Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel shares how ancient Mi'kmaq knowledge about birch bark medicine combined with modern chemistry is transforming skin care and challenging Western approaches to medicine.

• Dr. Bierenstiel, a chemistry professor at Cape Breton University, partnered with Mi'kmaq Studies professor Tuma Young to research traditional birch bark extract
• The collaboration uses "two-eyed seeing" methodology, combining indigenous knowledge with scientific analysis
• The knowledge was nearly lost - rescued from just two Mi'kmaq elders who remembered a story about a nursing mother healed in the 1920s
• Chemical analysis reveals over 200 compounds working together as a "symphony" rather than single active ingredients
• The extract shows remarkable effectiveness for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even poison ivy
• Traditional extraction methods involving fire were critical - lab replications initially failed until they mimicked the earth's thermal protection
• Only outer layers of paper birch bark are harvested sustainably without harming trees
• The research led to founding Masqueomi, a small company selling creams and soaps with the community's blessing
• Current products are sold under cosmetic licensing while research continues toward natural health product certification

Visit  http://www.maskwiomin.com/ and use code CANOPY for 20% off 50-gram creams until April 10, 2025. Check out the CBC Land and Sea documentary "Mi'kmaq Medicines" to learn more about this project.