4 Introduction

The teas, salves, and oils shared in this section reflect generations of learning and knowledge carried by Elders which are shaped by lived experience, and strengthened through deep relationships with place. These practices are not simply recipes; they are ways of paying attention, honoring the plants, and caring for community well-being.

In bringing these examples together, we aim to make visible the everyday wisdom embedded in harvesting, preparing, and using local plants. Each product, whether a calming tea, a protective salve, or a gently infused oil, shows how traditional knowledge and careful stewardship continue to support health in ways that are accessible, local, and sustainable. The focus here is practical, but also deeply relational: understanding which plants are used, why they matter, and how their benefits emerge through thoughtful preparation.

This section is also meant to honor the people who continue to keep these teachings alive. Their guidance shapes every step, from choosing the right season to gather specific plants, to preparing them in ways that respect cultural protocols and maintain their healing properties. These practices remind us that wellness is not separate from the land; it grows from it.