Skip to content
The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine
  • About
  • Courses
  • Resources
    • The Aromatic Medicine Blog
    • Video Library
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Close Search Form     Open Search Form
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • youtube
Student Login
Category

Aromatic History & Lore

Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
March 13, 20250Comments

Poetry in a Bottle: The Art of Natural Perfumery

Natural perfumery is the art of the unseen, a symphony of botanicals and emotions, creating an aura that is uniquely yours. A great perfume is more than just a fragrance
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
February 20, 20250Comments

Ginger Root Benefits and Uses

Imagine walking through an ancient spice market, where the air is thick with the scent of exotic herbs and roots. Among the vibrant displays, one root stands out with its
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Topical Medicine
January 16, 20250Comments

Tree Resins: Unlock the Power of this Underappreciated Natural Remedy

There’s something very magical about tree resins. These golden, aromatic droplets are born from a tree’s natural healing process – a protective substance that seals wounds, guards against infection, and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
December 19, 20240Comments

The Power of Frankincense: Boosting Immunity and Overall Well-Being

Thousands of years ago, in ancient kingdoms, the air was thick with the rich, aromatic smoke of Frankincense. This sacred resin, harvested from Boswellia trees, played a central role in
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
December 9, 20240Comments

The Many Benefits of Jasmine

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling Jasmine, you know how captivating its scent is. Beyond its delightful fragrance and ornamental appeal, Jasmine offers a treasure trove of health
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
November 7, 20240Comments

Pine Needle Tea Benefits, Harvesting Tips & Recipe

In the bitter winter of 1536, deep in the wilds of North America, morale was low. The French explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew, weakened by months at sea, began
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Ritual
October 1, 20240Comments

Incense 101: Aromatic Medicine Beyond Incense Sticks

The scented swirls of incense smoke carry a profound story – the life cycle of each botanical ingredient, the journey from seedling to thriving herb, nurtured by the sun and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Eucalyptus Benefits for Sinus Congestion and Allergies
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
August 22, 20240Comments

Eucalyptus Benefits for Sinus Congestion and Allergies

It’s the middle of the night, and you’re tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep because you can’t breathe through your nose. Whether it's due to a cold, seasonal
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Image of myrrh an aromatic resin
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
August 1, 20241Comments

Uncovering the Ancient Magic & Mystery of Myrrh

From the embalming rituals of ancient Egypt to the sacred altars of religious ceremonies, Myrrh has captivated the imagination and reverence of civilizations for millennia. This aromatic resin, derived from
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
image of vetiver grass bunches used in essential oils for tranquility.
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
July 23, 20240Comments

Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits and Versatility

Have you ever wondered where the captivating aroma of Vetiver comes from? Known as the “Oil of Tranquility,” Vetiver owes its calming and strengthening effects on the nervous system to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
« Older Articles Newer Articles »

