A little bit of the Southwest desert captured in a bottle.
Balm of Gilead Cottonwood Bud Oil from Four Peaks Soapery
There is something about the smell of the desert after a summer rain that just stays with you. For me, it is the scent of creosote and damp earth, and it always reminds me why we settled here in New Mexico. I have spent years wandering through the scrub and the piñon groves with my kids, showing them which plants to look for and how to harvest them without taking too much from the land.
I have always preferred making things myself. It starts with a basket and a walk in the sunshine, and it ends with a shelf full of amber bottles in my kitchen. Infusing oils is a slow process—it requires patience and a bit of waiting—but that is the beauty of it. We get to follow the rhythm of the seasons, harvesting when the plants are just right.
The Magic of the Piñon Pine
The piñon pine is such a staple of our landscape. I remember the first time I tried collecting the sap; it is sticky and stubborn, but the scent is absolutely timeless. My family uses these oils for everything from a quick massage after a long day of hiking to keeping our skin feeling soft during the dry winter months.
I love how these oils bring the woods right into the house. It is a scent that feels like home to us, and it is something I enjoy sharing through my own shop, Four Peaks Soapery.
- Collected from the high desert groves
- Infused slowly to keep the essence of the tree
- Used for skin and beard care
- Piñon Pine Infused Body Oil: New Mexico Pinyon Sap + Lip Balm – $11.49
- Piñon Pine Beard Oil: Southwest Desert Scent + Lip Balm – $12.79
Cottonwood Bud Oil (Balm of Gilead) 1 oz + Free Lip Balm from Four Peaks Soapery
Creosote and the Desert Rain
If you have ever been to the Southwest, you know the smell of creosote. Some people call it greasewood, and it is perhaps the most iconic scent of the chaparral. I harvest it carefully, making sure to leave plenty for the wildlife.
We use this oil when we want something that feels grounded and earthy. It is a wonderful addition to a natural skincare routine, especially when the wind has been whipping across the plains and our skin needs a bit of extra moisture.
- A true scent of the New Mexico desert
- Hand-harvested greasewood
- Great for those who love earthy aromas
- Creosote Oil – $10.49
Creosote Oil from Four Peaks Soapery
Cottonwood Buds and Springtime
When the cottonwoods begin to bud, I know it is time to head out. These buds are a treasure in the foraging world. I have been making this infusion for a long time, and it never gets old. It is a gentle oil that feels lovely on the skin.
I often keep a larger bottle of this on hand for the whole family to use. Whether it is for a quick hand rub or a relaxing massage, the cottonwood oil is a favorite in our household.
- Harvested during the spring awakening
- A traditional herbal infusion
- Available in various sizes for different needs
- Cottonwood Bud Oil (Balm of Gilead) 1 oz + Free Lip Balm – $12.49
- Balm of Gilead Cottonwood Bud Oil – $39.49
Gotu Kola Infused Herbal Oil from Four Peaks Soapery
From the Garden and Beyond
While the wild desert provides so much, I also keep a few things in my own yard. I love the process of tending to my herbs and then seeing them transformed into something useful. It is a cycle that keeps me connected to the earth.
I have experimented with several different infusions over the years, finding that some plants work better for certain areas of the body. For instance, I find that a dedicated nail oil is a necessity for anyone who works with their hands as much as I do.
- Home-grown herbal additions
- Practical blends for daily use
- Simple, handmade ingredients
- Natural Cuticle Oil – $5.69
- Gotu Kola Infused Herbal Oil – $11.49
- Poke Root Infused Herbal Oil – $12.59
Living naturally is not about being perfect; it is about making a few better choices every day. For me, that means using what the land provides and taking the time to make things by hand. It is a bit more work, and my kitchen often smells like a forest, but I would not have it any other way.
I hope you find something in these infusions that brings a bit of the desert peace into your own home. There is something so comforting about knowing exactly where your oils came from and who made them.
You can browse all of my handmade infusions at Four Peaks Soapery here.
Leave a Reply