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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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5 Herbal Mocktails to Sip This Summer 🌿🍹 In our w 5 Herbal Mocktails to Sip This Summer 🌿🍹 In our world, herbs aren’t just a garnish; they’re the stars of the show. Summer is full of good things: warm sunshine, flourishing plants, long evenings, and, of course, ice-cold drinks. But with busy days, outdoor adventures, and all the things that come with making the most of the season, it can be hard to keep herbs in your daily routine. And while we love a good cup of herbal tea, a steaming mug isn’t always the most appealing choice on a hot summer day! That’s where herbal mocktails come in. These beautiful, refreshing drinks are a fun and seasonal way to bring herbs into your life. We’ve gathered 5 of our favorite herbal mocktail recipes featuring aromatic plants, plus fun ways to make your own mocktail ingredients with herbal simple syrups, oxymels, cordials, and more. A sneak peek at the recipes: 🍃 Cooling Peppermint & Cucumber Fizz 🌸 Lemon Balm, Berry & Rose Spritzer 🌿 Rosemary Grapefruit Tonic 🍋 Lavender Lemonade 🌺 Hibiscus Lime Oxymel Cooler We’ve also included a simple formula for building your own herbal mocktail from scratch! ✨Read the full blog + get all 5 recipes at the link in bio. What are you sipping this summer? --- #mocktails #mocktailsummer #herbalmocktails #oxymels #oxymelspritz
Comment MOCKTAIL to get the full recipe guide 🧊🍹🌿 Comment MOCKTAIL to get the full recipe guide 🧊🍹🌿 Herbs don’t have to stay on the edge of your glass… they can be the star of your summer drinks. ✨ Some of our favorite iced herbal mocktail combos include bright Lemon Balm + berries, fragrant Rosemary + grapefruit, floral Lavender + lemon, and tart Hibiscus + lime. Add a touch of oxymel, maybe some Rose water, maybe an ice cube full of violets, and you have the perfect summer mocktail. 🌞 In our latest blog, we’re sharing 5 herbal mocktail recipes plus fun ways to turn herbs into easy ingredients like simple syrups, oxymels, cordials, and more. And if you’re feeling creative, we’ve included a simple formula for building your own herbal mocktail from scratch. Comment MOCKTAIL below and we’ll send you the full recipe guide!
Have you ever wondered why Tulsi is called “Holy B Have you ever wondered why Tulsi is called “Holy Basil”? The Hindu name “Holy Basil” translates to "the incomparable one." The plant is considered sacred and is often planted around Hindu shrines. According to ancient Hindu stories, Lord Krishna once sat on a scale, and massive amounts of gold and ornaments were placed on the other side of the scale, but it wouldn’t budge. Then, the gold and precious gifts were removed, and a single Tulsi leaf was placed on the scale, which then balanced. It was said that Lord Krishna is not impressed by expensive or beautiful things, but only by true devotion, and Tulsi is one of his most committed believers. After that day, Tulsi was always revered as sacred. Tulsi reminds us that who you are on the inside matters so much more than how you are on the outside. 🌿✨ ___________ #tulsi #holybasil #LordKrishna #herbalism #aromatherapy #aromaticherbs #plantfolklore
Isn’t it interesting that pharmaceuticals are cons Isn’t it interesting that pharmaceuticals are considered conventional, while herbs are labeled as “alternative”? Before processed drugs were made by humans, plants were the original medicine. In fact, many pharmaceutical drugs on the market are actually derived from plants. For example, aspirin contains salicylates derived from White Willow bark, the drug digitalis comes from the Foxglove plant, and Sudafed was created to mimic a component in the plant Ephedra. (It’s also interesting to note that the Foxglove and Ephedra plants are considered toxic and not safe for consumption in their raw form.) When we incorporate plant medicine into our lives, we are returning to the original source of healing, created and grown by the Earth itself. Whether you burn incense, drink tea, use essential oil diffusers, or take herbal tinctures or supplements… it’s all medicine. 🌿 _______________ #herbs #herbalism #aromatherapy #naturalmedicine #plantmedicine #naturalremedies #alternativemedicines
