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Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Northern Prairie Aromatherapy, 120 NW Broadway, McIntosh, MN (2026)

09/06/2026

Sometimes, rest is the work.

Today's Copper Compass is a little more personal.

The waning crescent is a time of diminishing light, release, and making room. Lately, my own body has been teaching me something about that rather insistently.

This one is about being the helper when suddenly you need help yourself, about learning to measure a day differently, about Vetiver, and about allowing the light to go without demanding it shine harder.

The Waning Crescent Moon: The Necessary Emptying.
https://www.npaoils.com/post/waning-crescent-moon-necessary-emptying

09/02/2026

Something is changing.

You can feel it in the cooler mornings. See it in the fields beginning to bronze. Notice it in the evenings that arrive just a little sooner.
Summer hasn't quite released us and autumn hasn't completely arrived.
We're standing in the doorway.

A new entry of The Copper Compass arrives at 9:00 AM
The Season Between
When the Earth Begins to Turn Inward

08/23/2026

SOMETHING NEW IS BREWING AT NORTHERN PRAIRIE

If things have seemed a little quiet around here lately, there’s a reason.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been working on a big evolution for Northern Prairie—and it’s finally starting to come together.

Northern Prairie Aromatherapy is becoming Northern Prairie Botanicals.

Aromatherapy will always be part of what I do. Essential oils are where so much of this began, and they aren’t going anywhere.

But Northern Prairie has grown.

Beyond essential oils, my shelves are filling with herbs, botanical oils, handcrafted body products, hair rituals, teas, apothecary preparations and a whole lot of plant-based experimenting.

And the name needed to grow with it.

Along with the rebrand comes a completely redesigned website that better reflects what Northern Prairie has become—and where it’s headed.

And then there are the NEW PRODUCTS. 👀

I’ve been formulating, testing, tweaking, labeling and occasionally turning my workspace into something that looks like a small botanical explosion.

Coming soon:

New botanical hair and scalp rituals
New essential oil blends and rollers
Herbal and apothecary preparations
Magnesium body products
Bath + body creations
Teas and seasonal offerings
And a few things I’m not revealing quite yet…

You’ll also see more of The Copper Compass—where we’ll dig deeper into the plants, oils, old traditions, seasonal rhythms and the actual why behind what I make.

Northern Prairie is still rooted in the same philosophy it has always had:

Plants first. Thoughtful formulation. No unnecessary bu****it.

Just a much bigger apothecary.

The new website and products are coming soon.

And I cannot WAIT to show you what I’ve been working on.

Welcome to Northern Prairie Botanicals.

06/17/2026

A gentle reminder from a practicing aromatherapist:

Just because a recipe is popular on social media doesn’t mean it’s safe, effective, or compliant with regulations.

A few things I see far too often:

• Essential oil blends being promoted with drug or disease-treatment claims. In the U.S., once you claim a product treats, prevents, or cures a disease, it may fall under FDA drug regulations.

• “Bug repellent” claims without understanding the regulatory requirements. Words matter. Marketing language can have legal implications.

• Essential oils being mixed with water, witch hazel, vinegar or aloe alone and marketed as body sprays, rollers, or topical products. Essential oils are not water-soluble and require appropriate formulation techniques. Anything anhydrous needs a preservative. Otherwise bacteria and mold will grow and you won’t see it.

• Topical recipes containing little to no lipid carrier. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts and should generally be diluted in a suitable carrier oil, butter, or other properly formulated base before skin application.

• Recipes being copied and shared without consideration of dermal limits, sensitization risks, phototoxicity, contraindications, or user safety.

Natural does not automatically mean safe, and popular does not automatically mean correct.

As professionals and makers, we have a responsibility to formulate safely, understand the regulations that apply to our products, and educate our customers with accuracy and integrity.

Please do your research before making claims or sharing recipes. Our industry is only as credible as the standards uphold.

“Not every recipe that goes viral deserves to be replicated.”

Formulation before claims, safety before sales.

06/09/2026

My trademark application for Northern Prairie Aromatherapy has been approved!!! Whoop whoop!!!

