Snowbrush Tea Leaves (Ceanothus velutinus)

Snowbush Leaf Tea

Free Snowbrush Leaf Usage Guide

You won't find this at the grocery store.  The distinctive perfume of these leaves will stay with you and leave you wanting more.  As a lifelong forager, this is my second-favorite perfume in the entire forest (second only to cottonwood buds!).  If you've ever ventured into the alpine heights of the Pacific Northwest, you may have caught this scent for yourself.  It's unforgettable.

I am noticing that this plant is heavily browsed by wildlife in many areas this winter (leaves and green shoots eaten back to the roots in some places).  It's evident that many beings in the forest are depending on this food source this season.  Because of this, I am harvesting only in dense patches of snowbrush this year, in areas where there is no evidence of animals having browsed through the patch yet.  I am gathering very lightly even in those areas, sometimes just a quart of leaves from the entire patch.

Therefore, we will not have much snowbrush in stock this winter.  We will harvest more in the spring when other food sources are abundant for our wildlife neighbors. 

A note about weight for this leaf: one packed quart of fresh leaves equals 30 grams of dried leaves.  This is a large amount, enough for over a gallon of tea or multiple oil infusions and decoctions.  15 grams of dried leaves represents a packed pint of fresh leaves and it's enough for nearly two litres of tea.

About Snowbrush:

Snowbush (Chimaphila umbellata), also known as Red Root, Buck Brush, Deer Brush, and New Jersey Tea, is a delicate, evergreen shrub that thrives in the cool, acidic soils of coniferous forests across North America..  With leathery, serrated leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers, it adds a touch of vibrant green to the forest floor. Snowbush possesses a subtle, slightly sweet aroma with hints of wintergreen.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses:

Snowbush has a long history of use by Indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including:

• Urinary tract infections: Snowbush is known to have diuretic properties, helping to flush out toxins and relieve urinary tract discomfort.
• Skin conditions: Its astringent properties make it beneficial for soothing minor skin irritations and promoting healing.
• Respiratory issues: Some believe it can help soothe coughs and ease congestion.

How to Use:

• Snowbush Leaf Tea:

  • Preparation: Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried Snowbush leaves in a tea infuser or loose leaf strainer.
  • Steeping: Pour 8 ounces of freshly boiled water over the leaves.
  • Steeping Time: Steep for 5-7 minutes.
  • Enjoy: Remove the infuser and enjoy the tea hot or cooled. Add honey or lemon to taste.

• Snowbush Leaf Poultice:

  • Preparation: Grind dried Snowbush leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
  • Application: Mix the powder with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
  • Application: Apply the paste directly to the affected area of the skin.
  • Leave-on Time: Leave the poultice on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

• Snowbush Leaf Oil Infusion:

  • Preparation: Fill a clean jar with fresh or dried Snowbush leaves.
  • Oil Addition: Cover the leaves completely with a high-quality carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil.
  • Infusion: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, dark location for 2-4 weeks.
  • Straining: Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
  • Use: Apply the infused oil topically to the skin as needed.