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Sustainability

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
Sustainability
November 29, 20228Comments

Herbal-Minded Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season has arrived, and this is often a time when we think of giving something special to those we love and care for. However, the idea of picking
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Sustainability
April 14, 202210Comments

13 Aromatic Plants You Can Easily Grow at Home

Have you thought about growing a garden this spring? Now is a great time to start preparing! Whether you're a complete beginner, or a master in aromatic medicine making, there is
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Human/Plant Connection
Sustainability
November 22, 202119Comments

Being A Conscious Essential Oil Consumer – Resist the EO Marketers!

This holiday time of year, there are great deals everywhere and multi-level marketing networks working overtime to sell essential oils. Don’t get me wrong – essential oils are amazing aromatic
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
October 27, 20219Comments

Saving Spikenard: The Sustainability Struggle

Some might say that the words sustainable and essential oil can never be in the same sentence. Essential oils have dynamic health benefits, however, they’re also resource-intensive products. Hundreds to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
Sustainability
July 19, 20210Comments

Smudging: An Issue of Ethics and Sustainability

Have you ever scrolled past a social media ad with an image of someone burning a smudge stick of White Sage with the caption reading something like, “Say Bye-Bye to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
November 25, 20190Comments

A Distress Call from the Sacred White Sage Plant

Oftentimes when trends spread like wildfire around the world, there is a great deal of misinformation or lack of understanding around them. Unfortunately, many trends these days include the use
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Incense as Medicine
Sustainability
August 19, 20190Comments

Incense & Aromatics for Mental Focus & Clarity

Do you experience issues with mental focus and clarity, brain fog, or trouble with your memory? The aromatic incense plants I talk about in the video above have been used
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ayurveda
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
January 23, 20180Comments

The Ancient Divinity and Healing of Sandalwood

One of the most widely used metaphysical plants in the world is the renowned Sandalwood tree. The use of this sacred tree in spirituality and ritual dates back thousands of
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
September 11, 20170Comments

Palo Santo – Holy Wood

Palo Santo (Holy Wood) has been used throughout Central America and many northern territories of South America for thousands of years for purification and cleansing of the physical, energetic, and
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 heard of bio-regional aromatic medicine? Have you heard of bio-regional aromatic medicine? 🌿✨

It’s the theory that the plants growing near you are the most powerful medicine for you. People of a specific region are best nourished by the flora of that same region. 

This is wisdom that traditional healers and ancient medical systems around the world have known and used for ages.

When you live in a particular place, the environment becomes a part of you: the air that you breathe, the water you drink, and the food that you eat (especially if it’s sourced locally) have energetic imprints of the Earth and the elements that are unique to that place. 

Even the climate, weather patterns, seasonal changes, unique stars and planetary alignment, and specific levels of minerals and nutrients in the soil become a part of you. 

The flora that grows near you is a part of this interconnected web. The plants in your backyard are thriving in the same environment that you are living in. And since that environment is also a part of you, these plants have a much easier time thriving inside of you.

What local plants are your best support system??

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 #bioregionalherbalism #bioregionalism #localplants #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy #herbalism
Have you worked with Sagebrush before? This poten Have you worked with Sagebrush before?

This potent aromatic medicine has many therapeutic benefits.

Its antimicrobial properties make it a great air purifier; as it’s burned, it kills airborne bacteria and viruses in the atmosphere. 

Not only can Sagebrush clear energy physically and energetically, but it also helps to clear and declutter the mind, boosting mental clarity, focus, memory, and cognition.

It’s also commonly used to support respiratory health issues, since it’s been known to help open up the airways and clear out infection. It’s traditionally used to relieve asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections, and other respiratory ailments. 

Sagebrush can also be used topically, and its analgesic properties make it a great addition to topical oils and salves for pain and inflammation relief.

*If you plan to harvest Sagebrush, please do some research on the region before harvesting. The Sagebrush ecosystem is now considered critically endangered due to wildfires, invasive species, and land development.*

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#sagebrush #sage #aromatherapy #artemisia #artemisiatridentata
What if ancient healers knew something science is What if ancient healers knew something science is only beginning to understand?

For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been used to calm the mind, sharpen memory, support digestion, and uplift the spirit. These traditions were passed down long before laboratories or clinical trials existed.

Today, modern research is beginning to back up many of those same traditional uses.

In this week’s blog article, we explore the history and science of 4 aromatic plants, comparing what ancient cultures believed with what new research is discovering.

It's a beautiful reminder that sometimes the oldest wisdom still has something to teach us.

🌿 Read the full article through the link in our bio.

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#ancientwisdom #plantwisdom #herbaltradition #plantscience #herbalism #aromaticherbs #ancienthealing
Have you ever wondered where the aroma of Vetiver Have you ever wondered where the aroma of Vetiver comes from? Vetiver is often referred to as the “Fragrance of the Soil” because of its earthy and woody scent profile. 

This aromatic grass, native to India, possesses a distinctive aroma reminiscent of damp earth, roots, and the essence of the soil itself. Its fragrance is deeply grounding, often described as rich, smoky, and slightly sweet.

