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incense tradition

Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Topical Medicine
March 27, 20260Comments

The Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins, Part II

Somewhere deep in a forest, a storm rolls through and damages a tree. A branch snaps, the bark splits open, and the tree is suddenly vulnerable. But almost immediately, the
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 History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Sustainability
December 18, 20250Comments

The Sacred Scents of the Season: Frankincense, Myrrh & Beyond

The scents of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, and Ginger drift from the oven. Fresh Pine fills the living room from the Christmas tree and evergreen boughs framing the fireplace. Dried Oranges
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
December 11, 20250Comments

Plant Allies for Returning the Light: Aromatic Herbs for Hope & Renewal

On the morning of the Winter Solstice, something subtle – but powerful – happens. The world seems to slow down. The sun lingers at its lowest point on the horizon,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Incense as Medicine
October 16, 20250Comments

5 Common Myths About Incense (and the Truth Behind Them)

Lighting incense has a way of transforming not just the space around you, but the atmosphere within you. The match strikes, the incense tip glows amber-red, and within moments the
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Incense Crafting
October 9, 20250Comments

4 Powerful Reasons to Make Your Own Incense

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine: a thin ribbon of smoke rising from a hand-rolled cone of incense, its earthy-sweet scent unfurling through the room like a gentle
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
bottle of Rosemary essential oil
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Topical Medicine
June 20, 20250Comments

How to Use Rosemary for Holistic Health

Sure, Rosemary makes a great addition to roasted potatoes and Mediterranean dishes, but its true power lies far beyond the kitchen. For centuries, healers, herbalists, and aromatherapists have turned to
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense Crafting
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
May 22, 20250Comments

The Energy You Bring to the Craft: Intention as an Ingredient

Have you ever followed a recipe exactly, only to have it fall flat, while someone else makes the same thing and it comes alive? Or crafted an herbal or aromatic
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
Topical Medicine
January 16, 20250Comments

Tree Resins: Unlock the Power of this Underappreciated Natural Remedy

There’s something very magical about tree resins. These golden, aromatic droplets are born from a tree’s natural healing process – a protective substance that seals wounds, guards against infection, and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
January 9, 20250Comments

The Benefits of Pine Resin & How to Harvest It

I will never forget meeting my friend Sam (name changed to spare them any embarrassment), a budding herbalist radiating excitement and curiosity about the wonders of the natural world. One
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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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 ___________ #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. ___________ #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 🌱 __________ #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! __ #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! 🌹💧 ___________ #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 ____________ #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. ____________ #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! _____________ #aromaticherbs #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #herbalism #guesswho
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