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Aromatherapy
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
December 4, 20250Comments

Aromatic Rituals for Holiday Stress, Boundaries & Nervous System Support

You’re standing in your childhood kitchen when it begins: your mother casually asking why you’re still single (again), your sister spiraling about seating arrangements, and your uncle launching into opinions
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Ritual
August 21, 20250Comments

How to Make an Aromatic Herbal Oxymel (+ Why You Should)

Honey and vinegar have been mixed together for thousands of years, creating what the ancient Greeks called an oxymel (from the Greek words for “acid” and “honey”). Add in a
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
glass cork bottle of benzoin oil next to benzoin resin on a counter
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Natural Perfumery
Plant Profiles
Ritual
August 13, 20250Comments

Why Benzoin Resin Belongs in Your Apothecary: Benefits & Ritual Uses

Imagine something that looks like a beautiful golden rock, but upon closer inspection, you're greeted with sweet, balsamic, resinous notes, with hints of vanilla that feel like a warm embrace.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
bottle of Rosemary essential oil
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
June 20, 20250Comments

How to Use Rosemary for Holistic Health

Sure, Rosemary makes a great addition to roasted potatoes and Mediterranean dishes, but its true power lies far beyond the kitchen. For centuries, healers, herbalists, and aromatherapists have turned to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Plant Profiles
April 25, 20250Comments

Jasmine Benefits for the Mind, Body, and Soul

The alluring aroma of Jasmine is more than just a scent – it’s an experience that lingers in the soul. Ethereal, intoxicating, and deeply evocative, Jasmine carries an almost sacred
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Bottles of essential oil with frankincense resin and candles
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
April 10, 20250Comments

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief & Relaxation

Turn on the news, scroll through social media, or simply glance at your to-do list, and it’s clear – stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life. From the
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Topical Medicine
January 16, 20250Comments

Tree Resins: Unlock the Power of this Underappreciated Natural Remedy

There’s something very magical about tree resins. These golden, aromatic droplets are born from a tree’s natural healing process – a protective substance that seals wounds, guards against infection, and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
January 9, 20250Comments

The Benefits of Pine Resin & How to Harvest It

I will never forget meeting my friend Sam (name changed to spare them any embarrassment), a budding herbalist radiating excitement and curiosity about the wonders of the natural world. One
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
December 19, 20240Comments

The Power of Frankincense: Boosting Immunity and Overall Well-Being

Thousands of years ago, in ancient kingdoms, the air was thick with the rich, aromatic smoke of Frankincense. This sacred resin, harvested from Boswellia trees, played a central role in
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
December 9, 20240Comments

