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

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

Stephen Johnson, founder of Fair Source Botanicals, shares his journey into working with aromatics and his focus on frankincense and myrrh. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in the supply chain and the need to respect the communities involved. 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. 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. 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. keywordsaromatics, frankincense, myrrh, transparency, supply chain, conservation, sustainability, ethical sourcing, transparency, botanical industry, Palo Santo, sustainability, traceability, accountability, collaboration, systemic change takeaways * Transparency is crucial in the aromatics supply chain to drive accountability and address challenges. * Conservation efforts are needed to protect frankincense and myrrh trees and ensure their sustainable harvesting. * The myrrh trade often receives less attention, but it faces similar pressures as frankincense. * Different botanicals require unique approaches to sustainability and conservation. * 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. * Traceability and accountability are crucial in ensuring the ethical sourcing of botanicals. * Collaboration and pre-competitive collaboration can drive systemic change in the industry. * The professional aromatherapy community has the potential to be leaders in promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the essential oil industry. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:23The Importance of Transparency in the Aromatics Supply Chain 06:29Conservation Efforts for Frankincense and Myrrh 11:05The Overlooked Myrrh Trade 17:02Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in the Botanical Industry 25:45Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Sources in the Aromatics Industry 30:56Ethical Sourcing and Transparency 36:40Due Diligence in Sourcing 41:40Creating Awareness and Demand for Better Sourcing 49:51The Role of the Professional Aromatherapy Community Links https://www.fairsourcebotanicals.com/ [https://www.fairsourcebotanicals.com/] instagram.com/floboincense [https://www.instagram.com/floboincense/] https://www.instagram.com/incenseexplorer/ [https://www.instagram.com/incenseexplorer/]

Exploring the Fragrant Forest with Bonnie Kerr

Summary 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. She discusses how these experiences shaped her connection with nature and her approach to creating incense. 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. 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. 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. Takeaways * Bonnie's journey with aromatics began in her childhood, where she developed a deep connection with nature. * She creates incense that is heated rather than burned, using whole botanicals to capture the full aromatic profile of the plants. * 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. * 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. * Working with natural aromatics provides a deeper and more meaningful experience than synthetic fragrances. * Resins, mushrooms, and lichens are unique and powerful ingredients for incense blends. * Understanding the energy and properties of plants enhances the experience of working with them. Sound Bites * "I was living in the rainforest off grid. You didn't really need one there, just like a screened-in room." * "I view the fragrance as the voices of plants." * "I specialize in incense that you heat, as opposed to burning it. So there's no smoke." * "Burning incense connects you with the non-physical world." * "Working with natural aromatics is so much more than just a smell." * "Mushrooms are a big part of the forest sensecape." Links https://espritdelanature.ca/ [https://espritdelanature.ca/] instagram.com/espritdelanature [https://instagram.com/espritdelanature] instagram.com/incenseexplorer [http://instagram.com/incenseexplorer] instagram.com/floboincense [https://instagram.com/floboincense] incenseexplorer.com [https://incenseexplorer.com] Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:31Living in Different Environments 10:06Creating Scentscapes with Whole Botanicals 13:08Heating Incense and Avoiding Smoke 21:19Exploring Myrrh and Frankincense in Ancient Cultures 32:03The Power of Aromatics and Connecting with Nature 33:11Natural Aromatics vs. Synthetic Fragrances 36:25Exploring Resins, Mushrooms, and Lichens in Incense 48:23Understanding the Energy and Properties of Plants Keywords aromatics, incense, nature, fragrance, plants, Hawaii, forest, essential oils, myrrh, frankincense, aromatics, incense, nature, ancestors, synthetic fragrances, resins, mushrooms, lichens, energy, properties

For the Love of Frankincense with Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo

