Skip to content
The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine
  • About
  • Courses
  • Resources
    • The Aromatic Medicine Blog
    • Video Library
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Close Search Form     Open Search Form
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • youtube
Student Login
Tag

incense history

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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
August 25, 20229Comments

10 Aromatic Plants for Overcoming Anxiety

The world can feel overwhelming at times. There are so many herbs that can help ease anxiety, it’s almost as if the plants know how chaotic life can feel and
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
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
Sustainability
July 19, 20210Comments

Smudging: An Issue of Ethics and Sustainability

Have you ever scrolled past a social media ad with an image of someone burning a smudge stick of White Sage with the caption reading something like, “Say Bye-Bye to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Alchemy
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
March 24, 20190Comments

The Roots of Aromatherapy & The Soul of Plants

Modern aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of botanical essential oils, is one of the fastest growing healing modalities of our time, and its name is widely known around the world today.
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
January 1, 20190Comments

Balm of Gilead, Comfort for the Soul

Considered to be among the most sacred of herbs throughout many ancient Eastern cultures, the renowned Balm of Gilead was once used in various forms of holy incense and anointing
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense Crafting
September 29, 20170Comments

The Sacred Sense of Smell

Since time immemorial, our sense of smell has been intrinsically connected to the sacred and divine, above all other senses. Across the Earth, the ancients considered our sense of smell
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
September 11, 20170Comments

Palo Santo – Holy Wood

Palo Santo (Holy Wood) has been used throughout Central America and many northern territories of South America for thousands of years for purification and cleansing of the physical, energetic, and
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
Newer Articles »

