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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
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
March 21, 20240Comments

Aromatic Tea Meditation Guide

Rooted in ancient traditions, tea meditation is a powerful way to develop mindfulness and experience the healing potential of aromatic plants in an embodied way. Beyond merely tea tasting, it
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Incense as Medicine
March 12, 20240Comments

Aromatics & Incense for Mental Health Support

Too often, aromatic plants and incense are dismissed merely as pleasant fragrances. Yet, the volatile oils released when burning natural aromatic plants, or using them in other ways, possess remarkable
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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Ritual
December 5, 20230Comments

The Art of the Herbal Bath

In a world that constantly buzzes with activity and stimulation, finding moments of tranquility and self-care can feel like an out-of-reach luxury. But self-care can be simple, affordable, and accessible.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
October 17, 20230Comments

Incense: The Original Form of Aromatherapy

The world of holistic healing is a deep ocean of ancient wisdom and practices. Within the treasure chest of wonderful traditional remedies that have been passed down over time, incense
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Incense sticks smoldering on table indoors
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
October 9, 20230Comments

Sleep Better Naturally: Aromatic Plants for Restful Sleep

Sound sleep is a key pillar of our well-being, as it restores and rejuvenates our minds, bodies, and senses. However, in the fast-paced world we live in today, sleep-related challenges
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
September 15, 20230Comments

5 Aromatic Plants for Emotional Support

Imagine a world where the fragrance of a flower or the aroma of a plant could whisk away your worries, calm your racing thoughts, and bring a sense of tranquility
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
August 10, 20230Comments

