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Incense as 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
Incense as Medicine
December 9, 20229Comments

Aromatic Plants for Colds and Flu

‘Tis the season – of cold and flu. Now more than ever is a great time to focus on strengthening your immune system. As you may already know, winter tends
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
September 22, 202211Comments

Incense Crafting: A Path to Healing & Personal Fulfillment

The Art of Incense CraftingImagine walking through the depths of the forest; it’s so quiet that all you hear are the treetops swaying from the light breeze, it smells like
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
August 25, 20229Comments

10 Aromatic Plants for Overcoming Anxiety

The world can feel overwhelming at times. There are so many herbs that can help ease anxiety, it’s almost as if the plants know how chaotic life can feel and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Incense as Medicine
Topical Medicine
August 2, 20228Comments

8 Must-Know Herbs for First Aid

Herbal plants have many gifts to offer, and aromatic plants offer far more than just a beautiful scent. In fact, there are many powerful aromatic herbs and resins that have
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
May 24, 20224Comments

Essential Oils and Pets

Can you use essential oils with pets? Are essential oils bad for dogs and cats? We get these types of questions a lot. The answer is not a simple yes
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
April 26, 20224Comments

Incorporating Incense Into Your Herbal Practice

Incense as medicine has been utilized for ages in cultures around the world, but has unfortunately been forgotten by most modern herbalists. We often hear from our students that they
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
March 30, 20228Comments

How to Use Aromatic Plants for Allergies

Spring is such a magical time of year; it can be so exciting and inspiring to witness the Earth bursting at the seams with color and smells. However, some of
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
March 22, 202212Comments

Retraining A Lost Sense of Smell with Aromatic Plants

Roses in full bloom, the aroma of brownies fresh from the oven, and so many other everyday smells add beauty to our lives in ways we often overlook and are
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Topical Medicine
March 16, 20225Comments

Your Guide to the Topical & Internal Herbal Preparations for Healing & Beauty

When it comes to working with plants, knowing where to start can feel intimidating. However, don’t let the vast amount of information available overwhelm you, or stop you from giving
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 🌿

Have you ever burned Bay leaves? 🍃 While they are Have you ever burned Bay leaves? 🍃

While they are now commonly used as seasoning in dishes, Bay leaves were traditionally burned as incense for a variety of reasons.

The aroma of Bay, also called “Sweet Laurel”, has been known to offer inspiration, insight, and help boost self-esteem.

In fact, in ancient times, the leaves were commonly burnt by temple priestesses of Delphi, Greece, as visionary herbs for the oracle. The Ancient Greeks would also place leaves under their pillows at night to call in dreams of divination.

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#bayleaf #bayleaves #bayleavesburning #naturalincense #aromaticmedicine #ancientgreece #sweetlaurel
Cottonwood and Poplar buds are among my favorite a Cottonwood and Poplar buds are among my favorite aromatics this time of year, when they’re abundant and full of life. The next time you’re walking along a river, stream, or floodplain, take a look around, and you’ll likely spot the tall, towering Cottonwood trees, their buds just beginning to emerge at the tips of the branches.

After a windy storm, you might get lucky and find fallen branches scattered on the ground. Gently pop off a bud, roll it between your fingers, and breathe in its sweet, resinous, woodsy aroma.

This fragrant resin has a long tradition of topical use as an anti-inflammatory, helping to ease aches and strains. It’s especially beautiful infused into an herbal oil or crafted into a soothing salve.

Have you ever worked with Poplar buds before? 

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#poplar  #poplarbuds  #cottonwood #cottonwoodtrees  #herbalinfusedoil #herbaloil #herbalsalve
Can plants change the way we age, or the way we fe Can plants change the way we age, or the way we feel about aging? 🌼

We explore this topic in our new blog post, Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin.

Inside, we cover 8 aromatics that support aging skin (& the science behind why they work):

▪️Rose: antioxidant protection + cooling anti-inflammatory
▪️Helichrysum: nicknamed "Immortelle" for a reason
▪️Frankincense: collagen support + skin regeneration
▪️Lavender: calming, restorative, and endlessly versatile
▪️Calendula: the star of skin repair
▪️Geranium: tones, balances, and brightens
▪️Rosemary: stimulates circulation for a lit-from-within glow
▪️Sandalwood: deeply moisturizing and protective

Our latest blog post breaks down how each one works, what preparations to use them in, and includes a simple DIY anti-aging facial oil recipe you can make with just a few ingredients.

✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. 

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 #antiagingtips #antiagingskincare #antiagingskincareroutine #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #skincareherbal #radiantskincare
“How do you define nature? If we define it as that “How do you define nature? If we define it as that which is untouched by humans, then we won't have any nature left for our children when they’re adults.” 

-  Emma Marris, environmental writer

Nature is everywhere… we just need to learn to see it that way. 

Let’s consider a new definition of nature, one that includes not only pristine wilderness but also anywhere that life thrives, like the untended patches of plants growing in urban spaces. 

Let’s encourage each other, and our children, to connect with all types of nature, so that we feel called to love and protect it.

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#nature #emmamarris #natureiseverywhere #natureiseverything #natureismagic
What if the skincare industry has it backwards? W What if the skincare industry has it backwards?

We've been sold the idea that aging skin is the enemy… something to fight, reverse, and erase. Advertisements for expensive skincare products and Botox reinforce that narrative. 

But aging isn’t a problem to fix; it's a natural part of being alive, something to support rather than fight.

In the world of aromatic medicine, this similar mantra is something we return to again and again: plants don't "treat problems," they support bodies. 

And when it comes to aging skin, aromatic plants have so much to offer in that spirit; not to reverse the clock or erase the evidence of a life well-lived, but to nourish, strengthen, and bring radiance to skin that is constantly, beautifully renewing itself.

Our latest blog post explores 8 herbs and essential oils—including Helichrysum (pictured), Frankincense, Rosemary, and Rose—that work with your skin's natural rhythms to support elasticity, radiance, and regeneration from the inside out.

Plus: a beautiful DIY facial oil recipe that's become a daily ritual for us. 

🌿 Read Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin at the link in bio.

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 #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare  #antiagingoil #naturalskincaretips  #diyfaceoil
A friend said something to me recently that I have A friend said something to me recently that I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

We were sitting in the park, talking about aging (the new gray hairs, the fine lines), and I admitted I felt a small pang of discouragement. Then she said: "I cherish my wrinkles and laugh lines. They tell the stories of my years of joy and laughter."

Just like that, something in me shifted.

It was a gentle reminder that aging isn't a problem to be solved, but a natural, dynamic process unfolding in us, as it has in every human who has ever lived a full and meaningful life. 

Many of us are taught to believe that aging is the enemy…

But what if aging skin isn't a problem to fix, but something to support? 

Aromatic plants have been doing exactly that for centuries. 

In my latest blog post, I dive into 8 powerful herbs and essential oils that nourish, strengthen, and bring radiance to the skin, plus a simple DIY facial oil recipe you can make at home.

✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. 

Enjoy the article, 
Melissa

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 #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #diyskincarerecipes
Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-k Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-known fact that aromatic plants have a direct effect on our emotions and mental state.

There's a magical, mystical association with scent and how it interacts with our being and consciousness. This exists across all ancient teachings of aromatherapy and incense.

Maybe you’ve felt it before… a deep, undeniable, and indescribable feeling inside of you when you smell a certain aroma, like Rose, Frankincense, or Pine.

Aroma reaches every part of our being, mind, body, and soul, and its gift opens something sacred within us, connecting our spirit to the divinity of life. 

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#aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aroma #aromatics #aromatherapymagic  #sacred
Happy Earth Day! 🌍 For us, it's never just about Happy Earth Day! 🌍

For us, it's never just about one day... it's about the small, daily moments of connection. 

It's all about reciprocity. Giving thanks, showing gratitude, and taking care of the Earth that takes care of us in so many ways. Every single day.

Drop the names of your favorite aromatic plants that the Earth has gifted us.👇

I know, it's impossible to pick just one... but right now, our favorite is Tulsi 🌱

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#earthday  #earthdayeveryday #happyearthday  #natureheals #naturehealsmysoul
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