Notes From the Apothecary

I’m often asked, “What’s the best clay for skincare?” As with carrier oils , there isn’t a single answer. The better question is: What is the right clay for your skin type? Clay is one of the oldest and simplest skincare tools, and there’s a reason it has been used for thousands of years. At its core, clay is soil, earth that has been broken down over time into fine, mineral-rich particles that can interact deeply with the skin. The earliest recorded use of clay for therapeut

As we move into the heart of fall and the season of giving begins, we’re kicking off our annual Gifts to Give series,  a long-standing Byers Ranch tradition that celebrates simple, natural, handmade gifts. Each year, we share a new batch of easy, botanical DIYs you can craft with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or apothecary cupboard. If you’ve been following along over the years, you can explore all our past tutorials, from Mulling Spices and Fire Starters

As summer fades and the first hints of autumn color the trees, our days naturally begin to slow. The air turns crisp, the evenings come...

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, the shift into fall asks more of our bodies than we often realize. Cooler mornings,...

At markets and online alike, one of the questions I hear most often is: “What is kokum butter?” It may not be as well-known as shea or...

If you’re like me, you do your best to make sure nothing goes to waste in your kitchen or apothecary. Every root, flower, and leaf is the...

When the high desert sun is at its fiercest and the monsoons are late, staying cool becomes more than just a comfort; it’s a necessity....

At Byers Ranch Apothecary, we like our skincare how we like our land — wild, intentional, and rooted in tradition. And few ingredients...

This article is an excerpt from the article “Spiced Dandelion Bitters for Spring Gut Renewal,” published in the Spring 2025 edition of...

Golden Milk reigns supreme as an anti-inflammatory, healthy, and healing drink. Its earthy, warm, and golden spice is a powerful...

Winter is nearly at its close, and that means the warmer days of spring and summer are on the horizon. Warmer days usually mean longer...

Facial steams are excellent for the skin and a must-try ritual for overall self-care! After a long day, simply breathing in the sweet...

The world of herbalism is a unique combination of art, science, history, and modern medicine that speaks of an ancient relationship...

Welcome to the third and final edition of our three-part Oil Infusions Series . Today, we are discussing the Alcohol Intermediary Method....

Oil infusions are the basis of many herbal formulations. From salves to soaps and lotions to skincare, before you can begin any recipe,...

This DIY rosehip face serum recipe belongs in everyone's natural skincare regime. Made using dried rosehips, jojoba oil, and apricot...

A homemade black drawing salve is a perfect addition to your home apothecary or herbal first-aid kit. Insect bites, stings, splinters,...

Cold and flu season is officially upon us, and respiratory infections seem to be common this year. I don’t know about you, but for me,...

Welcome to the 10th installment of our Herbal Spotlight Series ! This month, in honor of the season, we'll discuss pine. Yes, the very...

Welcome to another edition of our Gifts to Give Series . If you love making DIY gifts, be sure to check out the rest of the posts in this...