Skip to content
The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine
  • About
  • Courses
  • Resources
    • The Aromatic Medicine Blog
    • Video Library
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Close Search Form     Open Search Form
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • youtube
Student Login
Category

Aromatic History & Lore

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
Aromatic History & Lore
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Plant Profiles
January 25, 202134Comments

The Medicine & Magic of Pine

Article written by Evan SylliaasenFor ages, humans across the Earth have maintained a special and magical relationship with evergreen trees of all kinds. The multifaceted wisdom in their growth patterns,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
December 20, 20200Comments

Holiday Smells: Aromatic Traditions from Winters Past

Fresh cut Pine and Spruce trees, Cedar boughs, pots of evergreen needles steaming on the wood stove. Aromas of Cinnamon and Clove rising from the oven. Orange peel and Star
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
March 10, 202011Comments

Copal Plant Profile – Ancient Incense & Mystical Medicine

Copal, it's one of the most well-known and oldest names in the world of incense. If you're into incense, surely you've heard of it and likely have burned some before.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
August 26, 201912Comments

Myrrh Plant Profile – The Sacred Bitter Medicine of Antiquity

Have you ever noticed how Frankincense and Myrrh are commonly mentioned together by herbalists and incense connoisseurs, yet Frankincense somehow receives all the attention in the media and medical journals these days? Why
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ayurveda
Incense as Medicine
May 25, 20190Comments

Incense As Medicine

In addition to their pleasant and uplifting aromas, nearly all aromatic plants used in incense also have medicinal qualities. Whether burned for therapeutic, spiritual, or aesthetic purposes, everyone who burns
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Alchemy
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
March 24, 20190Comments

The Roots of Aromatherapy & The Soul of Plants

Modern aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of botanical essential oils, is one of the fastest growing healing modalities of our time, and its name is widely known around the world today.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
January 1, 20190Comments

Balm of Gilead, Comfort for the Soul

Considered to be among the most sacred of herbs throughout many ancient Eastern cultures, the renowned Balm of Gilead was once used in various forms of holy incense and anointing
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
« Older Articles Newer Articles »

