The Healing Power of Nature

From an early age, I was fortunate to learn about the profound healing power of nature. This invaluable lesson wasn't taught in a classroom but discovered at home and in the icy winter waters of the South Pacific Ocean. When I was seven, I experienced two consecutive winters during which my usual eczema flare-ups worsened into juvenile plantar dermatosis (JPD), a chronic dry-skin condition that affected my feet. This common ailment among pre-adolescent children brought painful fissures, cracking, and scaling, which would split and cause immense pain with every step. Despite trying conventional medical treatments, such as steroid injections and creams, relief remained elusive. Frustrated yet hopeful, my parents decided to turn back to the simple wisdom of traditional remedies.

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Returning to Nature

With no relief in sight, my parents embraced age-old, nature-inspired healing methods. They introduced a daily ritual that involved having me wade into the frigid, mineral-rich waters of the South Pacific Ocean—even in the depths of winter. The reality of salt on open, cracked skin was excruciating, and the cold made it unimaginably painful for a 7-year-old girl.. I remember emerging from those waves, tears streaming down my face,  frustrated and convinced my parents were cruel and heartless. Yet, the next morning felt transformative. The agonising cracks in my feet had softened, inflammation had subsided, and I could walk without pain. Alongside this newfound remedy, we made a few dietary changes, incorporating hot pūhā juice and fresh pūhā into my meals and eliminating dairy.

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The Science Behind Tradition

As I delved deeper into traditional natural remedies, pūhā (Sonchus oleraceus) captured my interest. This plant, utilised in Pacific Island cultures, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and abundant nutrients, including Vitamins A, B, and C. These nutrients not only support skin health but also enhance energy metabolism, illustrating the principle of food as medicine. Beyond pūhā, the mineral-rich waters around Aotearoa contribute significantly to skin wellness. Soaking in natural saltwater provides relief and hydrates the skin, forming a protective barrier against irritants and effectively addressing various skin conditions. This underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health, where internal nourishment is as vital as the topical products we use.

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A Multi-Pronged Approach to Wellness

The Māori philosophy of health, known as Hauora, advocates for a holistic view of wellness that highlights the interconnectedness of physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. This comprehensive perspective encourages us to incorporate both traditional wisdom and modern science in our pursuit of overall well-being, emphasising the balance between what we consume and how we care for our bodies.

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Honouring the Earth’s Wisdom

These formative experiences instilled in me a profound appreciation for the wisdom held by Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), significantly shaping the ethos of Wild Alchemy Botanicals. Her teachings emphasise our intrinsic connection to the whenua (land) and her rich resources, guiding my commitment to harness nature’s therapeutic properties. By integrating these lessons into my practices, I strive to develop products that promote well-being while honouring our relationship with the environment. These and other lessons of healing and discovery are at the core of who I am and what I do. It inspires me to create, innovate, and share the gifts of nature through Wild Alchemy Botanicals.