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Aromatic History & Lore

Aromatic History & Lore
Incense Crafting
Ritual
February 21, 20240Comments

The Ancient Story of Incense Clocks

How would you tell time without your iPhone, watch, or digital clock? Before the invention of electricity and modern technology, ancient peoples would often use the elements of the natural
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
January 24, 20240Comments

Medicine of the Evergreens: Our Greatest Winter Allies

In the heart of winter's icy grip exists a steadfast symbol of endurance and resilience – the magnificent evergreen trees. With autumn behind us, many plants have shed their leaves
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
December 21, 20230Comments

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Beyond the Kitchen

Cinnamon, the well-known aromatic spice that infuses warmth and depth into our favorite culinary delights, is much more than just a flavor enhancer. From the cozy aroma of chai tea
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Ritual
December 5, 20230Comments

The Art of the Herbal Bath

In a world that constantly buzzes with activity and stimulation, finding moments of tranquility and self-care can feel like an out-of-reach luxury. But self-care can be simple, affordable, and accessible.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
July 26, 20230Comments

Aromatic Herbs in Grief Support & End-of-Life Care

Death, the inevitable end of our journey, is a universal experience that touches us all. A profound event which leaves us grappling with a myriad of emotions, a profound sense
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ayurveda
May 8, 20230Comments

The Spiritual and Scientific Magic Behind Our Sense of Smell

Our sense of smell is a mysterious mechanism through which we can experience the healing power of aromatic plants. We know aromatic plants have been used since ancient times for
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
March 2, 20230Comments

Astrology & Plant Medicine

Incorporating astrology into herbal medicine or aromatherapy can be an incredible way to be more holistic with your practice. Astrology shows us how to understand the archetypal forces of nature,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
December 21, 20229Comments

The Magic and Medicine of Douglas Fir

With autumn behind us, many plants have shed their leaves in preparation for winter and wild-harvesting opportunities can feel sparse. But there is one particular type of plant you can
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
November 15, 20227Comments

The Benefits of Clary Sage

Clary Sage has been revered for ages for its ability to both nourish and uplift, on a physical, mental, and emotional level. This majestic plant has lovely heart-shaped leaves and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
August 25, 20229Comments