Summary Anjanette discusses her background and how she became interested in frankincense. She talks about her work as an environmental activist and her transition into working with companies on corporate social responsibility. Anjanette explains why she chose to focus on Somalia and Somaliland and the challenges and issues in the region's frankincense supply chain. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, traceability, and sustainability in the industry. Anjanette also discusses the impact of the essential oil industry on the demand for frankincense and the need for consumer awareness and regulation to improve ethical practices. The conversation explores the passion and love that communities have for protecting frankincense trees, as well as the challenges they face due to climate change and deforestation. It highlights the vulnerability of these communities to outside companies taking advantage of their situation. The discussion also touches on the issue of greenwashing in the wellness industry and the need for more transparency and ethical practices. The conversation concludes with a focus on the work of Save Frankincense, which aims to create a traceable and ethical supply chain through the use of blockchain technology. Takeaways * Anjanette's love for trees and her background in environmental sciences led her to become interested in frankincense. * She transitioned from being an environmental activist to working with companies on corporate social responsibility. * Anjanette chose to focus on Somalia and Somaliland due to the overlooked African contribution to the frankincense supply chain and the endemic species that grow in the region. * The frankincense supply chain faces challenges such as lack of transparency, traceability, and sustainability. * The essential oil industry has increased the demand for frankincense, leading to overtapping and social disruption in communities. * Improving ethical practices in the frankincense supply chain requires a combination of consumer awareness, regulation, and certifications. Communities have a deep passion and love for protecting frankincense trees, which are a cultural heritage for them. * Climate change and deforestation have disrupted the traditional lifestyles of these communities and made them more vulnerable. * The wellness industry is plagued by greenwashing, and there is a need for more transparency and ethical practices. * Save Frankincense is working on creating a traceable and ethical supply chain for frankincense through the use of blockchain technology. Sound Bites * "I developed a very strong love of trees." * "I was hooked. The gentlemen were talking to me about frankincense trees." * "There's so much frankincense in here. That's pretty much all you smell once you come into my office." * "They absolutely have tons of passion to protect frankincense. They love their trees. They're such a cultural heritage that they own in their hearts for frankincense." * "The global community is pretty tired of being lied to. Greenwashing is a serious problem." * "Everything is traceable unless you don't want it to be. It's really a matter of will." Links Save Frankincense [https://www.savefrankincense.org/] VICE NEWS - Inside the Wellness Industry's Controversial Supply Chains [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wEJvx_L0Ok] instagram.com/incenseexplorer [http://instagram.com/incenseexplorer] Incense Explorer [https://www.incenseexplorer.com/] Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:18Becoming Interested in Frankincense 06:02The Overwhelming Scent of Frankincense 09:20Transparency and Consumer Awareness 12:41The Importance of Traceability and Sustainability 27:17Passion and Love for Protecting Frankincense 29:34Challenges Faced by Communities 32:24Greenwashing in the Wellness Industry 45:12Creating a Traceable and Ethical Supply Chain

9.Sustainable Aromatics: Redefining Incense

In this episode of the Incense Explorer Podcast, host Alyssa Severeid takes you on a journey through the world of aromatic wonders. Join us as we dive into the realm of incense, explore sustainability, and learn about a new line of botanical incense with a mission to change the industry for the better. Stay tuned for valuable insights, a call to action, and a commitment to transparency and ethical practices! Episode Highlights: * Updates on Season Two, which will return later in the fall, likely in November * Alyssa introduces her new line of sustainably sourced plant-based aromatic incense * Discussion on the two main types of incense available in the market: synthetic and natural * Concerns about the environmental impact and sustainability of aromatic plant materials * The motivation behind launching Flora Botanical Incense: promoting sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices * The importance of being informed consumers and demanding ethical products And so much more! Connect with Incense Explorer Host: Instagram: @incenseexplorer [https://www.instagram.com/incenseexplorer/] and @floboincese [https://www.instagram.com/floboincense/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-severeid-16535a7/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-severeid-16535a7/] Website: incenseexplorer.com [https://www.incenseexplorer.com/] and floraincense.com

8. Memoir in a Perfume Bottle: A Journey into Japanese Incense with Maria McElroy

In this episode, we are joined by Maria McElroy, and she is just an utter delight. Maria has synthesized her love of blending colors and textures with her passion for scent. After receiving an MFA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, Maria continued her studies in Australia, becoming a certified aromatherapist. Later, she went on to live in Japan for seven years, where she studied Kodo (Japanese incense ceremony) and Japanese flower arrangement, along with other traditional Japanese arts. Maria shares her journey into the world of perfumery, inspired by her experiences with the rarefied incense ceremony called Kodo in Japan. She explains how Kodo is known to the tea ceremony, focusing on using olfactory senses to transport oneself into the moment. She emphasizes the importance of fragrance as a personal and intimate experience, and how her perfumes are designed to be delicate, sophisticated, and close to the wearer, creating a unique connection. Episode Highlights: * Maria's love for blending colors and textures with her passion for scent. * Her journey from MFA in painting to becoming a certified aromatherapist. * Living in Japan for seven years, studying Kodo and Japanese flower arrangement. * Launching her fragrance line, Aroma M, inspired by Japanese culture and incense. * Discussion on Kodo and its similarities to tea ceremonies. * The art of listening to fragrance and its significance in Kodo. * Maria's experiences in traditional incense games and poetry. * How her Kodo experiences influenced her approach to perfumery. * Maria's preference for delicate and sophisticated fragrances in her line. * The relevance of incense in Japanese daily life and rituals. * Suggestions for experiencing incense culture in Japan. * Maria's favorite types of incense and their use in her life. And so much more! Stay Connected with Maria: Instagram: @mariaamcelroy [https://www.instagram.com/mariaamcelroy/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamcelroy/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamcelroy/] Website: http://www.aromam.com/ Connect with Incense Explorer Host: Instagram: @incenseexplorer [https://www.instagram.com/incenseexplorer/] and @floboincense [https://www.instagram.com/floboincense/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-severeid-16535a7/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-severeid-16535a7/] Website: incenseexplorer.com [https://www.incenseexplorer.com/]