Forest Floor Alchemy

10/09/2025

An incredible breakthrough comes from researchers at the University of California San Diego, where scientists have discovered that a harmless plant virus, the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), could become a powerful weapon against cancer. Unlike viruses that infect humans, CPMV cannot harm human cells—instead, it reawakens the immune system, training it to hunt down and destroy tumors anywhere in the body. When injected directly into tumors, it summons an army of immune cells including neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells, creating a lasting memory that keeps fighting cancer long after treatment. The secret lies in its unique ability to trigger multiple interferons and activate a key immune switch, something no other plant virus has achieved. Low-cost and easily produced with just sunlight, soil, and water, CPMV is now moving toward human clinical trials, offering hope for a revolutionary, affordable cancer therapy.

10/08/2025

Horseradish root has long been known as one of nature’s fiery healers. A sharp, cleansing ally that awakens the body from stagnation and helps to reignite cellular function. Rich in natural compounds like glucosinolates and allyl isothiocyanate, this root stimulates circulation, supports detoxification, clears sinuses, and strengthens the immune system. Traditionally used as a natural antibiotic and digestive stimulant, it helps move stuck energy, both physically and energetically, initiating warmth where cold or dampness has settled in the body.

In folklore, horseradish was seen as a plant of protection & purification, used to banish negativity and ward off illness. Its strong scent and fiery flavor were said to drive away evil spirits and awaken the soul. A symbol of raw vitality and truth. Energetically, it’s connected to Mars, with its bold, active, and transformative nature, reminding us that sometimes the burn can be beneficial.

KITCHEN ALCHEMY : PREPARED HORSERADISH

• Fresh horseradish root (about 6–8 inches, peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup white vinegar

Pulse in a food processor or Ninja until finely shredded and potent. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge. It will keep for weeks. A little goes a long way! Perfect for clearing sinuses, adding to meals for warmth, or simply reconnecting with the earth’s electric vitality.

I mixed mine with some mayonnaise for a delicious gourmet sauce that packs a punch. Put it on whatever you want! Totally YUM!....

10/06/2025

What a beautiful afternoon! We made herbal brooms, had some heart to heart connection, nourishing food & seasonal drinks, while soaking up the sunshine before it enters the portal into the darkness of this cycle. The light itself felt alive, with whisperings of the winds, thresholds of the unknown, and the magick of the art of Release, we gathered. Thank you ladies for joining me, sharing this space, and helping me to step into uncharted territory, uncovering yet another fork on my path. Stay 'in-tuned' for the next one! 💚

09/30/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FCXAELxw2/

09/29/2025

The most wonderful time of the year! Save those seeds people!

09/24/2025

09/16/2025

07/27/2025

(For Educational Purposes Only)

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in a wide range of living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. Chemically similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin, DMT is present in trace amounts in the human brain and other bodily tissues, although its exact function remains unclear.

In the plant kingdom, DMT is most commonly found in species such as Psychotria viridis and Mimosa hostilis, both of which are used traditionally in South American shamanic practices, particularly in the preparation of ayahuasca. Remarkably, some animal behaviour studies have observed that jaguars in certain parts of the Amazon consume DMT-containing plants, possibly for psychoactive purposes (triggering a response akin to the effect catnip has on felines), though this remains speculative and under-researched.

author unknown

05/26/2025

Stropharia rugosoannulata

The Wine Cap mushroom, also known as Garden Giant or King Stropharia, is a bold and benevolent ally in the fungal world. With its broad, burgundy to wine-red cap — often 4–12 inches across — this mushroom is easy to spot once your eyes are trained. The cap is smooth, sometimes cracked in maturity, and fades to a tawny buff with age. Look for its signature rugged white stem with a thick annular ring (skirt-like ring), and purplish-black gills that darken as the spores mature. Its spore print is deep purple-brown — an important trait for positive identification.

