cloudbotanicals

Helianthus annus aka Sunflower, is native to North America and was used widely among Indigenous Peoples throughout. Evidence suggests that the plant was cultivated in present day Arizona and New Mexico around 3000 BC. Some archaeologists suggest that sunflower may have been domesticated before corn. The whole plant was used in a variety of ways including references of squeezing the oil from the seed for cooking and topical body use such as healing wounds and hair conditioning.

All sunflower oils contain vitamin E, a fat soluble nutrient that protects cells from age related damage. Sunflower seed oil is best known for its excellent skin softening properties. The high concentration of linoleic acid, around 60%, helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Sunflower seed oil is high in antioxidants, and rich in a variety of vitamins, including E, A, C and D, which are helpful in moisturizing and protecting the skin. When used topically, the linoleic acid from the fatty acids has anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for dry skin conditions, like eczema and acne.

With all the amazing benefits of sunflower seed oil for the skin and hair it's no surprise so many in the skincare industry have embraced it, and the reason it is the base of our salve.

Sassafras is a medium sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America with a long tradition of use by indigenous peoples. Typically reaching anywhere from 30-50 feet in height and only a few inches in diameter, Sassafras spreads via a vigorous network of roots. This post however is all about the aerial appreciation!

Sassafras trees usually grow three types of leaves: ovate lobe-less leaves or the football, two-lobed leaves or the mitten, and three-lobed leaves or the ghost. Usually, all three types of leaves can be found growing on the same tree, however four and five lobed leaves can occur but are rare. The bark of the saplings is a dark green which turns to brownish-red as it matures.

Filè(fee lay)is the dried and powdered leaves traditionally used in Creole cuisine to flavor and thicken stews. The thickening agent is the high content of mucilage in the leaf. Its said the early Cajuns learned of the trees uses from the Choctaw natives of the gulf coast who have used the plant for food and medicine for thousands of years. My favorite part of the leaves is that they are very tasty raw right off the tree!

Join us next Saturday for a CommUnity Learning day on Mushroom Inoculation .

We’ll be joined by Chris Clouds of to learn techniques, tools and receive hands on practice with turning our 30-acres into a mushroom paradise.

More details when you RSVP on our website.

Sunflower seed oil infused with Vanilla beans, Cocoa butter, Beeswax, and the essential oils of Cedarwood, Cypress, and Eucalyptus.
This salve will leave your skin luxuriously smooth and protected while its delicious aroma warms your soul. Use on dry skin to heal, repair, and moisturize.
Each 2oz metal tin is $15 plus the cost of shipping.
DM to order or email [email protected]
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