Chamomile's reputation today is as a calming herb, Chamomile's reputation today is as a calming herb, but that's only part of its story. Since ancient times, it's been used for fevers, nausea, emotional balance, uterine support, and more. The Ancient Egyptians used dried Chamomile powder as a mild pain reliever. In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates used it to bring down fevers, while Dioscorides and Galen turned to it for reproductive health and uterine support. Chamomile was also dedicated to the sun god Ra in Ancient Egypt, a fitting allegiance given its traditional association with the solar plexus, the network of nerves in the stomach that radiate outward like rays of the sun. ☀️ The solar plexus governs both digestion and the fight-or-flight stress response, which may explain why Chamomile's calming effect so often shows up as a soothing digestive aid as well. These traditional uses hold up today, too. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia lists German and Roman Chamomile as carminative, antispasmodic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, and a mild sedative/nervine. 🔍 Swipe through for more on Chamomile's role in aromatic medicine. ______________ #chamomile #chamomileoil #chamomilebenefits #aromatherapy #herbalism #aromatherapyeducation
When you see a dandelion, do you think of it as a When you see a dandelion, do you think of it as a weed or a wild plant? As you might already know, many plants that are thought of as weeds are actually wild plant medicine. Dandelion greens and roots are a great plant ally for liver support. They’re also highly nutritious and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But it can be hard to find Dandelions that haven't been sprayed with chemicals. Growing up in urban spaces, we’re often taught to think that plants growing in our manicured landscapes and lawns are unwelcome weeds and insignificant invaders that we must get rid of! However, (with the exception of invasive species) these plants are not intruders taking over our artificial spaces, but rather, WE are the trespassers who’ve haphazardly taken over their home. The wild lands of forests, lakes, marshes, and meadows are their homes that we’ve built upon. The definition of a weed is a plant considered undesirable in a particular location, “a plant in the wrong place”. It’s interesting to note that many therapeutic herbs contain the word “weed” in their common name, including (but not limited to): Milkweed, Pokeweed, Ragweed, Knotweed, Fireweed, Horseweed, Jewelweed, and Chickweed. Surely these medicinal herbs are not undesirable? Unfortunately, many people spray the land with chemicals and herbicides to eradicate “weeds”, and local governments spray along highways, roads, and bridges, poisoning our ecosystems. What if we all started treating all wild plants as medicine, instead of weeds? What if that Dandelion that keeps growing in your backyard isn’t a menacing headache, but rather a gift from the Earth? 🌿✨ ___________ #dandelion #weeds #weedsaremedicine #weedsareflowerstoo #weedsarebeautiful #herbalism #herbalist
Why are Turmeric and Black Pepper seemingly always Why are Turmeric and Black Pepper seemingly always paired together? Curcumin, the main compound Turmeric is known for, is notoriously hard for your body to absorb. Most of it passes right through you before it ever gets used. But add a little bit of Black Pepper to the mix, and the active compound in Pepper (piperine) slows down how quickly your liver breaks curcumin apart, giving your body more time to actually absorb it. Studies have shown this pairing can boost curcumin absorption dramatically! This isn't some new hack, either. Ayurvedic medicine has combined Turmeric and Black Pepper for centuries, long before anyone understood the biochemistry behind it. So next time you’re reaching for a Turmeric latte, Golden Milk, or supplement, be sure to include a touch of Black Pepper to maximize the benefits of that Turmeric. 📌 Save this post for your next spice cabinet audit! __________ #turmeric #turmericblackpepper #synergy #herbalsynergy #Curcumin #tumerictea #tumericlatte #tumericpowder #tumericbenefits
Frankincense has been burning in sacred spaces for Frankincense has been burning in sacred spaces for over 5,000 years. 🔥 Egyptians burned it in their temples and used it in embalming rituals. It was one of the key ingredients in Ketoret, the sacred incense of the Temple in ancient Israel. Arabian traders built entire fortunes moving it along trade routes where its value rivaled gold. Light a piece, and the smoke rises bright and resinous, almost citrusy, like sunlight distilled into scent. Perhaps that's why so much of Frankincense's ancient symbolism is connected to the sun. ☀️ Frankincense was offered as sacred smoke to solar deities across cultures, burned in honor of the sun god Ra in ancient Egypt and Apollo in Greece, its rising smoke thought to carry prayers and offerings upward, linking earth to sky. Today, Frankincense is still burned in many spiritual traditions to symbolize prayers ascending to heaven and to purify sacred spaces. There's a reason people have turned to this resin in ritual and meditation for thousands of years; some traditions describe it as a key to unlocking deeper insight and connection to the divine. ✨ Light a piece and experience this sacred resin for yourself. Link in bio. ___________ #frankincense #frankincenseresin #incense #incenseresin #pureincense #sacredincense #naturalincense
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