10 Aromatic Plants for Overcoming Anxiety

The world can feel overwhelming at times. There are so many herbs that can help ease anxiety, it’s almost as if the plants know how chaotic life can feel and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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How long do essential oils last? The answer depen How long do essential oils last? The answer depends on how it’s made. Essential oils are produced in mainly 3 different ways: steam distillation, solvent extraction, and cold press distillation. Most essential oils are made using steam distillation, with an exception of Citrus oils which are primarily created using cold press distillation (also known as expression). In this process, mechanical pressure is used to rupture the volatile oil-containing glands in the plant material, then the resulting mixture is filtered to obtain just the essential oil. Absolutes are made using solvent extraction, where plant materials are submerged in a solvent such as ethanol, hexane, or carbon dioxide, to release their aroma, and then the solvent is removed, leaving behind the volatile oils. Most steam-distilled essential oils generally have a shelf life of 3 years. Citrus oils have the shortest shelf-life, about 2 years. And absolutes have a shelf-life of around 5 years. There are a few plants that are an exception to this rule and actually get better with age – like a fine wine – such as Patchouli and Vetiver. The older these plant oils get, the more the aroma shifts and expands over time. To get the most out of your essential oils, always store them in amber-colored bottles and away from direct sunlight. The standard recommendation is to store the bottles in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or closet. Always keep the lids on to reduce oxidation. ____________ #essentialoils #aromatherapy #essentialoils101 #essentialoileducation #absolutes #co2extract #naturalperfumery
Chamomile has an energetic influence on our solar Chamomile has an energetic influence on our solar plexus – the complex network of nerves located in your stomach area. Lying halfway between the area where we get our “gut instinct” and the empathetic heart, the solar plexus represents the center of our psychological needs and wants. It’s an important part of your sympathetic nervous system, which controls your body’s “fight or flight” response to danger or stress. Chamomile has an affinity for soothing nervous tension and anxiety felt in the solar plexus, particularly in times when our emotional needs and wants feel intensified or unmet. This can come out in many ways, such as actions of overbearing, over-controlling, self-criticism, irritability, frustration, depression, or resentment. Chamomile is the plant of calm composure and easy embrace. Chamomile can help us let go of fixed expectations, calmly see and acknowledge our limitations, and open up to receive the support that others have to give. Just as the flower resembles the sun, it inspires a more sunny disposition inside our emotional and mental realms. ______________ #chamomile #chamomileoil #chamomilebenefits #chamomiletea #ChamomileCalm #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine
In the cold winter months here in the Pacific Nort In the cold winter months here in the Pacific Northwest, life naturally turns inward. We spend more time indoors, tending the hearth, the home, and our inner landscapes. One of my favorite winter rituals is a stovetop herbal steam. Across many cultures and household traditions, aromatic plants have long been simmered gently to freshen and uplift the home, invite warmth and positivity, offer subtle spiritual protection, and serve as simple medicine for the immune and respiratory system, especially during the darker months of the year. Here’s a DIY Aromatic Winter Herbal Steam you can make at home. Feel free to adapt it to what you have on hand or what feels good to add. 🌿 Ingredients 8 slices of Citrus (Orange, Lemon, or Grapefruit) 1 sliced apple 1 cup evergreen needles (Fir, Pine, Spruce, or Cedar) 5 Cinnamon sticks 10 whole Cloves 5 Star Anise A thumb-sized piece of fresh Ginger 🔥 Directions Add all ingredients to a stovetop pot and cover with water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Allow it to steam for several hours, filling your home with warmth, fragrance, and quiet magic. These small seasonal rituals remind us that tending our spaces is also a form of medicine—one that nourishes the body, lifts the spirit, and keeps us in relationship with plants. 🌲✨ For another similar recipe, check out our Herbal Steaming blog post. Link in bio. __________ #herbalsteaming #diyherbalism #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #herbalsteam #herbalsteamingblends
“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence. “Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.” – Yoko Ono __________ #yokoono #yokoonoquotes #inspiringquotes #winterweather #inspirationalquotes
When’s the best time of year to harvest resin? N When’s the best time of year to harvest resin? Now! ✨ The wintertime is ideal for resin harvesting. It can be harvested any time of year, but a tree’s energies are condensed inside its wood and resin most in winter, making it more potent in many ways. 🌲 The types of trees with resin easiest to find in North America are conifers like Pine, Fir, Cypress, Spruce, and Cedar. ✨ How to harvest: Find a Conifer tree with some resin on its surface, make sure to properly identify the tree, and harvest by scraping the outer layer of resin off the tree using a knife. Glass containers are best for storage, but plastic or ceramic work too. 🌲 Keep in mind that resin is the tree's defense mechanism, so don’t take too much or you’ll risk harming the tree. ✨ It’s easiest to harvest hardened resin. In colder weather, it may be hard enough to simply break off, rather than scrape it. If harvesting fresh resin, use foil or something similar to help you collect it, and let it dry for several weeks to months, depending on the resin species and climate you’re in. Curious how to work with tree resin? Explore our Aromatic Medicine Blog for more tips! Link in bio. 🌲 __________ #treeresin #incenseresin #sustainableharvesting #resin #wildharvesting #aromaticmedicine
DIY Pine Tip tea (and why you should drink it)… P DIY Pine Tip tea (and why you should drink it)… Pine Needles have many medicinal benefits, both aromatically and internally. They’re high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, providing support to your immune system and decreasing your risk for serious health issues. They help boost mental clarity and relieve depression, in addition to easing respiratory ailments like a sore throat, cough, and chest congestion, making it a great Wintertime herbal tea. Making Pine Tip tea is quite simple… 🌲 Forage for Pine Needles by going for a nature walk with some garden clippers. Make sure to properly identify a Pine Tree, then snip off some needles. The fresher tips will be fresher and might have a lighter green color compared to the older growth. 🌲 Boil some water and pour it over your Pine Needles. Cover it to keep in the medicinal aromatics and leave to infuse for 20-30 minutes, then strain and serve. 🌲 You can enjoy it on its own, or add it to your favorite herbal tea. I love mixing it with chai spices to make Forest Chai tea! ✨ Learn more about the history, harvesting, and health benefits of Pine Tip tea in our blog: Pine Needle Tea Benefits, Harvesting Tips + Recipe! Link in bio. _________ #pine #pineneedles #pineneedletea #pinetree #aromatherapy #herbaltea #tearecipe
Have you ever tried burning Bay leaves? Bay Laur Have you ever tried burning Bay leaves? Bay Laurel, also known as Sweet Laurel or Sweet Bay, is an important historical tree for prophecy and divination. In Ancient Greece, the psychic priestesses at the Oracle of Delphi, known as the Pythia, chewed Bay Laurel leaves and inhaled the incense of burned leaves to support their visionary trances. Pythia were highly regarded and it was believed that they channeled prophecies from the Greek god Apollo while deep in a dreamlike state. The ritual to interpret the word of Apollo started with the Pythia bathing in the Castalian Spring, sacrificing a goat, then entering a special chamber beneath a temple which was filled with the aroma of burning Laurel leaves. She would sit in the center of the temple, on a covered cauldron over a deep well-like chasm, enveloped by vapors and shaking Bay branches. From here, the Pythia would fall into a trance state and channel the prophecy of Apollo. Those seeking the help of Apollo and his priestess would bring offerings of Laurel branches, money, and animal sacrifices. #baylaurel #Apollo #pythia #aroma #aromaticplants #herbalmedicine
Attar: an Arabic word that translates to “scent.” Attar: an Arabic word that translates to “scent.” Attars are traditional natural perfume oils that originate from the Middle East and South Asia, where they’ve been used for centuries. Attars are crafted exclusively from 100% pure essential oils and aromatic materials, without any carrier oils for dilution, making them intensely concentrated perfumes known for their potency and rich aroma. Traditional attar makers often distill aromatic plants directly into a base of Sandalwood essential oil, a practice still revered today for its meticulous craftsmanship. Attars are prized for their rich and complex scents and are typically applied sparingly on the skin or clothing for a long-lasting aroma. Have you ever used or crafted an attar before? What’s your favorite attar scent profile? #attar #attars #perfume #perfumery #naturalperfume
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