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traditional incense

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
Herbal Medicine
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
November 25, 20240Comments

Herbal Holiday Gift Guide

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect moment to celebrate the magic of small herbal businesses. Beyond the glittering lights and busy crowds, these businesses offer handcrafted remedies and
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
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Sustainability
Topical Medicine
June 20, 20241Comments

The Timeless Allure of Frankincense

For thousands of years, the fragrant swirls of Frankincense incense have woven their way through the entirety of human civilization, leaving an undeniable mark on our cultural, spiritual, and medicinal
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Human/Plant Connection
Incense as Medicine
Natural Perfumery
Ritual
Sustainability
May 9, 20240Comments

From Nature to Nose: Unveiling the Art of Natural Perfumery

Have you ever felt a deep desire to have your beloved aromatic plants accompany you throughout your day? That’s what it’s like to wear natural perfume. Unfortunately, many modern perfumes found
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense as Medicine
Natural Perfumery
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
May 1, 20241Comments

Labdanum (Cistus) Resin – The Champion of Perfume

If I were to name the top 3 most tantalizing and exotic-smelling aromatics in the world, Labanum would surely be on that list. The mystique of this rich, sweet, animalic,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Incense Crafting
Ritual
February 21, 20240Comments

The Ancient Story of Incense Clocks

How would you tell time without your iPhone, watch, or digital clock? Before the invention of electricity and modern technology, ancient peoples would often use the elements of the natural
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatherapy
Aromatic History & Lore
Ritual
December 20, 202116Comments

10 Ancient Medicinal Plants in the Bible

Did you know there are more than 10 aromatic plants mentioned in the Bible? As the holiday season unfolds, you may be putting up a Christmas tree in your living room,
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
Aromatic History & Lore
Plant Profiles
Ritual
Topical Medicine
January 1, 20190Comments

