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Aromatic History & Lore

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
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
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What if ancient healers knew something science is What if ancient healers knew something science is only beginning to understand? For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been used to calm the mind, sharpen memory, support digestion, and uplift the spirit. These traditions were passed down long before laboratories or clinical trials existed. Today, modern research is beginning to back up many of those same traditional uses. In this week’s blog article, we explore the history and science of 4 aromatic plants, comparing what ancient cultures believed with what new research is discovering. It's a beautiful reminder that sometimes the oldest wisdom still has something to teach us. 🌿 Read the full article through the link in our bio. _____________ #ancientwisdom #plantwisdom #herbaltradition #plantscience #herbalism #aromaticherbs #ancienthealing
Have you ever wondered where the aroma of Vetiver Have you ever wondered where the aroma of Vetiver comes from? Vetiver is often referred to as the “Fragrance of the Soil” because of its earthy and woody scent profile. This aromatic grass, native to India, possesses a distinctive aroma reminiscent of damp earth, roots, and the essence of the soil itself. Its fragrance is deeply grounding, often described as rich, smoky, and slightly sweet. The nickname “Fragrance of the Soil” captures the essence of Vetiver's olfactory profile, as it brings to mind the natural, organic scent of freshly turned earth. This association with the Earth's aroma is thanks to the roots of the Vetiver plant, which contain fragrant compounds that imbue the soil with their characteristic scent. Vetiver roots are strong and grow deep beneath the soil, and the plants are often grown for erosion control and bioremediation. When the roots are harvested for essential oil production, the grasses are traditionally repurposed by locals, woven into cooling shades and sometimes intertwined with the roots to make roof thatching, window screens, blinds, and hand fans. The shades are consistently doused with water, effectively cooling and transforming hot, scorching summer air into aromatic, moist, balmy breezes. Vetiver's earthy fragrance has made it a popular ingredient in perfumery for centuries, where it adds depth, complexity, and a sense of connection to the natural world. Its ability to evoke a sense of rootedness and stability has earned it a special place in the world of perfumery – it is so popular that it’s the main ingredient in over 30% of all Western high-end perfumes, including Chanel N°5. (If you’re interested in learning how to make your own perfumes, check out our Natural Perfumery Course!) Swipe through to learn all about the aromatic medicine of Vetiver. ➡
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
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