About the School
The study of aromatherapy and essential oils is, at its essence, about relationships. It’s about nourishing a relationship with aromatic plants, essential oils, and the natural world, as well as enhancing your relationship with yourself and wellness.
The School for Aromatic Studies has gone through many changes over the years. It has been known as the New England Center for Aromatherapy, the Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy, the East-West School for Herbal and Aromatic Studies, and the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies. Regardless of its name, the one consistent aspect was the visionary and force behind the school, Jade Shutes. Passionate about aromatherapy, aromatic plants, education, aromatherapy practice (both on self and others), and aromatic distillation, Jade is embracing her rooted and authentic voice to return to the name: the School for Aromatic Studies.
Jade Shutes started her journey as one of the first aromatherapy schools in the U.S. back in 1990. From that beginning, Jades mission was to offer a balanced, progressive and inspiring approach to aromatherapy education.
Pioneering the Evolution of Aromatic Medicine
For years there has been a commonly held belief in the aromatherapy community that essential oils should never be used internally. In fact, however, essential oils have and are used safely and effectively internally and as an adjunct to herbal therapies in France for years! Even in the U.S., essential oils can be found as ingredients in several popular dietary supplements.
Feeling strongly the lack of balance in the aromatherapy field between the truth of active ongoing safe and successful internal use and the widely spoken fears in the aromatherapy community, the School for Aromatic Studies is committed to representing truth, progressiveness, and balance along with education on the topic of internal use of essential oils (also known as ingestion).
Jade and the School for Aromatic Studies has been instrumental in bringing the French approach to Aromatic Medicine to the U.S. and the global aromatherapy community.
“Plants mean nothing in isolation; they are a life-form rooted in and identified by their community, by their relationship to and interactions with all other life on Earth.”
- Stephen Harrod Buhner in The Lost Language of Plants
Our Credentials
- NAHA approved School
- Organization Member of United Plant Savers (UPS)
- Academic Member of the American Botanical Council
- Massage Therapy NCBTMB Continuing Education Provider
Uniquely Collaborative Approach
Jade is equally distinct in forging relationships with herbalists and fellow aromatherapists, sharing knowledge to elevate each of our disciplines, herbal medicine, and aromatic medicine while honoring both fields. Understanding that we are strengthened by diversity, Jade strives to bring together the best of the skilled and talented experts in a variety of expressions within this and related fields.
Each instructor for the school brings something unique to the study, offering their unique perspective to engage our diverse student population: healing perspectives, chemical properties, herbal integration, sensory applications, applications for end of life, emotional health, and more.