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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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~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? ~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? It’s pretty common to mix up the two, or think they’re the same thing! Resin and gum are sticky, protective, healing substances that ooze out from a shrub or tree’s bark, each with its own unique chemical composition. The main differences between gums and resins is that: - Resins aren’t water soluble, gums are - Gums are not oil or alcohol soluble, resins are - Resins contain a high content of volatile aromatics (essential oils) and other constituents - Gums have a small amount of aromatics, but have their own therapeutic properties, to a lesser degree Resins are most commonly used in herbalism, aromatherapy, beauty and cosmetic products, perfumery, incense, and other aromatic and therapeutic preparations. Gums are mainly used for emulsification, thickening, and for their adhering properties in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, incense, perfumery, food and beverage, and textile industries. There are also gum-resins, which are a natural mixture of both gum and resin, that possess the properties of both groups. Examples of gum-resins are Frankincense and Myrrh.
Ever wondered how trees heal themselves, and what Ever wondered how trees heal themselves, and what we can learn from them? 🌲 When a storm snaps a branch, the bark splits, and suddenly the tree is vulnerable…but almost immediately, the tree's wisdom begins to stir, creating a golden, aromatic substance. It makes its way through intricate networks of tiny canals towards the wound, sealing it off, protecting it from infection, and slowly restoring what was broken. This substance is resin. It's the tree’s medicine and means of protection. Its way of surviving in a world that doesn't stop throwing things at it. Thousands of years ago, humans were paying close attention to this process. Through simple observation, they began to understand something profound: the same substance trees use to heal and protect themselves could be used in much the same way for us. In ancient times, resins were applied to wounds, used to guard against infection, and valued for their ability to support the body’s natural healing processes. Over time, people also began to notice these aromatic substances had a powerful effect on the mind and emotions, helping to calm the nervous system, sharpen awareness, and support a deeper sense of presence. It’s almost as if resins offered protection for the body, mind, and soul. This is why resins have been used for generations in rituals, ceremonies, and therapeutic practices around the world. So how do you take this raw, sacred material and turn it into something practical for healing, ritual, and everyday use? In our Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins video blog series, we explore exactly that! You'll learn about the vast therapeutic benefits of tree resins, their ritual uses, and creative ways you can begin incorporating them into your own herbal remedies or aromatic creations. 🌲✨ Comment RESIN to get the full video blog series sent straight to your inbox. Parts 1 and 2 are now live!
“Over every mountain there is a path, although it “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” – Theodore Roethke __________ #poetry #TheodoreRoethke #lifeisamountain #theodoreroethkequote #climbthemountain #naturemetaphors
Across cultures and continents, tree resins have p Across cultures and continents, tree resins have played a central role in spirituality, ritual, and sacred ceremony for thousands of years. But why have these substances been so universally revered? In many spiritual and healing traditions around the world, resins have been viewed as the living essence, or spirit, of the tree itself. When we work with resins, especially when they’re burned as incense, it’s often considered as an invitation for the spirit of the tree to join and support whatever intention we bring to the ritual. In other traditions, including ancient Indigenous cultures and even Biblical teachings, burning incense or resin is believed to create a direct connection to the spirit world. The rising smoke is seen as carrying prayers and offerings upward, drawing the attention of God, gods, or spiritual forces. In fact, many cultures referred to these resins as the “Food of the Gods.” Their aromas were believed to please and appease divine beings more than any other offering. Because of this, resins have long stood at the heart of sacred ceremonies around the world. The fragrant smoke released from these substances – drawn from the very heart of trees – is offered through fire as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. In many traditions, this act is not merely symbolic. The smoke of incense is believed to open a pathway of communication, helping prayers and intentions reach the spirit world more clearly. *This is an excerpt from our new video blog, The Magic and Medicine of Botanical Resins. In the vlog, you’ll discover: • What tree resins actually are (and how they differ from sap) • Why cultures around the world consider them sacred • Their powerful therapeutic properties • How they’re used in incense, perfumery, and herbal medicine • A simple way to begin working with resins at home 🌲 Read the full blog and watch the video at the link in our bio. -- #treeresin #incenseresin #harvestingtips #wildharvesting #sustainableharvest #incensecrafting #botanicalresin
Evan Sylliaasen, founder of the NW School of Aroma Evan Sylliaasen, founder of the NW School of Aromatic Medicine and Higher Mind Incense, explores the Magic and Medicine of Botanical Resins in our new video blog. You'll discover: • Why cultures around the world consider resins sacred • Their powerful history and therapeutic properties • How they’re traditionally used in incense, perfumery, and herbal medicine • Simple steps you can use at home to meditate and tune into the medicine of resins 🌲 Visit the full vlog at the link in our bio.
