[Herbalist] Iasmin's Current 4 Favorite Balm Recipes

[Gaylin Walli]

>I have a couple questions if it's ok.

Sure. I'll try to answer them as best I can.

>I live in the high desert of So. Calif.  We have a very common juniper
>here and I have heard the berries are what was used in making Gin.  They
>must be somewhat safe as the coyotes constantly eat them and you can
>find the remains regularly in their scat.

One of the major things you must remember about plant identification
is that animals and humans have different anatomies. Entirely
different. The United States Army still strongly cautions against
wild foraging based on animal consumption of plants in their survival
class, if this gives you an idea of the importance of the safety
issues. What an animal can eat safely may be deadly poison to a
human. What one animal can eat safely is also deadly poison to other
animals.

>Can I use these as I have soooo many on my property.  I do not know
>the exact type it is.

Because you do not know what type it is, and because I know my very
big weakness is in plant identification (I'm terrible at it unless
I've grown it), I would strongly urge you to avoid using the plant
until you can find someone to identify it for you. Your local county
extension office should be able to help you out and barring that, you
can try local colleges and universities, local wise women, shamans,
or experts in that field you are confident are reputable.

>Can I use fresh bay as I have a bay tree/bush

Yes, but I've found that when you infuse the oils with fresh plant
matter (you have to heat the oil to do this) the moisture in the
plant has a tendency to cause the oil to bubble and spit a little
more than if you'd used dried plant matter. Use extra cautions when
working with oil and water combinations such as this. I suggest
wearing a long sleeve shirt, wearing safety goggles, and making use
of that splatter shield you might have lurking around in your
cupboard somewhere.

Iasmin