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herbal healing

Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
May 13, 20260Comments

Building Relationship with Plants Beyond “What Can This Plant Do for Me?”

When I was in herbal school, I had the privilege of learning about medicinal plants in many different ways, through hikes, wild-harvesting camping trips, and long, detailed classroom lectures. Each
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic Recipes
May 7, 20260Comments

Aromatic Herbal Honey for Allergies

Spring is one of my favorite times of year: tulips, lilacs, cherry blossoms, and that particular quality of sunlight that makes it hard to stay indoors. But alongside all that
by NW School of 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
Aromatic History & Lore
March 6, 20260Comments

Astrology & Plant Medicine

Incorporating astrology into herbal medicine or aromatherapy can be a beautiful way to make your practice more holistic. Astrology shows us how to understand the archetypal forces of nature, which
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
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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What is an aroma? How does our body process aroma? What is an aroma? How does our body process aroma? Our instructor Erika Galentin dives into the scientific essence of aromas, explaining how these molecules transcend their chemical origins, becoming sensations within the body. Want to hear more from Erika? Stay tuned for a very special announcement tomorrow! ##aroma #aromaticplants #aromaticmedicine #aromaticmedicineschool #aromaticmedicinegarden
If you were stranded on a deserted island and coul If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one herbal item, what would it be? For me, it would be Pine resin salve. 🌲 Many years ago, I gave a jar of Pine resin salve to a farmer friend of mine who was worried about one of his goats, Daisy. She’d been with him for many years, and they had formed a sweet bond over the years. One morning, he noticed Daisy limping in the distance and discovered a deep gash on her leg. He called me to ask if I had anything that might help, and I could hear the concern in his voice. I’d just made a fresh batch of Pine resin salve, so I delivered him some, knowing its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties would help soothe whatever had happened to sweet Daisy. He gently cleaned Daisy's wound and applied the salve, spreading it evenly over the injured area. And as he did, he whispered comforting words to his loyal friend, assuring her that everything would be alright. Daily, he faithfully tended to Daisy's wound, applying the Pine resin salve. Slowly but surely, the deep wound began to close, and Daisy's limp gradually faded away. Her spirits lifted, and a spark returned to her eyes. One day, my friend called me again, this time excited and relieved to share that Daisy was okay. The Pine resin salve had helped seal her wound, and she was back to her happy, playful self. My friend was in awe. While I trusted in the healing potential of Pine, it was still a magical marvel and a reassuring moment to witness and be a part of. It's little stories like these that remind me of the beauty, wonder, and healing power of the natural world. What’s your trusted herbal ally? Share with us in a comment below! __________ #pine #pineresin #herbalsalve #herbalally #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
Modern herbal education often begins with utility: Modern herbal education often begins with utility: What is this herb good for? What are its actions? What symptoms does it address? While these are important questions, they can also unintentionally shape the way we relate to plants, reducing them to products or commodities existing solely for human use. But deep down, we know plants are far more than that. Plants are living, intelligent beings participating in vast and intricate ecosystems. They communicate with one another, adapt to their surroundings, nourish ecosystems, stabilize soil, create oxygen, and sustain countless forms of life — including us. When we begin to see plants only through the lens of “What can this do for me?”, we risk losing sight of this. The moment we stop viewing plants only through utility, we create space for relationship to emerge. We move away from commodity and into connection. We begin to approach the plant kingdom with curiosity, presence, humility, and wonder. We shift from consumer to student, with plants as our teachers. And perhaps that is where true herbal wisdom begins. 🌱 ✨ Explore ways you can deepen your relationship with plants in our new video blog. Link in bio. _______ #plantwisdom #herbaleducation #plantsareteachers #herbalwisdom #plantsaremedicine #herbalist #herbalmedicine #aromaticmedicine
In a world that often treats plants as products or In a world that often treats plants as products or commodities, aromatic medicine invites us into something deeper: relationship. 🌿 Plants are not simply resources for human use, they are living, intelligent beings participating in vast ecosystems, sustaining countless forms of life –– including us. When we only ask, “What can this plant do for me?” we risk losing sight of who the plant truly is. Just like human relationships, plant relationships require curiosity, presence, respect, and reciprocity. Plants deserve more than commodification; they deserve reverence. When we shift from asking “What is this plant good for?” to “Who is this plant?”, we move away from commodity and into connection. ✨ Watch the full video blog at the link in bio. *This video features clinical herbalist & aromatherapist Erika Galentin, who guides students inside the Aromatic Medicine Garden, our immersive online education hub for deepening relationship with plants.
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.
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