Earths Own Essential Oils

08/12/2025

The exciting world of plants

08/08/2025

I am truly grateful to have learned from Andrea Butje! My dedication to this profession was because of her. A bright light in the world.

A Legacy of Love: Andrea's Friendships with Farmers & Distillers

Andrea believed that the story of an essential oil didn’t begin in a bottle. It began in the soil, in the hands of those who tended the plants, harvested with care, and distilled with heart.

She traveled the world in search of the most beautiful oils and carriers, eager to meet the people behind them. From the lavender fields of France and Bulgaria, to the resin harvesters of Somaliland, Andrea built lasting relationships with small-scale farmers, distillers, and producers who shared her values of sustainability, integrity, and deep respect for the plants. A few more of her travels include Greece, Italy, South Africa, Morocco, Croatia, and Seychelles.

The people she met were professional connections and true friendships. Andrea championed their work, brought visibility to their challenges, and helped create opportunities by connecting them to a wider network. She spoke often about the importance of supporting small producers for purity and transparency, and to honor the human hands and stories behind every drop.

08/04/2025

I learned so much from this wonderful human being! Words cannot express how saddened I am, nor the loss to the Aromatherapy Community. You meant so much to so many. Rest in Heaven Andrea Butje! My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved her.

Honoring Andrea Butje: A Life of Love, Purpose, and Plant Wisdom

Dear Aromahead Community,

It is with full hearts that we honor the life of Andrea Butje, teacher, visionary, pioneer, and beloved founder of Aromahead Institute.

Andrea passed peacefully in her home after a brave journey, surrounded by love. Her legacy, however, is anything but quiet. It is bold, beautiful, and far-reaching.

Andrea was a force of nature. She never did anything casually. She poured her whole heart into every corner of her life. One year, she and her beloved partner Cindy decided to plant lilies around their home in upstate New York. Most would plant a few. Andrea planted hundreds. That was her way. Wholehearted. Devoted. Vibrant.

The same was true of her work with essential oils. She didn’t just learn about them. She transformed the standards of the entire field. She championed transparency in sourcing, insisting on GC/MS reports long before it was common. She advocated fiercely for sustainability and purity. She supported distillers who cared for the land and the plants as much as she did.

Andrea traveled the world to learn, to teach, and to connect. She created curriculum that empowered millions. Her voice shaped a generation of aromatherapists and will continue to shape many more to come. Her passion for teaching was unmatched. She could take the science of essential oils and make it feel personal, accessible, and alive.

But it wasn’t just the way she worked. It was the way she loved.

Andrea truly saw people. She gave her time, her presence, her encouragement. She was intuitive and spiritual, always curious about the world. She was grounded and radiant, a woman who loved to cook, to write, to laugh, and to explore. The beach and the high desert were two of her favorite places.

Most of all, she loved Cindy. In her book The Heart of Aromatherapy, she dedicated it simply and beautifully:

"For my Cindy, In this vast universe, you are my home. I love and adore you."

Andrea’s legacy lives on in every blend we make, every oil we choose with care, and every student who finds confidence and healing through this work. She changed the landscape of aromatherapy, and she changed lives.

She changed our lives.

As we process this loss together, we invite you to light a candle, diffuse your favorite essential oil, and take a moment to feel Andrea’s presence. She is in the beauty of the plants, in the intention of the work, and in the hearts of all of us who carry her spirit forward.

If you would like to join us in honoring Andrea, we invite you to share a memory, a story, or something you loved about her in this post.

In place of flowers, a donation fund will be set up in honor of Andrea. Contributions will go toward supporting causes close to the hearts of both Andrea and Cindy. Details will follow in the next couple of weeks.

Thank you for being part of this community that Andrea loved so deeply.

With love and deep gratitude,
Karen and Jenny, and the entire Aromahead team

05/17/2025

The Aromatherapy world has lost a great human being and expert in the field.

Honoring Jonathan Benavides – A Trailblazer in Integrative Healing

In the ever-evolving world of integrative healthcare, few have left as profound an impact as Jonathan Benavides. With nearly four decades of experience as a psychologist specializing in communication and sensory therapies, Jonathan's journey is a testament to the transformative power of combining science, compassion, and innovation.

Jonathan's dedication to the art and science of aromatherapy began in 2002 when he sought to bridge the gap between conventional therapies and sensory experiences. His pioneering work with autistic children laid the foundation for a remarkable career in clinical aromatherapy, which he later deepened through advanced studies in the United Kingdom. This unique blend of psychology and aromatherapy allowed him to craft therapeutic approaches that touch both the mind and spirit.

From his early designs like “Into the Tunnel” for autistic children (1987) to his groundbreaking work in Emotional Palliative Care with “Aromatic Sentinel” (2013-2020), Jonathan has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in therapeutic practice. His creations, including “Bio-gymnastics” (1989), “Into the Light” (2011), and “Loving Yourself Again” (2022), reflect his unwavering commitment to holistic healing.

As a respected HEARTS (UK) Teacher, Aromatic Sentinel Creator, Reiki Usui Master, Coach, Counsellor, Author, International Speaker, Trainer, and Lecturer, Jonathan’s influence spans continents. His teachings have not only enriched the lives of those he directly touches but have also inspired a new generation of practitioners dedicated to compassionate, integrative care.

His book, “Rest on Me, Breathe – Emotional Palliative Care”, now available in multiple languages, is a heartfelt testament to his life's work and his mission to bring comfort and peace to those in their most vulnerable moments.

Jonathan’s legacy is one of profound compassion, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to the art of healing. For those who have had the privilege of learning from him, his work will continue to light the path for years to come.

Thank you, Jonathan, for your tireless commitment to the well-being of others and for reminding us that true healing lies in the delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit.

04/28/2025

Worth watching.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AXmzsSVoH/

04/05/2025

03/07/2025

Ready to start your wellness journey? Visit our website at https://earthsownessentials.com/, for therapeutic quality essential oils, custom blends, and more!

03/05/2025

At Earth's Own Essentials, we're certified aromatherapists committed to helping you manage health conditions naturally. We create custom blends for pain, respiratory, and neurological conditions. Trust our decade of expertise for your wellness journey!

02/27/2025

Moms, we know you handle a lot! Our specially crafted blends support your unique needs, from relaxation to energy boosts. Find your perfect match with Earth's Own Essentials. Learn about our blog updates and specialized workshops at https://earthsownessentials.com/.

02/25/2025

Our journey began over a decade ago, driven by the passion to bring natural wellness solutions to everyone. We support health with natural remedies for dermatological and mental health needs. From our beginning to now, we’re proud of our growth and the lives we’ve touched.

02/19/2025

Our Body Butter is enriched with natural ingredients to hydrate and nourish your skin. Perfect for the dry months! Give your skin the love it deserves. Explore our therapeutic quality essential oils and natural wellness products on our website at https://earthsownessentials.com/.