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aromatic medicine

Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Ritual
Topical Medicine
March 12, 20260Comments

Aromatic Herbs for Women’s Health

For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been an important part of women's lives. Their fragrances have filled kitchens where stews and herbal teas simmered on the stove, herbal baths
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Plant Profiles
February 26, 20260Comments

Yarrow in Herbal & Aromatic Medicine: History, Uses, and Energetics

The first time I truly met Yarrow was on a group hike with one of my herbal teachers. As we walked, he pointed out the feathery leaves at our feet
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
February 19, 20260Comments

Living in the Age of the AI Herbalist

In late 2025, an investigation by Originality.ai revealed something staggering: roughly 82% of herbal remedy books on Amazon were at least partially generated by AI [1]. Pause for a moment
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
February 12, 20260Comments

Aromatic Roots for Winter: Warming & Grounding Herbs

Winter is the most yin of all the seasons: inward, dark, quiet, conserving. In classical Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describe the great rhythm of life, opposing yet interdependent forces
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Alchemy
Natural Perfumery
January 15, 20260Comments

Creating Harmony: The Composition of Natural Perfumes

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.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Sustainability
December 18, 20250Comments

The Sacred Scents of the Season: Frankincense, Myrrh & Beyond

The scents of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, and Ginger drift from the oven. Fresh Pine fills the living room from the Christmas tree and evergreen boughs framing the fireplace. Dried Oranges
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
December 11, 20250Comments

Plant Allies for Returning the Light: Aromatic Herbs for Hope & Renewal

On the morning of the Winter Solstice, something subtle – but powerful – happens. The world seems to slow down. The sun lingers at its lowest point on the horizon,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
November 25, 20250Comments

Herbal Holiday Gift Guide

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect moment to celebrate the magic of small businesses. Beyond the glittering lights and busy crowds, these herbal businesses offer handcrafted remedies and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
woman touching a field of chamomile outside on a sunndy day
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
November 17, 20250Comments

The 4 Elements in Traditional Medicine: The Foundation of Energetics & Constitution

