Northwestern B.C.’s Plant Medicines: Healing, Respectful Harvesting, and Simple Preparations
- Laurie Fulford
- Dec 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 6
There’s a deep, living medicine in the coastal rainforests and river valleys of northwest British Columbia. Plants have healed, soothed, and sustained Indigenous communities for generations. This post offers an introduction to some commonly known regional plant medicines, their traditional uses, practical ways to prepare teas and salves, and—most important—how to gather and use these plants in ways that honour Indigenous knowledge and the ecosystems they come from.
A note on sources and respect: Indigenous knowledge is living, relational, and often culturally specific. This post shares general, public-domain information and safe, low-risk recipes. It does not replace traditional teachings. Whenever possible, learn directly from local Indigenous Elders, knowledge-holders, or Indigenous-run herbal programs, and always ask permission before harvesting on traditional territory.
A Few Healing Plants You’ll Commonly Find in NW B.C. (and What They’re Used For)
Below are several plants that people in the region commonly work with. This is a concise introduction—local names, uses, and protocols vary between nations.
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Uses: Steam or needle teas for colds and congestion, poultices, ceremonial smudging (where appropriate). Cedar is culturally important across many coastal nations. The inner bark and young tips have been used traditionally for minor respiratory remedies and as a gentle topical wash.
Note: Cedar is culturally significant—follow local protocols and ask permission.
Sitka Spruce / Spruce (Picea spp.)
Uses: Young needles and inner bark are used for vitamin-rich teas (traditional “spruce needle tea”) for colds and scurvy prevention. Resin/pitch has been used historically in poultices and salves for cuts and to seal wounds.
Note: Spruce needle tea is high in vitamin C; avoid needles from pollen-heavy branches if you are allergic.
Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus)
Uses: Historically used by many coastal and interior nations for arthritic pain, topical problems, and as part of ceremonial medicine.
Caution: Devil’s club is very important and often considered sacred. It is vulnerable to overharvesting and often treated as a plant that requires permission and ceremony to harvest. Do not harvest devil’s club without direct permission and instruction from local Indigenous guardians.
Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum / Ledum groenlandicum)
Uses: Mild tea used traditionally for colds and as an aromatic.
Caution: Labrador tea contains compounds that can be toxic in large amounts. Keep to small doses and avoid frequent heavy use. When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable local herbalist.
Willow (Salix spp.)
Uses: Willow bark contains salicin—the natural precursor to aspirin—and has been used for pain and fevers.
Caution: Willow is effective but not a substitute for medical care. People on blood thinners or with certain conditions should avoid using willow without a clinician’s advice.
Nootka (Nootka) Rose / Wild Rose (Rosa nutkana, etc.)
Uses: Rosehips are rich in vitamin C and make nourishing teas and syrups. Petals are used in salves and baths.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Uses: Traditional poultice/infusions for minor wounds, with mild anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
Plantain (Plantago major)
Uses: Leaves make a classic poultice for stings, minor cuts, and inflammation. This plant is easy to identify and often found near pathways, making it an excellent “first-aid” plant.
Principles of Sustainable, Respectful Harvesting
Ask Permission & Learn Local Protocol. Many plants (especially devil’s club, cedar, and certain root medicines) are culturally sensitive. Always consult local Indigenous communities or land stewards before harvesting on traditional territories.
Never Take More Than You Need. Harvest small amounts. For leaves and needles, take from many plants rather than stripping one plant bare.
Leave Roots and Whole Plants Alone Unless You Have Explicit Consent. Roots and bulbs are the plant’s lifeline. Digging up roots is destructive unless done with a clear regenerative plan and permission.
Rotate Sites. Harvest from different patches each year so populations can recover.
Take Only What’s Abundant. If a patch is sparse or plants look stressed, don’t harvest there.
Harvest in Season and Use Techniques That Minimize Damage. For example, take a few needles from outer branches rather than young shoots. Remove small strips of bark rather than girdling trunks. Collect berries or seeds after they’ve set and only what you need.
Use Clean Tools and Good Hygiene. Sterilize knives and shears and pack out any trash. Be mindful of biosecurity—don’t spread invasive seeds between sites.
Give Thanks and Practice Reciprocity. In many Indigenous ways of knowing, harvesting is a relationship. Give thanks, offer small gifts, or contribute to stewardship efforts.
