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’s 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 well-being.”
Wikus mentions that modern society often turns to 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 cure-alls. “The more you incorporate plants, herbs, and healthy foods into your lifestyle, the more beneficial it becomes.”
Text: Justine Fortuin Photograph: Gypseenia Lion
