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

sense of smell

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

aromatic_medicine

🌿 Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, plant knowledge, aromatic wisdom, and one-of-a-kind courses 🌿
One Plant. Many Expressions. 🌿 In the 1960s, bio One Plant. Many Expressions. 🌿 In the 1960s, biochemist Pierre Franchomme uncovered something groundbreaking while studying essential oils: a single aromatic plant species can express itself through multiple chemotypes, each with a distinct chemical makeup, aroma, and therapeutic personality. A chemotype is a chemically distinct version of the same plant species. Influenced by factors like soil, climate, altitude, and genetics, chemotypes can dramatically change how an essential oil works in aromatic medicine. Thyme is a perfect example. Here are some of the most common Thyme chemotypes: ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol Strong, pungent, and herbaceous. Highly stimulating and powerful for respiratory support (but best reserved for adults due to its potential to irritate skin and mucous membranes). ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool Soft, sweet, and green-herbaceous. Gentle, calming, and emotionally supportive. Generally non-irritating and suitable for children over 6. ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. geraniol Rosy-sweet and mild. Often used interchangeably with linalool and traditionally considered supportive to the heart and gentle on the system. ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. thujanol Native to southern France. Sweet, soft, and non-irritating (making it one of the most versatile and widely loved thyme chemotypes). ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. borneol From Northwest Africa. Spicy, herbaceous, and robust, with stimulating aromatic qualities. ✨ Thymus vulgaris ct. cineole Fresh, camphor-like, and high in 1,8-cineole. Commonly used to support the respiratory system and clear congestion. Same species. Different chemistry. Different medicine. This is why knowing the chemotype is just as important as knowing the plant. 🌱 _____________ #chemotypes #essentialoils #aromatherapy #thyme #thymusvulgaris #thymeessentialoil #thymeoil
DIY: Make your own multi-use resin liniment It’s DIY: Make your own multi-use resin liniment It’s common to see resins included in herbal liniments meant to help soothe aches, pains, minor wounds, bumps and bruises. Resins are created by trees as a protective defense mechanism, so it’s no wonder that they’re great at protecting human skin as well. Their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties make them an important ingredient for any skin or wound care preparation. This age-old herbal liniment recipe is easy to make and was first created by Jethro Kloss, an herbalist in the 1800s, and used by famous herbalists like Rosemary Gladstar. Ingredients: 1 quart 70 percent rubbing alcohol 2 ounces finely powdered Myrrh 1 ounce powdered Oregon Grape Root* ½ ounce Cayenne Pepper Directions: ​​Mix ingredients together in a clean mason jar and allow it to sit for 7 days, shaking periodically. Then, decant and label with all ingredients, noting: “For external use only”. How to use: For headaches, Kloss recommends applying it to the temples, back of neck, and forehead. For sprains and strains, apply liberally and massage for 15-20 minutes before swelling sets in. Repeat 3-4 times a day. He also indicates it can ease bruises and back pain. Rosemary Gladstar recommends using it for disinfecting small wounds from splinters, cold sores, and warts, or irritation from poison oak and ivy. *Note: The original recipe calls for Goldenseal, however, this plant is currently on the endangered species list due to over-harvesting. Oregon Grape Root is abundant and possesses many of the same qualities of Goldenseal. They both share the same alkaloid, Berberine, which gives them each a golden color. This alkaloid is highly antimicrobial and great at fighting infection.
Long before modern perfumery… before incense shops Long before modern perfumery… before incense shops… before aromatherapy… there was Labdanum. ✨ Considered one of the oldest aromatic materials used by the ancients, Labdanum carries a history as rich and resinous as its scent. As described by Herodotus, Arabian shepherds first harvested this sacred resin by chance. Their goats, drawn to the Rockrose shrubs, grazed among the thickets, emerging with fragrant resin clinging to their beards. The shepherds combed the sticky treasure from their coats, unknowingly gathering what would become one of the most prized aromatic substances in history. In ancient Egypt, Labdanum was believed to be born from the “Tears of Osiris,” fallen from the heavens onto the Cistus bush. Pharaohs adorned themselves with ceremonial beards made from goat fur soaked in Labdanum, a symbol of divine authority and celestial connection. Labdanum became a cornerstone of sacred perfumery and incense traditions. ​​​​​​​It was a key ingredient in Kyphi, the revered Egyptian temple incense, and in Ketoret, the holy incense offering described in the Hebrew Bible, its rising smoke symbolizing prayers ascending toward the heavens. It was also used in Egyptian royal cosmetics and perfumes, praised for its richness and depth. When burned, it releases a deep, earthy, luxurious aroma – warm amber, soft leather, woody undertones – both grounding and mysteriously expansive. Labdanum is a resin that connects you to ancient temples, arid land winds, sacred ritual, and the lineage of perfumers and incense artisans who came before us. 🌿 Our sister company, Higher Mind Incense, offers sustainably grown and harvested Labdanum resin from the sunny hills of Spain. Check it out at the link in our bio. ✨ Want to learn more about Labdanum’s story? Comment RESIN and we’ll send the full blog straight to your inbox. ______________ #labdanum #incenseresin #treeresin #cistus #rockrose #naturalperfumery #ancientegypt
Do you have anything special planned to honor the Do you have anything special planned to honor the arrival of Spring? 🌱 On this day, we celebrate ​​the sun crossing the equator from south to north, bringing warmth and light back to the Northern Hemisphere. As this happens, the hours of day and night are almost equal. In fact, the word “equinox” comes from the Latin words meaning “equal” and “night.” The days will continue to grow longer, lighter, and warmer as we celebrate the sun's return. ☀ ___________ #spring #springequinox #springishere🌸 #celebratespring #firstdayofspring
