Field Notes for Late Spring: Healing Storms, Seasonal Formulas & the Return of Vital Force
Spring Nears Its Zenith
The Earth has entered the late phase of spring—a time of floral peak, swelling green, and solar intensity building toward the summer solstice.
With just a few weeks remaining before the longest day of the year (June 19, 2025), we stand in a liminal moment: where emergence gives way to expression, and the light prepares to crest.
At this stage, the body is highly responsive to detoxification, immune recalibration, and nervous system restoration. As always, Asheville Herbals works in rhythm with this turning—offering plant medicines that reflect the intelligence of the season.
Ceremony as Ecological Repair: Releasing the Imprint of Hurricane Helene
Earlier this spring, I co-facilitated a ceremonial healing alongside three other practitioners to address the energetic residue left by Hurricane Helene—an event that impacted not only the physical environment but also the subtle energetic field of our region.
The ceremony took place along the banks of Reems Creek in Weaverville, in close relationship with the water, trees, stones, and wind that inhabit that sacred corridor. Rooted in ancestral traditions and reciprocal prayer, the intention was to clear and harmonize what the storm left behind in the land and collective body.
The Four Directions of Healing:
South – The Offering: A traditional despacho—crafted with cornmeal, flower petals, and intention—was offered to Pachamama, allowing dense energy (hucha) to be returned to the Earth for composting. We called on great serpent to help us shed the skin of the past.
West – The Waters: Water was sung to, imbued with grief and memory, and returned to the flowing creek with prayers for transformation and renewal.
North – The Wind: With the help of drum and song, we worked to re-pattern the air and the field, bringing gratitude and coherence to the space.
East – The Fire: A small sacred flame was kindled to bear witness and to call in clarity. We invoked the archetypal medicine of eagle and condor—visionary guides from above—to complete the transformation cycle.
This was not performance—it was shared ecological and spiritual stewardship. A quiet act of tending the unseen.
New Extracts for the Season of Vital Force
In keeping with the late-spring shift toward action, expression, and nervous system resilience, I’ve released three new tinctures. Each was formulated with both clinical precision and energetic sensitivity:
Cinchona Bark Extract
Primary Actions: Antipyretic, bitter, antimicrobial
Energetics: Cooling, draining, purifying
Best Used For: Fever cycles, immune support, digestive reset
Key Compounds: Quinine, cinchonine, other alkaloids
This classic South American bark was historically used for cyclical fevers and microbial burdens. Today, it’s an ally for clearing internal stagnation and revitalizing the immune matrix.
Passionflower Tincture
Primary Actions: Anxiolytic, sedative, antispasmodic
Energetics: Cooling, grounding, descending
Best Used For: Insomnia, tension, emotional turbulence
Key Compounds: Flavonoids (vitexin), trace harmala alkaloids
Perfect for this active season, Passionflower helps regulate nervous overdrive, calm intrusive thought loops, and deepen the quality of rest.
Lion’s Mane Tincture
Primary Actions: Nootropic, neuroregenerative, adaptogenic
Energetics: Neutral to gently warming
Best Used For: Mental clarity, focus, neuroendocrine support
Key Compounds: Erinacines, hericenones, beta-glucans
This fungal intelligence supports cognitive function, dream insight, and long-term brain health—particularly beneficial as we navigate high solar output and overstimulation.
Looking Ahead
As we move toward summer, there are a few quiet expansions on the horizon at Asheville Herbals. A new wildcrafted tincture is in progress, and updates to our signage and printed materials are underway. As always, future offerings will unfold in rhythm with the season and guided by right timing. I look forward to sharing more when the time is right.
Gratitude for Community at Drip Sauna
I’ve recently had the opportunity to vend at Drip Sauna, and I want to share my appreciation for the warm welcome. It’s been a true pleasure meeting new folks, having real conversations, and offering herbal support in such a vibrant and supportive space. Thank you to everyone who stopped by—you’ve made the experience meaningful and energizing. I look forward to returning soon.
In Gratitude for This Path
Thank you for trusting Asheville Herbals as part of your wellness journey. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or simply re-learning how to listen to the land, your presence in this work matters.
Together, we remember.
With seasonal blessings,
Joseph Willard
Herbalist & Shamanic Practitioner