One thing I appreciate about self heal (Prunella vulgaris) is that it's so easy to overlook. It's a common plant that many people walk past every summer, yet it has a long history of use across Europe and Asia and remains one of my favorite herbs for soothing irritated skin. In this video, I'll show you how to identify self heal, where I find it growing in Washington, how I harvest it sustainably, and how I turn the dried flowers into an alcohol intermediary infused oil that I love using as an after-sun oil. We'll cover: 🌿 How to identify self heal (Prunella vulgaris) 🌿 Where it grows and when to harvest it 🌿 Traditional herbal uses and current research 🌿 Sustainable harvesting tips 🌿 My favorite method for making a self heal infused oil 📚 Research review mentioned in the video: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9261270/ Hi! I'm Natalie from The Adiantum School of Plant Medicine. I'm an herbalist, photographer, and author passionate about helping people learn the plants growing right outside their doors. Whether you're interested in foraging, medicinal plants, edible wild foods, or herbal medicine making, you'll find new videos here every week. 📖 Books: Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest Winter Twigs of the Pacific Northwest 🌿 Learn more: Website: www.adiantumschool.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adiantumschool/ #herbalism #foraging #selfheal #prunellavulgaris #medicinalplants #plantmedicine #wildcrafting #herbalmedicine #pnwforaging

Preorder direct from me: https://nataliehammerquist.square.site/product/preorder-winter-twigs-of-the-pacific-northwest-signed-copy-ships-early-sept-/BZGJJVC3PQMOX4TIBMU2NKMB?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false Preorder from my publisher: https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/winter-twigs-of-the-pacific-northwest-common-trees-shrubs

Mullein is one of the most recognizable medicinal plants in North America, but there's a lot more to this fuzzy-leaved herb than most people realize. In this video, I cover how to identify mullein, where it grows, how to harvest it ethically, and the traditional medicinal uses of the leaf, root, and flower. You'll also see how I prepare mullein leaf tea and mullein root tincture, along with detailed comparisons between mullein and several common lookalikes. In this video: • How to identify mullein (Verbascum thapsus) • Where mullein grows and how to find it • Harvesting and processing mullein leaves and roots • Traditional medicinal uses of the leaf, root, and flower • Making mullein leaf tea • Mullein lookalikes compared side-by-side Mullein has a long history of use in Western herbalism and folk medicine, particularly for respiratory support, but every plant has nuances that are worth understanding before harvesting or using it. I'm now selling signed copies of my books from my website! https://www.adiantumschool.com/book 🌿 Find more plant resources, classes, and articles: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts As always, this video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Be sure to positively identify any wild plant before harvesting or consuming it.

Spring has arrived in the mountains, and the lime green conifer tips are beginning to emerge. In this video I head into the conifer forests near my home to harvest fresh Douglas fir tips, explore the timing of spring emergence across different conifer species, and prepare a few simple conifer remedies and foods at home. Along the way we encounter grand fir, mountain rivers, drifting clouds… and even an owl with a freshly caught mouse. Note for viewers: I remastered the sound from the old video and reuploaded. Thanks to those who commented and helped out! In this video: • How to identify and harvest Douglas fir tips • Differences between Douglas fir, firs, and spruces • Conifer emergence timing in spring • Drying Douglas fir tips • Douglas fir tip cold infusion • Douglas fir tip syrup preparation 🌿 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always properly identify wild plants before use.

In this video, I share 20 common wild medicinal plants that grow across much of the United States. These are plants that are widespread, practical, and deeply useful for herbal medicine — the kinds of plants I come back to again and again in my own practice. You'll see a mix of roots, leaves, flowers, and tree medicines, including plants for digestion, skin support, first aid, the nervous system, and overall vitality. Many of these grow in backyards, along trails, and in disturbed ground — which means they’re often closer than you think. Whether you're new to herbalism or looking to deepen your relationship with medicinal plants, this is a strong foundation of plants worth getting to know. 🌿 Want to learn more about medicinal plants? I wrote a field guide called Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest, which includes detailed plant profiles, preparation methods, and practical uses. If you purchase it from the link in this post, I get a little affiliate income, too! 🌱 Go deeper with me on Patreon I teach monthly classes on wild foods, herbal medicine, and practical plant knowledge. If you'd like more in-depth learning and a supportive plant community, you can join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts Safety note: Always be 100% confident in plant identification before using any wild plant medicinally. Some plants have toxic lookalikes, and others can interact with medications. Use multiple sources, learn proper preparation methods, and work within your scope of knowledge. Thanks for watching, and happy foraging 🌿 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Dandelion 00:56 Plantain 01:37 Yarrow 02:17 Nettle 02:58 Red clover 03:28 Horsetail 04:11 Mallow 04:47 Elder (flower & berry) 05:21 Cleavers 05:52 Burdock 06:18 Yellow dock 06:46 Rose 07:19 Hawthorn 07:49 Mullein 08:34 Cedar 09:17 California poppy 09:45 St. John’s wort 10:16 Willow 10:46 Poplar buds 11:22 Mugwort 11:57 My book!

