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Aromatic History & Lore

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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Plant Profiles
July 11, 20227Comments

The Many Benefits of Lemon Balm

If you have ever had the luxury of smelling fresh Lemon Balm, you know how refreshing it can be. A blend of sweet, Citrus, and Mint, all in one inhale
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
December 28, 20217Comments

The Many Uses of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus leaves are more than just koala food. If you’ve ever smelled this plant, the aromatics really stick in your memory – it’s bold, refreshing, vibrant, and opening. After one
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ritual
December 20, 202116Comments

10 Ancient Medicinal Plants in the Bible

Did you know there are more than 10 aromatic plants mentioned in the Bible? As the holiday season unfolds, you may be putting up a Christmas tree in your living room,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
October 27, 20219Comments

Saving Spikenard: The Sustainability Struggle

Some might say that the words sustainable and essential oil can never be in the same sentence. Essential oils have dynamic health benefits, however, they’re also resource-intensive products. Hundreds to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
Sustainability
July 19, 20210Comments

Smudging: An Issue of Ethics and Sustainability

Have you ever scrolled past a social media ad with an image of someone burning a smudge stick of White Sage with the caption reading something like, “Say Bye-Bye to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ritual
March 21, 20210Comments

The Spirit of Aroma & The Sacred Sense of Smell

The other night I had a super weird thing happen between my dream life and waking life that was the inspiration for this blog. In my dream I was smelling
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Ayurveda
March 2, 20210Comments

Herbal Smoking as Medicine

You might never have thought that smoking can actually have positive effects on your health, but this may be the case, depending on what you’re smoking. Now, don’t get me
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿

Why do certain aromas hold such power over us? Why Why do certain aromas hold such power over us? Why can a single inhale of Pine, Rose, or Cinnamon instantly transport us across decades, stirring tears or lifting the heart with inexplicable joy? 

The answer lies in scent’s unique connection to memory and emotion. 

Unlike other senses, which pass through the thalamus before reaching consciousness, scent travels directly to the olfactory bulb, which links straight to the amygdala and hippocampus, the brain’s centers for emotion and memory. 

In other words, scent bypasses logic and speaks directly to the heart.

This is why certain aromatic plants feel profoundly moving... 

They're keys that unlock entire worlds of feeling and memory. 

What scent speaks to you the most? 🌿

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#aroma #aromatherapy  #scentmemory #scenttherapy #aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine
Which aromatic plant matches your energy? 💜 Lave Which aromatic plant matches your energy? 

💜 Lavender: super chill
🍋 Lemon: upbeat and energetic!
✨ Rosemary: great memory and laser-sharp focus
🌿 Eucalyptus: fresh and exciting
🌲 Cedar: steady and faithful

So… which one are you today? 

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#aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy #aromaticenergy
“Making a perfect medicine incense is in itself th “Making a perfect medicine incense is in itself the most wonderful process. It usually takes 2 to 3 years, in which we experience with our heart, nature's ingredients in the ways our ancestors did, and learn to enjoy the four seasons drenched in nature's exotic and mystical scents.”

– Li Shiliang, 7th generation Master Medicinal Incense Crafter

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#incense #naturalincense #incensecrafting #incensecrafter #aromaticmedicine
Myrrh is often seen as a symbol of life and death. Myrrh is often seen as a symbol of life and death.

Myrrh was one of the first things given to Jesus upon birth (along with Frankincense and gold, of course). Myrrh was also often used in the embalming process in ancient Egypt, anointing those who had left the Earth. In fact, the body of Jesus was rubbed with Myrrh for preservation before being placed in the tomb. 

Emotionally, it has been traditionally used to help people work through grief and sorrow, often accompanied by loss. There is a sweet ancient story about a Roman emperor who burned a full year's worth of Myrrh when his wife passed away.

Myrrh is a gentle hug and a comforting crutch. It can help remind us that everything on Earth is connected, and from death comes new life.

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#myrrh #incenseresin #naturalincense #myrrhoil #MyrrhMagic #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine
5 things you might not know about Marjoram: 🍃 Wil 5 things you might not know about Marjoram:

🍃 Wild Marjoram was known as a funeral herb to the Greeks. It was planted on graves to promote peace to those who have passed on.

🍃 The Latin name, Origanum marjorana, comes from the Greek words “oros” and “ganos,” which translates to “joy of the mountains.”

🍃 Ancient Egyptians used Marjoram to make perfumes, unguents (ancient ointments), and medicines.

🍃 According to folklore, the plant’s aroma was a gift from Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Because of this, it’s commonly used as a floral crown in weddings, symbolizing love and honor.

🍃 Dioscorides, a famous ancient Greek physician, made an ointment of Marjoram to warm and strengthen the nerves and called it “amaricimum.”

What's your favorite way to use Marjoram?

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#Marjoram #aromaticherbs #aromaticspices #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy #ancientfolklore
This time of year, the plants inherently know that This time of year, the plants inherently know that the Earth is growing warmer; they can tell that things outside are changing, and it’s time to get ready to sprout and grow new leaves and flowers.

Just as the plants and animals know this wisdom deep down inside, our energetic bodies know on a subconscious level as well.

The opportunity for growth is always there for us, but this time of year, the potential is most potent…

The fresh flowers popping up and new colors everywhere stir up energy and inspiration deep down inside of us that has been dormant through the winter months…

Do you have plans to take advantage of this energy and cultivate something new? What’s on your bucket list this year? 

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#spring #newbeginningsahead #freshenergy #natureisinspiring #plantgoals
What is an aroma? How does our body process aroma? What is an aroma? How does our body process aroma? 

Our instructor Erika Galentin dives into the scientific essence of aromas, explaining how these molecules transcend their chemical origins, becoming sensations within the body. 

Want to hear more from Erika? Stay tuned for a very special announcement tomorrow!

##aroma #aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine #aromaticmedicineschool #aromaticmedicinegarden
If you were stranded on a deserted island and coul If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one herbal item, what would it be? 

For me, it would be Pine resin salve. 🌲

Many years ago, I gave a jar of Pine resin salve to a farmer friend of mine who was worried about one of his goats, Daisy. She’d been with him for many years, and they had formed a sweet bond over the years.

One morning, he noticed Daisy limping in the distance and discovered a deep gash on her leg. He called me to ask if I had anything that might help, and I could hear the concern in his voice. I’d just made a fresh batch of Pine resin salve, so I delivered him some, knowing its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties would help soothe whatever had happened to sweet Daisy.

He gently cleaned Daisy's wound and applied the salve, spreading it evenly over the injured area. And as he did, he whispered comforting words to his loyal friend, assuring her that everything would be alright.

Daily, he faithfully tended to Daisy's wound, applying the Pine resin salve. Slowly but surely, the deep wound began to close, and Daisy's limp gradually faded away. Her spirits lifted, and a spark returned to her eyes.

One day, my friend called me again, this time excited and relieved to share that Daisy was okay. The Pine resin salve had helped seal her wound, and she was back to her happy, playful self. My friend was in awe. 

While I trusted in the healing potential of Pine, it was still a magical marvel and a reassuring moment to witness and be a part of. It's little stories like these that remind me of the beauty, wonder, and healing power of the natural world. 

What’s your trusted herbal ally? Share with us in a comment below!
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#pine #pineresin #herbalsalve #herbalally #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
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