aromatic_medicine

🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿
What if the skincare industry has it backwards? W What if the skincare industry has it backwards? We've been sold the idea that aging skin is the enemy… something to fight, reverse, and erase. Advertisements for expensive skincare products and Botox reinforce that narrative. But aging isn’t a problem to fix; it's a natural part of being alive, something to support rather than fight. In the world of aromatic medicine, this similar mantra is something we return to again and again: plants don't "treat problems," they support bodies. And when it comes to aging skin, aromatic plants have so much to offer in that spirit; not to reverse the clock or erase the evidence of a life well-lived, but to nourish, strengthen, and bring radiance to skin that is constantly, beautifully renewing itself. Our latest blog post explores 8 herbs and essential oils—including Helichrysum (pictured), Frankincense, Rosemary, and Rose—that work with your skin's natural rhythms to support elasticity, radiance, and regeneration from the inside out. Plus: a beautiful DIY facial oil recipe that's become a daily ritual for us. 🌿 Read Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin at the link in bio. ____________ #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare #antiagingoil #naturalskincaretips #diyfaceoil
A friend said something to me recently that I have A friend said something to me recently that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. We were sitting in the park, talking about aging (the new gray hairs, the fine lines), and I admitted I felt a small pang of discouragement. Then she said: "I cherish my wrinkles and laugh lines. They tell the stories of my years of joy and laughter." Just like that, something in me shifted. It was a gentle reminder that aging isn't a problem to be solved, but a natural, dynamic process unfolding in us, as it has in every human who has ever lived a full and meaningful life. Many of us are taught to believe that aging is the enemy… But what if aging skin isn't a problem to fix, but something to support? Aromatic plants have been doing exactly that for centuries. In my latest blog post, I dive into 8 powerful herbs and essential oils that nourish, strengthen, and bring radiance to the skin, plus a simple DIY facial oil recipe you can make at home. ✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. Enjoy the article, Melissa ___________ #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #diyskincarerecipes
Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-k Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-known fact that aromatic plants have a direct effect on our emotions and mental state. There's a magical, mystical association with scent and how it interacts with our being and consciousness. This exists across all ancient teachings of aromatherapy and incense. Maybe you’ve felt it before… a deep, undeniable, and indescribable feeling inside of you when you smell a certain aroma, like Rose, Frankincense, or Pine. Aroma reaches every part of our being, mind, body, and soul, and its gift opens something sacred within us, connecting our spirit to the divinity of life. ___________ #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aroma #aromatics #aromatherapymagic #sacred
Happy Earth Day! 🌍 For us, it's never just about Happy Earth Day! 🌍 For us, it's never just about one day... it's about the small, daily moments of connection. It's all about reciprocity. Giving thanks, showing gratitude, and taking care of the Earth that takes care of us in so many ways. Every single day. Drop the names of your favorite aromatic plants that the Earth has gifted us.👇 I know, it's impossible to pick just one... but right now, our favorite is Tulsi 🌱 __________ #earthday #earthdayeveryday #happyearthday #natureheals #naturehealsmysoul
Essential oils are powerful plant allies, but more Essential oils are powerful plant allies, but more isn’t always better. And just because something is “natural,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s good for you. Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see (& how you can avoid them): 🚫 Consuming essential oils Even if an essential oil is marketed as “food-grade” or “therapeutic,” that doesn’t automatically make it safe to ingest. EOs are extremely potent & highly concentrated, and internal use can irritate the delicate tissues of the digestive system. Ingestion should only ever be considered under the guidance of a trained health professional. 🚫 Using oils neat on the skin Most essential oils should be diluted before topical use. Because they’re highly concentrated, using them neat can lead to irritation, rashes, allergic reactions, or skin sensitization. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil helps protect the skin, allowing the plant’s benefits to be delivered in a gentle, supportive way. 🚫 Adding essential oils directly to bath water Oil & water don’t mix. Without a proper dispersant, essential oils float on the surface & can irritate skin. Always dilute in a carrier oil, soap, or other dispersing medium first. 🚫 Assuming “natural” means risk-free Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts – respect dosage, especially with children, pets & during pregnancy. Not all EOs are safe for topical use. 🚫 Overdoing it Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to potent essential oils. Just 2-3 drops in an EO diffuser are all you need to receive therapeutic benefits. Subtlety = sustainability (for both your body & your oils). 🚫 Skipping education + plant context Knowing how an oil is made, what part of the plant is used & why it works matters just as much as what it’s “good for.” 🌱 When used with intention, education & respect, essential oils become incredible teachers. Want to learn how to work with them safely, skillfully & in relationship with the plants? You’re in the right place. ✨ Comment “EO” to get our free Essential Oil Safety Guide sent directly to your inbox! __ #essentialoils #aromatherapy #essentialoils101 #essentialoilsafety #essentialoiltips
Do you know what makes hydrosols so special? 🌿 Con Do you know what makes hydrosols so special? 🌿 Contrary to popular belief, they're not just essential oils mixed with water. (Mixing essential oils with water won't work because oil and water don't mix—they separate into layers.) Hydrosols are actually the aromatic waters that remain after essential oils are distilled. Once considered a byproduct, they're now prized for their gentle effectiveness in aromatic medicine. Also known as floral waters, hydrosols capture the water-soluble components of plants along with a hint of essential oil, offering a milder, water-based essence. This makes them a great, gentle option for those sensitive to strong scents, including children and pets (for most hydrosols). Hydrosols are often used as a gentle skincare product or facial toner, and they're ideal for herbal recipes that call for water, and as delightful room or body sprays. Many can even be enjoyed as internal preparations or spritzed on salads or added to beverages (just be sure it’s safe for consumption!). What’s your go-to hydrosol? We're loving Rose water in our morning coffee and iced tea lately—so refreshing! 🌹💧 ___________ #hydrosol #hydrosoldistillation #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #essentialoildistillation #rosewater #naturalskincare
“In Indigenous ways of knowing, it is understood t “In Indigenous ways of knowing, it is understood that each living being has a particular role to play. Every being is endowed with certain gifts, its own intelligence, its own spirit, its own story. Our stories tell us that the Creator gave these to us, as original instructions. The foundation of education is to discover that gift within us and learn to use it well.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses ____________ #robinwallkimmerer #gatheringmoss #robinwallkimmererinspiration #inspirationalquotes
The Magic of Melissa 🐝✨ Melissa officinalis, also The Magic of Melissa 🐝✨ Melissa officinalis, also known as Lemon Balm, is not only an incredible ally in the medicinal apothecary; it’s also a wonderful addition to spiritual and magical pursuits. Its Latin name comes from the Greek word for “honeybee.” The herb was often rubbed on beehives to promote successful colonization of the hive, and was even planted by the beekeepers of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to protect the sacred hives. Nicholas Culpeper, a famous 17th-century English botanist, herbalist, physician, and astrologer, suggests it is ruled by Jupiter and Cancer. I can see Venus as well, as do others, but I feel Jupiter is strongest… Uplifting, opening of the heart and senses, its lemony scent moving everything upwards, so to speak, shaking off depressive energies. A favorite way to work with Melissa is in incense blends or as an addition to a bath soak, where its bright and lemon-like aroma evokes an energetic peace, and brings a sense of joy and harmony. ____________ #lemonbalm #melissaofficinalis #lemonbalmleaves #aromatherapy #herbalism #aromaticherbs #naturalincense
Follow on Instagram

OFFERINGS

  • Aromatic Medicine Garden Membership
  • Incense Crafting Course
  • Botanical Resins & Gums Course
  • Materia Aromatica Ebook

QUICK LINKS

  • About
  • Courses
  • The Aromatic Medicine Blog
  • The School
  • Evan Sylliaasen
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay in the know on new releases and special offers

Loading

support@aromaticmedicineschool.com

© 2026 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine, All rights reserved.