Annie Prince Aromatherapy

25/11/2025

Thank God Mountain Rose Herbs!

With AI taking the online world by storm, we at Mountain Rose Herbs remain staunchly committed to maintaining our human approach to serving the herbal community. That is why when you call, email, or use the chat feature on our website, you are speaking with a human, 100% of the time. Our incredible Customer Support Team is available to answer your questions, help you with your orders, and so much more.

In addition to this, all of our free educational articles and blogs are written by our team of experts and esteemed herbalist partners. This is especially important coming in the wake of a recently published study* which estimated 82% of the books found on Amazon’s "herbal remedies" category between January and September of this year are suspected to be written by AI.

Herbalism is an art that requires nuanced interpretation and understanding—something that AI will never be able to perform. It is more important than ever to be mindful of the source of information we seek. It’s equally important to support real herbalists whose life's work is devoted to learning and teaching about the safe and effective uses of herbs. They are the keepers of herbal tradition, and we, as an herbal community, must demand the safe passing down of knowledge for future generations.

*Down, Aisha. (2025). Detection firm finds 82% of herbal remedy books on Amazon ‘likely written’ by AI. The Guardian.

20/11/2025

The nicest truest thing I have read in ages.

There’s something so healing, so quietly radical, about pottering. To potter means to wander without a destination, to move slowly and gently, without hurry or imperative, simply being in the rhythm of things. And when you potter in the garden or on your allotment — that’s the very soul of pottering, because nature gives you permission to slow down, to explore, to listen.

As our mentor, the herbalist and wizard-scientist Christopher Hedley, reminds us, “To be a good herbalist you have to be able to potter; potter in your garden, potter in your kitchen and potter in your clinic.”

In pottering, we don’t rush. We touch, smell, and observe. We let our hands float over roots, leaves, and soil. And in that gentle slowing, we reconnect — with the land, with the plants, and with ourselves.

Pottering is sacred. It’s in these unhurried moments that we notice how a herb leans toward the sun, how its leaves cradle dew, how scent shifts with the wind. Christopher Hedley believed that “how a plant is in the world is how it will be in you.” We carry this truth as we move slowly through our gardens, letting the plants teach us patience, attention, and care.

Today, we give ourselves permission to potter. To wander. To linger. To let the earth guide us. In this gentle, unhurried way, we find a kind of medicine for our hurried souls.

25/10/2025

Thanks for this report Inge Westerlinck. A few lines struck me.
"The message was clear; the future of healthcare is not either/or-it's all of it. Acute, integrative, regenerative and lifestyle medicine must work in synergy"
"Non-swimmers shouldn't be life savers.Self reflection and integrity are essential for sustainable practice".
Here here

Send a message to learn more

02/10/2025

It is indeed a delight, a privilege and a responsibility to be invited to be an ICAN fellow.

"Please join us in warmly welcoming Prince (New Zealand) and Nagle-Smith Nagle-Smith (UK) as new Fellows of ICAN.
We are deeply honored that both of these outstanding professionals have accepted to take on the role of Fellow — a recognition reserved for longstanding, deeply committed members of the clinical aromatherapy community. Our Fellows support the ICAN platform by mentoring, connecting, advising, sharing generously, and simply being there. Their presence helps shape the trusted, collegial and sacred space that ICAN aspires to be.
✨ Annie Prince is a clinical aromatherapist, author, educator and formulator. She brings to ICAN a strong foundation in aromatherapy education, bodywork, and the therapeutic encounter. Annie loves ICAN for showcasing Clinical Aromatherapy as a powerful healing modality, and values the wealth of trusted information and global connection within a safe, respectful space.
✨ Helen Nagle-Smith is an author, writer, journal editor, educator, aromatherapy & massage therapist. She is also the moderator of our new special interest group Aromatic MindMatters on mental health in the Village of ICAN. Helen brings vital knowledge in trauma, the mind-body connection, unusual essential oils, aromatherapy business advice, and safeguarding. She loves ICAN for offering a sense of global aromatic community and non-judgemental professional expertise that supports her clinical work, teaching, writing and continuous learning.
We are proud to walk alongside these two inspiring professionals and grateful for the experience and heart they bring to our growing international community.
With gratitude,"
The ICAN Team

30/09/2025

I saw a very disturbing programme on the dangers of AI manipulation and chatbots causing unspeakable anxiety among young people [and adults] and it made me want to depart permanently from social media where nastiness can reach new heights.
However in the midst of this maelstrom of darkness we have the shining light that is International Clinical Aromatherapy Network ICAN , a place where integrity and respectful human interaction are mandatory fullstop. Apart from being a safe uplifting space it has a wealth of research backed trustworthy and interesting information.It's not a question of why would you join but more why wouldn't you.

Why walk the professional path alone?

ICAN Membership connects you with a trusted global network of clinical aromatherapists, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Whether you’re a student just beginning, a seasoned practitioner, or an organisation shaping the field, ICAN offers a space to learn, exchange, grow, and belong.

From monthly events and live interviews to curated resources and shared expertise, ICAN is a dynamic platform where your voice matters and your practice is supported.

Explore the Membership tiers and find where you fit in. We’d love to welcome you.