What are chemotypes? And why do they matter? 🌿✨ N What are chemotypes? And why do they matter? 🌿✨ Not all essential oils are created equal, even when they come from the same plant species. A chemotype refers to the dominant chemical profile of an essential oil. In other words, it describes which compounds show up most prominently in that oil, and that changes how the oil smells, feels, and works in the body. Climate, altitude, soil, season, and even stress on the plant all influence which constituents rise to the surface. The result? One plant… multiple personalities. For example, a single plant species may yield: ✨A chemotype that is calming and gentle ✨Another that is stimulating or antimicrobial ✨And another that is best used with extra caution This is why reading the full botanical name and chemotype on labels is so important, especially when working with essential oils for wellness or clinical use. Chemotypes aren’t just for essential oils, too – they reflect the plant’s chemistry itself. While essential oils highlight these differences most clearly due to their potency, chemotypes also influence hydrosols, dried herbs, and other plant preparations, affecting aroma, flavor, and therapeutic properties. Knowing a plant’s chemotype helps you work with it more safely and effectively, whether you’re blending oils, crafting incense, or making herbal remedies. 🌱 ___________ #chemotypes #essentialoils #aromatherapy #herbalremedies #aromaticmedicine #hydrosols #herbalism
I started burning incense when I was 16. I remembe I started burning incense when I was 16. I remember tagging along on a business trip with my parents to Australia (lucky kid). My mom & I wandered the streets of Sydney, popping into little shops along the way. I bought 2 things that day: a giant pinecone carved into a mushroom & an incense burner with a secret compartment for storing incense sticks. Of course, I bought a pack of incense to go with it. I still remember the smell. At the time, I had no idea that simple purchase would spark what would later become a pretty serious obsession with scent. About 6 years later, I discovered Tibetan incense. From the very first inhale, something shifted. It felt like something deeper than just a “nice smell.” Naturally, I started digging. And what I found fascinated me. Traditional Tibetan incense is often crafted using 100% wild plant material, following formulas preserved on scrolls thousands of years old. Some of the most authentic blends are still made in monasteries by monks who recite prayers & mantras over the incense for days, weeks, sometimes months. These formulas weren’t created just for pleasant aromas. Many were used as medicine or sacred tools: early forms of aromatherapy. That discovery changed the trajectory of my life. It inspired me to explore traditional incense methods and revealed a much larger world of plants, healing, ritual, and consciousness. I was so moved, I felt called to share. This led to my first course, Listening to Incense. Later came the Traditional Incense Crafting Course. And eventually something that grew even larger than incense itself. Looking back, it’s wild to think that such a small moment could grow into something that would shape my life’s work. But in a way, it makes sense. Just as the practice of burning aromatic plants gave rise to many of the aromatic arts, incense is also where my own journey with aromatics began. ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​It all (literally) started with a spark. And now I get to share that fragrant path with you. These days I hear stories like this all the time: a scent, a plant, or a simple moment that opened a door into this world... Can you remember what first drew you in?
Feeling tired? Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. In Feeling tired? Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. In our modern era, it’s so common to feel overworked, overwhelmed, and burnt out. Try burning these 5 aromatic plants to help you sleep better and recharge… 🍊 Bergamot can help your body prepare for sleep, supporting a decreased heart rate and lower blood pressure. While most Citrus oils are energizing, Bergamot is calming, has some sedative qualities, and is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety. 🌹 Rose is naturally relaxing, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Recent studies suggest that its aromatics can help reduce stress levels. 💜 Lavender is well-known for being calming and sedating to the nervous system. It helps relax the body and ease the mind from overactive thinking that can keep you up at night. It’s also believed to help deepen and slow down your breath, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. ✨ Frankincense is naturally calming, anti-inflammatory, and can be pain-relieving, which can help relax tense muscles after a long day of stress and anxiety. 🌿 Jasmine is well-known for its sleep-promoting properties. According to a recent study, the aroma of Jasmine has the same neurochemical mechanism as barbiturates, which are sedative prescription medications that act as central nervous system soothers. ____________ #aromatherapy #aromatherapyforsleep #aromaticmedicine #essentialoilsforsleep #naturalsleepremedy #naturalsleepaid #naturalstressrelief
Yarrow is one of the incredible plants we explore Yarrow is one of the incredible plants we explore in depth in our new blog, “Aromatic Herbs for Women’s Health.” In this blog, you’ll discover: ▪ 6 aromatic plants traditionally used to support women’s health ▪ The physical, emotional, and energetic benefits of these herbs for the body, mind, and heart ▪ Simple self-care rituals using teas, topicals, baths, steams, hydrosols, EOs, and more ▪ A DIY belly massage oil recipe to support cycles, menopause, postpartum recovery, or daily self-care 🌿 Blog link in bio. *This video is an excerpt from our Aromatic Medicine Garden membership _____________ #yarrow #womenshealth #herbsforwomen #menstrualrelief #MenopauseWellness #postpartumsupport #aromatherapyforwomen
Follow on Instagram

OFFERINGS

  • Aromatic Medicine Garden 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.