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spiritual medicine

Bio-Regional Aromatic Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Sustainability
July 29, 20250Comments

Wild Harvesting with Integrity: Respectful and Sustainable Harvesting Practices

There’s a kind of botanical magic that only summer can bring – the scent of a sun-warmed Rose bush in full bloom, the crisp brightness of Lemon Balm brushing against
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
June 30, 20250Comments

Attar Perfume: The Soul of Scent

Picture this: You open a small glass perfume vial and touch a drop of oil to your skin. The aroma doesn’t hit you all at once, it builds slowly, like
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
bundle of fresh mugwort herbs for dreamwork
Aromatherapy
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Ritual
June 10, 20250Comments

Aromatic Plants and Dreams: Scents for Deep Sleep and Inner Wisdom

Have you ever woken from a dream so vivid it blurred the line between memory and imagination? Dreams can be fun, strange, symbolic, emotional, or eerily real. They arise most often
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
Bottles of essential oil with frankincense resin and candles
Aromatherapy
Incense as Medicine
April 10, 20250Comments

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief & Relaxation

Turn on the news, scroll through social media, or simply glance at your to-do list, and it’s clear – stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life. From the
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
Herbal Medicine
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
December 19, 20240Comments

The Power of Frankincense: Boosting Immunity and Overall Well-Being

Thousands of years ago, in ancient kingdoms, the air was thick with the rich, aromatic smoke of Frankincense. This sacred resin, harvested from Boswellia trees, played a central role in
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Aromatic Recipes
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Incense Crafting
Ritual
October 1, 20240Comments

Incense 101: Aromatic Medicine Beyond Incense Sticks

The scented swirls of incense smoke carry a profound story – the life cycle of each botanical ingredient, the journey from seedling to thriving herb, nurtured by the sun and
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Image of myrrh an aromatic resin
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Herbal Medicine
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
August 1, 20241Comments

Uncovering the Ancient Magic & Mystery of Myrrh

From the embalming rituals of ancient Egypt to the sacred altars of religious ceremonies, Myrrh has captivated the imagination and reverence of civilizations for millennia. This aromatic resin, derived from
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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Cottonwood and Poplar buds are among my favorite a Cottonwood and Poplar buds are among my favorite aromatics this time of year, when they’re abundant and full of life. The next time you’re walking along a river, stream, or floodplain, take a look around, and you’ll likely spot the tall, towering Cottonwood trees, their buds just beginning to emerge at the tips of the branches. After a windy storm, you might get lucky and find fallen branches scattered on the ground. Gently pop off a bud, roll it between your fingers, and breathe in its sweet, resinous, woodsy aroma. This fragrant resin has a long tradition of topical use as an anti-inflammatory, helping to ease aches and strains. It’s especially beautiful infused into an herbal oil or crafted into a soothing salve. Have you ever worked with Poplar buds before? _________ #poplar #poplarbuds #cottonwood #cottonwoodtrees #herbalinfusedoil #herbaloil #herbalsalve
Can plants change the way we age, or the way we fe Can plants change the way we age, or the way we feel about aging? 🌼 We explore this topic in our new blog post, Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin. Inside, we cover 8 aromatics that support aging skin (& the science behind why they work): ▪️Rose: antioxidant protection + cooling anti-inflammatory ▪️Helichrysum: nicknamed "Immortelle" for a reason ▪️Frankincense: collagen support + skin regeneration ▪️Lavender: calming, restorative, and endlessly versatile ▪️Calendula: the star of skin repair ▪️Geranium: tones, balances, and brightens ▪️Rosemary: stimulates circulation for a lit-from-within glow ▪️Sandalwood: deeply moisturizing and protective Our latest blog post breaks down how each one works, what preparations to use them in, and includes a simple DIY anti-aging facial oil recipe you can make with just a few ingredients. ✨ Read the full blog at the link in our bio. _________ #antiagingtips #antiagingskincare #antiagingskincareroutine #naturalskincaretips #naturalskincareroutine #skincareherbal #radiantskincare
“How do you define nature? If we define it as that “How do you define nature? If we define it as that which is untouched by humans, then we won't have any nature left for our children when they’re adults.” - Emma Marris, environmental writer Nature is everywhere… we just need to learn to see it that way. Let’s consider a new definition of nature, one that includes not only pristine wilderness but also anywhere that life thrives, like the untended patches of plants growing in urban spaces. Let’s encourage each other, and our children, to connect with all types of nature, so that we feel called to love and protect it. ___________ #nature #emmamarris #natureiseverywhere #natureiseverything #natureismagic
What if the skincare industry has it backwards? W What if the skincare industry has it backwards? We've been sold the idea that aging skin is the enemy… something to fight, reverse, and erase. Advertisements for expensive skincare products and Botox reinforce that narrative. But aging isn’t a problem to fix; it's a natural part of being alive, something to support rather than fight. In the world of aromatic medicine, this similar mantra is something we return to again and again: plants don't "treat problems," they support bodies. And when it comes to aging skin, aromatic plants have so much to offer in that spirit; not to reverse the clock or erase the evidence of a life well-lived, but to nourish, strengthen, and bring radiance to skin that is constantly, beautifully renewing itself. Our latest blog post explores 8 herbs and essential oils—including Helichrysum (pictured), Frankincense, Rosemary, and Rose—that work with your skin's natural rhythms to support elasticity, radiance, and regeneration from the inside out. Plus: a beautiful DIY facial oil recipe that's become a daily ritual for us. 🌿 Read Anti-Aging Aromatics: Herbs & Essential Oils for Radiant Skin at the link in bio. ____________ #antiaging #antiagingtips #antiagingroutine #antiagingskincare #antiagingoil #naturalskincaretips #diyfaceoil
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
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