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ritual

Person applying oil attar natural perfume to back of hand
Aromatic History & Lore
Natural Perfumery
July 15, 20260Comments

The Ancient History of Natural Perfume

Video features award-winning perfumer & school instructor JK DeLapp Imagine what it was like, thousands of years ago, witnessing it for the first time: raw resin dropped onto hot coals, releasing a
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Old vintage glass perfume bottles
Natural Perfumery
July 9, 20260Comments

The Ancient Art of Attars Through the Eyes of a Master Perfumer

Most modern perfumes are diluted with alcohol, but traditional attars are in a completely different category. Derived from an Arabic word that translates to "scent,” attars have been crafted for
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Ritual
June 4, 20260Comments

Spring Cleaning: Aromatic Herbs for Smoke Cleansing

There's something about spring that makes you want to throw open the windows and start fresh. That urge to declutter and reorganize isn't just a trend on social media, though;
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic Recipes
Topical Medicine
April 24, 20260Comments

Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin

My friend and I were sitting together recently, enjoying the warm spring afternoon light in the park, talking about everything and nothing. At some point, the conversation turned, as it
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Sustainability
March 22, 20260Comments

The Magic & Medicine of Botanical Resins, Part I

The first time I burned Frankincense, something unexpected happened. Within a few breaths, my awareness sharpened, my thoughts grew quieter, and a deep sense of calm washed over me. There
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
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
Ginger tea with lemon
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
Alchemy
Natural Perfumery
January 15, 20260Comments

