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artisan incense

Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
September 22, 202211Comments

Incense Crafting: A Path to Healing & Personal Fulfillment

The Art of Incense CraftingImagine walking through the depths of the forest; it’s so quiet that all you hear are the treetops swaying from the light breeze, it smells like
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
October 22, 20200Comments

What’s Missing in Most Modern Aromatic & Herbal Practices

Somehow, humanity has gotten stuck in a downward spiral of surrounding ourselves more and more with chemicals. They're in our food system, beauty products, healthcare, and just about everything else.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine

aromatic_medicine

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What if the most important thing a plant could tea What if the most important thing a plant could teach you… couldn’t be found in a textbook? 🌿 In our plant studies, it’s easy to get caught up in memorizing actions, constituents, and recipes. But true plant wisdom often runs much deeper than that. Plants cannot walk away from their environment — the places they grow and thrive reveal something about who they are. Their adaptations tell a story. Juniper, for example, flourishes in harsh, dry climates where many other species struggle to survive, reflecting its traditional use in aromatic medicine as a symbol of resilience, protection, and inner strength. Vetiver sends deep roots into the earth and is often used for erosion control and restoring damaged soil. It’s no coincidence that Vetiver’s rich, grounding aroma helps us feel rooted and steady amid life’s turbulence. Lemon Balm, on the other hand, thrives in lush gardens with gentle sunlight and rich soil, mirroring its soothing nature and long-standing reputation for calming the nervous system and lifting the spirit. Observing plants in nature is just one of the many ways we can begin building deeper relationships with them and learning the subtle ways they support the psyche. In our new video + blog, clinical herbalist & aromatherapist Erika Galentin explores: ✨ Ways to truly connect with plants through observation, aroma, taste, and presence ✨ How sensory experience deepens herbal knowledge ✨ Why plants deserve more than commodification ✨ How plant education is a lifelong journey, not a destination Read + watch the full piece at the link in bio. 🍃 __________ #plantwisdom #aromatherapist #herbalist #herbaleducation #plantconnection #herbalmedicine
Plants have an intelligence and measurable life fo Plants have an intelligence and measurable life force, able to communicate with other plants and with humans on various levels. Highly attuned to their surroundings, plants demonstrate sensitivity and cooperation within their communities. They actively assess available resources, respond to environmental cues, and even warn neighboring plants of impending threats. Through the emission of volatile aromatic compounds, such as terpenes, they orchestrate a symphony of communication, signaling danger and nurturing collective resilience. Plants work together to keep each other and the forest alive and healthy. This intricate web of plant communication highlights their collaborative efforts in sustaining the health and vitality of our ecosystems. These very same volatile oils are what we humans breathe in as we burn incense, diffuse essential oils, or simply stroll through nature – they swirl and glide through the air in forests and parks, adding to the sensory experience of our surroundings. If plants use these volatile oils to communicate with each other, imagine the messages they impart to us as we inhale their aromatic essences… ✨ Musings inspired by lessons in our Aromatic Medicine Garden. Learn more at the link in bio. ___________ #plantintelligence #plantsareteachers #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #herbalism #natureisawesome #plantsaremagic
These days, Bay Laurel is mostly seen as a culinar These days, Bay Laurel is mostly seen as a culinary kitchen spice; however, this aromatic plant has a rich history of use, in both physical and spiritual realms, extending far back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece, the Bay Laurel was an important historical tree for prophecy and divination. 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, and then entering a special chamber beneath a temple that 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. The aroma of Bay, also called “Sweet Laurel,” has been known to offer inspiration, insight, and help boost self-esteem. The Ancient Greeks would place leaves under their pillows at night to call in dreams of divination. Bay Laurel was a symbol of purification to the ancient Greeks and has long been associated with burning rituals and ceremonies. Bay leaves have been commonly burned as incense for cleansing and purification, both physically and spiritually. It was used to purify the air during times of plague, but it was also used to cleanse or clear out evil energy or spirits from people and places. The plant itself is anti-infective, so when burned as incense, it helps to cleanse and purify the atmosphere, killing airborne bacteria and pathogens. ✨ This is an excerpt from our Bay Laurel Plant Talk + monograph inside the Aromatic Medicine Garden. Learn more about our educational hub at the link in bio. _________ #baylaurel #bayleaf #aromatherapy #herbalism #herbaleducation