04/08/2025

There's a saying in NZ "a totara has fallen" [Totara being giants of the forest]. It symbolises the passing of someone important. Today a totara has fallen in our aromatherapy world. RIP Andrea and heratfelt condolences to your family.🥲

In Loving Memory of Andrea Butje: Her Vision Shaped Who We Are

It is with deep love and reverence that we remember our founder, Andrea Butje. An aromatherapist, educator, and visionary, Andrea’s passion for plant wisdom forever changed the field of aromatherapy.

Andrea founded Aromatics International in the early 2000s with a clear purpose: to provide her Aromahead students with the purest, most therapeutically potent products available. What began as a mission to support learning soon blossomed into a company grounded in transparency, sustainability, and connection.

Long before it became a standard, Andrea insisted on publishing third-party GC/MS reports for every essential oil we offered. She believed that knowledge empowers, and she wanted each customer to blend with confidence, knowing exactly what was in their bottle.

Andrea deeply honored the people behind the plants. She sought out small-scale distillers from around the world, partnering with farmers and producers who shared her reverence for the land, the plants, and the craft. These were more than business relationships. They were heartfelt collaborations built on trust and shared purpose.

Andrea also shared a long and close friendship with Karen Williams, who officially took over Aromatics International in 2009. Karen, Jenny, and the Williams family have carried forward Andrea’s legacy with deep care and love. Over the years, Andrea, Cindy, Karen, and Jenny spent countless hours talking about aromatherapy, distillers, and the future of essential oil work. Even after the ownership transition, Andrea and Karen were often on the phone, texting or emailing, sharing insights, new discoveries, and dreaming about what was possible for this field they loved so much.

Karen had the opportunity to be with Andrea for a few precious weeks last month, and that time was deeply special. The bond they shared—rooted in purpose and friendship—continues to shape who we are at Aromatics International.

Andrea’s light shines on in every bottle, every blend, and every relationship she nurtured. Her legacy lives at the very heart of Aromatics International.

If Andrea touched your life through her teachings or through the oils she so lovingly curated, we invite you to share a story or memory with us on our page
👉 Share your message or memory here

We’ll also be gathering together this Wednesday at 1 pm ET for a special live event celebrating Andrea. Please join us as we honor her spirit and the wisdom she shared so generously with us all. https://youtube.com/live/YGyvT2nAQXU?feature=share

With love,
The Aromatics International Team

25/07/2025

A really lovely comprehensive review of my book. Thank you Anita.

"The Personalised Consultation in Aromatherapy" by Annie Prince.
A personal review by ICAN Fellow Anita James:
"The Personalised Consultation in Aromatherapy by Annie Prince may not look a huge book but it is packed with insights, practical advice and information that would enhance any aromatherapists skill and practice. Thoroughly researched and referenced throughout it is written in a format that is accessible to newly qualified practitioners and long-standing therapists. It explores the need for connections, how to build these into your practice and how to use the treasure of oils provided by nature to enhance, nurture and support each client on their own personal journey to wellness and wholeness. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful images created by her husband. I would highly recommend every therapist delve into the pages of this book and experience its gifts.
Structure of the Book: The foreword of the book is written by Rhiannon Lewis and details the importance of the aromatherapists skill, knowledge and interaction as part of the therapeutic relationship. As therapists we hone our skills over time but it is important to realise that learning is a never-ending journey. As we gather knowledge and experience, we constantly adjust our own practice which enhances every interaction with our clients personalising it to their needs.
Annie shares her ‘Scentimental Journey’ in the first chapter of the book. It is a very personal account of the scents that have shaped, enveloped and become engrained in her journey.
The following chapters detail how Annie has created her personalised aromatherapy treatments. Written in the post COVID era Annie looks at the effect loneliness and isolation have on both physical and mental health. Her research is thorough and gives a stark reality of a world post pandemic and the resulting mental health issues it has created. The use of aromatherapy and its benefits that can be gained in working with the whole body bring the first chapter to a close.
Annie then goes on to explore the importance of conversation and connection where she draws on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to illustrate the power of interaction between people and the effect it has on health and well-being of families, friends and community.
The following chapters begin to explore the personalised consultation and its importance in building a therapeutic relationship. A sample of a CARE measure report is included within Chapter 3. Annie then goes on to explore this in greater detail bringing in the four aspects of an aromatherapy massage treatment along with the power of intent. Annie details how she draws the four aspects together within her treatment giving examples, insights and sharing her client information form.
Within Chapter 6 she explores the plants, their evolution and how aromatherapists have detailed their therapeutic properties. She gives insights into the 25 essential oils, describing their properties and uses. Research referencing is also included to substantiate her therapeutic uses. Case studies are included to illustrate both the method of treatment and the effectiveness of using essential oils in a personalised aromatherapy treatment.
The conclusion draws the book to a close with a wonderful quote:
“We have been tribeless and disconnected for so long now
It is time for us all to come home.”
(Johann Hari)
There is an extensive appendix giving more detailed information about essential oils, safe usage and application methods which would be invaluable for any student starting out in aromatherapy or a practitioner from a different holistic discipline wishing to gain an understanding of aromatherapy treatments.
Singing Dragon, 21/03/2025. Paperback, 160 pages.