Creating Harmony: The Composition of Natural Perfumes

We live in a world saturated with scent. Our air fresheners, laundry detergents, cosmetics, body products, and even most perfumes are infused with synthetic fragrance compounds designed to imitate nature.
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
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Not only is Mugwort a powerful plant supportive of Not only is Mugwort a powerful plant supportive of our sleep and dreams, but it can be helpful for easing aches, pains, and sprains due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an effective anti-fungal commonly used topically for fungal skin issues like athlete’s foot, ringworm, tinea versicolor, and more. Mugwort can be applied topically in many different ways, including herbal-infused oil, poultice, essential oil diluted in a carrier oil, or as a liniment. What’s your favorite way to use Mugwort? ____________ #mugwort #mugwortmagic #herbalism #aromatherapy #antiinflammatory #antifungal #sleeptips
Have you ever been repulsed by a scent, and later Have you ever been repulsed by a scent, and later actually grew to love it? Or maybe a smell you once adored now doesn’t smell good to you? It’s similar to not liking the taste of beets as a kid, but now loving them as an adult. As we move through life, our bodies change and grow, and our health shifts, just like our aromatic likes and dislikes. This phenomenon is quite magical – it stems from the wisdom and spirit of aromatic plants working with our intuition and the intelligence of our bodies to help us know exactly what medicine we may need at that moment. Our bodies have a deep knowing that we sometimes struggle to understand or put into words. It's an ancient system of communication. Depending on a person's imbalances or illness, their reaction to smelling an aromatic plant can be very revealing about what medicines could bring them back into balance. The seasons and elements also come into play here. Throughout the year, people are often drawn to different plants that help them stay healthy and in alignment with seasonal shifts. The energetic and spiritual connection between plants and our bodies can be a powerful tool, helping you decide exactly what aromatic medicine is right for you. What aromatic has changed for you over the years? _________ #aromatics #aromatherapy #aromaticmedicine #aromaticplants #aromaticherbs #intuitiondevelopment
5 things you probably didn't know about the histor 5 things you probably didn't know about the history of perfume: ✨ Ancient cultures didn't just wear fragrance; they packed it for the afterlife. When archaeologists finally opened King Tutankhamun's tomb, they found vases still holding traces of perfumed oil, thousands of years later. ✨ In nearly every ancient culture, fragrance was reserved for royalty only; not just because of their captivating scents, but because getting your hands on it was nearly impossible. ✨ Egyptian mummies were wrapped in aromatics like Myrrh, Frankincense, and Cedar resins. These botanicals not only helped preserve the body, but were also believed to bridge the human and divine realms, helping the spirit ascend into the afterlife. ✨ Many cultures have (and still do) link fragrance to immortality. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on a funeral pyre built from Sandalwood logs, along with flowers, incense, and ghee. ✨ Across the Indian subcontinent, artisans developed one of the most sophisticated extraction methods in history, distilling aromatic materials into Sandalwood oil to create attars, a natural perfumery tradition still practiced today. Our new video blog goes deeper into these stories, tracing aroma from ancient Egypt to traditional attars, and what natural perfumery still has to teach us about ritual, nature, and scent. 🎥 Watch the full vlog at the link in bio.
This is a sneak peek from inside our Crafting Supr This is a sneak peek from inside our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course. Taught by award-winning perfumer JK DeLapp, this course is perfect for both beginners and experienced aromatic artisans who want to deepen their skills in aroma formulation. Inside, you'll: 🌿 Explore the ancient history of natural perfume & attars 🌿 Learn how to formulate balanced, long-lasting fragrances 🌿 Discover how aromatherapy & natural perfumery are different 🌿 Master techniques for scent formulas 🌿 Make unique creative attar perfumes with all-natural ingredients 🚨 For a limited time, enjoy an exclusive discount before the course price increases permanently after Tuesday, July 21 at midnight PST. Learn more about our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course at the link in bio. 🌿✨ #diyperfume #diyattar #essentialoils #naturalperfume #naturalperfumery
There was a time when fragrance was more precious There was a time when fragrance was more precious than gold. ✨ And the common thread between almost every ancient culture was... aroma. Across the world, aromatic plants were treasured not only for their beauty, but as symbols of status, medicine, spirituality, and connection with the divine. Though every culture developed its own traditions, many shared the belief that scent could bridge the visible and invisible worlds. Smoke was thought to carry prayer upward and invite the sacred down. Whether it was potent attar perfumes in India, fragrant cones melting over the wigs of ancient Egyptians, or sacred resins burning in Roman temples, one belief remained the same: Scent could travel where words couldn't. In our newest video blog, we explore the fascinating history of natural perfumery, how it’s shaped civilizations for thousands of years, and how this ancient art is still a way for us to connect with the sacred. 🔥🌿 Watch the full video at the link in our bio. #sacred #ancientegypt #diyperfume #naturalperfume #aromaticoils
Before perfume bottles... before essential oils... Before perfume bottles... before essential oils... before scented candles... there was aromatic smoke. 🌿💨 Imagine what it was like, thousands of years ago, witnessing it for the first time: raw resin dropped onto hot coals, releasing a mesmerizing fragrance with no synthetic world to compare it to, no candle aisle, no perfume counter. Just smoke carrying something that felt otherworldly. It's no surprise aromatic materials were treated as treasures reserved for royalty, gods, and the dead. Raw aromatic plants have scented human life for thousands of years, long before essential oils and synthetic scents. In fact, the word perfume comes from the Latin phrase per fumum, which translates to "through smoke." In our new video blog, we trace that history, from ancient Egypt to traditional attars, and explore what natural perfumery still has to teach us about aroma, ritual, and nature. 🎥 Watch the full video at the link in our bio. #ancientegypt #naturalperfume #incense #kyphi #sacred
Have you ever caught a scent that instantly transp Have you ever caught a scent that instantly transported you to a forgotten memory? Or felt a fragrance stir something deep inside you that words couldn't quite explain? That's the difference between a good natural perfume, and a truly unforgettable one. Scent tells a story. It awakens memory, stirs emotion, and speaks directly to the heart. This is the world you'll explore in The Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course with award-winning natural perfumer JK DeLapp. JK transformed his passion for natural perfumery into Rising Phoenix Perfumery, where he creates exceptional all-natural perfumes and attars, traveling the world sourcing some of the rarest botanical essences available. In this course, you'll: ✨ Explore the ancient history & tradition of attars ✨ Work with rare & precious botanical ingredients from around the world ✨ Understand top, heart & base notes and how a perfume unfolds over time ✨ Formulate your own exquisite attar perfumes using traditional techniques & trusted formulas ✨ Create rich, soul-stirring attars that linger beautifully on the skin without synthetics or luxury price tag 🌿 For 1 week only, enjoy an exclusive discount before the mini-course price increases permanently! Learn more about our Crafting Supreme Attars Mini-Course at the link in bio. 🌿✨ #storyofscent #perfumery #naturalperfume #attar #naturalfragrances
An herbal farm in our community needs our support An herbal farm in our community needs our support 💔🌿 A devastating fire recently broke out at @oshalafarm in Applegate Valley, Oregon. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, and their fields of growing herbs were spared. But the fire destroyed so much of what they’ve built: their dryer barn, storage barn filled with inventory, and essential farm infrastructure. Oshala Farm is a truly special place, a family-run farm that has spent over a decade cultivating high-quality organic herbs and sharing them with our community. If you have the means, please consider donating to their GoFundMe (linked in our bio) or sharing this post to help spread the word. Every contribution and share helps. 🌱
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