Episode 222: How to Use Piñon Pine for Centering, Coughs, and Infections with Briana Wiles

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Episode Summary

If you live in the American Southwest, chances are you’re familiar with piñon pine (Pinus edulis and other species). But while this rugged tree is most often celebrated for its nourishing nuts, its needles, resin, and aromatic presence offer a whole world of medicine just waiting to be explored.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Briana Wiles to explore the many gifts of piñon pine. She shares how this beloved conifer can support everything from the lungs and immune system to the skin and nervous system, while also bringing an unexpected sense of grounding and brightness. Along the way, we talk about what it really means to build a relationship with a plant and how working deeply with one herb can open up countless possibilities.

Briana works with piñon extensively, and she shares a wide range of creative, practical ways to use it—from aromatic steams to infused oils and even unexpected culinary delights. Her recipe for Piñon Tallow is especially versatile, with uses that extend from the kitchen to your daily skin care routine. Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card from the section below!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► How aromatics like piñon can shift your experience of stress and bring back your emotional “sparkle”

► What makes conifer resins so supportive for the skin

► How piñon can support the lungs during seasonal transitions

► Ten herbal preparations for piñon, including some surprising culinary uses (piñon coffee, anyone?)

► When tallow works beautifully for the skin—and when it might be best to avoid

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Briana Wiles is a master herbalist, author, mother of two, and the founder of Rooted Apothecary. She is the author of Mountain States Foraging and Mountain States Medicinal Plants, and teaches nationally through immersive plant camps, courses, and community education. When she’s not in the apothecary or teaching, Briana can be found growing herbs and cut flowers on her homestead, making remedies at the kitchen table, or exploring the outdoors with her kids. Her work centers on helping families and communities reconnect with plants as everyday allies for health, resilience, and relationship with the land.

I’m delighted to share our conversation with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Briana:

• Website | Rooted-Apothecary.com
• Instagram | @rootedapothecary 
• Facebook | Rooted Apothecary

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:08] Introduction to Briana Wiles + Briana’s plant path
• [16:38] What Briana loves about piñon pine
• [18:50] Piñon Tallow recipe
• [22:29] Tips for sourcing or preparing quality tallow
• [24:39] Why use tallow on the skin?
• [29:01] Healing properties of piñon tallow
• [30:07] Benefits and herbal preparations of piñon
• [33:50] How Briana’s family history shaped her as an herbalist
• [38:00] Briana’s current herbal projects
• [44:22] What Briana thinks herbs are especially good at teaching humans
• [50:00] Student spotlight
• [51:06] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:39  - Introduction to Briana Wiles + Briana’s plant path
• 16:22 - What Briana loves about piñon pine
• 18:38 - Piñon Tallow recipe
• 22:20 - Tips for sourcing or preparing quality tallow
• 24:35 - Why use tallow on the skin?
• 29:01 - Healing properties of piñon tallow
• 30:08 - Benefits and herbal preparations of piñon
• 34:09 - How Briana’s family history helped make her the herbalist she is today
• 38:27 - Briana’s current herbal projects
• 44:56 - What Briana thinks herbs are especially good at teaching humans
• 50:36 - Student spotlight
• 51:45 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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