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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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic Recipes
Incense as Medicine
Topical Medicine
February 11, 20250Comments

Aromatherapy Blends for Respiratory Health

It starts with a tickle in your throat, then a stuffy nose. Before you know it, you’re wrapped in blankets, battling congestion that makes it hard to breathe. Whether it’s
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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
November 7, 20240Comments

Pine Needle Tea Benefits, Harvesting Tips & Recipe

In the bitter winter of 1536, deep in the wilds of North America, morale was low. The French explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew, weakened by months at sea, began
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
September 25, 20241Comments

Aromatic Plants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

In a world where we often retreat to the comfort of our homes, the indoor air we breathe has never been more crucial to our health. Did you know that
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
March 6, 20240Comments

Overcoming Burnout: Reclaiming Your Vitality with Aromatic Medicine

There’s no doubt about it, these days, burnout is everywhere: in the workplace, in our personal lives, and even in our leisure activities. We’ve all done it – held a match
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
January 24, 20240Comments

Medicine of the Evergreens: Our Greatest Winter Allies

In the heart of winter's icy grip exists a steadfast symbol of endurance and resilience – the magnificent evergreen trees. With autumn behind us, many plants have shed their leaves
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic Recipes
Topical Medicine
January 5, 20240Comments

Preparing Winter Medicine with Tree Resins

Guest Article Written By Dan Riegler, founder of Apothecary's GardenAs we enter another winter here in the Northern hemisphere, questions about chest rubs, cough and cold syrups, salves, and liniments for
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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There's a word that gets thrown around a lot in we There's a word that gets thrown around a lot in wellness circles these days: grounding. At its core, grounding is the practice of bringing your awareness back into your body and into the present moment — a felt sense of being settled, stable, and connected to the earth beneath you. Tree resins are one of the most effective tools for cultivating a grounding energy, helping us feel more rooted, present, and embodied. Especially now, when so many people are living almost entirely in their heads: scrolling, thinking, staring at screens, disconnected from our bodies and the natural world around us. Working with resins as a daily ritual can be an antidote to that. And it makes sense intuitively… Resins are medicines of the trees. If anything in nature embodies being rooted, grounded, and solid, it's a tree. When you work with tree resin with the intention of grounding, you're connecting with the energy of the tree it came from, and as you inhale its volatile oils, you can feel that downward-moving quality — that calming, slowing-down sensation of grounding. In our Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins video blog series, we explore the vast therapeutic benefits of tree resins, their sacred status and ritual uses, and how to bring this ancient practice into your modern life. Inside, you’ll discover: ✨ Why tree resins are considered sacred across cultures ✨ How aromatic compounds influence your nervous system and energy ✨ How resins can calm the mind and support emotional balance ✨ The powerful skin-healing and first-aid uses of resins ✨ Simple, creative ways to start working with resins at home Parts 1 and 2 are now live on our blog. 🌲 Visit the full vlog at the link in our bio.
~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? ~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? It’s pretty common to mix up the two, or think they’re the same thing! Resin and gum are sticky, protective, healing substances that ooze out from a shrub or tree’s bark, each with its own unique chemical composition. The main differences between gums and resins is that: - Resins aren’t water soluble, gums are - Gums are not oil or alcohol soluble, resins are - Resins contain a high content of volatile aromatics (essential oils) and other constituents - Gums have a small amount of aromatics, but have their own therapeutic properties, to a lesser degree Resins are most commonly used in herbalism, aromatherapy, beauty and cosmetic products, perfumery, incense, and other aromatic and therapeutic preparations. Gums are mainly used for emulsification, thickening, and for their adhering properties in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, incense, perfumery, food and beverage, and textile industries. There are also gum-resins, which are a natural mixture of both gum and resin, that possess the properties of both groups. Examples of gum-resins are Frankincense and Myrrh.
~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? ~ Gums vs Resins ~ Do you know the difference? It’s pretty common to mix up the two, or think they’re the same thing! Resin and gum are sticky, protective, healing substances that ooze out from a shrub or tree’s bark, each with its own unique chemical composition. The main differences between gums and resins is that: - Resins aren’t water soluble, gums are - Gums are not oil or alcohol soluble, resins are - Resins contain a high content of volatile aromatics (essential oils) and other constituents - Gums have a small amount of aromatics, but have their own therapeutic properties, to a lesser degree Resins are most commonly used in herbalism, aromatherapy, beauty and cosmetic products, perfumery, incense, and other aromatic and therapeutic preparations. Gums are mainly used for emulsification, thickening, and for their adhering properties in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, incense, perfumery, food and beverage, and textile industries. There are also gum-resins, which are a natural mixture of both gum and resin, that possess the properties of both groups. Examples of gum-resins are Frankincense and Myrrh.
