Wise Mountain Blog

Spring in Mount Shasta, CA has been filled with sunny days and some recent rains. The wild medicinal plants are growing fast and showing off many beautiful spring flowers. I have been busy collecting herbs to tincture, dry for tea and infuse into oil for salve. The most important harvest of this season has been of Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum). A very popular herb for people in the Mt. Shasta area, it offers tremendous relief for seasonal allergies, as well as upper and lower respiratory distress. Currently, we are sold out of Yerba Santa, Allergy Aid and Sinus Relief Tinctures. Look for these tinctures to be available by early June of 2013 from this late April harvest.

And here is a glimpse of some of the lovely flowers and herbs I have been encountering in the wild.

In celebration of Spring, enjoy 10% off select Herbal Tinctures that support Optimal Liver health and functioning.

Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, new growth and energy.  As the plants begin their green, upward growth from the slumber of winter, we too embrace the active, renewing, vital energy of spring .  Traditionally, spring is an ideal time to cleanse both inward and outward and shed old patterns of thinking, being and feeling as we shed our winter coats.  It is also a time to support and nourish our amazing organ of detoxification, the liver.

With over a thousand known functions, the liver is intricately connected to all physiological processes.  It cleanses the blood and protects us on a daily basis from toxins, transforming poisonous substances into harmless chemicals.  The liver also plays a critical role in fat, protein and  blood sugar metabolism.  When there is an imbalance in liver functioning it affects the body in a myriad of ways and can often manifest as a symptom elsewhere in the body.  Conversely, an imbalance elsewhere in the body, can have detrimental impacts on the liver.  Traditionally, the liver is viewed as the home of the will and imbalance is often exhibited in the form of feelings of anger, jealousy, envy, depression and rage.

With spring upon us, what better time to nourish, support and express gratitude to your liver.  As it truly enables us “to live”.  There are some great herbal allies and nutritional therapies to employ during this time.  Bitter “spring” tonics have been used throughout time to tone and cleanse the liver after a winter of heavy foods and reduced activity.  Taken in small amounts before meals, these tonics can enhance digestion and support liver and gallbladder health.

Rejuvenate your liver by increasing your consumption of spring’s abundant, vital chlorophyll rich greens. Some examples include: wild greens such as nettles, chickweed, miner’s lettuce, watercress, dandelion greens as well as parsley, kale, collards, etc.

Stimulate digestion and liver functioning by increasing your consumption of bitter and sour foods and herbs.  Incorporate asparagus, quinoa, lemon, lime, grapefruit and apple cider vinegar into meals.  Embrace the bitter flavor with herbs such as alfalfa, dandelion root, milk thistle seeds, Oregon grape root, yellow dock root, chamomile flowers.

Now through May, receive 10% off your online purchase of Single Herb Tinctures that support liver vitality. Includes Dandelion root, Oregon Grape root, Turmeric root, and Yellow Dock root.

Wise Mountain Botanicals is excited to offer two new single herb extracts, Hawthorn Berry and Red Root.  Both are ethically wildcrafted from the beautiful and abundant bioregion of Mt. Shasta, CA.

Our Hawthorne Berry Extract is sourced in late fall from the black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii). Hawthorn is one of the most notable cardiac and circulatory tonics in the western herbal repertory.  Used as a tonic, it can aid the management of hypertension and arteriosclerosis.  It improves coronary circulation while nourishing, vitalizing and tonifying the heart.  Energetically, hawthorn is used to nourish the heart yin and calm the spirit.  Overall, hawthorn has a  restorative and strengthening effect on the cardiovascular system and can be used as a long term tonic to regulate blood pressure and minimize the risk of developing coronary disease.  It also supplies the body with flavonoids and antioxidants that strengthen connective tissue and improve the integrity of vasculature bodywide.  Visit Hawthorn Berry to purchase.

Our Red Root Extract (Ceanothus velutinus) is also harvested in late fall from the roots of snowbush ceanothus which grows in abundance in the forests covering the lower slopes of Mt. Shasta.  Red root stimulates lymphatic and interstitial fluid circulation, thereby reducing swelling of lymph nodes and tissue.  Ceanothus root is an indispensable herb for chronic swollen lymph, sore throat, tonsillitis, and strep throat.  It also enhances the liver’s ability to metabolize fats.  Red root can reduce portal vein congestion and the related symptoms of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  Visit Red Root for more information.

Equisetum arvense

Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) can be found growing in abundance this time of year along streams and in wet meadows.  One of our most ancient plants, Horsetail graced the planet in heights of 50 feet or more 350 million years ago.  In modern times, horsetail does not reach such dramatic heights but can be found in two distinct biotypes.  The hollow, leafless, jointed “scouring rush”, typified by Equisetum hymale, and the fern like species, typified by Equisetum arvense, with threadlike leaves in whorls radiating out from the stem joints. A plant that reproduces with spores, there are fertile and infertile shoots of horsetail.  The fertile shoots pop up in early spring and resemble asparagus.  The infertile shoot appear afterwards and are used medicinally.

