From a young age, I experienced the profound healing power of nature, a lesson learned in my backyard—or rather, the shores of the South Pacific Ocean. When I was seven years old, I encountered a painful and uncomfortable challenge, as my mild eczema progressed into juvenile plantar dermatosis (JPD), a common and chronic dry-skin condition of the feet that mainly affects pre-adolescent children. For two winters, I dealt with the extreme discomfort of painful fissures, cracking, and scaling that bore deep cracks with each step. Standard medical treatments like steroid injections and steroid creams offered very little relief, pushing my parents to return to traditional remedies.

My parents returned to a traditional approach, establishing a new routine that permitted me to immerse my feet in the icy, yet mineral-filled waters of the South Pacific Ocean. Some small changes were made to my diet, adding hot pūhā juice and puha to my meals and eliminating dairy during the winter months. Before I knew it, I experienced what my youthful imagination considered almost magical; I noticed remarkable improvements in my health and feet.

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As I grew older, my desire for knowledge revealed the scientific foundation behind those beloved remedies. Pūhā (Sonchus oleraceus) is revered in many cultures, especially in the Pacific Islands, for its anti-inflammatory effects and nutritional value. Bursting with vital vitamins and minerals, pūhā contributes to everything from skin health to energy metabolism. Rich in Vitamin A, B Vitamins, and a significant amount of Vitamin C, this leafy green embodies the saying that food can serve as medicine.

The waters around New Zealand are abundant in essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium—each known for its ability to nurture the skin. Immersing oneself in this natural saltwater not only provides relief but also helps maintain skin hydration, keeping irritants away and making it an ideal solution for various skin concerns.

Reflecting on these formative moments, I am profoundly thankful for the wisdom imparted by Papatūānuku—Earth Mother—and the caring touch of nature. Looking back at these formative experiences, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the teachings of Papatūānuku—Earth Mother—and the nurturing embrace of nature. This appreciation has ultimately shaped my mission with Wild Alchemy Botanicals, a venture dedicated to harnessing nature's therapeutic properties.