Study at the Institute

All students at the Aromahead Institute study directly under Andrea Butje, founder of the Institute, the International Directory of Essential Oil Distillers, and the Component Database. For over twenty years, Andrea has applied herself to the art of teaching, creating dynamic classes that stimulate and support individual learners. During class, you will learn from Andrea, from your fellow classmates, and from your natural intuition and experience.

Graduates often reflect on their time at the Institute as a “mini-retreat.” It is not unusual for students to make lifelong friends and begin fulfilling careers and life paths as a result of their time studying with Aromahead.

The Aromahead Experience

Every Aromahead Aromatherapy course has a well-rounded, intensive curriculum that includes a unique, custom-made manual by Andrea. The thick manual supports lessons during class, as well as being a future reference guide for blending, further study and career enhancement.

Andrea's own extensive collection of oils, organic carriers, and supplies is made available to students during class. The experience offers students the rare opportunity to blend with the finest materials available to Aromatherapists today. During the Aromatherapy Certification Program, students make and take home over $700 worth of products. It is Andrea's belief and practice that essential oil education must be hands-on and immersion-based. As a result, students learn with all of their senses from day one.

Andrea teaches through engaging lecture, group discussion, individual study time, activities, reviews, and hands-on blending and formulating. As an instructor, she is highly approachable and infuses all of her teaching with passion and a genuine, deep love of the material. Graduates are encouraged to reflect on how much they've learned on a day-to-day basis - the results are always impressive.

Atmosphere is Everything

Ithaca, New York

In-person aromatherapy courses are held in a lovely house on four acres of beautiful rural land just 15 minutes from downtown Ithaca. This is truly an opportunity to connect with nature's gifts while learning in a quiet environment.

In-person classes Switch to online classes

Aromatherapy Certification Program

Learn more | View class dates | Join the Waitlist!

15 day class, 5 days a month for 3 months - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Taught by Andrea Butje
The intensive hands-on 15-day ACP (Aromatherapy Certification Program) is taught in three 5-day segments, over 3 months. The program prepares students to become professionally qualified in the therapeutic uses of essential oils. Students learn to confidently work with over 60 essential oils.

This is an entry-level class. No previous Aromatherapy training is required! Our graduates have gone on to create essential oil retail businesses, web retail stores, therapeutic product lines and consultation services. Students learn through a fun and intensive curriculum in a natural, casual setting.

Prerequisites:

Anyone may register for this class. No previous Aromatherapy training is required.

Advanced Graduate Program

Learn more | View class dates | Enroll

10 day class, 5 days a month for 2 months - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Advanced Graduate Aromatherapy Do you want to learn essential oil chemistry and have fun at the same time? During this exciting professional-level program we will explore the chemistry, aroma and therapeutic uses of over 30 essential oils! The curriculum includes the advanced study of more then 25 specific essential oil components, their structures and therapeutic behavior.

Additionally, students receive:

Access to an advanced database of researched essential oil components and their therapeutic properties. (valued at $300.)
The use of over 100 different therapeutic-grade essential oils during class
A custom 250-page manual

Prerequisites:

Aromahead Institutes 200-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program or equivalent training in the uses of essential oils.

Aromatic Blending

Learn more | View class dates | Enroll

3 Day Class - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Do you love body butters? Aromatic Blending is an in-depth workshop that offers tools for developing your skill in the aromatic aspect of blending and the use of body butters. Study blending approaches using cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax, palm kernel, kpangnan butter, and coconut oil!

Learn to make your own cream, whipped shea, foam soap, salt scrubs and body butters!

Come spend three fun days smelling, blending, creating, comparing, and understanding a wide variety of aromas

Prerequisites:

This class is open to everyone.

Component Blending

Learn more | View class dates | Join the Waitlist!

3 Day Class - 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Blending with Pine, Spruce, Fir and Helichrysum Species!
The Component Blending class takes place over a 3-day weekend and includes an in-depth study of the chemistry, therapeutic uses, and blending techniques for a wide selection of conifer (pine, spruce and fir) and helichrysum essential oil species. Spend 3 days in the aroma of a pine forest!

Learn to make your own cream, bar soap, resin incense and a cardamom salt butter scrub!

Blending is approached from a chemical component perspective, looking at the evidence based medicinal components within the oil, and choosing oils based on this approach. The chemical families are considered, with an emphasis on the individual components.

Prerequisites:

A background in the chemistry of Essential Oils is helpful.

Medicinal Blending

Learn more | View class dates | Enroll

2 day Class - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

More than just cheerful aromas in your collection, citrus oils have powerful healing actions. Explore the potential of these humble, affordable, fabulous top notes!

Essential oils rich in d-limonene will be the focus of this blending weekend. Research on d-limonene demonstrates significant immune stimulating properties. We will create medicinal blends, within a holistic framework, aimed at supporting the vitality of our immune system.

Products made during the weekend:

Throat Spray, Slippery Elm Lozenges and Cough Drops
Cream with Hydrosols
Whipped Butters
Cone Incense
Gel with Hydrosols

Prerequisites:

200-hour Aromatherapy Certification

Teacher Training

Learn more | View class dates | Enroll

Taught by Andrea Butje
The 5-Day Teacher Training Program offers students the opportunity to study dynamic and effective teaching methods for facilitating Aromatherapy classes. This is a unique way to discover creative approaches to teaching and learning with a specific emphasis on Aromatherapy.

Students finish the course with the tools and knowledge required to begin teaching 2-Day Aromatherapy Workshops. Additionally, students are granted copyright permission for the use of the Aromahead Institute's 2 day student manual in their own classes.

Prerequisites:

Aromahead Institutes 200-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program or equivalent training in the uses of essential oils.