05/25/2026

Lavender essential oil—most commonly distilled from Lavandula angustifolia—is one of the most widely used and versatile essential oils in aromatherapy, skincare, and natural wellness formulations. It’s beloved for its calming aroma, skin-soothing properties, and broad safety profile when used properly.
Botanical Profile
Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia
Plant family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Extraction: Steam distillation (from flowering tops)
Origin regions: France (especially Provence), Bulgaria, England, and Australia
Aroma: Soft, floral, herbaceous, slightly sweet
Benefits & Uses
1. Emotional & Nervous System Support
Lavender is best known for calming the mind.
Supports restful sleep
Helps soften feelings of tension or overwhelm
Often used in:
Diffusers
Pillow mists
Bath rituals
2. Skin Care & Topical Use
A staple in natural skincare:
Helps soothe dry or irritated skin
Supports the appearance of balanced, healthy skin
Often used for minor skin discomforts (like after sun exposure)
Works beautifully in: facial oils, body oils, salves and balms
3. Mild Cleansing Properties
Naturally antimicrobial
Useful in DIY cleansers, toners, and scalp oils
4. Muscle & Body Care
Common in massage blends
Supports a relaxed, comforted body feel after physical exertion
Formulation Pairings:
Lavender blends beautifully with:
Floral oils: Rose, Geranium, Ylang Ylang
Citrus oils: Bergamot, Lemon, Tangerine
Herbal oils: Rosemary, Clary Sage
Resinous oils: Frankincense
Safety & Usage
Generally considered one of the safest essential oils
Topical dilution: ~1–2% for leave-on products
Avoid contact with eyes
Patch test for sensitive skin
Use caution with pets (especially cats in diffused spaces)
Energetics:
Lavender is often associated with:
Peace & emotional reset
Gentle protection
Quieting the mind for reflection
It’s a beautiful anchor for blends meant to feel like:
soft exhale… a return to self

05/23/2026

Jojoba Oil Golden Organic

Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), this golden, cold-pressed oil is a staple in botanical skincare for its smooth, lightweight feel.

Unlike traditional oils, jojoba is a liquid wax ester—known for its ability to absorb easily and leave skin feeling soft, balanced, and nourished without a heavy residue.

Commonly used to:
• Add lightweight moisture to skin
• Soften and smooth the appearance of dry areas
• Enhance shine and manageability in hair
• Serve as a carrier for essential oils

With its naturally long shelf life and gentle profile, jojoba oil is a versatile addition to both skincare and haircare formulations.

Simple. Stable. Timeless.

05/18/2026

Cistus Essential Oil

The resinous guardian of stillness, skin, and sacred grounding.
Wild. Resinous. Ancient.
Cistus essential oil carries the scent of sun-warmed earth and quiet resilience. Often called Rockrose, this Mediterranean botanical is treasured for grounding rituals, restorative skincare, and moments that call for stillness and strength.

Also known as Rockrose, Cistus essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of Cistus ladanifer, a rugged flowering shrub native to the dry hillsides of the Mediterranean. Despite its delicate white blooms, this plant is remarkably resilient — thriving in poor soil, intense sun, and harsh conditions.

That energy carries into the oil itself: grounding, protective, restorative, and deeply centering.

Aroma Profile

Cistus has a rich, warm, amber-like aroma with notes that are:

Resinous
Earthy
Slightly leathery
Honeyed
Smoky-sweet
Deeply meditative

It’s often used in luxury perfumery as a fixative because it anchors lighter oils beautifully and adds depth and mystery to blends.

Traditional & Aromatic Uses
Cistus is prized in aromatherapy for its emotionally grounding presence and skin-supportive qualities.

Often associated with:
Emotional steadiness during stress or overwhelm
Meditation and spiritual rituals
Reflection, stillness, and inner resilience
Mature or dry skincare blends
Comfort during seasonal changes
Skin & Beauty Support

Cistus is especially loved in botanical skincare because it is often included in formulas intended to support:
The appearance of mature skin
Dry or delicate skin
Skin that looks tired or depleted
A smoother, more toned appearance

Its rich resinous nature makes it a beautiful addition to facial oils, balms, and restorative nighttime blends.

Energetics & Symbolism
Energetically, Cistus feels ancient and protective — like desert stone warmed by sunlight.

It is often associated with:
Grounding after emotional exhaustion
Protective energetic boundaries
Quiet strength
Transformation through hardship
Sacred pause and reflection

A beautiful oil for moon rituals, shadow work, meditation, grief support blends, or deeply restorative self-care rituals.

