Protecting medicinal and aromatic plants – and their use in traditional medicine – for future generations
Protecting medicinal and aromatic plants – and their use in traditional medicine – for future generations
Our Purpose
Airmid Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the global education, research, and sustainable management of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). We aim to develop, implement, and support projects and education for all ages focused on traditional ecological knowledge of aromatic plant medicine among healers worldwide, impacts of climate change, ethical sourcing, and forest regeneration. We also help to protect and promote uses of traditional medicine in Indigenous communities.
Airmid Institute launches new membership system and more member resources!
Airmid Institute is excited to announce its new password-protected online membership system. This system was developed to provide individual, easy and protected access to membership benefits and resources at every membership level. The many benefits of becoming a member of Airmid Institute, such as its triennial newsletter Green Telegram, live and recorded webinars presented by global speakers, and the Airmid Institute Biannual List are available online and live under one roof. Additional resources include complementary articles and research!
Latest News
Cultural Roots, Sustainable Future: The Story of Australian Sandalwood and Paperbark Trees
Upcoming Member’s Webinar | February 3, 2025
Join Deby Atterby on a journey “down under” as she delves into the fascinating world of two popular Australian essential oils. Deby will explore their history, highlighting how they were traditionally used by First Nations people and later adopted by Australia’s white settlers. She will also discuss the current sustainability status of these oils and their present-day significance.
Join Airmid in Crete!
Study Abroad | October 17-19, 2025
Join us for a captivating educational event on the stunning island of Crete, recognized globally for its biodiversity and unique medicinal plants. This gathering features esteemed experts like Kurt Michael Arruda, Silvia Jiménez Català , Anna Papazoglou, Dr. Jacqui Stringer, and Dr. Kelly Ablard, as well as special guests and presenters Jenny Charlton, Mixalis and Theano Flemetakis and Ildiko Berecz.
AIA Honors Dr. Kelly Ablard
CEO and Founder of Airmid Institute, Dr. Kelly Ablard thanks the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) and its amazing members for honoring her and Airmid Institute with the AIA Outstanding Contribution Award 2024. We are so grateful, and we would not be here without the love and support of so many wonderful and talented people around the globe.
Airmid’s Ethical Sourcing Guidelines and Sustainability Principles
Airmid Institute is excited to announce that it will be releasing basic ethical sourcing guidelines and their sustainability principles in the near future! The guidelines will highlight key elements of ethical sourcing based on Airmid’s sustainability principles including economic, environmental, distribution, health, social, and cultural sustainability.
Airmid Institute welcomes the Alliance of International Aromatherapists as an Association Member
The Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) firmly believes that sustainability is not just a choice, but a responsibility. Recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility, we advocate for ethical sourcing and production practices that prioritize the conservation of plant resources and ultimately the future of aromatherapy. The AIA encourages the use of sustainable farming methods, emphasizing organic cultivation and the protection of biodiversity…
The Toucan Green Skills Initiative
Peruvian Shipibo Adler Pacaya Paredes and Dr. Kelly Ablard were honored to co-present “Preserving medicinal and aromatic plants: an Indigenous perspective” at the NAHA World of Aromatherapy XI Beyond Aromatics V Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. They highlighted the significant challenge humanity faces with the environmental impacts of climate change on essential oil- and carrier oil-bearing plants and emphasized the crucial role of Indigenous peoples and their traditional ecological knowledge in preserving these plants.
Airmid Insitute Welcomes the CAOA as an Association Member
Airmid welcomes Professional Aromatherapy Association, the Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy (CAOA) as an Association Member! We are honored to be working with this amazing organization whose mission is to establish and maintain high professional standards for aromatherapists by ensuring they participate in continuing education and adhere to ethical practices and sustainability principles related to essential oils…
Junior Ambassador Summer Update
This summer, Dr. Kelly Ablard was honored to visit Knowsley Junior School in Oldham, UK with Dr. Jacqui Stringer, Airmid Institute’s Ambassador of the UK, and Founder of the Junior Airmid Ambassador Program. Knowsley Junior School was the first school to be part of the Junior Airmid Ambassador Program and entrusted their Eco Squad to run the project and plant the seeds of the fragile medicinal and aromatic plant, Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). They were extremely successful!
New Airmid Junior Ambassador Badges
Dr. Kelly Ablard and Dr. Jacqui Stringer will be presenting the first ever Airmid Junior Ambassadors with their badges on June 30th at Knowsley School located in North West England! Children’s educational programs that support opportunities for them to connect to Nature has been a focus of Airmid’s since our inception, and further inspired by 2021 The Dasgupta Review, which places a heavy emphasis on children.
Our Focus
Global Initiatives
Earth and its biodiversity are facing unprecedented challenges which must be met with global initiatives.
Education
Education for all ages is where the change we need to see begins.
Sustainability Principles
Principles help guide conservation efforts which strengthen supply chains and empower consumers.
Collaboration
Knowledge-sharing facilitates and expedites projects aimed to protect Earth and its biodiversity.
Ethical Sourcing
Holding others accountable for their unsustainable practices provides opportunities for improvement and protection.
Featured Projects
Learn about our projects with partners around the world. Airmid Institute actively works to fullfill our mission to expand knowledge and assist with conservation efforts.