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Incense as Medicine

Aromatherapy
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
September 25, 20241Comments

Aromatic Plants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

In a world where we often retreat to the comfort of our homes, the indoor air we breathe has never been more crucial to our health. Did you know that
by NW School of Aromatic 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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
June 20, 20241Comments

The Timeless Allure of Frankincense

For thousands of years, the fragrant swirls of Frankincense incense have woven their way through the entirety of human civilization, leaving an undeniable mark on our cultural, spiritual, and medicinal
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
Sustainability
May 9, 20240Comments

From Nature to Nose: Unveiling the Art of Natural Perfumery

Have you ever felt a deep desire to have your beloved aromatic plants accompany you throughout your day? That’s what it’s like to wear natural perfume. Unfortunately, many modern perfumes found
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Natural Perfumery
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
May 1, 20241Comments

Labdanum (Cistus) Resin – The Champion of Perfume

If I were to name the top 3 most tantalizing and exotic-smelling aromatics in the world, Labanum would surely be on that list. The mystique of this rich, sweet, animalic,
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
Incense as Medicine
March 12, 20240Comments

Aromatics & Incense for Mental Health Support

Too often, aromatic plants and incense are dismissed merely as pleasant fragrances. Yet, the volatile oils released when burning natural aromatic plants, or using them in other ways, possess remarkable
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
March 6, 20240Comments

Overcoming Burnout: Reclaiming Your Vitality with Aromatic Medicine

There’s no doubt about it, these days, burnout is everywhere: in the workplace, in our personal lives, and even in our leisure activities. We’ve all done it – held a match
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
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🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿

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. 

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#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.

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 #mythology #ancientfolklore  #herballore #herbalism #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine  #herbalhistory
DIY Aromatic Herbal Honey for Allergies 🍯🌸 Sprin DIY Aromatic Herbal Honey for Allergies 🍯🌸 

Spring is one of our favorite times of year: tulips, lilacs, cherry blossoms, and that particular quality of sunlight that makes it hard to stay indoors. 

There’s a sense of renewal in the air that invites fresh energy, new rhythms, and a return to the natural world.

But alongside all that beauty comes something less welcome: pollen. Lots and lots of pollen.

For a lot of people, the first warm weeks of spring mean watery eyes, a scratchy throat, and sneezing that just won't quit.

These are the signs of an immune system working a little too hard against harmless particles floating in the air.

But this is where aromatic herbs truly shine. With their affinity for the respiratory system and rich volatile oils, they offer soothing support during allergy season.

In our latest blog, we’re sharing our favorite aromatic herbal honey recipe for allergies, also known as an electuary (and honestly, it might become your new daily ritual!).

It's a simple food-as-medicine remedy that's easy to make, truly delicious, and versatile enough to stir into tea, swirl into oatmeal, or blend into mocktails and beyond…

🌷 Get the recipe + full guide at the link in bio.

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#electuary #herbalhoney #DIYherbalremedy #naturalremedy #allergyseason #herbalrecipe #naturalallergyrelief
Are watery eyes and a scratchy throat part of your Are watery eyes and a scratchy throat part of your “spring ritual”?

Spring might look dreamy, but for many of us it also brings sneezing fits, congestion, and that all-too-familiar pollen overload 🌸

This simple herbal honey is one of our favorite ways to soothe and support the respiratory system during allergy season. 

It’s easy to make, truly delicious, and fits right into daily life: stir it into tea, drizzle it over breakfast, or take it straight off the spoon.

What’s inside:

🍂 Cinnamon: Traditionally used to soothe coughs and sore throats, support the lungs, and help ease congestion. Research also points to its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine activity.

🍊 Orange peel: Bright and citrusy, but also rich in vitamin C and aromatic compounds that can help support immune response and calm allergy symptoms.

🫚 Ginger: Warming and stimulating, it helps open the airways, encourages deeper breathing, and reduces inflammation in irritated tissues.

🌿 Cardamom: Known for its expectorant and mucolytic qualities, helping to loosen and move mucus while supporting the lungs and airways.

🍯 Raw honey: Soothing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, with that classic thick texture that coats and calms the throat.

Comment SPRING to get the full recipe + free guide straight to your inbox!

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#electuary #herbalhoney #DIYrecipe #diyherbalremedies #naturalremedy #allergyrelief #allergyremedy
Sneezing your way through spring? This natural rem Sneezing your way through spring? This natural remedy is super easy to make, and it tastes like dessert. 🍯

We just shared our favorite aromatic herbal honey recipe for allergy season: a classic electuary made with Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom, Orange peel, and raw honey.

It’s warming, bright, and surprisingly addictive (don’t be surprised if it ends up on everything from toast to tea!).

You’ll find the full recipe and guide at the link in bio.

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#electuary #herbalhoney #diyrecipes #herbalrecipes #diynaturalremedies #allergyrelief #allergyremedy
5 things you may not know about Lemon essential oi 5 things you may not know about Lemon essential oil…

🍋 Natural House Cleaner: Lemon essential oil contains a high amount of limonene, a natural terpene found inside all Citrus peels. It’s the 70% limonene in Lemon oil that makes it so good at cutting grease and sticky residues and cleaning surfaces.⁠ 

🍋 Natural Disinfectant: Limonene also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, helping kill and stave off mold or bacteria.

🍋 Mood Booster: In aromatherapy, Lemon is traditionally used for boosting energy and uplifting the spirit. Limonene is also known to help increase levels of dopamine in the brain, helping to relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. 

🍋 Mental Clarity: New scientific findings reveal that Lemon essential oil has the potential to boost your brainpower, increasing mental clarity, focus, and memory.

🍋 Skin Health: When diluted properly and applied topically, Lemon essential oil can soothe acne and promote skin health due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. 

*However, it’s important to note that Lemon essential oil is considered phototoxic, meaning that it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. In general, avoiding UV light for at least 12-18 hours after using a phototoxic oil topically is recommended.*

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#lemonoil #lemonessentialoil #lemon #lemonessentialoilbenefits #aromatherapy #aromatherapyeducation
How do you know if the essential oil you’re buying How do you know if the essential oil you’re buying is good quality? And what does “therapeutic grade” really mean? 

Get the answers to these questions and more in our video blog post, 5 tips on buying essential oils – quality, purity, and truth.

You’ll learn our top 5 tips for sourcing essential oils and herbal products and what to look out for so you can ensure you’re getting high-quality products and don’t get scammed.

Link in bio.

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#essentialoil  #essentialoils101 #essentialoileducation #essentialoiltips  #therapeuticgradeessentialoils #aromatherapy  #aromatherapyeducation
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