How to Harvest Tree Resin 🌲 Did you know you can How to Harvest Tree Resin 🌲 Did you know you can harvest tree resin any time of year? Spring is when it’s often the most abundant. In North America, the easiest resin-producing trees to find are conifers, including Pine, Fir, Spruce, Juniper, Cedar, Hemlock, and Larch. (Be sure to confidently identify the tree before harvesting!) The easiest resin to work with is hardened resin that has already dried on the tree. Fresh resin can also be collected, but it’s very sticky and a bit messier to handle. If you do harvest fresh resin, try using a piece of foil (or something similar) to collect it, then allow it to dry for several weeks to months, depending on the species and your climate. You can also blend fresh resin directly into an incense formula without drying it first. When harvesting, always gather resin that has flowed away from the tree’s wound. The tree produced that resin to protect itself, so leaving what’s closest to the injury helps keep pests and infection out. Most importantly, have a good time going out into the forest! ______________ #treeresin #incenseresin #harvestingtips #wildharvesting #sustainableharvest #incensecrafting #botanicalresin
What do ancient Egyptian temples, the art of incen What do ancient Egyptian temples, the art of incense, Aztec healing applications, natural perfumery, topical medicines, and modern meditation practices all have in common? Tree resins. For thousands of years, these fragrant substances have been burned as ritual incense, used as traditional medicine, and treasured as sacred offerings across cultures around the world. But what exactly are tree resins… and why have they been revered for so long? In our new video and blog, we explore: 🌲 What tree resins are (and how they differ from sap) 🌲 Their powerful therapeutic properties 🌲 Their sacred history across cultures 🌲 A simple way to work with resin incense at home If you love aromatic herbs, sacred incense, or plant medicine, this is a fascinating world to explore. Read the blog and watch the full video at the link in our bio. --- #treeresin #incenseresin #harvestingtips #wildharvesting #sustainableharvest #incensecrafting #botanicalresin
The sweet, sacred Frankincense resin we know and l The sweet, sacred Frankincense resin we know and love is a rich terpenoid oleoresin harvested from Boswellia trees, a group of about 24 species in the Torchwood family, alongside other aromatic icons like Elemi and Myrrh. Known as “tears” for the way they drip from the bark, these golden drops are the tree’s natural defense system: when injured, the bark releases this resin to seal the wound, protect against infection, and guard against pests. Frankincense is one of the oldest aromatic medicines on the planet. For thousands of years, it has been traded across ancient civilizations and deeply rooted in spiritual practices from Judaism and Hinduism to Christianity and Islam and beyond. Its role in rituals of cleansing and renewal reflects a universal human desire to connect to the sacred. This enduring resin transcends cultural boundaries, offering a sense of balance and grounding that has resonated across generations. Its name comes from the medieval French word franc (“pure”) and the Latin word incensium (“to smoke”), echoing its ancient role as “pure smoke” used for purification, protection, and connection to the divine. Across cultures and religions, the rising smoke of Frankincense has symbolized prayers carried to the heavens and the bridge between the material and spiritual realms. 🔥 Swipe through to explore the aromatic and therapeutic gifts of this sacred resin. ✨ P.S. Our sister company, Higher Mind Incense, carries 4 different species of sustainably sourced Frankincense resin! You can find them at the link in our bio.
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