Grateful Aromatics

11/23/2025

Sage 🌿 (Salvia officinals): The Herb of Thanksgiving...
Ever wonder why we put sage in stuffing? 🦃
Today we understand that sage is an antibacterial herb. Our ancestors also knew that to ensure food safety, it was best to add an abundance of sage to the stuffing or 'belly pudding' and rub the bird inside and out with salt before filling the cavity (where we know today bacteria is most likely to form). Scientific studies can now help us understand why many of our 'classic flavor combinations', demonstrate that our ancestors knew a great deal about preserving food, food quality and health - leading to the old adage that 'The cook is half a physician'.
Sage is also synonymous with wisdom. In fact, it might be said that many an 'old sage' gained her wisdom from the use of sage. "As far back as 1597, herbalist John Gerard wrote that sage was 'singularly good for the head and brain and quickeneth the nerves and memory.' Half a century later, Nicholas Culpeper, claimed the herb 'heals the memory, warming and quickening the senses".
The Latin name for Sage is Salvia which translates to "Life"...so add some life to your holiday foods this season with Salvia officinalis or our common perennial garden sage!
*I also love to make cornmeal, apricot, sage cookies (recipe in comments) and a pot of sage tea to ring in the beginning of the cold season. What is your favorite way to use sage?
Happy Thanksgiving week from The Heirloom Gardener - John Forti

Sage Woodcut with handwritten notes- Leonhart Fuchs Herbal 1501–1566

11/08/2025

Is the Herbal Remedies book you’re reading on Amazon real or an AI-generated fake? Discover the concerning impact of AI on herbal remedy books published on Amazon in 2025.

11/01/2025

You don’t have to earn rest or joy. Life isn’t meant to be lived on autopilot. Step outside, touch the soil, breathe in the light, and remember, you’re human, not a machine.

Artwork by Loré Pemberton ( on instagram) Show some love to this artist by following them and visiting their print shop 🩷

10/23/2025

10/04/2025

You won't want to miss this year's NAHA Gala! 💜

October 24 from 7 - 11pm ET

Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel

NAHA Gala Banquet, awards ceremony, AGM, and dance party. 💫

Keynote presenter: Sylla Sheppard-Hanger. 🤩

"Sylla Sheppard-Hanger is the Founder and Director of the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy in Tampa, Florida. She brings over forty years of experience and personal research into the practice of aromatherapy and essential oils. Sylla is the author of The Aromatherapy Practitioner Correspondence Course and The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, the latter of which is a complete reference book with over 350 aromatic plant extracts and phytochemical, clinical and botanical indexes. She also wrote and published the Aromatic Mind and Aromatic Spa books. Since 1996, Sylla was involved with an on-going research project called Psychosocial Aromatherapy Research Project (PARP) with Dr. Trevor Stokes from the University of South Florida. She formed the non- profit organization United Aromatherapy Effort which helped out after September 11th tragedy and other natural disasters. Sylla set up and maintained the Injury Reports database since 2014. She is currently a Board member for the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC). She continues her private aromatherapy practice in Tampa, Florida, where she resides with her two cats."

We can’t wait to see you there! Purchase your Gala pass here: https://naha.org/store/entry/beyond-aromatics-2025-gala-banquet-pass

09/14/2025

With contributions from experts and thought leaders, the International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy (IJPHA) seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how aromatherapy can enhance physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It also aims to serve as a central hub for collaboration, bringing together professionals from diverse disciplines to share knowledge and insights that contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the field.

09/05/2025

09/02/2025

Ready to dive deep into the transformational power of the menopause journey? There is still time to join the next cohort of the Alechemy of Menopause course with me and Cathy Skipper. We start next week.
Link in the comments.

09/01/2025

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a popular essential oil distilled from the herb's flowering tops. It's widely used in aromatherapy, natural remedies, and skincare. Some of Clary Sage's benefits are:

- Hormonal Balance (Especially in Women)
Clary sage has antispasmodic properties that may help reduce cramps and uterine spasms. It may help alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances.

- Anti-depressant
Its soothing effects may also help alleviate symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression.

-Pain Relief
Clary sage helps with menstrual discomfort and labor pain, making it a popular natural remedy for dysmenorrhea and childbirth support.

- Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Clary sage has a calming, uplifting scent that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

- Skin Health
It is anti-inflammatory which is useful for soothing irritated or inflamed skin.
Its antibacterial properties can help manage acne and other skin infections.
May regulate oil production, which is helpful for both dry and oily skin types.

Research sponsored by NAHA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0GDgv873xA
In partnership with Nutraceuticals Research Institute (formerly Franklin Health): An evidence-based guidance study for the use of clary sage during pregnancy. The NRI team tackled this complex issue through a prospective randomized controlled
clinical trial.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This informational post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

08/23/2025

You DO NOT need to be a certified aromatherapist to use essential oils. However, because EOs are extremely concentrated substances that, in most instances, should not be used in their undiluted state, you should absolutely have a basic knowledge about them and how to use them safely and effectively.

Also, because there is so much misinformation out there, you should absolutely get your education about them from qualified aromatherapy professionals that have hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of education devoted to the study of aromatherapy and essential oils.

After that, you just may decide that you want to know all the things and study to become an aromatherapist anyway. 😉

Did you know there are several professional aromatherapy associations worldwide where you can find a qualified aromatherapy professional that is local to you, or that fits your needs?

Aromatherapy Associations/Organizations

USA
Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) https://www.aromatherapycouncil.org
Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) https://naha.org/

Australia
International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IAAMA) https://www.iaama.org.au/

Canada
Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (CFA) http://cfacanada.com/
Canadian Alliance Of Aromatherapy (CAOA) https://caoa.wildapricot.org/

United Kingdom
International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) http://www.ifaroma.org/
International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) www.ifparoma.org

Learn more at the link below:

https://aromaticelements.com/what-is-aromatherapy/

08/05/2025

May Andrea’s memory be eternal. Such a sad loss to our aromatherapy community 💕🌸

🌿 Remembering Andrea Butje (1963–2025) 🌿

The aromatherapy world has lost a beloved pioneer, teacher, and advocate. Andrea Butje’s passing is a profound loss—and yet her legacy continues to bloom in every part of our community.

Andrea dedicated her life to making aromatherapy safe, accessible, and deeply meaningful. As founder of Aromahead Institute, she helped shape one of the first online aromatherapy schools—bringing evidence-based, heart-centered education to students all over the world.

She was also the force behind Aromatics International, a company born out of her commitment to purity, sustainability, and transparency in essential oil sourcing—setting standards in quality long before it became common practice.

Andrea believed that essential oils weren’t just tools. They were allies for wellness, connection, and healing. Through her bestselling book The Heart of Aromatherapy, hundreds of recipes, and decades of mentorship, she helped demystify aromatherapy for beginners while honoring its depth for professionals.

In 2013, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists—a reflection of the respect and love she earned across generations of practitioners.

But more than her achievements, Andrea will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of nature and community.

She changed lives, not just with oils, but with presence. 💛
Rest well, Andrea. Your light lives on in every student, every bottle, every blend made with care.

08/01/2025

Because of their popularity, over that last several years many stores jumped onto the essential oil bandwagon. Guys if you want essential oils, there are many reputable companies with pure, quality oils and regardless of what it says on the package, these are not them. With the rare exception, please do not buy from DG, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Let me know if you need help with good options.

You can also check out my article for more information on what to look for.

https://aromaticelements.com/what-to-look-for-when-buying-essential-oils/