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Aromatic History & Lore

image of a field of clary sage
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Plant Profiles
July 2, 20240Comments

The Benefits of Clary Sage: Nature’s Tranquil Treasure

In the world of aromatherapy, few plants hold as revered a place as Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea). With its captivating scent and beautiful blooms, this aromatic herb has been cherished
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
June 20, 20241Comments

The Timeless Allure of Frankincense

For thousands of years, the fragrant swirls of Frankincense incense have woven their way through the entirety of human civilization, leaving an undeniable mark on our cultural, spiritual, and medicinal
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
Sustainability
May 9, 20240Comments

From Nature to Nose: Unveiling the Art of Natural Perfumery

Have you ever felt a deep desire to have your beloved aromatic plants accompany you throughout your day? That’s what it’s like to wear natural perfume. Unfortunately, many modern perfumes found
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Natural Perfumery
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
May 1, 20241Comments

Labdanum (Cistus) Resin – The Champion of Perfume

If I were to name the top 3 most tantalizing and exotic-smelling aromatics in the world, Labanum would surely be on that list. The mystique of this rich, sweet, animalic,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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
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Plants aren’t here to “fix” us. That’s not their r Plants aren’t here to “fix” us. That’s not their role. 🌿 What they do is offer gentle guidance…They support our bodies, soothe our emotional landscape, and create the conditions for healing to unfold. We do the work: the plants simply become the tools, our allies, helpers along the way. Herbalism and aromatherapy are based on the philosophy of holistic health; it’s all about tending to the whole person, not chasing symptoms. The key is digging down to the root of our issues, with plants by our side. When we shift from treating problems to supporting people, everything changes. This is why herbal practice feels so different from conventional approaches. Instead of forcing the body into a specific outcome, we work with the body’s wisdom: nudging, nourishing, and creating space for change to happen naturally. And when we invite plants to support us on both the physical and emotional levels, we tap into something deeper: partnership. Healing becomes a conversation rather than a prescription, a slow, steady return to balance with the help of our botanical allies. 🌱✨ *This is an excerpt from our Aromatic Medicine Garden membership. You can learn more about our online education hub at the link in our bio. ____________ #herbalism #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #herbalist #herbalmedicine #herbalremedies #holistichealth
Have you ever felt that nature was trying to commu Have you ever felt that nature was trying to communicate to you beyond words? Plants are intelligent beings. Many traditional peoples around the world have known this all along. Our ancestors at one point in time were united in this belief, as they lived close to the Earth in small communities, married to the land and nature. On a daily basis, they witnessed the precious interconnectedness of species, both plant and animal, and lived each day interacting with plants and the elements around them in intimate ways. Such connections kept them healthy, wise, and in tune with themselves and the natural and spiritual worlds. As humans began migrating out of the forests and fields and into towns and cities, our deep connection to nature began to slowly shift. What would our lives look like if we rekindled our relationship to plants and the Earth? Could we be better stewards of the Earth? Could we help save our beloved plants and animals from extinction? Could we pass on a better world to our younger generations? ______________ #nature #plantintelligence #natureisamazing #natureismagic #reciprocity #earthstewardship #earthstewards
Have you ever burned Bay leaves? 🍃 While they are Have you ever burned Bay leaves? 🍃 While they are now commonly used as seasoning in dishes, Bay leaves were traditionally burned as incense for a variety of reasons. The aroma of Bay, also called “Sweet Laurel”, has been known to offer inspiration, insight, and help boost self-esteem. In fact, in ancient times, the leaves were commonly burnt by temple priestesses of Delphi, Greece, as visionary herbs for the oracle. The Ancient Greeks would also place leaves under their pillows at night to call in dreams of divination. ____________ #bayleaf #bayleaves #bayleavesburning #naturalincense #aromaticmedicine #ancientgreece #sweetlaurel
Cottonwood and Poplar buds are among my favorite a Cottonwood and Poplar buds are among my favorite aromatics this time of year, when they’re abundant and full of life. The next time you’re walking along a river, stream, or floodplain, take a look around, and you’ll likely spot the tall, towering Cottonwood trees, their buds just beginning to emerge at the tips of the branches. After a windy storm, you might get lucky and find fallen branches scattered on the ground. Gently pop off a bud, roll it between your fingers, and breathe in its sweet, resinous, woodsy aroma. This fragrant resin has a long tradition of topical use as an anti-inflammatory, helping to ease aches and strains. It’s especially beautiful infused into an herbal oil or crafted into a soothing salve. Have you ever worked with Poplar buds before? _________ #poplar #poplarbuds #cottonwood #cottonwoodtrees #herbalinfusedoil #herbaloil #herbalsalve
Can plants change the way we age, or the way we fe Can plants change the way we age, or the way we feel about aging? 🌼 We explore this topic in our new blog post, Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin. Inside, we cover 8 aromatics that support aging skin (& the science behind why they work): ▪️Rose: antioxidant protection + cooling anti-inflammatory ▪️Helichrysum: nicknamed "Immortelle" for a reason ▪️Frankincense: collagen support + skin regeneration ▪️Lavender: calming, restorative, and endlessly versatile ▪️Calendula: the star of skin repair ▪️Geranium: tones, balances, and brightens ▪️Rosemary: stimulates circulation for a lit-from-within glow ▪️Sandalwood: deeply moisturizing and protective Our latest blog post breaks down how each one works, what preparations to use them in, and includes a simple DIY anti-aging facial oil recipe you can make with just a few ingredients. ✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. _________ #antiagingtips #antiagingskincare #antiagingskincareroutine #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #skincareherbal #radiantskincare
“How do you define nature? If we define it as that “How do you define nature? If we define it as that which is untouched by humans, then we won't have any nature left for our children when they’re adults.” - Emma Marris, environmental writer Nature is everywhere… we just need to learn to see it that way. Let’s consider a new definition of nature, one that includes not only pristine wilderness but also anywhere that life thrives, like the untended patches of plants growing in urban spaces. Let’s encourage each other, and our children, to connect with all types of nature, so that we feel called to love and protect it. ___________ #nature #emmamarris #natureiseverywhere #natureiseverything #natureismagic
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
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