The Many Benefits of Jasmine

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling Jasmine, you know how captivating its scent is. Beyond its delightful fragrance and ornamental appeal, Jasmine offers a treasure trove of health
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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DIY Pine Tip tea (and why you should drink it)… P DIY Pine Tip tea (and why you should drink it)… Pine Needles have many medicinal benefits, both aromatically and internally. They’re high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, providing support to your immune system and decreasing your risk for serious health issues. They help boost mental clarity and relieve depression, in addition to easing respiratory ailments like a sore throat, cough, and chest congestion, making it a great Wintertime herbal tea. Making Pine Tip tea is quite simple… 🌲 Forage for Pine Needles by going for a nature walk with some garden clippers. Make sure to properly identify a Pine Tree, then snip off some needles. The fresher tips will be fresher and might have a lighter green color compared to the older growth. 🌲 Boil some water and pour it over your Pine Needles. Cover it to keep in the medicinal aromatics and leave to infuse for 20-30 minutes, then strain and serve. 🌲 You can enjoy it on its own, or add it to your favorite herbal tea. I love mixing it with chai spices to make Forest Chai tea! ✨ Learn more about the history, harvesting, and health benefits of Pine Tip tea in our blog: Pine Needle Tea Benefits, Harvesting Tips + Recipe! Link in bio. _________ #pine #pineneedles #pineneedletea #pinetree #aromatherapy #herbaltea #tearecipe
Have you ever tried burning Bay leaves? Bay Laur Have you ever tried burning Bay leaves? Bay Laurel, also known as Sweet Laurel or Sweet Bay, is an important historical tree for prophecy and divination. In Ancient Greece, the psychic priestesses at the Oracle of Delphi, known as the Pythia, chewed Bay Laurel leaves and inhaled the incense of burned leaves to support their visionary trances. Pythia were highly regarded and it was believed that they channeled prophecies from the Greek god Apollo while deep in a dreamlike state. The ritual to interpret the word of Apollo started with the Pythia bathing in the Castalian Spring, sacrificing a goat, then entering a special chamber beneath a temple which was filled with the aroma of burning Laurel leaves. She would sit in the center of the temple, on a covered cauldron over a deep well-like chasm, enveloped by vapors and shaking Bay branches. From here, the Pythia would fall into a trance state and channel the prophecy of Apollo. Those seeking the help of Apollo and his priestess would bring offerings of Laurel branches, money, and animal sacrifices. #baylaurel #Apollo #pythia #aroma #aromaticplants #herbalmedicine
Attar: an Arabic word that translates to “scent.” Attar: an Arabic word that translates to “scent.” Attars are traditional natural perfume oils that originate from the Middle East and South Asia, where they’ve been used for centuries. Attars are crafted exclusively from 100% pure essential oils and aromatic materials, without any carrier oils for dilution, making them intensely concentrated perfumes known for their potency and rich aroma. Traditional attar makers often distill aromatic plants directly into a base of Sandalwood essential oil, a practice still revered today for its meticulous craftsmanship. Attars are prized for their rich and complex scents and are typically applied sparingly on the skin or clothing for a long-lasting aroma. Have you ever used or crafted an attar before? What’s your favorite attar scent profile? #attar #attars #perfume #perfumery #naturalperfume
Incense is the foundation of perfumery. The orig Incense is the foundation of perfumery. The origin of the word perfume reflects the ancient practice of using aromatic plants as incense to create pleasing scents to permeate through the air. In some ancient cultures, the words perfume and incense were interchangeable. Many cultures believe burning incense is like a rising prayer, as the fragrant smoke drifts up to the heavens, serving as a bridge that links the material and spiritual worlds. This same reverence translated to the world of perfumery. Initially reserved for rituals for the gods, religious rites, or royalty in ancient Egypt, perfume gradually became associated with purifying and spiritually cleansing the body. As time progressed, perfume found diverse applications, serving purposes ranging from aesthetic enhancement to practical functionality, spiritual enrichment, and even sometimes medicinal uses. In the beginning, original perfumes and incense were made only using pure, natural aromatic plants. Unfortunately, modern perfumery has drifted from these ancient roots, as most perfumes available today are laden with synthetic chemicals. It falls upon us to remember and honor the genuine origins of these ancient aromatic traditions, preserving their legacy for future generations to come.