In this video, I share 20 common wild edible plants that grow across much of the United States. These are plants that are widespread, useful as food, and worth getting to know if you're interested in foraging or wild foods. You'll see a mix of greens, berries, roots, nuts, and tree foods — many of which grow in backyards, along trails, and in disturbed ground. Whether you're new to foraging or looking to deepen your knowledge, these are some of the plants I come back to again and again. 🌿 Want to learn more about wild edible plants? I wrote a field guide called Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest, which includes detailed plant profiles, harvesting tips, and recipes. If you purchase it from the link in this post, I get a little affiliate income, too! 🌱 Go deeper with me on Patreon I teach monthly classes on wild foods, herbal medicine, and practical plant knowledge. If you'd like more in-depth learning and a supportive plant community, you can join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts Safety note: Always be 100% confident in plant identification before eating any wild plant. Use multiple sources, pay attention to look-alikes, and harvest responsibly. Thanks for watching, and happy foraging 🌿 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Dandelion 00:55 Chickweed 01:27 Lamb's quarters 01:53 Purslane 02:22 Sheep sorrel 02:50 Nettle 03:31 Burdock 03:54 Japanese knotweed 04:26 Wild Blackberry 04:56 Wild blueberry 05:32 wild strawberry 06:06 rose hip 06:42 hawthorn 07:11 elderberry 07:46 hazelnut 08:15 oak 08:49 Wild violet 09:30 miner's lettuce 09:54 fir and spruce tips 10:39 more info and my book!

Purslane is one of my favorite wild edible plants—and once you learn to recognize it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere. This humble “weed” is actually a succulent, incredibly drought-tolerant, and packed with nutrients. In this short video, I’ll show you how to identify purslane, how to harvest it, and a few simple ways to enjoy eating it. It’s a great reminder that some of the most nourishing foods are already growing around us. If you’d like to go deeper into wild foods, my book Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest includes detailed plant profiles, harvesting tips, and recipes to help you confidently use wild plants in your kitchen. And if you enjoy learning about plants with me, I share monthly classes, plant walks, and behind-the-scenes projects over on Patreon. Learn more: 🌿 Get my book: Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest (follow youtube shopping link) 🌿 Join my Patreon for classes and plant education: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts A few quick notes about purslane: • It’s a succulent with a crisp texture and mild flavor • Best harvested young, before stems become fibrous • Can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled • Often grows in dry, disturbed soils and sidewalk cracks • Considered a nutrient-dense plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants Always harvest from clean areas away from contamination, and be sure of your identification before eating any wild plant.

**Can my friend turn me into a pro firemaker? 🔥** In this video, I visit my friend Jazmen, a wilderness skills instructor and founder of Northwest Natura in Bellingham, Washington, to get a one-on-one lesson in traditional firemaking. From gathering materials in the forest to striking flint and steel, she walks us through the entire process step by step—and yes, there’s plenty of laughter along the way. We cover: – How to find and choose the right materials for firemaking – Splitting kindling safely with a hatchet – How to make feathersticks – Building a proper tinder nest – How to make char cloth – How to strike flint and steel and nurture an ember – Building a fire structure that actually catches Whether you're a plant lover like me, curious about wilderness skills, or just want to spend some time learning alongside us in the woods, this video will give you a practical look at the full firemaking process from start to finish. 👉 Learn more about Jazmen and her work: Website: https://www.northwestnatura.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwest_natura/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwestnatura 📘 Pre-order my Winter Twigs Book Here: PREORDER: https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/winter-twigs-of-the-pacific-northwest-common-trees-shrubs ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you want more videos in the **Hands on Plants** series. Fire Safety Reminder: Always build your fire in a clear, open area at least 10–15 feet away from trees, shrubs, logs, and other flammable materials, and avoid low-hanging branches overhead. Keep water and tools nearby so you can fully extinguish the fire if needed—ideally at least one bucket of water (or several liters) plus a shovel or dirt to smother embers. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is completely out before leaving the area. Always check local burn restrictions before lighting a fire. In Washington State, you can check here: https://dnr.wa.gov/wildfire-resources/outdoor-burning/burn-restrictions

In this episode of Hands on Plants, I visit Carnation Farms in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State — a historic farm that’s reimagining what agriculture can look like in a changing world. Director of Regenerative Agriculture Eric Popp takes me on a tour of their 300-acre property, where sheep, soil, and vegetables work together in a carefully designed cycle of renewal. We explore how livestock are integrated into vegetable production, how cover crops restore fertility, and how the farm’s business model balances ecology with profitability. This isn’t just another farm tour — it’s a glimpse into the future of food and land stewardship. At Carnation Farms, regeneration isn’t a buzzword; it’s a rhythm of life that connects animals, plants, and people in a continuous circle of care. ✨ In this video you’ll learn: – How regenerative agriculture works in real life – Why livestock integration can build soil instead of deplete it – How cover crops and grazing cycles improve soil fertility – The philosophy behind Carnation Farms’ holistic business model If you’re curious about regenerative farming, soil health, and hope for the planet, this one’s for you. 🎥 Watch next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F93omK1WiW4 🌱 Support the Hands On Plants series + get access to extended cuts and monthly classes: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thebackcountryherbalist/posts 🎥 Subscribe to follow along as we visit more inspiring plant people for the Hands on Plants series! 📚 Check out my books: Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest: https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/edible-plants-of-the-pacific-northwest-a-visual-guide-to-harvesting-and-cooking-with-40-common-species Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/medicinal-plants-of-the-pacific-northwest-a-visual-guide-to-harvesting-and-healing-with-35-common-species #RegenerativeAgriculture #CarnationFarms #SustainableFarming #HandsOnPlants #SoilHealth #FarmTour #WashingtonFarms