class, we explore: 🌿 The fascinating history of incense as medicine and its traditional uses across cultures. 🔥 The role of aromatic smoke in prayer, meditation, ritual, and our relationship with plants. 🌎 The extraordinary botanicals behind incense, where they come from, and why thoughtful sourcing matters. We'll also explore how learning to craft your own natural incense can open up an entirely new dimension of working with aromatic plants. And toward the end, I'll share more about my Traditional Incense Crafting Course, for those of you interested in taking this beautiful art further. ⏳ IMPORTANT REMINDER! Enrollment for the Traditional Incense Crafting Course closes Tuesday, October 27! Once the doors close, you'll have to wait until enrollment reopens to join, and tuition will be higher when it does. 🎥 WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR REPLAY — LINK IN BIO! And if you know someone who loves incense, herbalism, aromatherapy, or traditional botanical arts, please share this post with them! ❤️ I'd love for more people to discover these remarkable plants and the traditions surrounding them. Hope you enjoy the class! ~ Evan #NaturalIncense #IncenseCrafting #AromaticMedicine #Herbalism #Aromatherapy #SacredSmoke #IncenseMaking
⏳ ONE HOUR TO GO! 🌿🔥 At 4 PM Pacific TODAY, we're ⏳ ONE HOUR TO GO! 🌿🔥 At 4 PM Pacific TODAY, we're diving into the fascinating world of medicinal incense, ancient aromatic traditions, and the wisdom of the plants behind the smoke! Join me for my FREE webinar: THE MEDICINE & ART OF INCENSE Healing, Ritual, and the Wisdom of Smoke We'll explore some of the deeper dimensions of incense that I don't often get to share, including: 🌿 The Medicine of Incense — Its fascinating history and traditional uses in healing practices around the world. 🔥 The Sacred Traditions of Incense — The role of aromatic smoke in ritual, prayer, meditation, and our relationship with plants. 🌎 The Plants Behind the Smoke — Where our aromatic materials come from, how they're harvested, and why responsible sourcing matters. I'll also answer some common questions about my Traditional Incense Crafting Course... 🎁 And reveal some VERY special gifts I've put together EXCLUSIVELY for those of you considering joining us! I'm really excited to share all of this with you! And if you know someone who loves incense, herbalism, aromatherapy, or working with aromatic plants, please SHARE this post with them! 🌿 Help me get the word out :) I'd love to reach more people who would appreciate these teachings, and your shares help us keep this knowledge and these beautiful traditions alive! ⏰ WE START IN ONE HOUR — 4 PM PACIFIC! 🌿 FREE REGISTRATION — LINK IN BIO! Hope you'll join me! ~ Evan #IncenseCrafting #NaturalIncense #AromaticMedicine #Herbalism #Aromatherapy #IncenseMaking #SacredSmoke
A HANDFUL OF PLANTS. A LITTLE WATER. AND AN ANCIEN A HANDFUL OF PLANTS. A LITTLE WATER. AND AN ANCIENT ART THAT'S STILL VERY ALIVE TODAY. 🌿🔥 There's something pretty remarkable about taking a handful of aromatic plants—resins, woods, roots, herbs, and flowers—and transforming them into incense. We're talking about clean and pure, natural incense, none of that synthetic garbage like what floods the market. No chemical fragrance oils or mysterious ingredients. Just plants, a little know-how, and your own two hands. But here's where things get really interesting... Why does one incense cone burn beautifully while another refuses to stay lit? How do you make incense that produces less smoke without sacrificing its beautiful aroma? How do you combine Sandalwood, Frankincense, and other aromatic herbs into something that smells harmonious rather than muddled? And how do you turn a pile of powdered plants into an incense stick that actually holds together and burns consistently? There's a whole world of knowledge behind something as seemingly simple as a stick of incense! And once you begin to understand it, the possibilities really open up. You can explore different traditions of incense making, experiment with unusual aromatic plants, develop your own formulations, and gain a whole new appreciation for the extraordinary craftsmanship of incense artisans around the world. This is what I've spent more than 15 years exploring, practicing, and teaching. And it's what I share in my Traditional Incense Crafting Course. From choosing and preparing your ingredients to understanding binders, bases, formulation, and different crafting techniques, I'll walk you through the process of making your own natural incense cones, sticks, and loose blends. 🌿 ENROLLMENT CLOSES OCTOBER 27! And when we reopen the course again in the future, tuition will be higher. So if you've been feeling drawn to learn this beautiful botanical art, I'd love to have you join me for the 11th year of teaching this program. Explore the Traditional Incense Crafting Course through the link in our bio! ~ Evan #IncenseCrafting #NaturalIncense #IncenseMaking #AromaticMedicine #BotanicalArt #Herbalism #TraditionalIncense
🌿 TODAY AT 4 PM! THE MEDICINE & ART OF INCENSE 🔥 🌿 TODAY AT 4 PM! THE MEDICINE & ART OF INCENSE 🔥 There's so much more to incense than its beautiful aroma! For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been burned for traditional healing, prayer, ceremony, meditation, and spiritual practices around the world. But what do we really know about the plants behind the smoke? Their medicinal histories, the traditions surrounding them, and the people and places they come from? TODAY at 4 PM Pacific, I'd love for you to join me for a FREE webinar! 🌿 The Medicine & Art of Incense: Healing, Ritual, and the Wisdom of Smoke We'll explore: 🌱 The fascinating history of incense as medicine and its traditional uses. 🔥 The sacred rituals and practices surrounding incense across cultures. 🌎 The importance of sourcing, sustainability, and understanding the plants we work with. I'll also be answering questions about my Traditional Incense Crafting Course and revealing some VERY special gifts for those of you considering joining us! 🎁 One of these gifts is exclusively for webinar attendees and disappears TONIGHT at midnight Pacific! 🕓 TODAY — 4 PM Pacific 🌿 FREE! Register through the link in our bio! I hope you'll join me for this deeper exploration of the beautiful world of incense and aromatic medicine! ~ Evan #IncenseCrafting #NaturalIncense #AromaticMedicine #Herbalism #Aromatherapy #SacredSmoke #IncenseMaking