We live in a world saturated with scent. Our air f We live in a world saturated with scent. Our air fresheners, laundry detergents, cosmetics, body products, and even most perfumes are infused with synthetic fragrance compounds designed to imitate nature. But these ingredients are not only far removed from the living world, but many of them are also harmful to ecosystems and toxic to our bodies. It’s no surprise that so many of us are feeling the pull back to our roots, toward scent as nature intended. There’s something about natural perfumery that reaches us beyond words. It’s not just the fragrance, but the emotional and energetic effect it carries. Natural perfumes are made up of the same essential oils traditionally used in aromatherapy for their uplifting and stress-soothing qualities – which can shape our psyche in subtle but deeply meaningful ways. Still, a persistent myth lingers in the perfumery world: that natural perfumes can’t compete. That they’re too unpredictable, too soft, too fleeting—that they won’t project or last beyond an hour. And this can be true… when a perfume is built without structure or foundation. In our new blog, you’ll discover: 🌿 Exactly how a natural perfume is structured and balanced (+ what it’s made of) 🌿 What top, heart, and base notes are, and the role each one plays in a formula 🌿 The truth about synthetics (and why they’re not the secret to longevity) 🌿 Why fixatives are often the missing link in long-lasting natural perfume formulas 🌿 How a blend becomes a living symphony of aromas in harmony ✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. _______________ #neroli #naturalperfume #naturalperfumery #naturalperfumes #naturalperfumer #naturalperfumeoils #cleanbeautyproducts
There’s something about natural perfumery that rea There’s something about natural perfumery that reaches us beyond words. It’s not just the fragrance, but the emotional and energetic effect it carries. Natural perfumes are made up of the same essential oils traditionally used in aromatherapy for their uplifting and stress-soothing qualities – which can shape our psyche in subtle but deeply meaningful ways. But many people who are pulled into the natural perfumery world find that their first creations feel flat, fleeting, or empty. The missing ingredient is balance. Natural perfumery is a form of aromatic architecture – the art of composing time, not just smell. It is a doorway into a deeper relationship with plants, with the body, and with beauty itself. When we understand how scent is built, layered, and anchored, we begin to understand why certain perfumes feel whole… and why others do not. When a perfume feels complete, it has foundation, body, and lift. It projects, lingers, and evolves. It speaks to the nervous system, stirs memory, and invites ritual into the moment. A natural perfume is never a single note – it is a sequence, a symphony of aromas unfolding in intentional harmony. In our new blog, you’ll discover: 🌿 Exactly how a natural perfume is structured and balanced (+ what it’s made of) 🌿 What top, heart, and base notes are, and the role each one plays in a formula 🌿 The truth about synthetics (and why they’re not the secret to longevity) 🌿 Why fixatives are often the missing link in long-lasting natural perfume formulas 🌿 How a blend becomes a living symphony of aromas in harmony ✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. ____________ #naturalperfume #naturalperfumery #perfume #essentialoils #howtomakeperfume #naturalperfumer #naturalperfumeoils
Some scents linger in the memory like a song that Some scents linger in the memory like a song that never quite finishes; others vanish the moment after we notice them. But why? When it comes to natural perfumery, why do some fragrances feel flat, fleeting, or empty, while others unfold like a story: dimensional, alive, and utterly satisfying? The difference isn’t synthetic additives. It’s balance. In our newest blog, we explore the architecture of natural perfume: how top, heart, and base notes work together, why some scents feel empty while others feel whole, and how plants themselves teach us about balance, memory, and beauty. If you’ve ever felt drawn to scent, ritual, perfumery, or the poetry of plants… this one is for you. ✨ Read “Creating Harmony: The Composition of Natural Perfumes” by clicking the link in our bio. --------- #naturalperfume #aromaticplants #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #naturalperfumery
Enfleurage: such a whimsical term for a truly beau Enfleurage: such a whimsical term for a truly beautiful tradition. Enfleurage is a time-honored and gentle method used to extract essential oils from fragile flowers, particularly those with volatile oils that can be damaged by the high heat required in traditional steam distillation. A lengthy labor of love, this extraction method utilizes odorless vegetable or animal fats to capture aroma and essential oils. Fresh aromatic flowers are placed on a thin layer of highly purified fat or oil, such as lard, tallow, or coconut oil in a glass or ceramic plate. Over time, the fat absorbs the aromatic compounds from the flowers, which can take a few hours up to several days to fully extract. Once the flowers release their fragrance into the fat, they’re removed and replaced with fresh ones to continue the extraction process. On average, flowers are replaced at least 35 times, but sometimes it can be up to 50 times! Then, the fat is either scraped off and kept as an enfleurage pomade to be used as solid perfume, or dissolved in alcohol to extract the aromatic compounds. The alcohol is then evaporated, leaving behind a highly concentrated floral essence, which may undergo further processing or dilution before being used in perfumery. While enfleurage was once a popular method for extracting essential oils, it’s not commonly used today due to its labor-intensive nature. Many enfleurage absolutes are expensive because they’re very time-consuming, however, it’s an effective form of extraction that matches closely with the floral itself. Some commonly enfleuraged flowers include Jasmine, Tuberose, Rose, Gardenia, and Orange Blossom. This gentle and ancient extraction process effectively preserves these gorgeous and delicate fragrances. #enfleurage #enfleurageperfume #jasmine #roseenfleurage #naturalperfume #perfumery
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