Supporting Emotional Health with Aromatic Medicine

Certain aromas can evoke emotional responses and resurface memories, which is a phenomenon many of us have experienced. Maybe you can relate? The smell of freshly baked brownies from the
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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Absolutes vs essential oils: what’s the difference Absolutes vs essential oils: what’s the difference? Essential oils are extracted in various ways, most often through steam distillation, but also solvent extraction, and other methods. Steam distillation extracts the volatile oils from plant materials using a process of heating and cooling water vapor. The end products of this process are essential oils and hydrosol. Absolutes, on the other hand, are highly concentrated aromatic substances similar to essential oils. They are obtained through a solvent extraction process instead of steam distillation. This method is typically used for delicate or highly fragrant plant materials that cannot be effectively distilled using steam distillation. In the solvent extraction process, plant materials are submerged in a solvent, such as ethanol, hexane, or carbon dioxide, to release their aroma. The solvent mixture dissolves the aromatic compounds of the plant and releases them into the liquid, and then the solvent is removed, leaving behind a fragrant, concentrated mixture known as an absolute. It's important to note that absolutes may or may not contain trace amounts of the solvent used in the extraction process. Some folks choose to avoid using absolutes for this reason, others feel the amount is too low to be impactful in any way. By definition, both absolutes and essential oils are highly concentrated liquid extracts containing volatile chemical compounds from medicinal and aromatic plants. Absolutes are often more expensive than essential oils due to the complexity of the extraction process and the amount of raw material required to produce them. Typically, you'll see bottles of essential oils and absolutes sold side by side in stores. To know whether it’s an essential oil or absolute, carefully read the label and look for the word “absolute,” and often you can also find the solvent that was used listed as well. Some examples of aromatic plants that are commonly processed into absolutes include Jasmine and Rose. __________ #essentialoils #absolutes #aromatherapy #essentialoileducation #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapytips #AromatherapyEducation
Have you ever had a physical symptom you knew was Have you ever had a physical symptom you knew was directly related to your emotions, thoughts, or something even spiritual? Or maybe had an intuitive sense that the root cause of someone's problem wasn't exactly physical? If you've ever wondered how to trace these relationships between the body, mind, and soul — to make it easier to use herbs to help people on these more subtle levels — you're in luck! My good friend Sajah Popham just did all the hard work and put it all together in the Astro-Herbalism Mini-Course. Ancient physicians and founding herbalists like Paracelsus and Nicolas Culpeper understood that the most effective path of healing with herbs was through the understanding of the stars and planetary bodies. The School of Evolutionary Herbalism is carrying on this powerful tradition — offering important insights into exactly how astrology and herbalism correspond to each other in their free series. You'll learn how to see the connections between the body, emotions, thoughts, and the evolutionary process of the soul — and how to translate these into finding the specific remedy, whether that's incense, essential oil, or herbs, that gets to the roots of our health problems. If this speaks to you, sign up via the link in bio and start watching the first lesson now. You'll gain a higher perspective about your work with plants that will change everything. 🌿✨ This mini-course is only available for a limited time — if you're curious about the connection between the stars and the plant kingdom, now's your chance! #herbalmedicine #astroherbalism #astrologyandherbalism #astrology #holistichealth
Forest Bathing at Home 🌲 You don’t need to visit Forest Bathing at Home 🌲 You don’t need to visit a forest to reconnect with nature. Place a few sprigs of Pine, Cedar, or Fir in hot water on your stove, or a few drops of EO in your diffuser. Inhale deeply. Exhale fully. Repeat. These aromatic evergreens can reduce stress, clear the mind, and uplift your spirit…all from the comfort of home. What's your favorite forest scent? _____________ #forestbathing #forestsmell #forestenergy #forestbathingtherapy #forestscent #pine #cedar #fir
Want to go deeper with Yarrow? In our newest vlog Want to go deeper with Yarrow? In our newest vlog, we explore one of our favorite plants in depth. You’ll discover: • The mythology of Achilles and Chiron • Yarrow’s traditional uses across cultures • How it supports digestion, circulation, the uterus & more • Its role in aromatic medicine and emotional boundary work • Why the essential oil is that stunning deep blue • Practical ways to work with it as tea, tincture, essential oil, hydrosol, incense & more Watch it through the link in our bio.
What if the “weed” growing along the roadside was What if the “weed” growing along the roadside was once carried into battle to save lives? I still remember the first time I truly met Yarrow. I was on a hike with one of my herbal teachers when he stopped, bent down, and brushed his hand across a patch of feathery leaves at our feet. “This plant,” he said, “was carried into battle to slow bleeding from wounds. And if you’re ever hiking without a first-aid kit… or bleeding during the zombie apocalypse… a poultice of Yarrow should do the trick.” I laughed…But I never forgot it! Yarrow is a powerful plant of paradox. It can slow bleeding… and move stagnant blood. It can cool heat… and stimulate circulation. It can protect boundaries… and open what’s stuck. For centuries, it’s been called many names: Staunch Weed, Soldier’s Woundwort, Nosebleed, and Life Medicine. Legend says Achilles used it on the battlefield to take care of his soldiers. Chinese divination traditions use their stalks to consult the I Ching. Herbalists call it the “master of blood.” And beyond the physical, Yarrow has long been known as the herb of the wounded warrior and wounded healer – a plant for those who have had to become strong because they first had to survive something. In our new video blog, you’ll learn: • The mythology of Achilles and Chiron • Yarrow’s traditional uses across cultures • Its powerful support for digestion, circulation, skin issues and menstrual struggles • How it works in aromatic medicine and emotional boundary work • Practical ways to use it in tea, tincture, essential oil, hydrosol, incense & more By the end, you may never look at this “common weed” the same way again. ✨ If you’ve ever felt called to understand this plant beyond just its benefits – to really know its story, its spirit, its intelligence – this one is for you. 🌿 Watch/read the full story of Yarrow at the link in our bio. ________ #yarrow #yarrowflower #aromaticmedicine #emotionalboundaries #boundarysetting #weedsaremedicine #herbalmonograph
Have you ever met a plant that seems to know exact Have you ever met a plant that seems to know exactly what your body needs? For me, that plant is Yarrow. Yarrow is a plant of opposites. It’s described as both cooling & warming, grounding & uplifting, moving & stabilizing, opening while protective. On a physical level, it can slow bleeding, yet it can also help move stagnant blood. There’s something deeply reassuring about this paradox – a plant so attuned to the body that it responds to imbalance rather than forcing change in a single direction. That kind of intelligence is what makes Yarrow one of the most fascinating herbs I’ve ever encountered. Its Latin name, Achillea millefolium, tells part of the story. “Millefolium” means “thousand-leaved,” referring to its feathery foliage, while “Achillea” honors Achilles, the great warrior of Greek myth who used Yarrow to tend his soldiers’ wounds in battle. According to legend, Achilles’ mother, Thetis, tried to make him invulnerable by dipping him in the sacred River Styx. But she held him by his heel, the one place untouched by the protective waters. That small, forgotten place became his only weakness, and it was there that Paris’ arrow struck him. (This is where the phrase “Achilles heel” comes from!). Over time, Yarrow became known as the herb of the wounded warrior. And just as it helps seal physical wounds, it has long been associated with strengthening emotional and energetic boundaries. Yarrow is often called the herb for empaths, those who feel overwhelmed by external intensity or who absorb the emotions of others. Many healers see it as a boundary-setting herb for people who need help keeping their own energy separate and safe while supporting those around them. In our new video blog, you’ll discover: • The mythology of Achilles & Chiron • Yarrow’s traditional uses across cultures • Its powerful support for digestion, circulation & the uterus • How it works in aromatic medicine & emotional boundary work • Practical ways to use it as a tea, tincture, essential oil, hydrosol, incense & more 🌿 Watch/read the full Yarrow story at the link in our bio. _____________ #yarrow #yarrowflower #empaths #emotionalboundaries #aromatherapy #herbalism
Did you know: What we call Juniper berries aren’t Did you know: What we call Juniper berries aren’t actually berries! These “berries” are really fleshy cones called a galbulus, which take 2-3 years to ripen from green to deep blue-black. Junipers are either male or female. Male trees produce tiny yellow cones, while female trees grow the bluish-green cones we know as “berries.” Have you ever spotted a male vs. female Juniper? 🌿 ___________ #juniper #juniperberries #junipertree #botanynerd #aromaticmedicine #herbalism
Nature is our greatest teacher. 🌿 The Earth and th Nature is our greatest teacher. 🌿 The Earth and the botanical kingdom are always offering wisdom. The question is… are we listening? One of the most powerful ways to learn from nature is to slow down and simply be with it. To spend unhurried time with the plants. To notice their scents and textures. For many of us, especially those living in cities, that connection can feel distant – and even more so in the depths of winter, when the cold keeps us indoors. But we can always invite nature in. Simmer evergreen needles on the stovetop. Line your windowsills with acorns or pinecones. Burn grounding aromatics like Fir, Pine, Cedar, Tulsi, or Thyme. Draw an herbal bath. Prepare a simple herbal steam (you’ll find some recipes on our blog!). These small rituals remind the body and spirit that we belong to the Earth, even when we’re inside. What’s one way you bring nature into your indoor life this season? 🌲 _______________ #natureisourteacher #connectwithnature #plantsareteachers #aromatherapy #naturalliving #naturalincense #winterritual
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