Cistus pairs beautifully with:
Frankincense
Sandalwood
Rose
Patchouli
Myrrh
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Lavender
Labdanum
Vetiver

Fun Botanical Facts
The sticky resin from the plant is called Labdanum, historically used in incense and ancient perfumery.
Cistus shrubs are among the first plants to regenerate after wildfires, symbolizing renewal and resilience.
Its petals look delicate and papery, but the plant itself is incredibly hardy.

05/14/2026

Cooling Resin + Floral Nervine Complex in Fractionated Coconut Oil
This blend brings together respiratory clarity and energetic grounding through a layered synergy of resins, florals, and cooling botanicals suspended in a lightweight carrier of Fractionated Coconut Oil for smooth skin glide and fast absorption.
*Frankincense
A grounding resin that supports deep breathing and centering. Adds a sacred, anchoring base note to the blend
Think: stillness, spine-like grounding, inner reset
*Helichrysum
Often called “immortal flower energy.”
Emotionally soothing after stress or strain
Softens the sharper edges of stronger oils
Think: gentle repair + emotional balm
Blue Tansy: A vibrant deep-blue oil known for its calming profile. Supports relaxation in body tension
Brings a lush, almost meditative floral-cooling tone
Think: deep exhale energy
*Peppermint: Sharp, clean, and immediately refreshing.
Cooling sensation for tired muscles. Mental clarity and alertness.
Think: instant reset button
*Wintergreen: Highly aromatic, medicinally potent cooling agent. Strong topical cooling sensation
Adds a crisp, minty-winter brightness
Think: deep cooling wave
*Ylang Ylang: A soft floral anchor that balances intensity.
Emotional grounding through floral sweetness
Smooths the sharper mint/camphor edges. Think: softening + emotional harmony
*Camphor: Intense, penetrating, and clarifying.
Opens the sensation of airflow and breath.
Creates a strong cooling, clearing effect.
Think: clear space, clear mind
*Fractionated Coconut Oil: The silent stabilizer of the blend. Lightweight, non-greasy absorption, extends skin glide for massage use.
Helps dilute and balance high-intensity essential oils
Think: delivery system + softness buffer
This is a highly active blend because it contains:
Wintergreen (methyl salicylate-rich), Camphor & Peppermint
These three together create a powerful cooling/analgesic profile, but they also require careful dilution and skin-use awareness, especially for sensitive skin, children, or long-duration use.

05/11/2026

Elemi is steam-distilled from the resin of the Canarium luzonicum tree, native to the Philippines.
When the tree is wounded or growing, it exudes a resin which is collected and distilled into essential oil.
It belongs to the same botanical family as frankincense (Burseraceae), which explains the shared energetic “feel” many aromatherapists talk about.
Aroma Profile: Fresh lemony top note, peppery spice nuance, soft balsamic, resin base, slightly green and “air-clearing” feel.
It’s often described as: “Frankincense with a citrus spark”
Key Constituents: Limonene, α-pinene , Elemol, 1,8-cineole
This is why it feels both clearing + stabilizing at the same time.
Traditional & Aromatherapy Uses:
1. Skin care: Elemi is widely used in facial oils and restorative blends for fine lines, mature skin, uneven tone, post-acne or scar support and skin that feels “stressed” or depleted.
2. Respiratory support: Because of its cineole and pinene content, elemi is used for: Congestion, shallow breathing, seasonal respiratory discomfort, It works well in chest balms and steam inhalations.
3. Emotional / energetic use: This is where elemi gets interesting in blending:
Mental fatigue →refreshes focus
Anxiety or overwhelm → soft grounding
Meditation support → “clears mental noise”
Emotional reset → stabilizing without sedation
4. Muscle + tension
Elemi is mildly warming and used in massage blends for:
Tight shoulders, neck, overworked muscles, stress-related tension patterns.
Commonly Used: Facial serums, massage oils (especially blended with ginger, black pepper, or lavender), diffusion for focus or calm clarity, steam inhalation for respiratory ease.
Elemi blends with:
Resins: Frankincense, Myrrh, Copaiba
Florals Lavender, Geranium, Rose, Neroli.
Citrus: Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit.
Woods: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Safety Notes: Always dilute before skin use, skin patch test recommended.
Avoid during pregnancy unless guided by a qualified practitioner

Northern Prairie Aromatherapy

09/06/2026

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08/23/2026

06/17/2026

06/09/2026

05/25/2026

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05/11/2026

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