BLOEM - JULY 2024

FOCUS ON CHECKERS WINTER FOOD
The healing power of plants
With the rise in plant-based health consciousness, Get It sat down with Wikus Botha, the proud
owner of the Osem Shop, a zero-waste shop located at CoffeeTalks Café in Rayton, to chat about
plants and their healing power.
Wikus Botha’s path to sustainability was paved with a
deep-seated interest in nature and a commitment to
living consciously. “I have been interested in sustainable
living for as long as I can remember,” Wikus shares. His
passion took root during an introductory course called
‘Reconnecting with Nature’ in Hogsback. “For the first time,
I really understood what it meant to be stewards of nature,
to work together for life.” This experience ignited a profound
understanding of sustainability within a community
context. “We need each other, and there is no other way,” he
emphasises.
Running a hands-on restaurant provides Wikus with unique
insights into changing consumer attitudes. “I get to engage
with my customers and hear all their stories first-hand,” he
says. Since 2016, he has noticed a significant shift towards
discussions on healthy, natural living and sustainability. “The
conversations always shift towards these topics, and as the
old adage goes, ‘we are sick and tired of being sick and tired,’
and how can I fix this?”
This growing awareness has fuelled his mission to promote
a more conscious life, not only in terms of health but
also in overall interaction with life. “In the current climate
and environment, fast-paced and highly stressful, I am
committed to helping others pursue a conscious lifestyle,”
he adds. Understanding the role of plants and herbs in
boosting health is a cornerstone of Wikus’ philosophy.
“Our bodies need various micro and macro nutrients, and
plants, herbs, and our food provide them,” he explains. The
key, he believes, lies in being in tune with how we feel.
“The importance of being in tune with how we feel, to be
conscious, is the first step in the pursuit of overall wellbeing.”
Wikus mentions that modern society often turns to
getitmagazine.co.za/bloemfontein
medication only when health is in jeopardy, overlooking the
preventive and supplementary power of natural remedies.
“Plants and foods work in our bodies in ways that cannot
be measured by our need for instant gratification,” he
notes. “Plants boost our immune system just as much as
we suppress it with our stressful lifestyles.” Among the
vast amount of healing plants, Wikus highlights two that
deserve more attention. “Moringa is densely packed with
a tremendous amount and variation of nutrients to boost
your immune system and benefit overall health. Think of it
as a raw natural multivitamin,” he suggests. For those dealing
with stress and anxiety, he recommends Lemon Balm.
“Lemon Balm is a gentle yet effective herb that can be a
valuable addition to your daily routine. Its calming, digestive,
and antiviral properties make it a versatile remedy for a
variety of health benefits,” he says. Wikus encourages readers
to explore the world of home-made natural remedies. “It is
important to read up on the various plants and herbs that
you wish to use, for both their properties but also how they
may affect your body,” he advises.
He suggests starting with simple herbal infusions, keeping
a list of plants and their benefits, and experimenting to
discover what works best.
Wikus addresses common misconceptions about natural
healing with clarity. “A common misconception is that
if it’s natural, it’s safe and must be good for me. Not all
plants and herbs are beneficial, and some may even have
adverse effects on your system,” he warns. He stresses the
importance of listening to your body and understanding
that plants and herbs are supplementary rather than curealls.
“The more you incorporate plants, herbs, and healthy
foods into your lifestyle, the more beneficial it becomes.”
July 2024 Get It Bloemfontein 49
Text: Justine Fortuin Photography: Gypseenia Lion