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Aromatic History & Lore

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
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
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🌿 Raise your hand if you love White Sage as much a 🌿 Raise your hand if you love White Sage as much as we do… While we adore this plant’s musky, camphor-like notes & sweet undertones, White Sage holds deep sacred significance for many Indigenous cultures of North America, and that deserves our respect before we reach for it casually. Beyond the cultural conversation, there's an ecological one too. Over-harvesting to meet global demand has placed enormous pressure on wild populations, landing White Sage on the United Plant Savers At-Risk Species List. Much of the wild-harvested White Sage on the market is thought to come from unauthorized harvesting. The good news is, aromatic smoke cleansing is an ancient global tradition & there are so many other beautiful herbs to work with: 🌿 Garden Sage: A sustainable alternative to White Sage, traditionally used to clear stagnant energy, purify spaces & boost mental clarity. 🌿 Bay Laurel: Revered since ancient Greece & burned for purification, protection, confidence & creative inspiration. 🌿 Mugwort: Traditionally used in smoke cleansing to clear negativity, sharpen intuition & support dreamwork & meditation. 🌿 Rosemary: Its bold, invigorating aroma helps sweep away mental fog, break up stagnation & rekindle motivation & self-confidence. 🌿 Evergreens: Burned for centuries to purify spaces, offer protection & bring a grounding sense of calm & resilience. 🌿 Lavender: Believed to wash away stress, negativity & emotional turbulence. The rich, worldwide history of smoke cleansing means there is a way into this practice for everyone, one that feels personally meaningful without intruding on traditions sacred to others. Getting to know the aromatic plants of your local landscape is a beautiful place to start (or growing your own!). Local plants carry a special resonance because they move through the same seasons we do. They feel like home, because they are. We just posted a free DIY guide for making your own dried herb bundle using the plants growing around you! Inside, we explore this topic more & give you step-by-step instructions to create your own smoke cleansing practice. Link in bio! ✨ _____________ #smokecleansing #herbbundle #DIY #ritual #whitesage
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like the Have you ever walked into a room and felt like the energy was... off? Maybe it feels heavy, stagnant, or like something old is lingering that you're ready to release. For thousands of years, people around the world have turned to aromatic plants, incense, and smoke cleansing rituals to mark transitions, clear stagnant energy, and invite renewal. As we move through spring, it's the perfect time to explore these ancient traditions and reconnect with the plants growing all around us. We just published a free DIY guide that walks you through how to create your own dried herb bundles using aromatic plants from your garden or local landscape. 🌱 Inside, you'll discover: 🌿 The history of smoke cleansing across cultures 🌿 6 aromatic herbs that can help refresh your space and uplift your spirit 🌿 Sustainable alternatives to White Sage 🌿 Step-by-step instructions for crafting your own dried herb bundles 🌿 Why spring is the perfect season to reconnect with the natural world Read the full article through the link in our bio. ✨ _____________ #smokecleansing #smokecleanse #smokecleansingsticks #herbbundle #diyherbalism #whitesage #ritual
What makes Agarwood so special? Also known as Alo What makes Agarwood so special? Also known as Aloeswood or Oud, Agarwood is a fragrant, resinous wood formed only when Aquilaria trees are wounded by a specific fungal species, and respond by producing resin deep within their heartwood. This slow, alchemical process can take many years, and only a small percentage of trees ever produce resin at all. This rarity is what gives Agarwood its sacred status and its unmistakable scent. For over 3,000 years, Agarwood has been treasured as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Often called the “Wood of the Gods,” it carries one of the most complex and revered aromas in the world… ✨ Ancient Indian & Chinese mystics burned it during meditation & ritual ✨ Islamic traditions cherished Oud in prayer & sacred gatherings ✨ Hindu & Buddhist practices valued it for clarity & spiritual balance ✨ Ancient Egyptians incorporated it into ceremonies & burial rites Across civilizations, Agarwood has symbolized purification, grounding, and elevated awareness. Today, Agarwood faces a serious challenge. Due to overharvesting and high global demand, all species of Aquilaria are now listed as vulnerable or critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. That’s why we source our Agarwood exclusively from a sustainable plantation in Australia, supporting responsible cultivation while honoring its long lineage of use. If Agarwood calls to you, you can explore ethically sourced Agarwood powder from our sister company, Higher Mind Incense. Link in bio. ______________________________ #agarwood #aloeswood #oud #agarwoodplantation #naturalincense #naturalperfumery
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? 🌿 ______________ #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? __________ #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 __________ #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. ______________ #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? ___________ #Marjoram #aromaticherbs #aromaticspices #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy #ancientfolklore
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