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Herbal Medicine

Eucalyptus Benefits for Sinus Congestion and Allergies
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
August 22, 20240Comments

Eucalyptus Benefits for Sinus Congestion and Allergies

It’s the middle of the night, and you’re tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep because you can’t breathe through your nose. Whether it's due to a cold, seasonal
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Image of myrrh an aromatic resin
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
August 1, 20241Comments

Uncovering the Ancient Magic & Mystery of Myrrh

From the embalming rituals of ancient Egypt to the sacred altars of religious ceremonies, Myrrh has captivated the imagination and reverence of civilizations for millennia. This aromatic resin, derived from
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
image of a field of clary sage
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Plant Profiles
July 2, 20240Comments

The Benefits of Clary Sage: Nature’s Tranquil Treasure

In the world of aromatherapy, few plants hold as revered a place as Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea). With its captivating scent and beautiful blooms, this aromatic herb has been cherished
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Topical Medicine
March 27, 20240Comments

Exploring Aromatic Medicine Beyond Essential Oils

As you may already know, the expansive world of aromatic plants offers countless therapeutic benefits. While many may associate aromatic medicine solely with aromatherapy and essential oils, a rich array
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Herbal Medicine
January 30, 20240Comments

Holistic Aromatic Medicine Through The Ayurvedic Lens

Ayurveda is an ancient healing science from India that offers a holistic approach to well-being and longevity. The very word “Ayurveda” can be translated as “knowledge of life” or “science
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
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
December 21, 20230Comments

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Beyond the Kitchen

Cinnamon, the well-known aromatic spice that infuses warmth and depth into our favorite culinary delights, is much more than just a flavor enhancer. From the cozy aroma of chai tea
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
December 15, 20230Comments

Breathing Easier: Aromatic Plants for Respiratory Health

We often breathe without much thought, until a tickle in our throats or a deep, heavy cough reminds us of our lungs' delicate and vital role in our daily life.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Ayurveda
Herbal Medicine
Topical Medicine
November 14, 20230Comments

Fall Self-care Practices to Nourish Body, Mind & Soul

As the air turns crisp, leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of warm hues and Earth’s critters prepare for the cold – the environment invites us to turn our awareness
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
October 17, 20230Comments

Incense: The Original Form of Aromatherapy

The world of holistic healing is a deep ocean of ancient wisdom and practices. Within the treasure chest of wonderful traditional remedies that have been passed down over time, incense
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 🌿

What if your favorite herb is trying to tell you s What if your favorite herb is trying to tell you something? 🌿

Why are some people naturally drawn to warming herbs like Ginger and Cardamom, while others can't get enough Lavender, Rose, or Peppermint?

Is it just personal preference...or could there be something deeper?

For thousands of years, traditional healing systems observed that both plants and people express unique energetics. They suggest that, at times, we naturally gravitate toward the qualities our bodies and minds need most. 

While this isn't always the case, many herbalists, aromatherapists, and holistic practitioners have observed that the plants we're repeatedly drawn to can sometimes offer clues about what we're experiencing physically, emotionally, or energetically.

In our latest blog, we explore:
✨ Why we're naturally drawn to certain herbs or aromas
✨ How plants + people express their own unique energetics
✨ The wisdom shared across ancient healing traditions
✨ Why understanding these patterns can deepen the way you work with herbs

Read the full article at the link in our bio.

👇 We'd love to know: Which herb or aroma do you find yourself returning to again and again?

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 #energetics #herbalenergetics #herbalism #aromatherapy #herbalist #aromatherapist #plantwisdom
Have you heard of the Doctrine of Signatures? Thi Have you heard of the Doctrine of Signatures?

This traditional herbal concept suggests that a plant's appearance (like its shape, color, aroma, growth habit, or even where it grows) can offer clues to its medicinal actions. 

Take Wild Celery, for example. It thrives in environments where water meets salt: salt marshes, estuaries, riverbanks, damp coastal meadows. These mineral-rich, ever-changing landscapes can reflect something essential about the plant itself.

Wild Celery's preference for moist, fertile ground mirrors its traditional use as a remedy for the body's fluid systems, supporting circulation, cleansing, and elimination the same way water constantly moves through the wetlands it calls home. Its connection to salt hints at its sodium-rich stalks and its traditional role in supporting the kidneys and fluid balance in the body.

When we study a plant's native habitat, we learn not only where it grows, but how it lives and thrives. And sometimes, that story offers profound insight into how the plant may support us.

That's why studying a plant’s botany, ecology, and history is every bit as important as learning a plant's therapeutic actions. 

A plant's greatest teachings aren't just found in a benefits list…they're found in its story. ✨

🎥 This clip is an excerpt from our in-depth Wild Celery Plant Talk inside the Aromatic Medicine Garden.

🌱 Learn more about our online educational hub at the link in our bio.

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#herbalism #herbalist #aromatherapy #doctrineofsignatures #herbaleducation  #learningaboutplants
Did you know there are actually several distinct t Did you know there are actually several distinct types of Frankincense trees that are popularly harvested for resin? Each species offers its own aromatic fingerprint, with subtle shifts in brightness and depth.

Some varieties have more golden hues and piney, citrusy notes, while others display a darker, woody appearance, releasing deep, earthy aromas with undertones of balsamic spice.

Each resin offers a different, unique experience to connect with this sacred aromatic plant.

But these trees aren't an endless resource.