Balm of Gilead, Comfort for the Soul

Considered to be among the most sacred of herbs throughout many ancient Eastern cultures, the renowned Balm of Gilead was once used in various forms of holy incense and anointing
by NW School of Aromatic Medicine
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Forest Bathing at Home 🌲 You don’t need to visit Forest Bathing at Home 🌲 You don’t need to visit a forest to reconnect with nature. Place a few sprigs of Pine, Cedar, or Fir in hot water on your stove, or a few drops of EO in your diffuser. Inhale deeply. Exhale fully. Repeat. These aromatic evergreens can reduce stress, clear the mind, and uplift your spirit…all from the comfort of home. What's your favorite forest scent? _____________ #forestbathing #forestsmell #forestenergy #forestbathingtherapy #forestscent #pine #cedar #fir
Want to go deeper with Yarrow? In our newest vlog Want to go deeper with Yarrow? In our newest vlog, we explore one of our favorite plants in depth. You’ll discover: • The mythology of Achilles and Chiron • Yarrow’s traditional uses across cultures • How it supports digestion, circulation, the uterus & more • Its role in aromatic medicine and emotional boundary work • Why the essential oil is that stunning deep blue • Practical ways to work with it as tea, tincture, essential oil, hydrosol, incense & more Watch it through the link in our bio.
What if the “weed” growing along the roadside was What if the “weed” growing along the roadside was once carried into battle to save lives? I still remember the first time I truly met Yarrow. I was on a hike with one of my herbal teachers when he stopped, bent down, and brushed his hand across a patch of feathery leaves at our feet. “This plant,” he said, “was carried into battle to slow bleeding from wounds. And if you’re ever hiking without a first-aid kit… or bleeding during the zombie apocalypse… a poultice of Yarrow should do the trick.” I laughed…But I never forgot it! Yarrow is a powerful plant of paradox. It can slow bleeding… and move stagnant blood. It can cool heat… and stimulate circulation. It can protect boundaries… and open what’s stuck. For centuries, it’s been called many names: Staunch Weed, Soldier’s Woundwort, Nosebleed, and Life Medicine. Legend says Achilles used it on the battlefield to take care of his soldiers. Chinese divination traditions use their stalks to consult the I Ching. Herbalists call it the “master of blood.” And beyond the physical, Yarrow has long been known as the herb of the wounded warrior and wounded healer – a plant for those who have had to become strong because they first had to survive something. In our new video blog, you’ll learn: • The mythology of Achilles and Chiron • Yarrow’s traditional uses across cultures • Its powerful support for digestion, circulation, skin issues and menstrual struggles • How it works in aromatic medicine and emotional boundary work • Practical ways to use it in tea, tincture, essential oil, hydrosol, incense & more By the end, you may never look at this “common weed” the same way again. ✨ If you’ve ever felt called to understand this plant beyond just its benefits – to really know its story, its spirit, its intelligence – this one is for you. 🌿 Watch/read the full story of Yarrow at the link in our bio. ________ #yarrow #yarrowflower #aromaticmedicine #emotionalboundaries #boundarysetting #weedsaremedicine #herbalmonograph
Have you ever met a plant that seems to know exact Have you ever met a plant that seems to know exactly what your body needs? For me, that plant is Yarrow. Yarrow is a plant of opposites. It’s described as both cooling & warming, grounding & uplifting, moving & stabilizing, opening while protective. On a physical level, it can slow bleeding, yet it can also help move stagnant blood. There’s something deeply reassuring about this paradox – a plant so attuned to the body that it responds to imbalance rather than forcing change in a single direction. That kind of intelligence is what makes Yarrow one of the most fascinating herbs I’ve ever encountered. Its Latin name, Achillea millefolium, tells part of the story. “Millefolium” means “thousand-leaved,” referring to its feathery foliage, while “Achillea” honors Achilles, the great warrior of Greek myth who used Yarrow to tend his soldiers’ wounds in battle. According to legend, Achilles’ mother, Thetis, tried to make him invulnerable by dipping him in the sacred River Styx. But she held him by his heel, the one place untouched by the protective waters. That small, forgotten place became his only weakness, and it was there that Paris’ arrow struck him. (This is where the phrase “Achilles heel” comes from!). Over time, Yarrow became known as the herb of the wounded warrior. And just as it helps seal physical wounds, it has long been associated with strengthening emotional and energetic boundaries. Yarrow is often called the herb for empaths, those who feel overwhelmed by external intensity or who absorb the emotions of others. Many healers see it as a boundary-setting herb for people who need help keeping their own energy separate and safe while supporting those around them. In our new video blog, you’ll discover: • The mythology of Achilles & Chiron • Yarrow’s traditional uses across cultures • Its powerful support for digestion, circulation & the uterus • How it works in aromatic medicine & emotional boundary work • Practical ways to use it as a tea, tincture, essential oil, hydrosol, incense & more 🌿 Watch/read the full Yarrow story at the link in our bio. _____________ #yarrow #yarrowflower #empaths #emotionalboundaries #aromatherapy #herbalism
Did you know: What we call Juniper berries aren’t Did you know: What we call Juniper berries aren’t actually berries! These “berries” are really fleshy cones called a galbulus, which take 2-3 years to ripen from green to deep blue-black. Junipers are either male or female. Male trees produce tiny yellow cones, while female trees grow the bluish-green cones we know as “berries.” Have you ever spotted a male vs. female Juniper? 🌿 ___________ #juniper #juniperberries #junipertree #botanynerd #aromaticmedicine #herbalism
Nature is our greatest teacher. 🌿 The Earth and th Nature is our greatest teacher. 🌿 The Earth and the botanical kingdom are always offering wisdom. The question is… are we listening? One of the most powerful ways to learn from nature is to slow down and simply be with it. To spend unhurried time with the plants. To notice their scents and textures. For many of us, especially those living in cities, that connection can feel distant – and even more so in the depths of winter, when the cold keeps us indoors. But we can always invite nature in. Simmer evergreen needles on the stovetop. Line your windowsills with acorns or pinecones. Burn grounding aromatics like Fir, Pine, Cedar, Tulsi, or Thyme. Draw an herbal bath. Prepare a simple herbal steam (you’ll find some recipes on our blog!). These small rituals remind the body and spirit that we belong to the Earth, even when we’re inside. What’s one way you bring nature into your indoor life this season? 🌲 _______________ #natureisourteacher #connectwithnature #plantsareteachers #aromatherapy #naturalliving #naturalincense #winterritual
With all the AI content lately (AI herbalists, AI With all the AI content lately (AI herbalists, AI teachers, AI everything), it’s starting to feel like you can’t scroll for more than 30 seconds without bumping into another perfectly generated “expert.” Last week, we released a blog, “Living in the Age of the AI Herbalist,” to talk honestly about it (see recent posts). And the funniest thing happened the day before we released it, someone accused me of looking like AI on one of our reels! So I’m here to say I, Evan Sylliaasen, am not a robot… (& here are a few crazy things about my very human life): 🪵 If I weren’t teaching or crafting incense, I’d probably be building furniture. Woodworking is my favorite hobby. 🎵 In my teens, I played drums in a few bands. In my early 20s, I recorded a one-man bluegrass album playing guitar, banjo & mandolin, called Black & Bluegrass. I used to be really good (Now… debatable!). 👖 I was a “child star.” Sort of, not really. I appeared in a Sur La Table magazine at 5 years old in a tie-dye shirt while my fake magazine family wore Canadian tuxedos. I’ve been the black sheep from the beginning. 🎓 I was suspended in junior high once. And no, I’m not telling you why. 💻 I had crippling stage fright as a kid & teen. The irony of teaching online now is not lost on me. 🎨 Before becoming my own boss, I worked 15+ different jobs: dog grooming, land surveying, painting, construction, lead catering, selling SEO, landscaping… I’ve always been willing to get my hands dirty. 🌱 My mom taught me to garden when I was young. Since age 20, I’ve kept my own food & herb garden wherever I’ve lived. That’s where all of this really began. My life has been shaped by years in the garden, working through awkward teenage stage fright, playing music & long days of hard work on construction sites... Real experiences, big mistakes, great mentors, amazing people & real plants. And that’s exactly why I care about what’s happening in our space right now. Thanks for trusting me, and everything my team (also real people) & I have built at the NW School of Aromatic Medicine since 2014. We’re dedicated to you & teaching aromatic medicine from places of real human experience & tradition.
Here on the Olympic Peninsula, the evergreens are Here on the Olympic Peninsula, the evergreens are some of the only strong aromatics available this time of year. In the quieter months, they become steady companions. I’ll often take a slow walk through the forest, or drive into the mountains closeby, pausing to breathe in the scent of freshly fallen Cedar branches, letting the aroma wake my senses and reconnect me to this land we call home. Cedar has been my favorite tree for as long as I can remember. From early childhood, wandering moss-covered forests and rain-soaked trails of the Pacific Northwest, it has been a constant presence: grounding, familiar, and comforting. For Indigenous peoples along the coast, from Washington all the way to Alaska, Cedar has long been held as one of the most sacred plants. It was everything: warmth from fire, shelter and clothing, tools for weaving and art, canoes for travel, incense for ceremony, and powerful medicine for healing. To many Northwest tribes, Cedar remains the true “tree of life,” woven into nearly every aspect of living. Sometimes I imagine what it would feel like if a single plant touched every layer of our lives today, from the material to the spiritual. Perhaps then we would truly understand what it means to call a plant an ally. 🌲 ___________ #cedar #treeoflife #plantally #plantsareteachers #sacredplants #plantsaremagic
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