The nickname “Fragrance of the Soil” captures the essence of Vetiver's olfactory profile, as it brings to mind the natural, organic scent of freshly turned earth. This association with the Earth's aroma is thanks to the roots of the Vetiver plant, which contain fragrant compounds that imbue the soil with their characteristic scent.

Vetiver roots are strong and grow deep beneath the soil, and the plants are often grown for erosion control and bioremediation. 

When the roots are harvested for essential oil production, the grasses are traditionally repurposed by locals, woven into cooling shades and sometimes intertwined with the roots to make roof thatching, window screens, blinds, and hand fans. The shades are consistently doused with water, effectively cooling and transforming hot, scorching summer air into aromatic, moist, balmy breezes. 

Vetiver's earthy fragrance has made it a popular ingredient in perfumery for centuries, where it adds depth, complexity, and a sense of connection to the natural world. Its ability to evoke a sense of rootedness and stability has earned it a special place in the world of perfumery – it is so popular that it’s the main ingredient in over 30% of all Western high-end perfumes, including Chanel N°5. (If you’re interested in learning how to make your own perfumes, check out our Natural Perfumery Course!)

Swipe through to learn all about the aromatic medicine of Vetiver. ➡
When did plant medicine become "alternative"? For When did plant medicine become "alternative"?

For generations, cultures around the world discovered that aromatic plants could calm the nervous system, sharpen the mind, encourage restful sleep, support digestion, and uplift the spirit.

This wisdom was passed down through oral tradition and ancient texts, becoming the foundation of many traditional healing systems.

Yet somewhere along the way, much of that knowledge came to be dismissed as folklore or placebo.

But that's beginning to change.

As more human clinical research is conducted on aromatic plants, scientists are finding evidence that supports many of the uses documented by traditional healers hundreds—even thousands—of years ago.

In this week's article, we're digging into some of those stories, both ancient and modern.

We explore 4 amazing aromatic plants, what ancient physicians and herbalists believed about them, and what modern scientific research is revealing today.

🌿✨ Link in bio. 

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#aromaticplants #plantwisdom #plantmedicine #aromaticmedicine #herbalwisdom  #herbaltraditions #ancientwisdom
How do you light natural incense charcoal? 🔥 We ge How do you light natural incense charcoal? 🔥 We get this question a lot. 

We always recommend using natural incense charcoal over hookah and self-igniting charcoals, due to the toxic, health-hazardous compounds these quick-lighting charcoals contain (and the smell they emit ruins the plant’s aromatics). 

To ignite all-natural coconut husk or Japanese-style bamboo charcoal, you must use an open flame from a propane stove or an electric stove with coil burners. Electric glass-top stoves and standard lighters just don’t cut it. 

If you don't have access to this type of stove and are having trouble getting your charcoal lit, a small torch-style lighter can be a handy tool. These can be found at most grocery and convenience stores. The flame burns quite hot and continuously, which is exactly what natural charcoal needs to effectively ignite. 

We recommend you hold the charcoal with a pair of incense tongs, then run the torch flame along the outer edges of the charcoal first, until it appears to be turning red (this should only take a few seconds when using such a hot, consistent flame). 

After you see hints of red, allow the charcoal to sit on a non-flammable surface or incense burner until it forms a full layer of white ash – now it's ready to be used. 

If it doesn't seem like your charcoal is "catching" and turning red throughout, a gentle stream of air from fanning or blowing on the charcoal should help. 

Have you ever had trouble lighting incense charcoal in the past? What methods work best for you?

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#incensecharcoal #incense #naturalincense #diyincense #incenseresin
According to the ancient Mayans, the divine God of According to the ancient Mayans, the divine God of the Earth extracted Copal resin from the Tree of Life and gave it to humans as a gift. 

It’s considered very sacred and is often referred to as the “Food of the Gods.” 

For centuries, it has been widely used in many spiritual traditions for offerings, divination, connecting to the sacred, spiritual healing, and so much more.

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#copal #treeoflife #incense #naturalincense #incenseresin #foodofthegods #ritual
🌹 Are you team Rose tea, Rose water, Rose essentia 🌹 Are you team Rose tea, Rose water, Rose essential oil, Rose cordial, or fresh Rose petals?

Spoiler: we're all of the above!

Rose is one of our favorite aromatic plants, offering an abundance of gifts and delicious ways to work with it. 

Most people know Rose as a symbol of romance. Far fewer know it has been used as a traditional medicine for the emotional heart, digestive system, skin, reproductive health, and nervous system for centuries.

In our newest blog, we explore:

✨ The fascinating history and folklore of Rose
✨ Rose's benefits in aromatherapy and herbalism
✨ How Rose supports emotional healing and resilience
✨ Tips for harvesting and working with fresh Rose petals and Rosehips
✨ Our favorite homemade Rose Cordial recipe

🌹 Get the recipe + read the full article through the link in our bio.

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#rose #wildrose #herbalremedies #herbalrecipes #naturalremedies #DIYherbalism #rosecordial
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