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Human/Plant Connection

Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
August 6, 20260Comments

What Your Favorite Herbs Might Say About You

Why does one person love warming spices like Ginger and Cardamom, while another craves the cooling freshness of Peppermint or Lemon Balm? Why do some people find themselves constantly burning Frankincense,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
June 4, 20260Comments

Spring Cleaning: Aromatic Herbs for Smoke Cleansing

There's something about spring that makes you want to throw open the windows and start fresh. That urge to declutter and reorganize isn't just a trend on social media, though;
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
May 13, 20260Comments

Building Relationship with Plants Beyond “What Can This Plant Do for Me?”

When I was in herbal school, I had the privilege of learning about medicinal plants in many different ways, through hikes, wild-harvesting camping trips, and long, detailed classroom lectures. Each
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Plant Profiles
February 26, 20260Comments

Yarrow in Herbal & Aromatic Medicine: History, Uses, and Energetics

The first time I truly met Yarrow was on a group hike with one of my herbal teachers. As we walked, he pointed out the feathery leaves at our feet
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
February 19, 20260Comments

Living in the Age of the AI Herbalist

In late 2025, an investigation by Originality.ai revealed something staggering: roughly 82% of herbal remedy books on Amazon were at least partially generated by AI [1]. Pause for a moment
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Ginger tea with lemon
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
February 12, 20260Comments

Aromatic Roots for Winter: Warming & Grounding Herbs

Winter is the most yin of all the seasons: inward, dark, quiet, conserving. In classical Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describe the great rhythm of life, opposing yet interdependent forces
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Sustainability
December 18, 20250Comments

The Sacred Scents of the Season: Frankincense, Myrrh & Beyond

The scents of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, and Ginger drift from the oven. Fresh Pine fills the living room from the Christmas tree and evergreen boughs framing the fireplace. Dried Oranges
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
December 4, 20250Comments

Aromatic Rituals for Holiday Stress, Boundaries & Nervous System Support

You’re standing in your childhood kitchen when it begins: your mother casually asking why you’re still single (again), your sister spiraling about seating arrangements, and your uncle launching into opinions
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
woman touching a field of chamomile outside on a sunndy day
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
November 17, 20250Comments

The 4 Elements & You: Understanding Your Own Energetic Blueprint

Have you ever wondered why the same essential oil that melts away your tension leaves someone else feeling restless? Or why your favorite go-to digestive herb doesn’t help your friend?
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Alchemy
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
September 18, 20250Comments

From Hobbyist to Healer: Stepping Into Herbal and Aromatic Practice

Many of us step onto the plant path as hobbyists, captivated by herbs and aromatic plants, experimenting with teas, oils, or incense blends for personal use. Sometimes we share our
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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