Juniper Infused Oil

Torey

Rosalee de la Foret has a new interview posted on Juniper with Nicole Telkes (yes, the same Nicole that writes for TGN and did the Herbal Medicine 101 course in the Academy).

https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/benefits-of-juniper.html

It includes a recipe for a juniper infused oil. Juniper is something that I harvest whenever I come across a bush with berries but I've never made a juniper oil before. Its definitely on my list now.

LaurieLovesLearning

@Torey I know! I watched this as well. I wonder if it matters when the leaves are harvested? I don't think that was mentioned.

Since the oil isn't ingested, do you think it would have the same issues as if you took the berries too long? I know she said the berries are more potent. There is also the fact that those are used internally and not externally.

I'm excited to try the oil!

I think we might just have to make a trip to the unsprayed wild patch in the RM.

I'm thinking as well, with the poplars just coming out with leaves & others with their young catkins, the leaves of hawthorn shouldn't be too far behind. I'd like to get those harvested this spring. That would be a first for me.

My goal is to be more aware of when things are ready, put it on my foraging calendar with a map, and make sure nothing I harvest gets wasted this year. I hate wasting anything.

By the way, I heard yesterday that morel mushrooms are making their annual appearance in some parts of the province. I've never seen any here, but I've also never specifically looked for them either.

Torey

@LaurieLovesLearning I think you would be able to use it as an external preparation for much longer than taking it internally.

I started keeping a plant diary so I'd know when to expect things but I haven't done as well as planned. That's on my list of goals this year. Keeping better track.

The hawthorns are just about to flower here. Time to harvest those baby leaves and flower buds.

I found the first violets on the lawn two days ago. Just the tiny sand violets. It will be another month before the white or yellow ones appear.

The stinging nettles are just coming into the best time for harvest. I should go check out my "secret" spot tomorrow and see how they are doing. I can check on a rather large hawthorn tree at the same time.

LaurieLovesLearning

I bought this from book outlet. They had two left at that point. I hope I can put everything into one place this way.

Torey

That looks like a lovely book, Laurie! Good find.

I'm hoping I can convince a friend to leave work behind for a few hours today and come picking with me.