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frankincense

Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
March 14, 20230Comments

Addressing Stress & Anxiety with Aromatic Medicine & Mindfulness

You can’t treat plants like pills. Too often, aromatherapy is used as a quick fix for our problems, when it doesn’t really work that way. If you have a headache,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
December 9, 20229Comments

Aromatic Plants for Colds and Flu

‘Tis the season – of cold and flu. Now more than ever is a great time to focus on strengthening your immune system. As you may already know, winter tends
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ritual
December 20, 202116Comments

10 Ancient Medicinal Plants in the Bible

Did you know there are more than 10 aromatic plants mentioned in the Bible? As the holiday season unfolds, you may be putting up a Christmas tree in your living room,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
May 26, 20200Comments

Aromatics & Incense for Times of Pandemic

What's the most universal thing people have looked to for thousands of years during times of pandemic and infectious disease outbreak? It's not hand sanitizer or Clorox wipes, though those
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Incense as Medicine
September 8, 20190Comments

Nourishing Your Nervous System with Aromatics

Feeling stressed or anxious? Nervous or fearful? Spread thin or overburdened? Ungrounded? In this video I'll give a simple and easy to understand breakdown of why most people's nervous systems
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
August 26, 201912Comments

Myrrh Plant Profile – The Sacred Bitter Medicine of Antiquity

Have you ever noticed how Frankincense and Myrrh are commonly mentioned together by herbalists and incense connoisseurs, yet Frankincense somehow receives all the attention in the media and medical journals these days? Why
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ayurveda
Incense as Medicine
May 25, 20190Comments

Incense As Medicine

In addition to their pleasant and uplifting aromas, nearly all aromatic plants used in incense also have medicinal qualities. Whether burned for therapeutic, spiritual, or aesthetic purposes, everyone who burns
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
November 16, 20170Comments

5 Incenses and Aromatic Plants for Anxiety & Stress

In a world full of face-paced jobs, technology, and busy schedules, anxiety and stress seem to be one of the most common symptoms of a modern life. As someone who's
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
November 5, 20170Comments

Aromatics for Congestion, Colds and Flu

Throughout the year I have friends, family, and students ask me what they can do for their loved ones or themselves to either help prevent them from getting sick, or
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
May 13, 201741Comments

Frankincense – Divine Communion

Frankincense: the name echoes throughout the fragrant histories of the world as a champion of aromatics. One of the most popular incense materials of the ages, it has nourished many
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿

A friend said something to me recently that I have A friend said something to me recently that I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

We were sitting in the park, talking about aging (the new gray hairs, the fine lines), and I admitted I felt a small pang of discouragement. Then she said: "I cherish my wrinkles and laugh lines. They tell the stories of my years of joy and laughter."

Just like that, something in me shifted.

It was a gentle reminder that aging isn't a problem to be solved, but a natural, dynamic process unfolding in us, as it has in every human who has ever lived a full and meaningful life. 

Many of us are taught to believe that aging is the enemy…

But what if aging skin isn't a problem to fix, but something to support? 

Aromatic plants have been doing exactly that for centuries. 

In my latest blog post, I dive into 8 powerful herbs and essential oils that nourish, strengthen, and bring radiance to the skin, plus a simple DIY facial oil recipe you can make at home.

✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. 

Enjoy the article, 
Melissa

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 #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #diyskincarerecipes
Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-k Outside of the world of aromatics, it’s a little-known fact that aromatic plants have a direct effect on our emotions and mental state.

There's a magical, mystical association with scent and how it interacts with our being and consciousness. This exists across all ancient teachings of aromatherapy and incense.

Maybe you’ve felt it before… a deep, undeniable, and indescribable feeling inside of you when you smell a certain aroma, like Rose, Frankincense, or Pine.

Aroma reaches every part of our being, mind, body, and soul, and its gift opens something sacred within us, connecting our spirit to the divinity of life. 

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#aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aroma #aromatics #aromatherapymagic  #sacred
Happy Earth Day! 🌍 For us, it's never just about Happy Earth Day! 🌍

For us, it's never just about one day... it's about the small, daily moments of connection. 

It's all about reciprocity. Giving thanks, showing gratitude, and taking care of the Earth that takes care of us in so many ways. Every single day.

Drop the names of your favorite aromatic plants that the Earth has gifted us.👇

I know, it's impossible to pick just one... but right now, our favorite is Tulsi 🌱

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#earthday  #earthdayeveryday #happyearthday  #natureheals #naturehealsmysoul
Essential oils are powerful plant allies, but more Essential oils are powerful plant allies, but more isn’t always better. And just because something is “natural,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s good for you.

Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see (& how you can avoid them):

🚫 Consuming essential oils
Even if an essential oil is marketed as “food-grade” or “therapeutic,” that doesn’t automatically make it safe to ingest. EOs are extremely potent & highly concentrated, and internal use can irritate the delicate tissues of the digestive system. Ingestion should only ever be considered under the guidance of a trained health professional.

🚫 Using oils neat on the skin
Most essential oils should be diluted before topical use. Because they’re highly concentrated, using them neat can lead to irritation, rashes, allergic reactions, or skin sensitization. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil helps protect the skin, allowing the plant’s benefits to be delivered in a gentle, supportive way.

🚫 Adding essential oils directly to bath water
Oil & water don’t mix. Without a proper dispersant, essential oils float on the surface & can irritate skin. Always dilute in a carrier oil, soap, or other dispersing medium first.

🚫 Assuming “natural” means risk-free
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts – respect dosage, especially with children, pets & during pregnancy. Not all EOs are safe for topical use.

🚫 Overdoing it
Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to potent essential oils. Just 2-3 drops in an EO diffuser are all you need to receive therapeutic benefits. Subtlety = sustainability (for both your body & your oils).

🚫 Skipping education + plant context
Knowing how an oil is made, what part of the plant is used & why it works matters just as much as what it’s “good for.”

🌱 When used with intention, education & respect, essential oils become incredible teachers.

Want to learn how to work with them safely, skillfully & in relationship with the plants? You’re in the right place.

✨ Comment “EO” to get our free Essential Oil Safety Guide sent directly to your inbox!

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#essentialoils #aromatherapy #essentialoils101 #essentialoilsafety  #essentialoiltips
Do you know what makes hydrosols so special? 🌿 Con Do you know what makes hydrosols so special? 🌿 Contrary to popular belief, they're not just essential oils mixed with water. (Mixing essential oils with water won't work because oil and water don't mix—they separate into layers.)

Hydrosols are actually the aromatic waters that remain after essential oils are distilled. Once considered a byproduct, they're now prized for their gentle effectiveness in aromatic medicine.

Also known as floral waters, hydrosols capture the water-soluble components of plants along with a hint of essential oil, offering a milder, water-based essence. This makes them a great, gentle option for those sensitive to strong scents, including children and pets (for most hydrosols).

Hydrosols are often used as a gentle skincare product or facial toner, and they're ideal for herbal recipes that call for water, and as delightful room or body sprays. 

Many can even be enjoyed as internal preparations or spritzed on salads or added to beverages (just be sure it’s safe for consumption!). 

What’s your go-to hydrosol? We're loving Rose water in our morning coffee and iced tea lately—so refreshing! 🌹💧

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#hydrosol  #hydrosoldistillation #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #essentialoildistillation #rosewater #naturalskincare
“In Indigenous ways of knowing, it is understood t “In Indigenous ways of knowing, it is understood that each living being has a particular role to play. Every being is endowed with certain gifts, its own intelligence, its own spirit, its own story. 

Our stories tell us that the Creator gave these to us, as original instructions. The foundation of education is to discover that gift within us and learn to use it well.”

― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses

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#robinwallkimmerer #gatheringmoss #robinwallkimmererinspiration #inspirationalquotes
The Magic of Melissa 🐝✨ Melissa officinalis, also The Magic of Melissa 🐝✨

Melissa officinalis, also known as Lemon Balm, is not only an incredible ally in the medicinal apothecary; it’s also a wonderful addition to spiritual and magical pursuits.

Its Latin name comes from the Greek word for “honeybee.” The herb was often rubbed on beehives to promote successful colonization of the hive, and was even planted by the beekeepers of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to protect the sacred hives. 

Nicholas Culpeper, a famous 17th-century English botanist, herbalist, physician, and astrologer, suggests it is ruled by Jupiter and Cancer. I can see Venus as well, as do others, but I feel Jupiter is strongest… Uplifting, opening of the heart and senses, its lemony scent moving everything upwards, so to speak, shaking off depressive energies. 

A favorite way to work with Melissa is in incense blends or as an addition to a bath soak, where its bright and lemon-like aroma evokes an energetic peace, and brings a sense of joy and harmony.

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#lemonbalm  #melissaofficinalis  #lemonbalmleaves #aromatherapy #herbalism #aromaticherbs #naturalincense
Do you know this aromatic plant? Here are a few h Do you know this aromatic plant?

Here are a few hints…

🌿 This hardy perennial shrub has been commonly used as a culinary herb, as well as a fumigant to help disinfect the air and reduce the spread of disease.

🌿 Its aroma is warm, herbaceous, and pungent. It’s traditionally used as a respiratory tonic to help relieve cold and flu symptoms due to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and expectorant qualities.

🌿 It was also used during times of pandemic and infectious disease outbreaks across ancient Europe. 

Who is this amazing herb? 

⬇ Drop your guess in a comment below!

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#aromaticherbs #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #herbalism #guesswho
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