Did you know that before you can even identify a s Did you know that before you can even identify a scent, your body is already having an emotional reaction to it? Our instructor Erika Galentin explores how the powerful connection between our sense of smell and the limbic system can be harnessed for emotional healing through aromatic plants. Erika leads the teachings inside our online educational hub, the Aromatic Medicine Garden. 🌿✨ Explore the Garden at the link in bio.
Myth is medicine ✨ Folklore, myth, and storytell Myth is medicine ✨ Folklore, myth, and storytelling of aromatic plants are medicine to the psyche, creating a profound connection between us and the plant kingdom. Historical stories about plants go beyond mere anecdotes; they serve as a source of meaning, contributing to the fabric of the human experience and how plants become our allies. The stories told about plants carry a wealth of information about their medicinal properties, providing a holistic understanding of their potential benefits. These stories bring valuable gifts to the table, offering not only insights into the practical applications of plants but also nurturing a deeper connection between ourselves and the natural world. Through folklore and myth, plants are endowed with symbolic meanings and attributes that resonate with our emotions. These stories offer a bridge between the tangible and intangible, providing a language through which we can navigate and express our emotional landscapes. The symbolism and stories that come with certain plants, rooted in cultural narratives, enable us to draw on the wisdom embedded in these stories to not only support our physical health but also find balance in our emotional and spiritual realms. This is how plants become allies in the emotional realm, the psyche, and the physical body. ✨ Musings inspired by our Aromatic Medicine Garden. Learn more about our online educational hub at the link in bio. __________ #mythology #ancientfolklore #herballore #herbalism #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine #herbalhistory
DIY Aromatic Herbal Honey for Allergies 🍯🌸 Sprin DIY Aromatic Herbal Honey for Allergies 🍯🌸 Spring is one of our favorite times of year: tulips, lilacs, cherry blossoms, and that particular quality of sunlight that makes it hard to stay indoors. There’s a sense of renewal in the air that invites fresh energy, new rhythms, and a return to the natural world. But alongside all that beauty comes something less welcome: pollen. Lots and lots of pollen. For a lot of people, the first warm weeks of spring mean watery eyes, a scratchy throat, and sneezing that just won't quit. These are the signs of an immune system working a little too hard against harmless particles floating in the air. But this is where aromatic herbs truly shine. With their affinity for the respiratory system and rich volatile oils, they offer soothing support during allergy season. In our latest blog, we’re sharing our favorite aromatic herbal honey recipe for allergies, also known as an electuary (and honestly, it might become your new daily ritual!). It's a simple food-as-medicine remedy that's easy to make, truly delicious, and versatile enough to stir into tea, swirl into oatmeal, or blend into mocktails and beyond… 🌷 Get the recipe + full guide at the link in bio. ___________ #electuary #herbalhoney #DIYherbalremedy #naturalremedy #allergyseason #herbalrecipe #naturalallergyrelief
Are watery eyes and a scratchy throat part of your Are watery eyes and a scratchy throat part of your “spring ritual”? Spring might look dreamy, but for many of us it also brings sneezing fits, congestion, and that all-too-familiar pollen overload 🌸 This simple herbal honey is one of our favorite ways to soothe and support the respiratory system during allergy season. It’s easy to make, truly delicious, and fits right into daily life: stir it into tea, drizzle it over breakfast, or take it straight off the spoon. What’s inside: 🍂 Cinnamon: Traditionally used to soothe coughs and sore throats, support the lungs, and help ease congestion. Research also points to its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine activity. 🍊 Orange peel: Bright and citrusy, but also rich in vitamin C and aromatic compounds that can help support immune response and calm allergy symptoms. 🫚 Ginger: Warming and stimulating, it helps open the airways, encourages deeper breathing, and reduces inflammation in irritated tissues. 🌿 Cardamom: Known for its expectorant and mucolytic qualities, helping to loosen and move mucus while supporting the lungs and airways. 🍯 Raw honey: Soothing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, with that classic thick texture that coats and calms the throat. Comment SPRING to get the full recipe + free guide straight to your inbox! __________ #electuary #herbalhoney #DIYrecipe #diyherbalremedies #naturalremedy #allergyrelief #allergyremedy
Sneezing your way through spring? This natural rem Sneezing your way through spring? This natural remedy is super easy to make, and it tastes like dessert. 🍯 We just shared our favorite aromatic herbal honey recipe for allergy season: a classic electuary made with Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom, Orange peel, and raw honey. It’s warming, bright, and surprisingly addictive (don’t be surprised if it ends up on everything from toast to tea!). You’ll find the full recipe and guide at the link in bio. _________ #electuary #herbalhoney #diyrecipes #herbalrecipes #diynaturalremedies #allergyrelief #allergyremedy
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