Forest Spirit face mask made with yarrow and cedar in support of RAVEN

A few years ago, to support the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, I co-created Forest Spirit: a special limited edition face mask featuring the herbal and cultural gifts of yarrow and cedar. Water is life, the land is our home, and the struggle to protect all living creatures -- including us -- carries on. This is an important time of transition, and our collective efforts to build solidarity is needed more than ever. 

I'm honoured to reissue this limited edition item in support of RAVEN and to announce that 100% of the purchase price of each face mask sold will be donated to RAVEN's core fund so support can be directed to whatever is needed most. 

Indigenous Peoples in Canada have some of the most powerful environmental rights in the world—but only if they can afford to uphold them in court. A registered Canadian charity (#85484 0147 RR0001) and a US 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 98-0628334), RAVEN supports Indigenous Peoples in enforcing their rights and title in court to protect their lands, sovereignty, and ways of being. We do this by partnering with Indigenous communities to bring legal actions that seek redress for violations to their lands and rights. Indigenous-led litigation is sparking transformative change across Canada, and every campaign we take on is an opportunity to redefine justice through setting legal precedents that aim to return stewardship and sovereignty to First Peoples. Through fundraising and public education activities, RAVEN is committed to advancing Indigenous rights and taking action for our shared futures by establishing environmental legacies.

Since 2009, our campaigning and fundraising activities have led to legal victories that have protected lands and sacred sites, upheld modern Treaty rights, stopped pipelines, and defended the land from open-pit mining. After fifteen years, RAVEN-supported cases have been cited over 445 times in other court cases, contributing to systemic change that addresses the climate crisis by honouring Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior, and informed consent. Together, we root into the power of movement building to actualize a future that upholds Indigenous laws and ways of being.

By supporting RAVEN, you are part of a movement that increases access to justice so that Indigenous Peoples can afford to assert their rights and reclaim environmental stewardship through litigation against colonial governments and extractive corporations. What is at stake for Indigenous Peoples is at stake for everyone: basic rights to clean water and abundant lands that support ecosystems for all life and for all generations.

To learn more about RAVEN, or to make a donation directly without purchasing a jar of Forest Spirit face mask, please visit: https://raventrust.com

Yarrow leaf and petals ground to a fine powder, blended with kaolin clay and a few drops of cedar essential oil, creates a face mask that is soothing, clarifying, and exfoliating. 

Yarrow
The ancient Greeks, and Mi'kmaq people throughout the ages, regard yarrow for its ability to treat sprains by reducing bruising and swelling. In China, it is used to brighten the eyes and promote intelligence. Ancient Roman tradition believes yarrow is ruled by Venus and the element of water. Throughout Europe, yarrow continues to drive away negativity and represent love. The Navajo people consider it a sacred Life Medicine and Anishinaabe people value it for purification. The Teton Lakota people call yarrow “medicine for the wounded.” In the Victorian language of flowers, yarrow represents both war and healing. From the perspective of herbalism, it is known worldwide to rid the body of toxins through the provision of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and tonic benefits. It can also soothe irritated skin.

Cedar
In many cultures worldwide spanning from Cherokee to Ojibwe to Druid to Norse, cedar is connected with ancestors, so it is used to drive away negative influences, cleanse, heal, and protect. It can also promote confidence and strength. From a skincare perspective, cedarwood essential oil it is an astringent and can reduce irritation through anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, making it a positive complement to yarrow, and a wonderful choice for oily or problem skin.

Please note: Prolonged use of yarrow may promote photo-sensitivity and, in some cases, those allergic to ragweed may find a similar response to yarrow*. As such this mask is recommended for most skin types, but may not be suitable for those with highly sensitive skin or allergies to botanical ingredients. Although this mask does not contain nanoparticles, care should still be used to not inhale dust while preparing. This mask is not recommended for use during pregnancy/nursing.

This preservative-free product lasts longer when exposure to the elements (i.e. air, humidity, sunlight) is kept to a minimum. Please store in a cool, dark place and keep tightly sealed between uses.

* Note: I created this years ago with my friend Liz (formerly of The Granola Goat Skin Care LLC). She and I are both allergic to ragweed pollen, but experienced no adverse effects using yarrow/this mask. 

Ingredients:

kaolin clay, achillea millefolium (yarrow) powder, juniperus ashei (cedarwood texas) essential oil

Directions:

After washing face thoroughly, mix approximately ½ tbsp of face mask with a liquid of choice (i.e. water, aloe vera gel juice, rose water, green tea, etc.) to form a light paste; apply to face in upward strokes avoiding the eyes, nostrils and lips; allow to dry for approximately 10 minutes (sensitive skin should avoid letting the mask dry completely); soften with a splash of water, rubbing the mask gently in circular motions while rinsing it away to benefit from its exfoliating properties. Rinse face thoroughly, pat dry, and apply a moisturizer of your choice and sunscreen if desired. 

Format:

Each tin contains 30 g / 1.05 oz and provides approximately 10 applications depending on how much product is used per application.