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Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine

Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Sustainability
July 29, 20250Comments

Wild Harvesting with Integrity: Respectful and Sustainable Harvesting Practices

There’s a kind of botanical magic that only summer can bring – the scent of a sun-warmed Rose bush in full bloom, the crisp brightness of Lemon Balm brushing against
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense Crafting
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
May 22, 20250Comments

The Energy You Bring to the Craft: Intention as an Ingredient

Have you ever followed a recipe exactly, only to have it fall flat, while someone else makes the same thing and it comes alive? Or crafted an herbal or aromatic
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
January 9, 20250Comments

The Benefits of Pine Resin & How to Harvest It

I will never forget meeting my friend Sam (name changed to spare them any embarrassment), a budding herbalist radiating excitement and curiosity about the wonders of the natural world. One
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
November 7, 20240Comments

Pine Needle Tea Benefits, Harvesting Tips & Recipe

In the bitter winter of 1536, deep in the wilds of North America, morale was low. The French explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew, weakened by months at sea, began
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
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
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Sustainability
April 14, 202210Comments

13 Aromatic Plants You Can Easily Grow at Home

Have you thought about growing a garden this spring? Now is a great time to start preparing! Whether you're a complete beginner, or a master in aromatic medicine making, there is
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
April 5, 20210Comments

Speaking the Language of Plants

Can You Communicate With Plants?There are many ways you can learn about plants. But there are also many ways you can learn from plants. Learning about plants through books and
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
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
October 22, 20200Comments

What’s Missing in Most Modern Aromatic & Herbal Practices

Somehow, humanity has gotten stuck in a downward spiral of surrounding ourselves more and more with chemicals. They're in our food system, beauty products, healthcare, and just about everything else.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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“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.

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#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.

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 #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

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 #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #diyskincarerecipes
Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-k Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-known fact that aromatic plants have a direct effect on our emotions and mental state.

There's a magical, mystical association with scent and how it interacts with our being and consciousness. This exists across all ancient teachings of aromatherapy and incense.

Maybe you’ve felt it before… a deep, undeniable, and indescribable feeling inside of you when you smell a certain aroma, like Rose, Frankincense, or Pine.

Aroma reaches every part of our being, mind, body, and soul, and its gift opens something sacred within us, connecting our spirit to the divinity of life. 

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#aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aroma #aromatics #aromatherapymagic  #sacred
Happy Earth Day! 🌍 For us, it's never just about Happy Earth Day! 🌍

For us, it's never just about one day... it's about the small, daily moments of connection. 

It's all about reciprocity. Giving thanks, showing gratitude, and taking care of the Earth that takes care of us in so many ways. Every single day.

Drop the names of your favorite aromatic plants that the Earth has gifted us.👇

I know, it's impossible to pick just one... but right now, our favorite is Tulsi 🌱

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#earthday  #earthdayeveryday #happyearthday  #natureheals #naturehealsmysoul
Essential oils are powerful plant allies, but more Essential oils are powerful plant allies, but more isn’t always better. And just because something is “natural,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s good for you.

Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see (& how you can avoid them):

đźš« Consuming essential oils
Even if an essential oil is marketed as “food-grade” or “therapeutic,” that doesn’t automatically make it safe to ingest. EOs are extremely potent & highly concentrated, and internal use can irritate the delicate tissues of the digestive system. Ingestion should only ever be considered under the guidance of a trained health professional.

đźš« Using oils neat on the skin
Most essential oils should be diluted before topical use. Because they’re highly concentrated, using them neat can lead to irritation, rashes, allergic reactions, or skin sensitization. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil helps protect the skin, allowing the plant’s benefits to be delivered in a gentle, supportive way.

đźš« Adding essential oils directly to bath water
Oil & water don’t mix. Without a proper dispersant, essential oils float on the surface & can irritate skin. Always dilute in a carrier oil, soap, or other dispersing medium first.

🚫 Assuming “natural” means risk-free
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts – respect dosage, especially with children, pets & during pregnancy. Not all EOs are safe for topical use.

đźš« Overdoing it
Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to potent essential oils. Just 2-3 drops in an EO diffuser are all you need to receive therapeutic benefits. Subtlety = sustainability (for both your body & your oils).

đźš« Skipping education + plant context
Knowing how an oil is made, what part of the plant is used & why it works matters just as much as what it’s “good for.”

🌱 When used with intention, education & respect, essential oils become incredible teachers.

Want to learn how to work with them safely, skillfully & in relationship with the plants? You’re in the right place.

✨ Comment “EO” to get our free Essential Oil Safety Guide sent directly to your inbox!

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#essentialoils #aromatherapy #essentialoils101 #essentialoilsafety  #essentialoiltips
Do you know what makes hydrosols so special? 🌿 Con Do you know what makes hydrosols so special? 🌿 Contrary to popular belief, they're not just essential oils mixed with water. (Mixing essential oils with water won't work because oil and water don't mix—they separate into layers.)

Hydrosols are actually the aromatic waters that remain after essential oils are distilled. Once considered a byproduct, they're now prized for their gentle effectiveness in aromatic medicine.

Also known as floral waters, hydrosols capture the water-soluble components of plants along with a hint of essential oil, offering a milder, water-based essence. This makes them a great, gentle option for those sensitive to strong scents, including children and pets (for most hydrosols).

Hydrosols are often used as a gentle skincare product or facial toner, and they're ideal for herbal recipes that call for water, and as delightful room or body sprays. 

Many can even be enjoyed as internal preparations or spritzed on salads or added to beverages (just be sure it’s safe for consumption!). 

What’s your go-to hydrosol? We're loving Rose water in our morning coffee and iced tea lately—so refreshing! 🌹💧

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#hydrosol  #hydrosoldistillation #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #essentialoildistillation #rosewater #naturalskincare
“In Indigenous ways of knowing, it is understood t “In Indigenous ways of knowing, it is understood that each living being has a particular role to play. Every being is endowed with certain gifts, its own intelligence, its own spirit, its own story. 

Our stories tell us that the Creator gave these to us, as original instructions. The foundation of education is to discover that gift within us and learn to use it well.”

― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses

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#robinwallkimmerer #gatheringmoss #robinwallkimmererinspiration #inspirationalquotes
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