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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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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! __________ #pine #pineresin #herbalsalve #herbalally #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
Modern herbal education often begins with utility: Modern herbal education often begins with utility: What is this herb good for? What are its actions? What symptoms does it address? While these are important questions, they can also unintentionally shape the way we relate to plants, reducing them to products or commodities existing solely for human use. But deep down, we know plants are far more than that. Plants are living, intelligent beings participating in vast and intricate ecosystems. They communicate with one another, adapt to their surroundings, nourish ecosystems, stabilize soil, create oxygen, and sustain countless forms of life — including us. When we begin to see plants only through the lens of “What can this do for me?”, we risk losing sight of this. The moment we stop viewing plants only through utility, we create space for relationship to emerge. We move away from commodity and into connection. We begin to approach the plant kingdom with curiosity, presence, humility, and wonder. We shift from consumer to student, with plants as our teachers. And perhaps that is where true herbal wisdom begins. 🌱 ✨ Explore ways you can deepen your relationship with plants in our new video blog. Link in bio. _______ #plantwisdom #herbaleducation #plantsareteachers #herbalwisdom #plantsaremedicine #herbalist #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
In a world that often treats plants as products or In a world that often treats plants as products or commodities, aromatic medicine invites us into something deeper: relationship. 🌿 Plants are not simply resources for human use, they are living, intelligent beings participating in vast ecosystems, sustaining countless forms of life –– including us. When we only ask, “What can this plant do for me?” we risk losing sight of who the plant truly is. Just like human relationships, plant relationships require curiosity, presence, respect, and reciprocity. Plants deserve more than commodification; they deserve reverence. When we shift from asking “What is this plant good for?” to “Who is this plant?”, we move away from commodity and into connection. ✨ Watch the full video blog at the link in bio. *This video features clinical herbalist & aromatherapist Erika Galentin, who guides students inside the Aromatic Medicine Garden, our immersive online education hub for deepening relationship with plants.
What if the most important thing a plant could tea What if the most important thing a plant could teach you… couldn’t be found in a textbook? 🌿 In our plant studies, it’s easy to get caught up in memorizing actions, constituents, and recipes. But true plant wisdom often runs much deeper than that. Plants cannot walk away from their environment — the places they grow and thrive reveal something about who they are. Their adaptations tell a story. Juniper, for example, flourishes in harsh, dry climates where many other species struggle to survive, reflecting its traditional use in aromatic medicine as a symbol of resilience, protection, and inner strength. Vetiver sends deep roots into the earth and is often used for erosion control and restoring damaged soil. It’s no coincidence that Vetiver’s rich, grounding aroma helps us feel rooted and steady amid life’s turbulence. Lemon Balm, on the other hand, thrives in lush gardens with gentle sunlight and rich soil, mirroring its soothing nature and long-standing reputation for calming the nervous system and lifting the spirit. Observing plants in nature is just one of the many ways we can begin building deeper relationships with them and learning the subtle ways they support the psyche. In our new video + blog, clinical herbalist & aromatherapist Erika Galentin explores: ✨ Ways to truly connect with plants through observation, aroma, taste, and presence ✨ How sensory experience deepens herbal knowledge ✨ Why plants deserve more than commodification ✨ How plant education is a lifelong journey, not a destination Read + watch the full piece at the link in bio. 🍃 __________ #plantwisdom #aromatherapist #herbalist #herbaleducation #plantconnection #herbalmedicine