Have you ever wondered why the same essential oil that melts away your tension leaves someone else feeling restless? Or why your favorite go-to digestive herb doesn’t help your friend?
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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The sweet, sacred Frankincense resin we know and l The sweet, sacred Frankincense resin we know and love is a rich terpenoid oleoresin harvested from Boswellia trees, a group of about 24 species in the Torchwood family, alongside other aromatic icons like Elemi and Myrrh. Known as “tears” for the way they drip from the bark, these golden drops are the tree’s natural defense system: when injured, the bark releases this resin to seal the wound, protect against infection, and guard against pests. Frankincense is one of the oldest aromatic medicines on the planet. For thousands of years, it has been traded across ancient civilizations and deeply rooted in spiritual practices from Judaism and Hinduism to Christianity and Islam and beyond. Its role in rituals of cleansing and renewal reflects a universal human desire to connect to the sacred. This enduring resin transcends cultural boundaries, offering a sense of balance and grounding that has resonated across generations. Its name comes from the medieval French word franc (“pure”) and the Latin word incensium (“to smoke”), echoing its ancient role as “pure smoke” used for purification, protection, and connection to the divine. Across cultures and religions, the rising smoke of Frankincense has symbolized prayers carried to the heavens and the bridge between the material and spiritual realms. 🔥 Swipe through to explore the aromatic and therapeutic gifts of this sacred resin. ✨ P.S. Our sister company, Higher Mind Incense, carries 4 different species of sustainably sourced Frankincense resin! You can find them at the link in our bio.
The first time I ever burned Frankincense, somethi The first time I ever burned Frankincense, something unexpected happened. Within a few breaths, my awareness sharpened, my thoughts grew quiet, and a deep sense of calm washed over me. There was a feeling of ancient sacredness in the air…something difficult to explain, but impossible to ignore. That moment opened the door to a world I hadn’t yet discovered: the beautiful realm of tree resins. For thousands of years, resins like Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal, Pine, and Cedar have been burned as sacred incense in rituals, used as traditional medicines, and revered across cultures for their therapeutic and spiritual qualities. In our new video and blog, we explore: • What tree resins actually are (and how they differ from sap) • Why cultures around the world consider them sacred • Their powerful therapeutic properties • How they’re used in incense, perfumery, and herbal medicine • A simple way to begin working with resins at home I also talk about my favorite way to work with resins: burning it on charcoal as incense. Sitting with the smoke of a single resin allows you to experience its qualities directly, while tuning in to how its presence affects your mind, body, and emotions. In this way, working with resin incense becomes not only a ritual practice but also a subtle and powerful form of plant-based medicine. 🌲✨ Read the full blog and watch the video at the link in our bio. #treeresin #incenseresin #harvestingtips #wildharvesting #sustainableharvest #incensecrafting #botanicalresin
One Plant. Many Expressions. 🌿 In the 1960s, bio One Plant. Many Expressions. 🌿 In the 1960s, biochemist Pierre Franchomme uncovered something groundbreaking while studying essential oils: a single aromatic plant species can express itself through multiple chemotypes, each with a distinct chemical makeup, aroma, and therapeutic personality. A chemotype is a chemically distinct version of the same plant species. Influenced by factors like soil, climate, altitude, and genetics, chemotypes can dramatically change how an essential oil works in aromatic medicine. Thyme is a perfect example. Here are some of the most common Thyme chemotypes: ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol Strong, pungent, and herbaceous. Highly stimulating and powerful for respiratory support (but best reserved for adults due to its potential to irritate skin and mucous membranes). ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool Soft, sweet, and green-herbaceous. Gentle, calming, and emotionally supportive. Generally non-irritating and suitable for children over 6. ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. geraniol Rosy-sweet and mild. Often used interchangeably with linalool and traditionally considered supportive to the heart and gentle on the system. ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. thujanol Native to southern France. Sweet, soft, and non-irritating (making it one of the most versatile and widely loved thyme chemotypes). ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. borneol From Northwest Africa. Spicy, herbaceous, and robust, with stimulating aromatic qualities. ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. cineole Fresh, camphor-like, and high in 1,8-cineole. Commonly used to support the respiratory system and clear congestion. Same species. Different chemistry. Different medicine. This is why knowing the chemotype is just as important as knowing the plant. 🌱 _____________ #chemotypes #essentialoils #aromatherapy #thyme #thymusvulgaris #thymeessentialoil #thymeoil
DIY: Make your own multi-use resin liniment It’s DIY: Make your own multi-use resin liniment It’s common to see resins included in herbal liniments meant to help soothe aches, pains, minor wounds, bumps and bruises. Resins are created by trees as a protective defense mechanism, so it’s no wonder that they’re great at protecting human skin as well. Their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties make them an important ingredient for any skin or wound care preparation. This age-old herbal liniment recipe is easy to make and was first created by Jethro Kloss, an herbalist in the 1800s, and used by famous herbalists like Rosemary Gladstar. Ingredients: 1 quart 70 percent rubbing alcohol 2 ounces finely powdered Myrrh 1 ounce powdered Oregon Grape Root* ½ ounce Cayenne Pepper Directions: ​​Mix ingredients together in a clean mason jar and allow it to sit for 7 days, shaking periodically. Then, decant and label with all ingredients, noting: “For external use only”. How to use: For headaches, Kloss recommends applying it to the temples, back of neck, and forehead. For sprains and strains, apply liberally and massage for 15-20 minutes before swelling sets in. Repeat 3-4 times a day. He also indicates it can ease bruises and back pain. Rosemary Gladstar recommends using it for disinfecting small wounds from splinters, cold sores, and warts, or irritation from poison oak and ivy. *Note: The original recipe calls for Goldenseal, however, this plant is currently on the endangered species list due to over-harvesting. Oregon Grape Root is abundant and possesses many of the same qualities of Goldenseal. They both share the same alkaloid, Berberine, which gives them each a golden color. This alkaloid is highly antimicrobial and great at fighting infection.
