For years, I’ve been working on land reclamation projects right here on my property in northern New Mexico. My goal has always been to transform the weedy, disturbed areas into thriving meadows of native grasses and wildflowers. It hasn’t been easy—some days it feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface—but today, I can actually see the…
Ancient Roots of Psilocybin and Global Traditions For millennia, psilocybin mushrooms have flourished across the world, honored as allies in healing, ceremony, and connection. Here in New Mexico, where cultures and traditions overlap in rich and complex ways, we now stand at the threshold of weaving this ancient medicine into a modern framework. Public Comment…
Dormilón*, or Blue Vervain (Verbena spp), is tall and graceful with spikes of violet-blue flowers. It’s been used for centuries as both medicine and magic. It was considered sacred by the Druids and widely used in European folk traditions. In New Mexico, it’s traditionally been used to treat insomnia and cold/flu symptoms. Blue Vervain is…
In the high desert mountains of northern New Mexico, there’s a tried and true medicine that has been used for generations—shared among neighbors and kept alive in kitchens and gardens. It’s called encerado—a traditional healing salve made with trementina, or pine pitch. The word encerado comes from the Spanish word for “waxed,” and it refers…
Fostering a native edible and medicinal landscape & pollinator garden. Last summer, I did a native seed giveaway on Instagram and several folks asked me if I’d send along instructions/guidelines for planting – so below is my effort to help guide you along. I encourage you to experiment since we all have different soil…
In northern New Mexico, you know spring has really sprung when chimajá emerges from the ground – it’s one of the first plants to make an appearance. It’s not considered medicinal, but it’s highly favored as a seasoning for beans, stews, and just about anything you want to sprinkle it onto. In English they call…
We were invited once again by Española Humane to participate in their annual Puppy Love Virtual Auction. And of course we said yes! The “little shelter that could” holds a virtual auction every February leading up to and through Valentine’s Day. It features donated items/services from local businesses in various categories like arts, crafts, healing…
Cannabis has over 100 cannabinoids and over 150 terpenes (volatiles). It’s packed with lots of medicinal properties. You can do a regular cold extraction, which is my personal preference, to gain the benefits of these constituents. But if you want your extraction to have THC, which is the primary psychoactive constituent, then the process is…
Some herbalists choose to use glycerine as an alternative to alcohol to create their herbal extracts (glyercites). This modern approach can be a good alternative to alcohol extracts (tinctures) for: People who avoid alcohol for health or personal reasons. Children, elderly people, pregnant people, etc. Herbalists/people seeking a more palatable option that still offers some…