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Topical 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
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
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
Aromatic Recipes
Topical Medicine
January 5, 20240Comments

Preparing Winter Medicine with Tree Resins

Guest Article Written By Dan Riegler, founder of Apothecary's Garden As we enter another winter here in the Northern hemisphere, questions about chest rubs, cough and cold syrups, salves, and liniments for
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Ayurveda
Herbal Medicine
Topical Medicine
November 14, 20230Comments

Fall Self-care Practices to Nourish Body, Mind & Soul

As the air turns crisp, leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of warm hues and Earth’s critters prepare for the cold – the environment invites us to turn our awareness
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic Recipes
Ayurveda
Topical Medicine
July 11, 20230Comments

Enhancing Your DIY Beauty Care With Aromatic Plants

When it comes to health and wellness, we often focus intently on what we put in our bodies – but what we put on our bodies can be just as
by NW School of Aromatic 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
Aromatic Recipes
Ayurveda
Topical Medicine
August 16, 20223Comments

Cooling Herbs for Summer

In the heat of summer, you can reach for an ice cream to help you cool off temporarily, but the beauty of plants is that they go beyond the gastrointestinal
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Topical Medicine
Uncategorized
August 9, 20225Comments

Aromatic Plants for Bug Repellent

Summer is one of my favorite times of year – the wild plants are thriving and the weather is perfect for being immersed in nature. Camping, hiking, swimming, lounging by
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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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. _____________ #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. ___________ #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 ☕🌿 __________ #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? 👇 ____________ #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. ____________ #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! _____________ #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. _______________ #peppermint #menthol #coolingherbs #coolingspray #diyherbalism #diyrecipe #essentialoils #beattheheat🔥
Not all incense is created equal 🌿🔥 Many mass-pro Not all incense is created equal 🌿🔥 Many mass-produced incense brands cut corners by using synthetic ingredients to reduce costs and increase profits. With no regulations in the U.S. incense market and limited studies, transparency is rare, and few companies disclose their full list of ingredients or processing methods. Did you know that some incense papers are soaked in saltpeter (potassium nitrate), a chemical also used in gunpowder, fireworks, and fertilizers? When burned, these chemicals can outweigh any potential benefits of the natural aromatics. The incense you burn affects the air you breathe. That's why it's crucial to research the brands you support. Smaller, artisan companies tend to prioritize quality and purity over quantity, using natural, sustainably sourced ingredients that are safer for both you and the environment. Making incense is a craft rooted in tradition and heart, not in mass production. _____________ #incense #incensecrafting #incensemaking #naturalincense #artisanincense #incensestıcks
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