Walk In The Woods Aromatics, LLC

05/01/2024

Rascal helped me gather just a bit of this today before we got rained out! Drying the root for later use. The mighty Dandelion 😉

12/10/2022

Luckily I do not suffer from cold sores but I’m starting a tincture of licorice today in case there may be someone in need of it. TY Tieraona 🥰

If you’ve ever suffered from a cold sore, then you’re no stranger to the pain and embarrassment they tend to bring along. I’m here to assure you that you are not alone- in fact, roughly 85 percent of Americans are infected by the virus that causes cold sores- and to offer you an easy, natural way to treat those pesky outbreaks. You might be surprised to know that it’s the same herb many of our favorite candies are made from- licorice. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve used licorice tincture on patients or family members when they told me they were starting to feel that familiar tingle of an upcoming cold sore- works like magic! Licorice root has compounds that block the virus from creeping down the nerves and causing eruptions on the surface tissue, and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that reduce redness and swelling. Licorice, in tea or tincture form (I personally prefer tincture as the alcohol disrupts the envelope of the virus, which speeds the healing), offers multiple defenses for attacking cold sore outbreaks. So the next time you feel that familiar, forewarning tingle of a cold sore you can help speed the healing process by trying my Licorice Tincture Recipe:

For topical treatment of cold sores and inflammation

Ingredients:
25 grams of licorice root, cut
125 milliliters vodka (80 proof)

Directions: Grind licorice to a coarse powder and put in a jar. Add vodka. Stir. The liquid should completely cover the herb, and your spoon should be able to move freely. If you need more liquid, add an additional 25 milliliters of vodka, put on a lid, and shake daily for 14 days. Strain. Pour the liquid into a dark tincture bottle and label.

How to Use: Insert a clean cotton swab into the tincture and apply to the cold sore outbreak. Reapply using a clean cotton swab every hour, while awake, during the first 24 to 48 hours. If applied frequently, it works like magic - there’s no other word for it. There are no safety concerns with this topical use of licorice.

12/09/2022

I love Rosehips. I bet this is delicious 😋

Winter is the perfect time to get out your stash of dried rosehips out and make delicious rosehip jelly. And if you’re in a holiday-prep mood, consider adding jelly to sugar cookies!

12/05/2022

Arnica is my go to herb when it comes to relieving the inflammation and pain of bumps, bruises, sprains, muscle strains, and painful bug bites here at the ranch. Wherever arnica grows, people have used the flowers topically as an analgesic. Arnica montana is the best known of the arnica species and is the one most commonly sold in commercial products. I harvest Arnica cordifolia flower (heart leaf arnica) as this species is indigenous to our mountains of northern New Mexico. Studies have clearly demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of arnica when applied topically and a 2017 review concluded that, “Based on data from clinical trials, Arnica extract or gel/cream containing Arnica extract shows promising effects for pain relief.”

While I use arnica topically, Arnica montana is also widely used as a homeopathic preparation for internal use, particularly for acute injury. Arnica contains potentially toxic compounds, which are not harmful when used topically on unbroken skin or when taken orally in homeopathic preparations.

How to Use:

ARNICA OIL: Mountain Rose Herbs sells a nice arnica herb oil, though you can make your own by filling a pint jar with dried arnica flowers and completely covering with a carrier oil (sunflower seed, olive oil, etc.). Put a lid on the jar and let sit in a warm place for 2-3 weeks and then strain. This is wonderful for using on sore joints and muscles, though, I would not put an herbal oil on a acute injury.

CREAMS AND GELS: I like the Italian Dulac Arnica Gel for aching joints and muscles. Primarily arnica flower with a little menthol and thyme. I also like Kneipp Cooling Arnica gel (25% arnica tincture). These are herbal creams/gels. If looking for homeopathic product, Boiron Arnicare, Arniflora, and Traumeel are all good products.

COMPRESS: Steep 2 tablespoons of arnica flowers in 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Strain. Cool (add ice cubes to the liquid if there is swelling). Dip washcloth into cool liquid and apply to injured area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Reapply 3-4 times per day. ONLY use on unbroken skin.

Precautions:
Arnica should not be taken internally. It can cause heart arrhythmias and possible respiratory collapse; this concern is avoided with homeopathic preparations because the arnica has been significantly diluted. Applied externally, arnica is usually well tolerated; if a rash appears, discontinue use. I do not recommend arnica to be used topically on children 3 years old and under.

References:
Smith AG, et al. Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management. Medicines 2021 Oct 9;8(10):58.
Arnica. Herbalgram 107; 1-6 https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/107/table-of-contents/hg107-herbpro-arnica/

12/05/2022

Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is a wonderful nerve tonic for when you are stressed out, anxious, over-scheduled and just too busy doing life.

Oatstraw is not a sedative, so you don’t feel relaxation right away. It works over time.

It is full of minerals that nourish and regenerate your nervous system.