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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
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
March 6, 20240Comments

Overcoming Burnout: Reclaiming Your Vitality with Aromatic Medicine

There’s no doubt about it, these days, burnout is everywhere: in the workplace, in our personal lives, and even in our leisure activities. We’ve all done it – held a match
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense Crafting
Ritual
February 21, 20240Comments

The Ancient Story of Incense Clocks

How would you tell time without your iPhone, watch, or digital clock? Before the invention of electricity and modern technology, ancient peoples would often use the elements of the natural
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
February 13, 20240Comments

Exploring the Essence of Self-Love with Aromatic Plants

What would your life look like if you treated yourself with the same kindness you showed to others? As Valentine's Day rolls around again, there tends to be a lot
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Herbal Medicine
January 30, 20240Comments

Holistic Aromatic Medicine Through The Ayurvedic Lens

Ayurveda is an ancient healing science from India that offers a holistic approach to well-being and longevity. The very word “Ayurveda” can be translated as “knowledge of life” or “science
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
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
December 21, 20230Comments

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Beyond the Kitchen

Cinnamon, the well-known aromatic spice that infuses warmth and depth into our favorite culinary delights, is much more than just a flavor enhancer. From the cozy aroma of chai tea
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
December 15, 20230Comments

Breathing Easier: Aromatic Plants for Respiratory Health

We often breathe without much thought, until a tickle in our throats or a deep, heavy cough reminds us of our lungs' delicate and vital role in our daily life.
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
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
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Have you tried working with resins before, but end Have you tried working with resins before, but ended up with sticky tools and wasted materials? You're not alone — and it's not your fault. Most people are never taught how to handle them correctly. Resins are some of the most concentrated, aromatic, and prized materials in the plant kingdom, used for centuries in aromatic medicine, ritual, perfumery, and incense. And once you know how to work with them properly, they open up a completely different level of formulation. Lesson 2 of our free Botanical Resins Workshop Series is live. In this session, you'll learn: ✨ How to process different resin types based on their natural consistency ✨ The key technique that prevents sticky, unusable results ✨ Which resins work best for salves, incense, tinctures, and more ✨ How to source high-quality, sustainable resins (and what to avoid) Plus, you'll get the Preparing Resins for Herbal Crafting Workbook to get hands-on right away. 🌲 Watch for free at the link in our bio. 📌 Save this post — you won’t want to miss Lesson 3, which covers a step-by-step Frankincense Resin Salve using my personal formula. #frankincensesalve #frankincense #botanicalresin #treeresin #incenseresin
What's the one thing missing from most people's ho What's the one thing missing from most people's home apothecary… that ancient cultures considered absolutely essential? It's not an herb you'd find in a typical supplement aisle. It’s something that’s been used by healers, perfumers, priests, and traditional physicians across virtually every culture on earth for thousands of years. Tree resins. These raw, aromatic substances — the same ones that flow through a tree's wounds to seal, protect, and heal them — have been at the heart of aromatic medicine, ritual, and beauty care since before the time of the ancient Egyptians. And somewhere along the way, most of us just... forgot about them. They can help to calm a burned-out nervous system, soothe cuts and wounds, fight infection, rejuvenate skin, boost mental clarity, lift a heavy mood, and so much more. And they can be made into everything from first aid salves and skincare products to natural perfumes and ceremonial incense — right in your own kitchen. We just released lesson 1 in the FREE Botanical Resins Workshop Series, covering the benefits of resins and exactly how to start incorporating them into your own practice. In this 3-part series, you'll learn how to: ✨ Choose the right resin for your intention ✨ Properly extract raw resins into remedies and aromatic creations ✨ Avoid the sticky messes and gritty textures that often happen with your first resin crafting projects ✨ Make your own resin-infused salve (downloadable recipe included!) 🌲 Join the free series at the link in our bio. P.S. This free workshop is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait too long to join. I’ll see you inside! #botanicalresin #treeresin #resinmedicine #freeworkshop #herbalmedicine #medicinemaking
What if one of the most powerful tools in herbal m What if one of the most powerful tools in herbal medicine has been hiding in plain sight? 🌿 Botanical resins have been cherished for thousands of years in incense, perfumery, ritual, and medicine. But in modern herbalism, they're widely underused. That’s why I'm hosting a FREE Botanical Resins Workshop Series, and I'd love for you to join us! Here’s what’s inside: ✨ The true potential of resins and how they can elevate your creations ✨ The key differences between resin species and how to choose the right one for your intention ✨ How to dissolve, extract, and transform raw resins into usable forms ✨ Tips for avoiding common beginner mistakes (no more sticky disasters!) ✨ A step-by-step resin-infused salve tutorial with a downloadable recipe guide If you've ever felt like something was missing from your herbal practice, this might be it. 🌿✨ Save your spot at the link in our bio (yes, it’s free!). This series is only available for a limited time, so be sure to join us soon! #aromaticmedicine #resins #aromatherapy #herbalism #aromaticherbs #traditionalmedicine #freeworkshop
