Tag: Traditional Medicine

Posted on

Devils Club

The use of Devils Club by First Nations for traditional healing has been happening for generations. There is a lot  to say about this powerful plant. It holds duality. Like most things in life, Devils Club requires balance and patience. Above all, Devils Club embodies traditional healing and a spiritual connection to Mother Earth. In other words, I FEEL my ancestors in this plant.   

Close up of the spines of devils club plant
“Devil’s club Oplopanax horridus on Baker River Trail” by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0


Traditionally, Devils Club has many uses that make it so appealing. It is effective at treating many conditions. These include arthritis, skin conditions, cancers, wounds, fever, TB, stomach troubles, coughs/colds, diabetes, low blood sugar and pneumonia. Secondly, it offers anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. Thirdly, Devils Club contains anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these properties soothe skin conditions, redness, swelling and minor skin infections. Furthermore, Devils Club is known to relieve joint inflammation.  I use Devils Club in my home for many of these remedies.  


It has been a spiritual journey journey getting this traditional healing plant into our oils and bottles. I would like to thank you for taking this journey with me, and allowing Devils Club to shine with all its light and healing in your homes. 

Learn more about our terminology.

Posted on

Self Heal

Self Heal, also known as Prunella Vulgaris, is a magic plant for glowing skin. It is one of those plants that is seemingly good for everything. It has been studied by modern scientists and researchers, and there is lots of reputable information about it. There is documentation of the use of Self Heal all over the world. This use dates back as far as the 16th-century. The 17th-century  botanist Nicholas Culpeper wrote about Self Heal saying that “when  you hurt, you may heal yourself”.

Close up photo of a Self Heal plant in bloom.
Self Heal also known as Prunella Vulgaris.

Studies have shown it to be useful for gingivitis, osteoarthritis , herpes, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver cancer,  endometriosis and dementia. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory painkiller. There is research that  shows that Self-heal inhibits the binding ability of a virus, so that the virus can’t replicate.  These days I want to put it everywhere just for that fact!  

Self-heal contains Vitamin C, K and Thiamine. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and protects skin cells from damaging  free radicals caused by sun exposure. Vitamin K helps speed up the natural repair process of  our skin. Thiamine also plays a role in repairing collagen in our skin to keep it soft and  supple.

Self-heal also contains chemicals called tannins that help with swelling and  inflammation. It has a slight astringent effect for skin irritations or acne to promote  quicker healing. As an ingredient in our oils, it creates a nice balance that is suitable for any skin type.

Learn more about our terminology.

Learn more about Self Heal with this article from Herbs with Rosalee.

Posted on

Copaiba

Did you know Copaiba oil is anti-inflammatory and makes your skin HAPPY!? It’s like CBD, in that it contains a  terpene called Beta-Caryophyllene. The Beta-Caryophyllene interacts with our bodies cannabinoid receptors, and causes our skin cells to produce stress relieving endorphins.

A person is tapping the trunk of a Copaiba tree to harvest the oil.
Copaiba Oil is harvested in a way that is not damaging to the tree.

Copaiba’s (pronounced CO-PIE-E-BUH) medicinal usage dates back to the 16th century in Brazil. Indigenous people used it both orally and topically. Copaiba comes from the Copaiba Tree found  in Central and Southern America. There are over 70 species of Copaiba trees. As Copaiba oil is made from tree resin, it is especially lovely. This is because the tree can produce resin year after year without ever being cut down.

Although Copaiba isn’t traditional to my Native culture, when I crossed  paths with it I fell in love.  I truly believe that culture enriches culture. I am  very grateful for the opportunity to work with this oil and add it to the creations I love so much.

  • Copaiba oil is a powerful anti-Inflammatory
  • Supports Immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems
  • Soothes and support the nervous system
  • Supports the lungs and respiratory system
  • Has been compared to CBD oil in how it supports the body

Read more about the magic of Copaiba with this excellent article from Fusion Magazine.