These living fossils are often overlooked or considered weeds by many.  However, horsetail is a plant with many values and uses.  A plant with a high concentration of silica and other minerals, horsetail is also known as “scouring rush” and “shavegrass”.  Historically it was used to scour and shine aluminum, copper and wood.

Equisetum hyemale

As a medicinal herb, horsetail is used most often to strengthen connective tissue and in urinary tract disorders.  It can be used as a diuretic, for bladder infections,  and chronic bladder weakness.  In cases of gout, arthritis and other acidic conditions, horsetail flushes excess uric acid from the body.  It can speed healing of broken bones, torn tendons and injured muscles and ligaments.  Horsetail strengthens the hair and fingernails and is indicated for infected hangnails, brittle breaking hair and nails, picking and biting of nails, nervousness and insecurity.  Horsetail is a classic vulnerary and hemostatic and can curb excess bleeding, heal tissues and prevent scar tissue.

For medicinal use, horsetail is best processed as a decoction or in tincture form.  Horsetail Extract is available in our shop.  Horsetail tincture should be used in low doses for short periods of time and with caution for those with kidney inflammation, infection and deficiency.

Recently, California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) has been highlighted on Dr. Oz’s show as an herbal alternative to prescription pain relievers.  California Poppy can be found growing in abundance throughout California, covering roadsides with its lovely orange and yellow flowers.  It is also amazingly simple to cultivate.  This lovely little herb is not only California’s state flower, but also a powerful nervine and excellent herbal remedy.  An anti-spasmodic, analgesic, skeletal muscle relaxant and sedative, California Poppy has many uses and has aided countless people throughout time.  The extract is most commonly used for insomnia. It greatly assists falling asleep, staying asleep and improving sleep quality.  It can also be used as a pain reliever, particularly for headaches, neuralgia, and minor aches and pains.  California Poppy can be taken to alleviate intestional and menstrual cramps and relieve tension and anxiety.

There are other herbal gems out there that affect the nervous system without the addictive qualities and expense of pharmaceuticals.  Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has similar properties as California Poppy but has a special affinity for conquering addiction.  A more gentle nervine, Skullcap can be used throughout the day without as strong of effect as California Poppy.  It also aids sleep, relieves tension, anxiety, headaches, cramps and neuralgia.  Skullcap can alleviate addiction withdrawal symptoms such as depression, stress, cravings, agitation and crankiness from substances such as coffee, nicotine, and narcotics.  As a restorative, nutritive nerve tonic, skullcap not only alleviates symptoms, but brings the nervous system back into balance and harmony.

Both herbs can be excellent allies when coping with pain, restlessness and addiction withdrawal symptoms.  California Poppy tends to have a stronger affect than Skullcap.  It should be used in moderation when driving or operating heavy machinery. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and nursing, and should not be taken with other medications.

You can find both California Poppy Extract and Skullcap Extract in our shop.

Arnica flowers (Arnica cordifolia) recently harvested near Mt. Shasta, CA.

These bright, fragrant, lovely yellow Heartleaf Arnica flowers can be found growing in the mountains around Mt. Shasta, CA.  The flowers are carefully and respectfully hand harvested and wilted to remove excess water.  They are then placed in organic extra virgin olive oil, infusing the oil with their medicinal properties.  This floral oil is infused with the power of the sun for several weeks and then strained.  The medicinal oil is then combined with other herbal oils, beeswax, and butters to create our Muscle and Joint Relief Salve.  Arnica is well known for its anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and soothing properties.  It can be useful in treating arthritis, carpal tunnel, sore muscles and joints, inflammation, and bruises.  For more information on this healing salve check out our  Muscle and Joint Salve.

Betony (Pedicularis densiflora) and Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Extracts are available now.

Experiencing chronic muscle spasms, neck and shoulder pain or tension headaches?  Betony may be the herb for you.  It is an excellent anitspasmodic and skeletal muscle relaxant.  It works effectively to relieve tension and pain and promote relaxation.

Nettle Leaf is a a must have herb for those who suffer from chronic allergies.  The tincture can be used long term as a preventative as well as during acute allergies symptoms to reduce sinus congestion and excess mucus.  In addition, Nettle leaf can relieve inflammatory asthma.  Nettles can also be taken as a tonic to nourish the blood and increase energy and vitality.

Visit the Single Herb Extracts page for more information.

New products are now available on the website.  Check out our line of Herbal Skin Care products. Skin creams and lip balms are now available for purchase.  Our Luxurious Lavender Cream and Geranium Rose Cream are rich and nourishing to revitalize and renew skin. Grapefruit Lip balm and Vanilla Cardamom Lip Gloss are delicious and moisturizing lip treats.  See individual products for more information.

Wise Mountain Botanicals is delighted to have our new website up and running! We recently created this site and are still posting products and information.  We’ll keep you updated on our blog on any new happenings.  So check back often.  You can also join our e-mail list.  Please share any comments you might have regarding our products or this site.  We hope you enjoy.  Thanks for visiting.