There's a word that gets thrown around a lot in we There's a word that gets thrown around a lot in wellness circles these days: grounding. At its core, grounding is the practice of bringing your awareness back into your body and into the present moment — a felt sense of being settled, stable, and connected to the earth beneath you. Tree resins are one of the most effective tools for cultivating a grounding energy, helping us feel more rooted, present, and embodied. Especially now, when so many people are living almost entirely in their heads: scrolling, thinking, staring at screens, disconnected from our bodies and the natural world around us. Working with resins as a daily ritual can be an antidote to that. And it makes sense intuitively… Resins are medicines of the trees. If anything in nature embodies being rooted, grounded, and solid, it's a tree. When you work with tree resin with the intention of grounding, you're connecting with the energy of the tree it came from, and as you inhale its volatile oils, you can feel that downward-moving quality — that calming, slowing-down sensation of grounding. In our Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins video blog series, we explore the vast therapeutic benefits of tree resins, their sacred status and ritual uses, and how to bring this ancient practice into your modern life. Inside, you’ll discover: ✨ Why tree resins are considered sacred across cultures ✨ How aromatic compounds influence your nervous system and energy ✨ How resins can calm the mind and support emotional balance ✨ The powerful skin-healing and first-aid uses of resins ✨ Simple, creative ways to start working with resins at home Parts 1 and 2 are now live on our blog. 🌲 Visit the full vlog at the link in our bio.
~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? ~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? It’s pretty common to mix up the two, or think they’re the same thing! Resin and gum are sticky, protective, healing substances that ooze out from a shrub or tree’s bark, each with its own unique chemical composition. The main differences between gums and resins is that: - Resins aren’t water soluble, gums are - Gums are not oil or alcohol soluble, resins are - Resins contain a high content of volatile aromatics (essential oils) and other constituents - Gums have a small amount of aromatics, but have their own therapeutic properties, to a lesser degree Resins are most commonly used in herbalism, aromatherapy, beauty and cosmetic products, perfumery, incense, and other aromatic and therapeutic preparations. Gums are mainly used for emulsification, thickening, and for their adhering properties in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, incense, perfumery, food and beverage, and textile industries. There are also gum-resins, which are a natural mixture of both gum and resin, that possess the properties of both groups. Examples of gum-resins are Frankincense and Myrrh.
~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? ~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? It’s pretty common to mix up the two, or think they’re the same thing! Resin and gum are sticky, protective, healing substances that ooze out from a shrub or tree’s bark, each with its own unique chemical composition. The main differences between gums and resins is that: - Resins aren’t water soluble, gums are - Gums are not oil or alcohol soluble, resins are - Resins contain a high content of volatile aromatics (essential oils) and other constituents - Gums have a small amount of aromatics, but have their own therapeutic properties, to a lesser degree Resins are most commonly used in herbalism, aromatherapy, beauty and cosmetic products, perfumery, incense, and other aromatic and therapeutic preparations. Gums are mainly used for emulsification, thickening, and for their adhering properties in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, incense, perfumery, food and beverage, and textile industries. There are also gum-resins, which are a natural mixture of both gum and resin, that possess the properties of both groups. Examples of gum-resins are Frankincense and Myrrh.
Ever wondered how trees heal themselves, and what Ever wondered how trees heal themselves, and what we can learn from them? 🌲 When a storm snaps a branch, the bark splits, and suddenly the tree is vulnerable…but almost immediately, the tree's wisdom begins to stir, creating a golden, aromatic substance. It makes its way through intricate networks of tiny canals towards the wound, sealing it off, protecting it from infection, and slowly restoring what was broken. This substance is resin. It's the tree’s medicine and means of protection. Its way of surviving in a world that doesn't stop throwing things at it. Thousands of years ago, humans were paying close attention to this process. Through simple observation, they began to understand something profound: the same substance trees use to heal and protect themselves could be used in much the same way for us. In ancient times, resins were applied to wounds, used to guard against infection, and valued for their ability to support the body’s natural healing processes. Over time, people also began to notice these aromatic substances had a powerful effect on the mind and emotions, helping to calm the nervous system, sharpen awareness, and support a deeper sense of presence. It’s almost as if resins offered protection for the body, mind, and soul. This is why resins have been used for generations in rituals, ceremonies, and therapeutic practices around the world. So how do you take this raw, sacred material and turn it into something practical for healing, ritual, and everyday use? In our Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins video blog series, we explore exactly that! You'll learn about the vast therapeutic benefits of tree resins, their ritual uses, and creative ways you can begin incorporating them into your own herbal remedies or aromatic creations. 🌲✨ Comment RESIN to get the full video blog series sent straight to your inbox. Parts 1 and 2 are now live!
“Over every mountain there is a path, although it “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” – Theodore Roethke __________ #poetry #TheodoreRoethke #lifeisamountain #theodoreroethkequote #climbthemountain #naturemetaphors
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