Plant Wisdom

Southwest Herbal Wellness

Stories, knowledge, and traditions from three generations of New Mexico plant medicine.

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Tradition June 11, 2026
Osha Root: Bear Medicine of the Southwest

The most comprehensive English and Spanish guide to Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri) — the bear medicine of the Rocky Mountains. Covers Tarahumara, Navajo, and Hispano ethnobotany, Z-ligustilide research, antiviral studies, United Plant Savers at-risk listing, sustainability, ethical wildcrafting, and all preparation methods.

Cecilia Carrillo Read article →
Tradition May 24, 2026
Complete Guide to Palo Azul: Benefits, Science & Traditional Uses

The most comprehensive English and Spanish guide to Palo Azul (Eysenhardtia polystachya) — the blue stick of the Chihuahuan Desert. Covers botanical overview, Tarahumara/Rarámuri and curanderismo traditions, kidney stone research, the fluorescence phenomenon, preparation methods, FAQ schema, and the Gallup NM sourcing connection.

Cecilia Carrillo Read article →
Tradition May 22, 2026
Ashwagandha: Adaptogenic Strength from Ancient Roots

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been Ayurveda's cornerstone adaptogen for 3,000 years — and modern clinical trials are catching up. Here's the full story: withanolides, cortisol modulation, the HPA stress axis, traditional rasayana practice, and how Cura Verde's tincture carries this ancient root forward.

Paul Carrillo Read article →
Tradition May 16, 2026
Yerba Mansa: The Desert Healer of the Southwest Wetlands

Yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) grows at the intersection of desert and water — a wetland plant in an arid land used for centuries by Pueblo, Navajo, and Hispano healers for wound healing, sinus infections, anti-inflammatory relief, and antimicrobial protection. Here's the full story.

Margie Carrillo Read article →
Tradition May 13, 2026
Osha Root: The Bear Medicine of the Rocky Mountains

Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) is the most culturally distinctive plant in Rocky Mountain herbal medicine — used for centuries across Navajo, Pueblo, and Hispano healing traditions for respiratory support, immune defense, and anti-inflammatory relief. Here's the full story.

Chris Carrillo Read article →