Recipes & Formulas

Salve made from the resin of our native pinon pine tree (Pinus edulis) has an exquisite aroma and is useful as a topical anti-microbial. While the final product is popular these days, the processing of tree resin into a finished product is a bit different than the standard salve making process. It seems like each herbalist has their favorite method for preparing this gift. Here is my version. Collecting the Resin First, find the tree. In the Southwest, it usually grows in what is known as the “pinon-juniper zone” around 4500’ to 6500’. I have seen it growing next to […] See More

Plant medicines help us in many ways. Some plants have a strong medicinal effect due to alkaloids, polysaccharides or other constituents. Many other plants straddle the food-medicine border and are simply considered 'healthy' due to their high mineral content. A common, easy and effective way to get minerals from the herbs is to use a tea. More specifically, this is known as the hot infusion method. To make a mineral rich infusion, simply place one ounce of dried herb in a quart jar or French Press. Add one quart hot water, cover and let steep for several hours or overnight. […] See More

I think it is easy to make our herb work more complicated than it needs to be. Working with a woman recently who was feeling under the weather reminded me of this. Day 1: I was contacted in the evening by a woman who says she had many flu-like symptoms including body aches and a fever. These had started during the day, She was going to bed early to get extra rest. Day 2: We met in the morning, I gave her a bottle of Elderberry Elixir with the directions to take a teaspoon every hour, eat lightly and rest […] See More

Sesame Salt - Gomashio Sesame salt is a nutritious and delicious addition to home cooked food. Gomashio is the Japanese term and comes from Goma (Sesame) and Shio (Salt). From a chemical-nutrition perspective, the seeds are high in many minerals, especially calcium. In the Ayurvedic tradition, sesame is warming, nourishing and grounding and helps reduce Vata. In TCM, black sesame seeds are considered a Yin tonic. Brown seeds have the same properties, just on a reduced scale. To Make Sesame Salt Pour 1 Cup of unhulled raw seeds into a fry pan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the seeds […] See More

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. One of the most effective methods is by diffusing a mist in the air. This mist is a combination of the essential oils and water. There are many possible therapeutic affects for any given oil formula. These obviously depend on the specific oils used and their ratios within the mixture.  This page is a collection of formulas I have used over the years in many environments. It is shared here in the hope you find it useful in your own use of the volatile oils from the plant world. The […] See More

During the colder, darker months of the year, we spend more time indoors. This increased indoor time is also when the airborne viruses of colds and flu are most active. One of my favorite health promoting activities during this time of year is to use an ultrasonic diffuser with essential oils. I find this approach effective because the diffused oils are spread throughout a room in the same way as the airborne virus. We can catch a cold or the flu by being in an enclosed space where people are coughing and sneezing. The particles of aromatic oils diffused throughout […] See More

There are many methods for preparing and extracting the therapeutic benefits of herbs. Using them in tea and tinctures are two of the most common methods. An herbal syrup is another excellent way to take herbs although this method is not as well known. The basic recipe for an herbal syrup: 1 cup of herb 2 - 3 cups of water 1 - 1.5 cups of honey Simmer the herb over a very low flame in a covered pot for 30 minutes. Take off the burner and steep for another 30 minutes. Strain out the herb and continue to simmer […] See More

Elderberry Elixir This is definitely the time of year to use elder berries. They are abundant, affordable, delicious, easy to work with, adaptable to many recipes and effective for immune support, especially the viral-based colds and flu. Like vegetable soup recipes, there are endless versions for elderberry teas, extracts, syrups, elixirs and oxymels. This is my current favorite which includes the addition of clove. This well known spice adds a pleasant flavor and a warming, blood moving quality to this recipe. To make, use a canning jar of any size. 8 or 16 oz sizes work well. Fill the jar […] See More

Tea Teas are water-based beverages made from either steeping or simmering herbs in water. They are the oldest, most common and traditional form of using herbs. Pros of Using Teas They are easy to prepare at home so they are useful for home-based healthcare. Water-extracted herbal constituents are generally safer to use. Many of the strongest and borderline toxic ingredients in plants are alkaloids. These constituents are usually better extracted in alcohol than water. Making tea from bulk herbs is a more affordable way to prepare herbs than using alcohol to make tinctures. Taking the time to make tea each […] See More