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