🌿 INCENSE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BEAUTIFUL AROMA. 🌿 INCENSE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BEAUTIFUL AROMA. For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been burned as incense for healing, prayer, meditation, ceremony, and countless other purposes. And behind every fragrant wisp of smoke is a plant with its own story, traditions, and remarkable qualities. Tomorrow evening, I'd love to invite you to explore this world with me! Join me for a FREE webinar: 🔥 The Medicine & Art of Incense: Healing, Ritual, and the Wisdom of Smoke We'll explore the fascinating medicinal history of incense, the sacred traditions surrounding aromatic smoke, and the importance of understanding where our incense plants come from and how they're harvested. I'll also share more about the Traditional Incense Crafting Course, answer some common questions, and reveal a few special surprises for those who are ready to take their incense crafting journey further! Whether you're an herbalist, aromatherapist, incense enthusiast, or simply someone who loves working with aromatic plants, I hope you'll join me. 🗓 Thursday, October 22 🕓 4 PM Pacific 🌿 FREE to attend! Register here: https://pages.aromaticmedicineschool.com/launch/incense-webinar #IncenseCrafting #NaturalIncense #AromaticMedicine #Herbalism #Aromatherapy #IncenseMaking #SacredSmoke #BotanicalMedicine
🌿 FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW! The Medicine & Art of Inc 🌿 FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW! The Medicine & Art of Incense Healing, Ritual, and the Wisdom of Smoke For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been used in healing traditions, sacred ceremonies, and everyday rituals around the world. There's so much more to incense than simply burning something that smells good! This Thursday, I'm hosting a special FREE webinar where we'll explore some of my favorite aspects of this ancient aromatic art. Here's what we'll dive into: 🌿 The Plants & Their Stories — Discover the remarkable aromatic plants used in incense, including fragrant treasures growing close to home. 🌎 Conscious Sourcing — Learn how to recognize quality materials, avoid questionable sources, and make choices that help protect vulnerable plants. 🌸 The Healing Traditions of Incense — Explore the fascinating ways incense has been used in traditional medicine throughout history. ✨ The Sacred Art of Incense Making — Discover how prayer, song, intention, and ritual have been woven into the crafting of incense across different traditions. I'll also be spending time answering some of the most frequently asked questions about my Traditional Incense Crafting Course, including what you'll learn, the different types of incense you can make, and how the program works. 🎁 And I've got a special surprise to reveal, too! Something I've never given away before! Whether you're an herbalist, aromatherapist, incense enthusiast, or simply someone who loves aromatic plants, I'd love to have you join me! 📅 Thursday, October 22nd 🕓 4 PM Pacific 🎟️ FREE to attend! 👉 Register through the link in our bio! Hope to see you there! ~ Evan #FreeIncenseWebinar #IncenseMaking #NaturalIncense #IncenseCrafting #AromaticMedicine #Herbalism #Aromatherapy #SacredSmoke #BotanicalMedicine #PlantWisdom #IncenseRitual #TraditionalIncense #MedicinalPlants #NaturalAromatics #HerbalEducation
What if the most meaningful part of incense wasn't What if the most meaningful part of incense wasn't the moment you lit it, but everything that went into making it? 🌿 There's something I find deeply beautiful about the old traditions of incense crafting. In Tibetan Buddhist traditions, incense making can be accompanied by prayers and mantras throughout the process. In ancient Egypt, the preparation of sacred incense was intertwined with temple rituals, fragrant plants, and ceremonial practices. Just think about that for a moment... The care given to selecting each plant. The grinding and blending of fragrant ingredients. The songs, prayers, and intentions that accompany the work. The making of the incense becomes a practice in itself. And that's something I've always been really inspired by. Of course, you don't have to approach incense from a spiritual perspective to appreciate this craft. You might simply love working with your hands, discovering extraordinary fragrances, exploring the medicinal traditions of aromatic plants, or creating something beautiful to share with others. But something special happens when we begin to see incense as more than a finished product... We start paying closer attention to the plants, where they came from, how they smell, how they behave, and what they can become when brought together. And of course, there's an enormous world to explore! That's one of the reasons I've loved teaching the Traditional Incense Crafting Course for the past 11 years. It's an opportunity for people to learn the practical skills of making incense cones, sticks, and loose blends, while discovering the remarkable plants, history, and traditions that make this art so rich. 🌿 Enrollment is officially open, and I'd love to welcome you into this beautiful craft. Find the course details in our bio link! ~ Evan #IncenseCrafting #TraditionalIncense #NaturalIncense #SacredSmoke #IncenseMaking #AromaticPlants #BotanicalIncense #IncenseTraditions #SacredPlants #Herbalism #AromaticMedicine #HandmadeIncense #PlantWisdom #IncenseRitual #ArtisanIncense
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