Plants have an intelligence and measurable life fo Plants have an intelligence and measurable life force, able to communicate with other plants and with humans on various levels. Highly attuned to their surroundings, plants demonstrate sensitivity and cooperation within their communities. They actively assess available resources, respond to environmental cues, and even warn neighboring plants of impending threats. Through the emission of volatile aromatic compounds, such as terpenes, they orchestrate a symphony of communication, signaling danger and nurturing collective resilience. Plants work together to keep each other and the forest alive and healthy. This intricate web of plant communication highlights their collaborative efforts in sustaining the health and vitality of our ecosystems. These very same volatile oils are what we humans breathe in as we burn incense, diffuse essential oils, or simply stroll through nature – they swirl and glide through the air in forests and parks, adding to the sensory experience of our surroundings. If plants use these volatile oils to communicate with each other, imagine the messages they impart to us as we inhale their aromatic essences… ✨ Musings inspired by lessons in our Aromatic Medicine Garden. Learn more at the link in bio. ___________ #plantintelligence #plantsareteachers #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #herbalism #natureisawesome #plantsaremagic
These days, Bay Laurel is mostly seen as a culinar These days, Bay Laurel is mostly seen as a culinary kitchen spice; however, this aromatic plant has a rich history of use, in both physical and spiritual realms, extending far back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece, the Bay Laurel was an important historical tree for prophecy and divination. The psychic priestesses at the Oracle of Delphi (known as the Pythia) chewed Bay Laurel leaves and inhaled the incense of burned leaves to support their visionary trances. Pythia were highly regarded, and it was believed that they channeled prophecies from the Greek god Apollo while deep in a dreamlike state. The ritual to interpret the word of Apollo started with the Pythia bathing in the Castalian Spring, sacrificing a goat, and then entering a special chamber beneath a temple that was filled with the aroma of burning Laurel leaves. She would sit in the center of the temple, on a covered cauldron over a deep, well-like chasm, enveloped by vapors and shaking Bay branches. From here, the Pythia would fall into a trance state and channel the prophecy of Apollo. Those seeking the help of Apollo and his priestess would bring offerings of Laurel branches, money, and animal sacrifices. The aroma of Bay, also called “Sweet Laurel,” has been known to offer inspiration, insight, and help boost self-esteem. The Ancient Greeks would place leaves under their pillows at night to call in dreams of divination. Bay Laurel was a symbol of purification to the ancient Greeks and has long been associated with burning rituals and ceremonies. Bay leaves have been commonly burned as incense for cleansing and purification, both physically and spiritually. It was used to purify the air during times of plague, but it was also used to cleanse or clear out evil energy or spirits from people and places. The plant itself is anti-infective, so when burned as incense, it helps to cleanse and purify the atmosphere, killing airborne bacteria and pathogens. ✨ This is an excerpt from our Bay Laurel Plant Talk + monograph inside the Aromatic Medicine Garden. Learn more about our educational hub at the link in bio. _________ #baylaurel #bayleaf #aromatherapy #herbalism #herbaleducation
Did you know that before you can even identify a s Did you know that before you can even identify a scent, your body is already having an emotional reaction to it? Our instructor Erika Galentin explores how the powerful connection between our sense of smell and the limbic system can be harnessed for emotional healing through aromatic plants. Erika leads the teachings inside our online educational hub, the Aromatic Medicine Garden. 🌿✨ Explore the Garden at the link in bio.
Myth is medicine ✨ Folklore, myth, and storytell Myth is medicine ✨ Folklore, myth, and storytelling of aromatic plants are medicine to the psyche, creating a profound connection between us and the plant kingdom. Historical stories about plants go beyond mere anecdotes; they serve as a source of meaning, contributing to the fabric of the human experience and how plants become our allies. The stories told about plants carry a wealth of information about their medicinal properties, providing a holistic understanding of their potential benefits. These stories bring valuable gifts to the table, offering not only insights into the practical applications of plants but also nurturing a deeper connection between ourselves and the natural world. Through folklore and myth, plants are endowed with symbolic meanings and attributes that resonate with our emotions. These stories offer a bridge between the tangible and intangible, providing a language through which we can navigate and express our emotional landscapes. The symbolism and stories that come with certain plants, rooted in cultural narratives, enable us to draw on the wisdom embedded in these stories to not only support our physical health but also find balance in our emotional and spiritual realms. This is how plants become allies in the emotional realm, the psyche, and the physical body. ✨ Musings inspired by our Aromatic Medicine Garden. Learn more about our online educational hub at the link in bio. __________ #mythology #ancientfolklore #herballore #herbalism #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine #herbalhistory
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