Dearest Visionary... 💫

Welcome back to our second weekly edition of Friday Field Notes. 🩷

Today’s note offers a glimpse into how we approach herbal medicine in our Doctor of Botanical Medicine program — with reverence, discernment, and respect for the intelligence of plants.

Botanical Remedies 🌺

We teach herbal medicine as both food and medicine, grounded in the chemistry and wisdom of the whole plant rather than isolated parts. When used wisely, herbs support the body, working with it instead of forcing outcomes.

In our herbal materia medica coursework, students learn not only what plants do but how to work with them practically and intuitively.

They explore sun-infused oils, tinctures, fire cider, DIY essential oils, wild edibles, foraging, and everyday plant allies that belong in real life, not just textbooks.

This way of learning reconnects medicine to the kitchen, the garden, and the land where it has always lived. It’s the foundation of our Doctor of Botanical Medicine program, where tradition, science, and hands-on practice meet.

But today, we’ll explore a handful of important herbal remedies for the winter months that support resilience and seasonal wellness.

🌿 Tinctures are one of the most effective ways to work with herbs during winter, as alcohol extracts preserve a wider range of plant constituents and offer superior stability and absorption compared to glycerin-based preparations, which are less effective and unnatural.

Learning to make your own tinctures ensures quality, potency, and intention, but for those who choose not to, Mountain Rose Herbs is a trusted and reputable supplier. Herb Pharm is another high-quality line, and available in most health food stores. 

Ready to discover our top botanical remedies? 👇

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) 🫐

• Supports immune defense through antiviral activity.
• Helps reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
• Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that support inflammatory balance.
• Most effective during acute illness or periods of high exposure.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) 🌱

• Provides mineral and micronutrient support often depleted in winter.
• Supports immune resilience and adrenal function.
• Helps address seasonal fatigue and low vitality.
• May support vitamin D utilization through mineral replenishment.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea / angustifolia) 🌸

• Supports activation of the innate immune response.
• Most effective when taken at the first sign of illness.
• Supports upper respiratory and lymphatic function.
• Intended for short-term use rather than daily long-term support.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) 🌼

• Supports mucous membrane health in the respiratory and digestive tracts.
• Traditionally used for infections involving thick mucus or congestion.
• Provides antimicrobial and astringent properties.
• Best used short term and not for routine daily use.

‼️**Goldenseal is at risk due to overharvesting and habitat loss. While we teach its traditional uses, we recommend sustainable alternatives when possible.

Oregon grape root (Mahonia Aquifolium) is a preferred substitute due to its high berberine content, the primary alkaloid responsible for much of goldenseal’s antimicrobial and bitter activity.

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) 🫐

• Supports lymphatic movement and elimination.
• Helps reduce stagnation common in colder months.
• Supports urinary and metabolic function.
• Not intended for prolonged or high-dose use.

Pine (Pinus species) 🌲

• Naturally rich in vitamin C and aromatic compounds.
• Supports respiratory health and helps ease congestion.
• Traditionally used for coughs, colds, and bronchial irritation.
• Commonly prepared as a tea or used in steam inhalation.

🌿 A simple tincture tip: Add a dropperful to a small amount of warm water and drink it like a shot. Taking tinctures alongside a warm tea, especially ginger, can help support circulation and delivery throughout the system.

For those who prefer not to use alcohol-based tinctures, herbal teas are an excellent and effective alternative, especially when used consistently.

When chosen appropriately and used with intention, herbs can be powerful tools for navigating the winter months with greater resilience and balance. 💕

🎧 Stay Tuned...

Next up in our 10th anniversary updates is Botanical Medicine. We're really enjoying this one and can't wait to release it!

Next week, we’ll cover simple everyday swaps.

🩷 What did you think about our second edition of Friday Field Notes? Do let us know! We’d love to hear from you and feature your recommendations.

🩷 Just hit reply and let us know what they are, and we might just share it with the community. See you next Friday...

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Disclaimers & Fine Print: None of the content in this email (or anywhere from Rockwell) should be taken as medical advice, and should not be used to treat, diagnose, prescribe, or cure. Always do your own research, use common sense, and take full responsibility for what you decide to do with the info shared here.