Several species of Boswellia are now considered endangered, threatened by climate stress, over-harvesting, and grazing pressure.

This is why sustainable and ethical sourcing matters more than ever.

Higher Mind Incense offers Frankincense that is sustainably and ethically harvested through tribal co-ops in Somalia and from responsible harvesters in India, who are trained to care for the trees and ensure the long-term preservation and regeneration of native populations.

🌿 Experience the unique character of each Frankincense variety through the link in our bio.

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#frankincense #frankincenseresin #incense #incenseresin #sustainablesourcing #endangeredspecies #boswellia #sacredritual
Do you like making herbal tea? 🚧 Make sure you don Do you like making herbal tea? 🚧 Make sure you don’t forget this important step…

Cover your mug! This helps keep all the valuable volatile oils (aka aromatic compounds) in your tea. 

Volatile oils are extracted from plants to produce essential oils and have many therapeutic benefits. They evaporate very easily, so if you don’t cover your container while your tea is brewing, some of the medicinal benefits of the herbs could vaporize with the rising steam!

There are two common ways of making herbal tea: herbal infusions and decoctions.

In an herbal infusion, to get the most therapeutic compounds out of your herbs, steep 1 TBSP of herb per 8 oz. of hot water in a cup or teapot for at least 15 minutes, covered.

You can make an herbal decoction by placing dried herbs in a pot on your stovetop and heating the water to a gentle simmer for 20-45 minutes while covered. 

A decoction is ideal for more hardy herbs, like roots, berries, barks, seeds, and mushrooms, with a few exceptions. Delicate herbs like leaves and flowers should be prepared with a hot water infusion.

Then strain and enjoy! Cheers ☕🌿

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#herbaltea #aromatictea #aromaticherbs #aromaticmedicine #herbalinfusion #decoction  #brewingtea
Have you ever used herbal tinctures? Tinctures, a Have you ever used herbal tinctures?

Tinctures, an important form of herbal alcohol extraction, have existed for thousands of years. Many believe that they’ve been around since the discovery of alcoholic beverages. 

A recent discovery suggests that the earliest alcoholic drink in the world was a type of fermented grape wine, including rice, honey, and Hawthorn berry. 

The remnants of this beverage were found on pottery from Jiahu, an ancient village in China, that dates back to 7000–6600 BCE.

Many medicinal and aromatic plants can be infused into alcohol to make tinctures for internal or topical use.

Many resins can also be extracted with alcohol. Oleo-gum-resins like Frankincense and Myrrh can also, though more careful calculations are required for them to be a success. 

Resin tinctures end up being very potent and strong-tasting, and often require a lower dosage or are added to water to take the edge off. 

What’s your favorite botanical tincture? 👇

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#herbaltincture #herbalism #herbalist #naturalremedy #tinctures #herbalremedy
☀️ If I could only keep one thing with me all summ ☀️ If I could only keep one thing with me all summer, it wouldn't be a portable fan, or even a popsicle.

It would be a homemade cooling aromatic body spray. 🌿💦

A few spritzes of cooling botanicals like Peppermint, Eucalyptus, or Rose can cool the skin on contact, perfect after long summer days gardening, hiking, hanging by the river, or just trying to get through a heat wave.

And it's fast and easy to make.

In our new blog, we share our favorite Cooling Body Spray recipe along with a guide to the best cooling herbs for summer. 🌸

✨Link in bio.

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#coolingspray #essentialoilspray #aromatherapyspray #DIYrecipe #DIYherbalism #coolingbodyspray #naturalremedy #herbalremedy
☀️ Comment DIY to get the full recipe guide! 🌿💦 S ☀️ Comment DIY to get the full recipe guide! 🌿💦

Summer is officially heating up! At the start of the season, there's nothing better than getting outside and soaking up every bit of sunshine. 

It's usually right about now though… once the season's worn in a little, that I (and everyone I know) start hunting for ways to keep cool. 

There’s something about the hot weather that can leave you feeling sluggish and sun-tired, stuck in that overheated, can't-quite-shake-it-off fog…making it a little harder to stay energized (or patient 😅).

One of my favorite ways to cut through that feeling is with an uplifting, cooling aromatic body spray. Just a few spritzes of cooling botanicals like Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Lavender, and Rose, and your body (and mind) feel refreshed again. 

In our newest blog post, we're sharing:
🌿 Our favorite cooling aromatic herbs
❄️ How these plants naturally help you beat the heat
🧴 A simple DIY Cooling Body Spray recipe you can make at home

Comment DIY below, and we'll send the complete recipe guide straight to your inbox!

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#coolingspray #DIYherbalism #DIYrecipe #herbalrecipe #herbalremedy #naturalremedy  #essentialoilrecipe
Did you know some plants can trick your body into Did you know some plants can trick your body into feeling cooler? ❄️

Peppermint doesn't actually lower your body temperature, but thanks to its natural compound menthol, it activates cold receptors in your skin, creating an instant cooling sensation. 

Pair it with other naturally cooling and soothing botanicals like Lavender and Rose, and they create one incredibly refreshing summer body spray.

In our new blog, we explore our favorite cooling aromatic herbs and how they work, plus a DIY Cooling Body Spray recipe you can make in minutes.

☀️ Link in bio.

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#peppermint #menthol #coolingherbs #coolingspray #diyherbalism #diyrecipe #essentialoils #beattheheat🔥
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