Ever wondered how trees heal themselves, and what Ever wondered how trees heal themselves, and what we can learn from them? 🌲 When a storm snaps a branch, the bark splits, and suddenly the tree is vulnerable…but almost immediately, the tree's wisdom begins to stir, creating a golden, aromatic substance. It makes its way through intricate networks of tiny canals towards the wound, sealing it off, protecting it from infection, and slowly restoring what was broken. This substance is resin. It's the tree’s medicine and means of protection. Its way of surviving in a world that doesn't stop throwing things at it. Thousands of years ago, humans were paying close attention to this process. Through simple observation, they began to understand something profound: the same substance trees use to heal and protect themselves could be used in much the same way for us. In ancient times, resins were applied to wounds, used to guard against infection, and valued for their ability to support the body’s natural healing processes. Over time, people also began to notice these aromatic substances had a powerful effect on the mind and emotions, helping to calm the nervous system, sharpen awareness, and support a deeper sense of presence. It’s almost as if resins offered protection for the body, mind, and soul. This is why resins have been used for generations in rituals, ceremonies, and therapeutic practices around the world. So how do you take this raw, sacred material and turn it into something practical for healing, ritual, and everyday use? In our Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins video blog series, we explore exactly that! You'll learn about the vast therapeutic benefits of tree resins, their ritual uses, and creative ways you can begin incorporating them into your own herbal remedies or aromatic creations. 🌲✨ Comment RESIN to get the full video blog series sent straight to your inbox. Parts 1 and 2 are now live!
“Over every mountain there is a path, although it “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” – Theodore Roethke __________ #poetry #TheodoreRoethke #lifeisamountain #theodoreroethkequote #climbthemountain #naturemetaphors
Across cultures and continents, tree resins have p Across cultures and continents, tree resins have played a central role in spirituality, ritual, and sacred ceremony for thousands of years. But why have these substances been so universally revered? In many spiritual and healing traditions around the world, resins have been viewed as the living essence, or spirit, of the tree itself. When we work with resins, especially when they’re burned as incense, it’s often considered as an invitation for the spirit of the tree to join and support whatever intention we bring to the ritual. In other traditions, including ancient Indigenous cultures and even Biblical teachings, burning incense or resin is believed to create a direct connection to the spirit world. The rising smoke is seen as carrying prayers and offerings upward, drawing the attention of God, gods, or spiritual forces. In fact, many cultures referred to these resins as the “Food of the Gods.” Their aromas were believed to please and appease divine beings more than any other offering. Because of this, resins have long stood at the heart of sacred ceremonies around the world. The fragrant smoke released from these substances – drawn from the very heart of trees – is offered through fire as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. In many traditions, this act is not merely symbolic. The smoke of incense is believed to open a pathway of communication, helping prayers and intentions reach the spirit world more clearly. *This is an excerpt from our new video blog, The Magic and Medicine of Botanical Resins. In the vlog, you’ll discover: • What tree resins actually are (and how they differ from sap) • Why cultures around the world consider them sacred • Their powerful therapeutic properties • How they’re used in incense, perfumery, and herbal medicine • A simple way to begin working with resins at home 🌲 Read the full blog and watch the video at the link in our bio. -- #treeresin #incenseresin #harvestingtips #wildharvesting #sustainableharvest #incensecrafting #botanicalresin
Evan Sylliaasen, founder of the NW School of Aroma Evan Sylliaasen, founder of the NW School of Aromatic Medicine and Higher Mind Incense, explores the Magic and Medicine of Botanical Resins in our new video blog. You'll discover: • Why cultures around the world consider resins sacred • Their powerful history and therapeutic properties • How they’re traditionally used in incense, perfumery, and herbal medicine • Simple steps you can use at home to meditate and tune into the medicine of resins 🌲 Visit the full vlog at the link in our bio.
How to Harvest Tree Resin 🌲 Did you know you can How to Harvest Tree Resin 🌲 Did you know you can harvest tree resin any time of year? Spring is when it’s often the most abundant. In North America, the easiest resin-producing trees to find are conifers, including Pine, Fir, Spruce, Juniper, Cedar, Hemlock, and Larch. (Be sure to confidently identify the tree before harvesting!) The easiest resin to work with is hardened resin that has already dried on the tree. Fresh resin can also be collected, but it’s very sticky and a bit messier to handle. If you do harvest fresh resin, try using a piece of foil (or something similar) to collect it, then allow it to dry for several weeks to months, depending on the species and your climate. You can also blend fresh resin directly into an incense formula without drying it first. When harvesting, always gather resin that has flowed away from the tree’s wound. The tree produced that resin to protect itself, so leaving what’s closest to the injury helps keep pests and infection out. Most importantly, have a good time going out into the forest! ______________ #treeresin #incenseresin #harvestingtips #wildharvesting #sustainableharvest #incensecrafting #botanicalresin
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