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Aromatic History & Lore

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
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
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When did plant medicine become "alternative"? For When did plant medicine become "alternative"? For generations, cultures around the world discovered that aromatic plants could calm the nervous system, sharpen the mind, encourage restful sleep, support digestion, and uplift the spirit. This wisdom was passed down through oral tradition and ancient texts, becoming the foundation of many traditional healing systems. Yet somewhere along the way, much of that knowledge came to be dismissed as folklore or placebo. But that's beginning to change. As more human clinical research is conducted on aromatic plants, scientists are finding evidence that supports many of the uses documented by traditional healers hundreds—even thousands—of years ago. In this week's article, we're digging into some of those stories, both ancient and modern. We explore 4 amazing aromatic plants, what ancient physicians and herbalists believed about them, and what modern scientific research is revealing today. 🌿✨ Link in bio. _______________ #aromaticplants #plantwisdom #plantmedicine #aromaticmedicine #herbalwisdom #herbaltraditions #ancientwisdom
How do you light natural incense charcoal? 🔥 We ge How do you light natural incense charcoal? 🔥 We get this question a lot. We always recommend using natural incense charcoal over hookah and self-igniting charcoals, due to the toxic, health-hazardous compounds these quick-lighting charcoals contain (and the smell they emit ruins the plant’s aromatics). To ignite all-natural coconut husk or Japanese-style bamboo charcoal, you must use an open flame from a propane stove or an electric stove with coil burners. Electric glass-top stoves and standard lighters just don’t cut it. If you don't have access to this type of stove and are having trouble getting your charcoal lit, a small torch-style lighter can be a handy tool. These can be found at most grocery and convenience stores. The flame burns quite hot and continuously, which is exactly what natural charcoal needs to effectively ignite. We recommend you hold the charcoal with a pair of incense tongs, then run the torch flame along the outer edges of the charcoal first, until it appears to be turning red (this should only take a few seconds when using such a hot, consistent flame). After you see hints of red, allow the charcoal to sit on a non-flammable surface or incense burner until it forms a full layer of white ash – now it's ready to be used. If it doesn't seem like your charcoal is "catching" and turning red throughout, a gentle stream of air from fanning or blowing on the charcoal should help. Have you ever had trouble lighting incense charcoal in the past? What methods work best for you? _____________ #incensecharcoal #incense #naturalincense #diyincense #incenseresin
According to the ancient Mayans, the divine God of According to the ancient Mayans, the divine God of the Earth extracted Copal resin from the Tree of Life and gave it to humans as a gift. It’s considered very sacred and is often referred to as the “Food of the Gods.” For centuries, it has been widely used in many spiritual traditions for offerings, divination, connecting to the sacred, spiritual healing, and so much more. __________ #copal #treeoflife #incense #naturalincense #incenseresin #foodofthegods #ritual
🌹 Are you team Rose tea, Rose water, Rose essentia 🌹 Are you team Rose tea, Rose water, Rose essential oil, Rose cordial, or fresh Rose petals? Spoiler: we're all of the above! Rose is one of our favorite aromatic plants, offering an abundance of gifts and delicious ways to work with it. Most people know Rose as a symbol of romance. Far fewer know it has been used as a traditional medicine for the emotional heart, digestive system, skin, reproductive health, and nervous system for centuries. In our newest blog, we explore: ✨ The fascinating history and folklore of Rose ✨ Rose's benefits in aromatherapy and herbalism ✨ How Rose supports emotional healing and resilience ✨ Tips for harvesting and working with fresh Rose petals and Rosehips ✨ Our favorite homemade Rose Cordial recipe 🌹 Get the recipe + read the full article through the link in our bio. ____________ #rose #wildrose #herbalremedies #herbalrecipes #naturalremedies #DIYherbalism #rosecordial
