Incense Explorer: A Deep Dive into Incense History, Culture, Ritual and Lore

September 11, 2024

The World Makes Scents with Dave and Smey Schultz

August 28, 2024

Frankincense and the Importance of Traceability in the Supply Chain with Stephen Johnson

<div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Stephen Johnson, founder of Fair Source Botanicals, shares his journey into working with aromatics and his focus on frankincense and myrrh. </span><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">He emphasizes the importance of transparency in the supply chain and the need to respect the communities involved.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Johnson discusses the challenges and opportunities in the frankincense and myrrh trade, as well as the need for conservation efforts. He also mentions other botanicals, such as rosewood and palm, and the importance of sustainable practices in the industry as a whole.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> In this conversation, Stephen Johnson and Alyssa discuss the importance of ethical sourcing and transparency in the botanical industry. They highlight the need for consumers to have access to information about the sustainability and ethical practices of the products they purchase. They specifically discuss the case of Palo Santo, a tree that is wild harvested in Peru and Ecuador. While the species as a whole is not threatened, the harvesting practices in certain regions can be problematic.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> They emphasize the importance of traceability and accountability in the supply chain to ensure the ethical sourcing of botanicals. They also discuss the role of collaboration and pre-competitive collaboration in driving systemic change in the industry.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> keywords</span><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">aromatics, frankincense, myrrh, transparency, supply chain, conservation, sustainability, ethical sourcing, transparency, botanical industry, Palo Santo, sustainability, traceability, accountability, collaboration, systemic change</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> takeaways</span> <ul class="css-h4c1sf"> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Transparency is crucial in the aromatics supply chain to drive accountability and address challenges.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Conservation efforts are needed to protect frankincense and myrrh trees and ensure their sustainable harvesting.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> The myrrh trade often receives less attention, but it faces similar pressures as frankincense.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Different botanicals require unique approaches to sustainability and conservation.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Supporting ethical and sustainable sources is key to promoting positive change in the industry. Consumers should have access to information about the sustainability and ethical practices of the products they purchase.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Traceability and accountability are crucial in ensuring the ethical sourcing of botanicals.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Collaboration and pre-competitive collaboration can drive systemic change in the industry.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> The professional aromatherapy community has the potential to be leaders in promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the essential oil industry.</span></li> </ul> </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-y6p5k6 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> Chapters</span> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">00:00</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Introduction and Background</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">03:23</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">The Importance of Transparency in the Aromatics Supply Chain</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">06:29</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Conservation Efforts for Frankincense and Myrrh</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">11:05</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">The Overlooked Myrrh Trade</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">17:02</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in the Botanical Industry</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">25:45</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Sources in the Aromatics Industry</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">30:56</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Ethical Sourcing and Transparency</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">36:40</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Due Diligence in Sourcing</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">41:40</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Creating Awareness and Demand for Better Sourcing</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">49:51</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">The Role of the Professional Aromatherapy Community</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"> </div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Links</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> <a href= "https://www.fairsourcebotanicals.com/">https://www.fairsourcebotanicals.com/</a></span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/floboincense/"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> instagram.com/floboincense</span></a></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/incenseexplorer/">https://www.instagram.com/incenseexplorer/</a></span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"> </div> </div>

July 17, 2024

Exploring the Fragrant Forest with Bonnie Kerr

<div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> Summary</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Bonnie shares her background and journey with aromatics, from her childhood experiences in nature to living in different environments like New York City, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> She discusses how these experiences shaped her connection with nature and her approach to creating incense.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Bonnie emphasizes the importance of using whole botanicals in her incense-making process and the unique scentscapes she creates. She also explores the history and uses of aromatic plants like myrrh and frankincense in ancient cultures.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> In this conversation, Alyssa and Bonnie discuss the power of aromatics and the importance of connecting with nature through scent. They explore the significance of burning incense and how it can connect us with our ancestors and the non-physical world. They also discuss the difference between natural aromatics and synthetic fragrances, highlighting the depth and meaning that comes from working with natural plants.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Bonnie shares her love for working with resins, mushrooms, and lichens, and how they contribute to her incense blends. They also touch on the importance of understanding the energy and properties of plants when working with them.</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> Takeaways</span> <ul class="css-h4c1sf"> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Bonnie's journey with aromatics began in her childhood, where she developed a deep connection with nature.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> She creates incense that is heated rather than burned, using whole botanicals to capture the full aromatic profile of the plants.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Bonnie's incense-making process is inspired by her experiences in different environments, such as the forests of Hawaii and the boreal forest in Canada.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> She explores the history and uses of aromatic plants like myrrh and frankincense in ancient cultures, highlighting their significance in women's medicine and spiritual practices. Burning incense can connect us with our ancestors and the non-physical world.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Working with natural aromatics provides a deeper and more meaningful experience than synthetic fragrances.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Resins, mushrooms, and lichens are unique and powerful ingredients for incense blends.</span></li> <li><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Understanding the energy and properties of plants enhances the experience of working with them.</span></li> </ul> </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> Sound Bites</span> <ul class="css-10imjuv"> <li class="css-155za0w"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> "I was living in the rainforest off grid. You didn't really need one there, just like a screened-in room."</span></li> <li class="css-155za0w"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> "I view the fragrance as the voices of plants."</span></li> <li class="css-155za0w"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> "I specialize in incense that you heat, as opposed to burning it. So there's no smoke."</span></li> <li class="css-155za0w"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> "Burning incense connects you with the non-physical world."</span></li> <li class="css-155za0w"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> "Working with natural aromatics is so much more than just a smell."</span></li> <li class="css-155za0w"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> "Mushrooms are a big part of the forest sensecape."</span></li> </ul> <p><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> Links</span></p> <p><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> <a href= "https://espritdelanature.ca/">https://espritdelanature.ca/</a><br /> </span><a href= "https://instagram.com/espritdelanature"><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">instagram.com/espritdelanature</span></a></p> <p><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> <a href="http://instagram.com/incenseexplorer" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">instagram.com/incenseexplorer</a><br /> <a href= "https://instagram.com/floboincense">instagram.com/floboincense</a><br /> <a href= "https://incenseexplorer.com">incenseexplorer.com</a></span></p> </div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-y6p5k6 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> Chapters</span> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"> </div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">00:00</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Introduction and Background</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">02:31</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Living in Different Environments</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">10:06</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Creating Scentscapes with Whole Botanicals</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">13:08</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Heating Incense and Avoiding Smoke</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">21:19</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Exploring Myrrh and Frankincense in Ancient Cultures</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">32:03</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">The Power of Aromatics and Connecting with Nature</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">33:11</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Natural Aromatics vs. Synthetic Fragrances</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">36:25</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Exploring Resins, Mushrooms, and Lichens in Incense</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"><span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-helper css-v8n4dg e1de0imv0">48:23</span><span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0">Understanding the Energy and Properties of Plants</span></div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"> </div> <div class="MuiBox-root css-4cps79 e1de0imv0"> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-headingXSmall css-1mp1p0p e1de0imv0"> Keywords</span></div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0">  </div> <div class="notesWrapper MuiBox-root css-1hgpvub e1de0imv0"> <span class= "MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-1lit4es e1de0imv0"> aromatics, incense, nature, fragrance, plants, Hawaii, forest, essential oils, myrrh, frankincense, aromatics, incense, nature, ancestors, synthetic fragrances, resins, mushrooms, lichens, energy, properties</span></div> </div> </div>