Simple, Safe Preparations
Below are approachable recipes for herbal teas and a basic infused-oil salve. These are household-scale methods that use minimal heat and preserve medicinal qualities. These recipes are for common, low-risk herbs. More potent plants (willow, certain conifers, devil’s club, labrador tea, etc.) require extra care—start small and learn from experienced practitioners.
Basic Herbal Tea (Infusion) — Hot Cup
1–2 teaspoons dried herb (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herb) per 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water.
Pour boiling water over herb, cover, and steep for 5–10 minutes (longer for deeper flavour).
Strain and sip slowly. For bitters or stronger astringents, reduce steep time or use less herb.
Notes: For spruce needle tea, use young, green needles. For rosehip tea, use crushed dried hips (use more hips by volume because they’re bulkier). For plantain or yarrow, a 5–10 minute infusion is typical. Use caution with labrador tea (small doses).
Cold Infusion (Gentler for Some Roots/Bark)
Place chopped herb (dried or fresh) in a jar and cover with cool water.
Let sit in the fridge or a cool place for 8–12 hours (overnight). Strain and drink.
Cold infusions are less likely to extract harsh compounds from sensitive herbs.
Simple Infused Oil (Base for Salves)
Infused oils extract fat-soluble constituents safe for topical use.
Quick Stovetop Method (Gentle Heat):
Chop fresh or dried herb finely (approx. 1 cup dried herb per 2 cups carrier oil). Use a neutral oil (olive, sweet almond, grapeseed) or locally sourced oil.
Place herb and oil in a double boiler or a heat-proof jar sitting in a pot of simmering water. Keep water at a gentle simmer; avoid boiling the oil.
Heat gently for 2–3 hours, keeping the jar/pot warm but not hot (aim for ~60–80°C / 140–175°F if you have a thermometer). Stir occasionally.
Strain through cheesecloth and squeeze out the oil. Store oil in a dark bottle in a cool place.
Solar or Slow Infuse Method (Low Heat, Takes Weeks):
Fill a jar with herb and oil, seal, and place in a warm, sunny window for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain after infusion.
Basic Herbal Salve
1 cup infused oil (from above)
1–2 tablespoons beeswax pellets (start with 1 tbsp for a soft salve, 2 tbsp for firmer salve)
Optional: a few drops of essential oil for scent (avoid for sensitive skin or children)
Gently warm infused oil in a double boiler until liquid. Add beeswax and stir until fully melted.
Remove from heat, add optional essential oil, pour into small jars, and let cool. Label with ingredients and date.
Keep salves for ~6–12 months (longer if stored cool and dry).
Topical Use: Apply a thin layer to minor scrapes, dry skin, or sore muscles. If irritation occurs, discontinue.
Safety Notes & Contraindications
This is Not Medical Advice. If you have a chronic illness, are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication (especially blood thinners), talk with a healthcare provider before using herbal medicines. Some plants interact with medications.
Allergies: Always patch-test topical preparations. People allergic to salicylates (aspirin) should be cautious with willow. If you have tree or pollen allergies, be careful with spruce and cedar.
Dosage Caution: Even “natural” herbs have active compounds. Labrador tea and devil’s club have potent constituents; use sparingly and with guidance.
Identification: Misidentification can be dangerous. Learn plants from reputable field guides or, better, in-person with an experienced local teacher.
Practical Ways to Learn and Give Back
Take Local Workshops. Look for classes led by Indigenous herbalists or land-based educators.
Buy Indigenous-Made Medicines. Supporting Indigenous-run herbal businesses helps keep traditional practices thriving.
Volunteer for Stewardship. Help with habitat restoration or community harvest events. Reciprocity matters.
Use Good Field Guides and ID Apps Cautiously. They’re helpful for learning, but nothing replaces local knowledge.
Closing — Medicine as Relationship
Plants in northwest B.C. are more than ingredients: they’re relatives, teachers, and medicines that connect us to place. Approaching them with humility, permission, and care keeps those relationships healthy. This ensures these medicines remain available for future generations. If this post sparks curiosity, take the next step by finding local Indigenous-led learning, asking permission when you harvest, and bringing gratitude into your practice.
Want to Learn More?
Book a Plant Medicine Consultation with Mitchell Engdahl, a knowledge holder from the Tahltan nation. Mitchell is happy to help you learn about and safely use plant medicine's knowledge and sacred wisdom, tapping into their healing properties. Booking link for Mitchell is below:
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