Forest Floor Alchemy

05/08/2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/aimeegochinski/p/stingy-and-clingy?r=1hthsw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

a gathering of greens

05/07/2026

'Tis the (tick) season...

and the season for mosquitoes....

and gnats....

and things that fly...

and bite...

Which is why I crafted the Forest & Field trio.

Everything in the line was built around oils and plants traditionally used to help deter ticks, mosquitoes, and biting insects while still being supportive to the skin itself.

🌿 Forest & Field - herbal bug spray

The lightest and freshest in the set. Built with lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, clove, and a touch of neem layered into a grounded citrus profile with green herbal notes underneath.

Lemon eucalyptus is one of the more researched botanical oils used for tick and mosquito deterrence. Citronella and lemongrass help create that sharp aromatic barrier insects tend to avoid, while geranium is often used traditionally in tick-focused blends. Clove adds warmth and depth with naturally strong aromatic properties, and neem brings an earthy bitter-green edge long associated with outdoor plant-based protection blends.

This one was made for garden days, woods walks, trails, camping, farm work, outdoor markets, spraying boots, clothing, gear, and exposed skin without feeling like you coated yourself in synthetic chemicals.

Fresh. Green. Citrus-forward without smelling fake sweet.

🌿 Forest & Field - get defensive

The deeper version of the blend. Same overall direction, but warmer, more concentrated, and closer to the skin.

Made with a concentrated mix of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, geranium, and subtle clove in a nourishing oil base for targeted application to wrists, ankles, behind knees, necklines, and hat lines. All the places ticks seem to crawl first.

Geranium and clove come through more in this one, giving it a darker woodland apothecary feel compared to the brighter spray.

Easy to throw in a bag or pocket when you’re outside all day.

🌿 Forest & Field - after bite

The recovery side of the set.

Made with yarrow and plantain infused into a rich balm base with lavender and German chamomile to calm and soften the sharper outdoor notes.

Plantain has long been used traditionally for bites, stings, scrapes, and irritated skin, while yarrow is known for supporting skin repair and helping calm inflammation. Lavender and chamomile bring in a more soothing direction for skin that’s dry, overexposed, bug-bitten, wind-burned, or just tired from being outside.

This one is soft, soothing, and nourishing for the skin after a long day of working with the elements.

Everything is handcrafted in small batches.

Find it at https://forestflooralchemy.net/

Available individually or as the full Forest & Field set.

05/01/2026

04/26/2026

If you don't know, you better ask somebody 👇

I am taking pre-orders for another batch of 'for the babes' electrici‐tea blend inspired by author Amy Flanigan and her Great Work. ☀️🙌Message me to get yours! 🤙







https://forestflooralchemy.net/

04/10/2026

Can you believe it took me 10 days to find this post?😝

Ding Ding Ding! Tina Rodriguez! You've won! Contact me to claim your gifts! ✨️ Thank you for participating & supporting my growing business. It means so much! ☀️🙌💜

Everyone, thank you, and stay tuned. There will be more chances to win coming up soon!

04/04/2026

Set up the plant rehab & propagation station in my kitchen again today 🌿☀️🖤

I think I need it more than the plants do...

03/31/2026

03/29/2026

12/05/2025

White pine (Pinus strobus) has been used for generations in herbal medicine, and modern research backs up a lot of that old knowledge. The needles are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, quercetin, shikimic acid, and natural volatile oils that support the lungs, immune system, and overall resilience during the colder months.

Key Benefits of White Pine Needles

• Respiratory support
White pine helps open the lungs, reduce congestion, and ease that “tight chest” feeling. The needles contain expectorant and bronchodilating compounds that help clear mucus and support easier breathing.
• High in vitamin C
White pine needles contain significantly more vitamin C than most citrus fruits (especially when fresh). This helps with immune function, collagen production, and combating inflammation.
• Antioxidant-rich
The needles are packed with flavonoids—quercetin, proanthocyanidins, catechins—which help reduce oxidative stress and support recovery from illness.
• Shikimic acid content
A well-known compound also found in star anise. It supports immune balance and has become widely researched for its antiviral relevance.
• Gentle lymphatic support
Helps keep immune circulation moving, especially when paired with rest and hydration.
• Mood & nervous system benefits
The aromatic oils in pine can have a grounding, uplifting effect and help reduce mental fatigue.

I am currently in the process of making a white pine soda. It is a wild fermentation, similar to ginger bug or natural root beer. You are essentially feeding the natural yeasts and bacteria on the pine needles and in the environment with a natural sugar, allowing them to create carbonation and probiotics.

The Sugars from the air and pine feed the microbes and then they convert those sugars into organic acids, mild alcohol (very low), CO₂, and beneficial enzymes. Over a few days, the mixture becomes bubbly, lightly tangy, and probiotic. The pine oils and nutrients infuse into the liquid, giving it a clean, bright, resinous flavor.

This process preserves the antioxidants while adding gut-friendly benefits from the fermentation itself.

The flavor profile equals a bright, resinous, citrus-adjacent that pairs well with lemon, ginger, honey, or fruit.





Only use white pine (Pinus strobus).
Avoid yew and other toxic look-alikes.
Avoid during pregnancy (standard pine precaution).