From Forest to Formula: The Traditional Alaskan Roots of Spruce Sentry Hand Salve

From deep in the Alaskan wilderness, my friends!

You know that moment when traditional wisdom and modern needs come together perfectly? That's exactly how our Spruce Sentry Hand Salve was born.

When we first started homesteading here in Alaska, we noticed something fascinating about the spruce trees that surrounded our property. They would heal themselves with a sticky, protective pitch when their bark was damaged. This wasn't news to the Indigenous peoples of Alaska - they've known about and used spruce pitch for generations as a natural protective barrier and healing aid.

As a former Air Force medic, I've always been drawn to time-tested remedies that actually work. Watching how effectively these trees protected themselves got me thinking about creating something that could offer that same kind of natural barrier for hardworking hands.

But here's the thing about working with spruce pitch - it's not just about harvesting it. It's about doing it respectfully and sustainably. We only harvest from trees that are already producing pitch, never intentionally wounding healthy trees. We're careful to leave enough pitch for the tree's own healing process, and we rotate our harvesting areas to ensure the forest's long-term health.

What makes me proudest about Spruce Sentry isn't just that it works (though it definitely does!) - it's that we're helping keep this traditional knowledge alive while respecting the incredible Alaskan wilderness that makes it all possible.

So next time you use your Spruce Sentry Hand Salve, remember - you're not just protecting your hands, you're connecting with generations of Alaskan wisdom.

From our homestead to your hands,

Aimee 🌲