Wine Caps thrive in mulched garden beds, compost-rich soils, and wood chip pathways, often in harmony with plants and soil ecosystems. Finding them in the wild — as I did recently in a friend’s yard — is a moment of deep connection with the living intelligence of land and decay.

Medicinally, Wine Cap offers gentle yet meaningful support. It’s rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, encouraging gut balance, immune resilience, and a well-fed microbiome. Spiritually, it teaches grounded regeneration: how to root into place, transmute what’s no longer needed, and create space for growth. Cultivated or foraged, this mushroom carries the signature of quiet abundance. A reminder that healing often begins beneath our feet — in the unseen, the overlooked, and the deeply reciprocal.

Keep in mind to leave a few behind! Never take more than you need. Always properly identify any mushroom you consume. Remember, responsible foraging people!

05/19/2025

Out along sun-soaked roadsides and forgotten meadows, you may find Her- Mullein, with her tall golden spires and soft, velvety leaves that seem to glow in the light. She grows wild and generous across much of the U.S.—from the arid West to the open fields of the Midwest and even the warmer edges of the South. Mullein prefers disturbed soil and full sun, showing up in the spaces between, thriving where others might not.

This plant is medicine in its most humble form—unassuming, yet deeply powerful. Mullein has long been cherished as a lung ally, used to soothe dry coughs, calm inflammation, and help us breathe more deeply—physically and energetically. Her leaves are often brewed into tea, crafted into tinctures, or even gently smoked to help open the respiratory passages. Her golden flowers can be infused into oil to ease ear aches or used to support lymphatic flow.

To harvest her medicine, gather the soft basal leaves in her first year—those rosettes of silver-green low to the ground. Wait until the dew has lifted, and dry the leaves in a warm, dark space. In her second year, when she rises into bloom, you can gather her flowers gently for oil or tincture.

But Mullein doesn’t just work on the physical body—she speaks to the soul, too. She helps us soften where we’ve become rigid, clear grief from the chest, and reclaim our breath. She teaches strength through softness and the power of holding space—for ourselves and for others.

Sit with her, and she may whisper...

'I am the breath you forgot to take.
Stand tall in your inner knowing,
firm in your grace.
Let what is heavy rise,
then let it go.
You are allowed to take up space'

Mullein is a guide for those navigating heaviness, helping us move through it with grace. A true plant of light and shadow—both guardian and gateway.

05/03/2025

The viola species, while displaying its beauty and vibrancy, also offers a range of holistic, energetic, and medicinal benefits. Medicinally, violet has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it useful for treating respiratory issues, skin problems, and digestive concerns. Energetically, violet is believed to promote emotional balance, calmness, and spiritual growth, helping to soothe the mind and heart. She is Sweet & Subtle. Soothing & Soft. A blanket of serenity with her Divine Feminity. Violet is thought to support the heart chakra, fostering self-love, compassion, and connection to one's inner self. Its gentle energy can also help to quiet the mind, promoting relaxation and inner peace.

04/25/2025

This is what making medicine looks like. Harvesting the matter and connecting to the plant, essentially, building a relationship together. The intelligence of the plant works with the intelligence of the body.

Let me introduce you to...

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a highly invasive plant species native to East Asia. Despite its invasive nature, Japanese knotweed has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This plant contains resveratrol, a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's been shown to have various health benefits, including:

💥Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Japanese knotweed may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

💥Cardiovascular health: Resveratrol in Japanese knotweed may help protect against cardiovascular disease.

💥Antimicrobial properties: Japanese knotweed has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria.

Japanese knotweed has been studied for its potential impact on Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Research suggests that Japanese knotweed may:

💥Inhibit Lyme bacteria growth: Japanese knotweed extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro.

💥Reduce Lyme disease symptoms: Some studies suggest that Japanese knotweed may help alleviate symptoms of Lyme disease, such as joint pain and inflammation.

Keep in mind that Japanese knotweed is a complex plant, and its medicinal benefits may vary depending on the preparation and dosage used.