aromatic_medicine

🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿
Have you ever used an herbal formula and it didn’t Have you ever used an herbal formula and it didn’t work? Oftentimes commercial herbal blends are put together in the most broad & basic way so they’ll help as many people and conditions as possible. But the thing is, we’re all pretty different and may need different things in a natural remedy, which is why they won’t work for everyone. That’s why making your own herbal and aromatic formulas tailored exactly to your specific constitution & condition is the best possible way to get the support you need. But how do you go about putting together a customized blend? My friend Sajah from The School of Evolutionary Herbalism created a free class & guidebook to walk you through the exact steps for making your own formulas. His 3-part Vitalist Herbalism Mini-Course is now live (for a limited time!). Get your free resource guide at the link in our bio. ✨
Plant Pairings ✨ The Magic of Synergy Synergy is Plant Pairings ✨ The Magic of Synergy Synergy is an incredible process in nature where botanical superheroes partner up to achieve maximum impact. When it comes to crafting herbal and aromatic formulas, synergy is key! Synergy occurs when two or more specific medicinal plants are paired together, and they work to amplify each other. These plants naturally increase each other’s effects, meaning you receive more potent and effective healing potential than when using just one plant on its own. Here are some powerful plant-pairing ideas to elevate your remedies: 🌿 Lavender & Chamomile: Calming and soothing, this dreamy pair is perfect for relaxation and sleep support. 🌿 Peppermint & Oregano: A dynamic duo for digestive relief. Help soothe tummy troubles with this refreshing pair. 🌿 Frankincense & Myrrh: There’s a reason these two aromatic plants have been together since the beginning of time; they each have the power to soothe the mind, promoting a more focused, deep, self-reflective internal realm. 🌿 Rosemary & Thyme: Enhance cognitive function and memory with this herbaceous brain-boosting blend. 🌿 Cinnamon & Cardamom: Spice up your life and support digestion with this aromatic and warming pair. 🌿 Turmeric & Black Pepper: Unlock the full potential of Turmeric's anti-inflammatory powers with a pinch of Black Pepper, which helps process and assimilate Turmeric's therapeutic properties. Mixing and matching herbs is always a fun learning experiment. What plant pairs did we miss? Share your favorite plant pairings with us in the comment section below. ⬇🌿✨ ____________ #synergy #plantpairing #herbalism #aromatherapy #herbaltips #herbalremedies #naturalremedies
Do you ever feel unsure of how to help the people Do you ever feel unsure of how to help the people who ask you for herbal or aromatic advice? Understanding plants is only half of being an herbalist or aromatherapist. You also need to understand the depths of the person sitting in front of you. But this part of studying plant medicine is often overlooked. My friend Sajah from the School of Evolutionary Herbalism put together a free class & guidebook to show you the exact steps you’ll need to become a practicing herbalist or aromatherapist. Sign up for free at the link in our bio.
Did you know incense can help keep insects away? 🪰 Did you know incense can help keep insects away? 🪰👋 Many bugs naturally avoid smoke, and even better, some aromatic plants contain compounds that make them effective natural repellents. When burned as incense, these plants can help create a gentle protective barrier while filling your space with a beautiful aroma instead of harsh chemicals. Since bug season is here, we’re revisiting one of our favorite summer blogs: Aromatic Plants for Bug Repellant. Explore which aromatic plants work best for naturally deterring insects, how to use them in your own home and garden, and get a simple DIY natural bug spray recipe you can make yourself! Link in bio. 🌿🔥 _____________ #aromaticplants #bugrepellent #naturalbugrepellent #naturalbugspray #DIY #aromatherapy #naturalincense
5 reasons being outside is good for you: 🌿 Your v 5 reasons being outside is good for you: 🌿 Your vitamin D levels rise, which helps increase your mood and strengthen your immune system. 🌿 Allows you to take a break from the stressors of daily modern life. 🌿 Decreases blood pressure and levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. 🌿 Enhances inspiration, motivation, and creativity. 🌿 Supports healthy aging. According to a study in the Journal of Aging and Health, adults over 70 who spent time outdoors experienced fewer sleep difficulties, complained less about aches and pains, and enjoyed improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities. What’s your favorite outdoor activity this time of year? _________ #getoutandexplore #getoutdoors #natureismedicine #vitaminD #naturalstressrelief #healthyagingtips
Did you know it can take anywhere from 1 to 150 po Did you know it can take anywhere from 1 to 150 pounds of plant material to produce a single 15 mL (0.5 oz) bottle of essential oil?! And that's only part of the story. Behind every bottle are the plants, the soil, the sun, the rain, the growers, the harvesters, the distillers, and countless hours of care. Honoring these sacred plants begins with awareness, and really seeing everything that goes into that small glass bottle. Let's bring the sacred back into plant medicine. ✨🌿
Juniper: the desert elder 🌲 Juniper has been a sy Juniper: the desert elder 🌲 Juniper has been a symbol of strength and longevity for centuries. In various cultures around the world, Juniper’s known as the Tree of Protection. Throughout its mythology, it has been found protecting travelers and sheltering those in danger. In the Biblical story, Jesus and his family hid under a Juniper tree when King Herod’s soldiers were pursuing them. Juniper’s magical quality of spiritual, energetic, and physical protection is known by every culture that has shared its native habitat, and many people still call on the spirit of this tree to protect themselves and others. What's your favorite way to use this sacred tree? ___________ #juniper #junipertree #naturalincense #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aromaticplants
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a long and storied his Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a long and storied history, believed to have been used by the ancient Sumerians over 3,500 years ago, likely burned as an aromatic fumigant. 🌿 The ancient Egyptians, who called it “tham,” employed Thyme in their sacred embalming rituals. The Greeks used it not only to flavor their food and preserve meat but also to purify the air and help prevent the spread of disease. It’s thought that the Latin name, Thymus, traces back to the Greek word “thymon,” meaning “to fumigate,” “to make a burnt offering,” or “to sacrifice,” indicating its long history of use as incense and aromatic medicine. Others believe that the name Thymus comes from the Greek verb meaning “soul” or “spirit.” Some scholars suggest an alternative origin, linking the name to the Greek word thymos, translating to "strength," or thumon, meaning "courage" – qualities the plant came to symbolize. Roman soldiers reportedly bathed in Thyme before going into battle to instill bravery, and during the Middle Ages, sprigs of Thyme were often woven into the scarves of knights setting out on Crusades, a fragrant emblem of valor. Interestingly, the word Thymus also refers to the thymus gland, an organ in the human body essential to the development of T cells and the immune system, particularly during childhood when we're most vulnerable. While the thymus gland plays a less active role in adulthood, this connection offers a poetic nod to Thyme’s traditional role as an immunity herb. As early as 500 AD, the renowned Greek physician Dioscorides recommended Thyme tea for illness, asthma, chest congestion, persistent coughs, and to stimulate circulation. 🌿➡️ Swipe through to learn more about the health benefits of this powerful plant. ________ #thyme #aromaticherbs #aromaticspices #culinaryherbs #aromaticmedicine #aromatherapy
Follow on Instagram

OFFERINGS

  • Aromatic Medicine Garden Monthly Membership
  • Incense Crafting Course
  • Botanical Resins & Gums Course
  • Materia Aromatica Ebook

QUICK LINKS

  • About
  • Courses
  • The Aromatic Medicine Blog
  • The School
  • Evan Sylliaasen
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay in the know on new releases and special offers

Loading

support@aromaticmedicineschool.com

© 2026 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine, All rights reserved.