Like all living things on Earth, plants have their Like all living things on Earth, plants have their own personalities. 🌿 You might have heard me say before that plants are like people. Some seem shy, some are strange, some are bold. When we’re meeting a person for the first time, sometimes we click with them right away and are instantly best friends, sometimes one of us needs to warm up to the other, other times we immediately know we want nothing to do with them – like we’re on a completely different wavelength. This happens with plants, too. Sometimes you meet a plant that you love, sometimes it doesn’t quite work out the first several times of interacting with it, and other times, your intuition is telling you that it’s just not meant to be. Occasionally, when working with an aromatic plant, it will impart crucial wisdom or important healing immediately; other times, it will make us work for it, like a test. All of this depends on how your unique personality, spirit, and personal challenges match up with a particular plant you choose to work with. In many ways, plants are like people; each one’s energetic make-up is slightly different. Some will mesh well with us, and others won’t. So if you meet a plant you don’t get along with, or it hasn’t revealed its health benefits to you, no matter how long or hard you’ve tried, that’s ok. It’s completely natural, and maybe it’s time to look to another plant for help. Do you have an aromatic plant that you jive with? Or one that you don’t? ____________ #aromaticplants #aromatherapy #plantwisdom #energetics #plantenergetics
What’s exactly in an essential oil bottle? 💧✨ Man What’s exactly in an essential oil bottle? 💧✨ Many botanicals are highly aromatic and contain a huge range of chemical compounds, many of which are medicinal and beneficial for humans. Ancient alchemists say that essential oils contain the actual life force of a plant. These oils can be found in the resins, leaves, flowers, roots, woods, seeds, barks, or fruits of plants. They help plants and trees with countless biological functions and processes, from being used as energy to attracting pollinators with their strong aromas, to protecting the plants from disease, harmful insects, and environmental shifts. They’re present in tiny droplets within different plant parts, often encased in specialized cells or microscopic chambers. When you rub a leaf of any aromatic plant between your fingers and smell it – like Sage or Lemon Balm – you’re actually breaking open the cells that store them, which is why you receive such a strong aroma. These aromatic chemicals are collected by steam distillation using stills, cold pressing, or CO2 extraction, and are bottled up for us to use. Sometimes it can take hundreds of pounds of plant material to get just 1 ounce of essential oil! They are potent, concentrated medicines, and should be used carefully, with intention and respect for the plants. What's your favorite essential oil to use?? ⬇🌱 ____________ #essentialoil #aromatherapy #essentialoils101 #essentialoileducation #essentialoiltips
🌹 Is there any scent that says "summer" more beaut 🌹 Is there any scent that says "summer" more beautifully than Rose? Here in the Pacific Northwest, June belongs to the Roses. Wild Roses begin blooming along sunny trails, neighborhood Rose gardens burst into color, and their sweet fragrance drifts through the warm afternoon air. The scent of Rose is one of the first signs of summer, and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty unfolding all around us. With Roses everywhere we look right now, what better time to share a new blog post diving into all things Rose! In our latest blog, we'll explore Rose's rich history and folklore, its many benefits in herbalism and aromatherapy, and a few beautiful ways to work with this amazing floral ally. And at the very end, we share one of our all-time favorite Rose preparations: a delicious homemade Rose Cordial recipe. 🌹✨ Recipe + blog link in bio. Are the Roses blooming where you live yet? ____________ #rose #wildrose #rosecordial #roserecipes #herbalrecipe #diyherbalism #herbalremedy
Comment ROSE for the recipe 🌹✨🌸 Rose has long bee Comment ROSE for the recipe 🌹✨🌸 Rose has long been one of the most trusted aromatic allies for the emotional heart. When life feels heavy, Rose has a way of carrying us through, offering comfort in grief, exhaustion, heartbreak, or loss. Like a warm embrace from a trusted friend, it supports mind, body, and spirit all at once. What makes Rose so fascinating is its dual nature: soft, vibrant petals protected by thorns. It teaches the heart to open without losing its boundaries. Whether you're healing from heartbreak, deepening a friendship, or stepping into a new chapter, Rose offers safety, resilience, and an invitation to meet yourself beneath old wounds and armor that no longer serve you. It's both mirror and guide, helping us release what we no longer need, and remember the wisdom of our own heart. 💗 In our newest blog, we explore: ✨ The history and folklore of Rose ✨ Its gifts in aromatherapy and herbalism ✨ How Rose supports emotional healing and resilience ✨ Tips for harvesting fresh Rose petals and Rosehips ✨ Our favorite homemade Rose Cordial recipe 🌹 Comment ROSE to get the recipe + read the full article
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