Long before modern perfumery… before incense shops Long before modern perfumery… before incense shops… before aromatherapy… there was Labdanum. ✨ Considered one of the oldest aromatic materials used by the ancients, Labdanum carries a history as rich and resinous as its scent. As described by Herodotus, Arabian shepherds first harvested this sacred resin by chance. Their goats, drawn to the Rockrose shrubs, grazed among the thickets, emerging with fragrant resin clinging to their beards. The shepherds combed the sticky treasure from their coats, unknowingly gathering what would become one of the most prized aromatic substances in history. In ancient Egypt, Labdanum was believed to be born from the “Tears of Osiris,” fallen from the heavens onto the Cistus bush. Pharaohs adorned themselves with ceremonial beards made from goat fur soaked in Labdanum, a symbol of divine authority and celestial connection. Labdanum became a cornerstone of sacred perfumery and incense traditions. ​​​​​​​It was a key ingredient in Kyphi, the revered Egyptian temple incense, and in Ketoret, the holy incense offering described in the Hebrew Bible, its rising smoke symbolizing prayers ascending toward the heavens. It was also used in Egyptian royal cosmetics and perfumes, praised for its richness and depth. When burned, it releases a deep, earthy, luxurious aroma – warm amber, soft leather, woody undertones – both grounding and mysteriously expansive. Labdanum is a resin that connects you to ancient temples, arid land winds, sacred ritual, and the lineage of perfumers and incense artisans who came before us. 🌿 Our sister company, Higher Mind Incense, offers sustainably grown and harvested Labdanum resin from the sunny hills of Spain. Check it out at the link in our bio. ✨ Want to learn more about Labdanum’s story? Comment RESIN and we’ll send the full blog straight to your inbox. ______________ #labdanum #incenseresin #treeresin #cistus #rockrose #naturalperfumery #ancientegypt
Do you have anything special planned to honor the Do you have anything special planned to honor the arrival of Spring? 🌱 On this day, we celebrate ​​the sun crossing the equator from south to north, bringing warmth and light back to the Northern Hemisphere. As this happens, the hours of day and night are almost equal. In fact, the word “equinox” comes from the Latin words meaning “equal” and “night.” The days will continue to grow longer, lighter, and warmer as we celebrate the sun's return. ☀ ___________ #spring #springequinox #springishere🌸 #celebratespring #firstdayofspring
What are chemotypes? And why do they matter? 🌿✨ N What are chemotypes? And why do they matter? 🌿✨ Not all essential oils are created equal, even when they come from the same plant species. A chemotype refers to the dominant chemical profile of an essential oil. In other words, it describes which compounds show up most prominently in that oil, and that changes how the oil smells, feels, and works in the body. Climate, altitude, soil, season, and even stress on the plant all influence which constituents rise to the surface. The result? One plant… multiple personalities. For example, a single plant species may yield: ✨A chemotype that is calming and gentle ✨Another that is stimulating or antimicrobial ✨And another that is best used with extra caution This is why reading the full botanical name and chemotype on labels is so important, especially when working with essential oils for wellness or clinical use. Chemotypes aren’t just for essential oils, too – they reflect the plant’s chemistry itself. While essential oils highlight these differences most clearly due to their potency, chemotypes also influence hydrosols, dried herbs, and other plant preparations, affecting aroma, flavor, and therapeutic properties. Knowing a plant’s chemotype helps you work with it more safely and effectively, whether you’re blending oils, crafting incense, or making herbal remedies. 🌱 ___________ #chemotypes #essentialoils #aromatherapy #herbalremedies #aromaticmedicine #hydrosols #herbalism
I started burning incense when I was 16. I remembe I started burning incense when I was 16. I remember tagging along on a business trip with my parents to Australia (lucky kid). My mom & I wandered the streets of Sydney, popping into little shops along the way. I bought 2 things that day: a giant pinecone carved into a mushroom & an incense burner with a secret compartment for storing incense sticks. Of course, I bought a pack of incense to go with it. I still remember the smell. At the time, I had no idea that simple purchase would spark what would later become a pretty serious obsession with scent. About 6 years later, I discovered Tibetan incense. From the very first inhale, something shifted. It felt like something deeper than just a “nice smell.” Naturally, I started digging. And what I found fascinated me. Traditional Tibetan incense is often crafted using 100% wild plant material, following formulas preserved on scrolls thousands of years old. Some of the most authentic blends are still made in monasteries by monks who recite prayers & mantras over the incense for days, weeks, sometimes months. These formulas weren’t created just for pleasant aromas. Many were used as medicine or sacred tools: early forms of aromatherapy. That discovery changed the trajectory of my life. It inspired me to explore traditional incense methods and revealed a much larger world of plants, healing, ritual, and consciousness. I was so moved, I felt called to share. This led to my first course, Listening to Incense. Later came the Traditional Incense Crafting Course. And eventually something that grew even larger than incense itself. Looking back, it’s wild to think that such a small moment could grow into something that would shape my life’s work. But in a way, it makes sense. Just as the practice of burning aromatic plants gave rise to many of the aromatic arts, incense is also where my own journey with aromatics began. ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​It all (literally) started with a spark. And now I get to share that fragrant path with you. These days I hear stories like this all the time: a scent, a plant, or a simple moment that opened a door into this world... Can you remember what first drew you in?
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