Trees have long played a central role in traditional healing practices, offering natural compounds that support balance and overall wellness. Across cultures, their leaves, bark, flowers, and resins have been used to address everyday concerns—from digestion and pain to stress and immune health. In Medicine from the Trees, Dr. JJ Pursell—a best-selling author and board-certified naturopathic physician—draws on more than two decades of experience to show how to identify, source, and prepare remedies from thirty-four tree species using accessible, at-home methods. Below are four examples of these simple, effective botanical preparations.

Douglas fir shower bombs turn an everyday shower into a restorative, spa-like experience. Their fresh, woodsy aroma can help clear congestion, ease stress, or simply fill the steam with a calming forest scent.

DOUGLAS FIR SHOWER BOMBS

Items needed:
2 mixing bowls
Mixer (stand or handheld)
Silicone mold (or hand-roll)

Ingredients:
2 cups baking soda
½ cup citric acid (optional, helps prevent crumbling)
20 drops Douglas fir essential oil or ¼ cup fresh Douglas fir tips, ground
1½ tbsp. water

Directions:
Combine baking soda and citric acid in a mixer on low for about 10 seconds.
In a separate bowl, mix water with the Douglas fir oil or ground tips.
Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined.
Form into 1-inch patties or press into molds, packing tightly.
Let dry overnight, then store in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight.

To use, place one on the floor of your shower and let the steam release its aromatherapeutic benefits.

A teaspoon of this syrup helps reduce stress while gently supporting the central nervous system. Magnolia pairs with calming herbs to create a simple, soothing remedy.

MAGNOLIA STRESS-RELIEF SYRUP

Items needed:
Saucepan
Stirring spoon
Fine-mesh strainer
Bottle for storage

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. magnolia petals
1 tbsp. dried passion flower
½ tbsp. oatstraw
⅛ tsp. ground ginger
2 cups water
1 cup organic sugar

Directions:
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add all herbs, turn off heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and return it to the saucepan.
Bring to a low boil, add sugar, and simmer uncovered until reduced by half.
Remove from heat, let cool, then pour into a storage bottle.

This bath salt blend is designed to relax muscles and soothe discomfort after a long day. California bay laurel pairs with calming botanicals to create a restorative, full-body soak.

SOOTHING BATH SALTS FOR RHEUMATISM

Please ensure you do not have an allergy or skin sensitivity to California bay laurel before use.

Items needed:
Mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
Storage container or glass jar
Large muslin bag

Ingredients:
1 cup California bay laurel leaves
1 cup chamomile flowers
4 cups Epsom salt
20 drops lavender or orange essential oil

Directions:
Mix bay laurel leaves and chamomile flowers, then add Epsom salt and combine well.
Add essential oil and stir thoroughly. Transfer to a storage container.
To use, place 1 cup in a muslin bag and submerge in a warm bath. Relax and enjoy—best before bed.

This smoothie supports gentle digestion by soothing the stomach and calming the gastrointestinal tract. Slippery elm acts as a nutritive, natural emollient, helping maintain health throughout the digestive system.

SLIPPERY ELM GUT HEALTH SMOOTHIE

Items needed:
Blender

Ingredients:
½ cup yogurt (dairy or nondairy)
½ banana
2 tbsp. pineapple juice or ¼ cup diced pineapple
¼ cup aloe vera juice
1 tbsp. slippery elm powder
½ tbsp. psyllium husk powder
¼ cup water or milk of choice
3–4 ice cubes

Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Enjoy.

Medicine from the Trees: Herbal Remedies from the Forest for Whole-Body Health and Wellness Author Dr. JJ Pursell On sale now