aromatic_medicine

🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿
Not only is Mugwort a powerful plant supportive of Not only is Mugwort a powerful plant supportive of our sleep and dreams, but it can be helpful for easing aches, pains, and sprains due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an effective anti-fungal commonly used topically for fungal skin issues like athlete’s foot, ringworm, tinea versicolor, and more. Mugwort can be applied topically in many different ways, including herbal-infused oil, poultice, essential oil diluted in a carrier oil, or as a liniment. What’s your favorite way to use Mugwort? ____________ #mugwort #mugwortmagic #herbalism #aromatherapy #antiinflammatory #antifungal #sleeptips
Have you ever been repulsed by a scent, and later Have you ever been repulsed by a scent, and later actually grew to love it? Or maybe a smell you once adored now doesn’t smell good to you? It’s similar to not liking the taste of beets as a kid, but now loving them as an adult. As we move through life, our bodies change and grow, and our health shifts, just like our aromatic likes and dislikes. This phenomenon is quite magical – it stems from the wisdom and spirit of aromatic plants working with our intuition and the intelligence of our bodies to help us know exactly what medicine we may need at that moment. Our bodies have a deep knowing that we sometimes struggle to understand or put into words. It's an ancient system of communication. Depending on a person's imbalances or illness, their reaction to smelling an aromatic plant can be very revealing about what medicines could bring them back into balance. The seasons and elements also come into play here. Throughout the year, people are often drawn to different plants that help them stay healthy and in alignment with seasonal shifts. The energetic and spiritual connection between plants and our bodies can be a powerful tool, helping you decide exactly what aromatic medicine is right for you. What aromatic has changed for you over the years? _________ #aromatics #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aromaticplants #aromaticherbs #intuitiondevelopment
5 things you probably didn't know about the histor 5 things you probably didn't know about the history of perfume: ✨ Ancient cultures didn't just wear fragrance; they packed it for the afterlife. When archaeologists finally opened King Tutankhamun's tomb, they found vases still holding traces of perfumed oil, thousands of years later. ✨ In nearly every ancient culture, fragrance was reserved for royalty only; not just because of their captivating scents, but because getting your hands on it was nearly impossible. ✨ Egyptian mummies were wrapped in aromatics like Myrrh, Frankincense, and Cedar resins. These botanicals not only helped preserve the body, but were also believed to bridge the human and divine realms, helping the spirit ascend into the afterlife. ✨ Many cultures have (and still do) link fragrance to immortality. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on a funeral pyre built from Sandalwood logs, along with flowers, incense, and ghee. ✨ Across the Indian subcontinent, artisans developed one of the most sophisticated extraction methods in history, distilling aromatic materials into Sandalwood oil to create attars, a natural perfumery tradition still practiced today. Our new video blog goes deeper into these stories, tracing aroma from ancient Egypt to traditional attars, and what natural perfumery still has to teach us about ritual, nature, and scent. 🎥 Watch the full vlog at the link in bio.
This is a sneak peek from inside our Crafting Supr This is a sneak peek from inside our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course. Taught by award-winning perfumer JK DeLapp, this course is perfect for both beginners and experienced aromatic artisans who want to deepen their skills in aroma formulation. Inside, you'll: 🌿 Explore the ancient history of natural perfume & attars 🌿 Learn how to formulate balanced, long-lasting fragrances 🌿 Discover how aromatherapy & natural perfumery are different 🌿 Master techniques for scent formulas 🌿 Make unique creative attar perfumes with all-natural ingredients 🚨 For a limited time, enjoy an exclusive discount before the course price increases permanently after Tuesday, July 21 at midnight PST. Learn more about our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course at the link in bio. 🌿✨ #diyperfume #diyattar #essentialoils #naturalperfume #naturalperfumery
There was a time when fragrance was more precious There was a time when fragrance was more precious than gold. ✨ And the common thread between almost every ancient culture was... aroma. Across the world, aromatic plants were treasured not only for their beauty, but as symbols of status, medicine, spirituality, and connection with the divine. Though every culture developed its own traditions, many shared the belief that scent could bridge the visible and invisible worlds. Smoke was thought to carry prayer upward and invite the sacred down. Whether it was potent attar perfumes in India, fragrant cones melting over the wigs of ancient Egyptians, or sacred resins burning in Roman temples, one belief remained the same: Scent could travel where words couldn't. In our newest video blog, we explore the fascinating history of natural perfumery, how it’s shaped civilizations for thousands of years, and how this ancient art is still a way for us to connect with the sacred. 🔥🌿 Watch the full video at the link in our bio. #sacred #ancientegypt #diyperfume #naturalperfume #aromaticoils
Before perfume bottles... before essential oils... Before perfume bottles... before essential oils... before scented candles... there was aromatic smoke. 🌿💨 Imagine what it was like, thousands of years ago, witnessing it for the first time: raw resin dropped onto hot coals, releasing a mesmerizing fragrance with no synthetic world to compare it to, no candle aisle, no perfume counter. Just smoke carrying something that felt otherworldly. It's no surprise aromatic materials were treated as treasures reserved for royalty, gods, and the dead. Raw aromatic plants have scented human life for thousands of years, long before essential oils and synthetic scents. In fact, the word perfume comes from the Latin phrase per fumum, which translates to "through smoke." In our new video blog, we trace that history, from ancient Egypt to traditional attars, and explore what natural perfumery still has to teach us about aroma, ritual, and nature. 🎥 Watch the full video at the link in our bio. #ancientegypt #naturalperfume #incense #kyphi #sacred
Have you ever caught a scent that instantly transp Have you ever caught a scent that instantly transported you to a forgotten memory? Or felt a fragrance stir something deep inside you that words couldn't quite explain? That's the difference between a good natural perfume, and a truly unforgettable one. Scent tells a story. It awakens memory, stirs emotion, and speaks directly to the heart. This is the world you'll explore in The Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course with award-winning natural perfumer JK DeLapp. JK transformed his passion for natural perfumery into Rising Phoenix Perfumery, where he creates exceptional all-natural perfumes and attars, traveling the world sourcing some of the rarest botanical essences available. In this course, you'll: ✨ Explore the ancient history & tradition of attars ✨ Work with rare & precious botanical ingredients from around the world ✨ Understand top, heart & base notes and how a perfume unfolds over time ✨ Formulate your own exquisite attar perfumes using traditional techniques & trusted formulas ✨ Create rich, soul-stirring attars that linger beautifully on the skin without synthetics or luxury price tag 🌿 For 1 week only, enjoy an exclusive discount before the mini-course price increases permanently! Learn more about our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course at the link in bio. 🌿✨ #storyofscent #perfumery #naturalperfume #attar #naturalfragrances
An herbal farm in our community needs our support An herbal farm in our community needs our support 💔🌿 A devastating fire recently broke out at @oshalafarm in Applegate Valley, Oregon. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, and their fields of growing herbs were spared. But the fire destroyed so much of what they’ve built: their dryer barn, storage barn filled with inventory, and essential farm infrastructure. Oshala Farm is a truly special place, a family-run farm that has spent over a decade cultivating high-quality organic herbs and sharing them with our community. If you have the means, please consider donating to their GoFundMe (linked in our bio) or sharing this post to help spread the word. Every contribution and share helps. 🌱
Follow on Instagram

OFFERINGS

  • Aromatic Medicine Garden Monthly Membership
  • Incense Crafting Course
  • Botanical Resins & Gums Course
  • Materia Aromatica Ebook

QUICK LINKS

  • About
  • Courses
  • The Aromatic Medicine Blog
  • The School
  • Evan Sylliaasen
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay in the know on new releases and special offers

Loading

support@aromaticmedicineschool.com

© 2026 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine, All rights reserved.