Roots of Healing: A Journey Through Nature and Heritage

—————-

‘Herbalist and naturopath Aleksandra Wiwer shares her journey from the charming town of Stronie Śląskie, Poland, to becoming a passionate advocate for natural healing. Inspired by childhood foraging trips and her great-grandmother's legacy as an herbalist, Aleksandra overcame personal health challenges and cultural barriers to pursue her studies in biology and phytotherapy. Now the founder of Herbedies, she empowers others through natural remedies and engages a growing community on social media, sharing insights about local flora and their healing properties.’

Background

—————-

I come from Stronie Śląskie, a charming small town in southern Poland, surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests. Growing up in such a natural environment instilled in me a deep love for nature from an early age. My parents and grandparents often took me on foraging trips for mushrooms, berries, and other natural treasures, creating unforgettable memories of time spent outdoors.

Recently, I discovered that my great-grandmother was a herbalist in XIX century in western Poland , which made me reflect on my family's history and my passion for herbs and natural healing methods. It felt like a sign that my journey in this field is not a coincidence. As an only child, I received a lot of attention from my family, who supported my interests and nurtured my curiosity about the world.

At the age of 14, I decided I wanted to become a doctor and chose a high school with a biological-chemical profile. I even received a skeleton model that allowed me to play teacher, undoubtedly inspired by my mother, who is a teacher.

During my teenage years, I struggled with hormonal issues that led to frustration when conventional medicine didn't provide me with answers. Luckily, my mum, a fan of Chinese medicine, took me to a practitioner who helped me heal through herbs and acupuncture. This experience ignited my passion for natural healing methods.

Despite my success in biology and chemistry in High School, a negative experience with a new biology teacher in my last year of high school led me to question my career path. Disheartened, I decided to abandon my dream of medical studies. Instead, I enrolled in chemistry at the University of Wrocław, but it wasn't what I truly wanted.

My life took a new turn when I met my now-husband, who lived in the UK. I decided to temporarily move to improve my English and travel. What was supposed to be a short trip turned into a over seven-year stay until now (Bournemouth). The beginnings were tough—I had to deal with cultural barriers and as it turned out limited language skills.

Nevertheless, my love for herbal medicine and natural healing grew. After some time working in various factories among toxic people, I realized I needed to return to my studies and follow my passion. I managed to enrol in a biology program in the UK while flying back to Poland for courses on natural medicine.

Eventually, I completed my bachelor biology degree along with postgraduate studies in phytotherapy, herbal medicine, and naturopathy. During this time, I also traveled to India, where I delved into the principles of Ayurveda, further enriching my knowledge of natural healing methods. In 2022, with the support of my husband, I decided to share my knowledge on Instagram, starting with herbal bath salts and unique teas.

I initially struggled with social media, lacking the knowledge and experience to effectively engage my audience. After a few weeks, I abandoned Instagram. However, in November of last year, I decided to give it another try and set out to rebuild my Instagram profile with renewed determination.I successfully built a community of 17,000 followers, allowing me to help others through consultations and personalized herbal blends.

Throughout my journey, I've faced numerous challenges, but my passion for herbs and natural medicine, along with my desire to help others, has driven me to overcome difficulties. My childhood, filled with nature, family support, and exploration, has significantly shaped who I am today. And now I can share my passion and knowledge about natural health.

For those who are meeting you for the first time, could you please share an overview of your work and what you’re passionate about?

—————-

I'm a herbalist, phytotherapist, and naturopath, and I absolutely love helping people find natural remedies to support their health and well-being. As a biologist and the founder of Herbedies, I always strive to uncover the root causes of various health issues. My approach involves using the power of herbs to enhance immunity, improve gut health, and promote overall vitality.

Herbalism is the practice of using plants and their extracts for medicinal purposes. It encompasses a deep understanding of the properties and benefits of various herbs, allowing us to create natural solutions for health concerns. Through herbalism, we can tap into the healing potential of nature, offering holistic support for the body and mind.

I've personally benefited from these natural methods, which makes me even more passionate about sharing them with others. I offer consultations to help individuals discover tailored herbal solutions that fit their unique needs. Additionally, I create eBooks filled with recipes and guidelines for using herbs effectively.

My mission is to empower people to take charge of their health with the wisdom of nature. I love connecting with others through social media, where I share tips and insights about herbal medicine and natural therapies. It’s all about building a supportive community and inspiring others to embrace the healing potential of plants!

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in herbalism and natural healing?

—————-

My journey into herbalism and natural healing began with my own experiences with health challenges. I realized that many conventional methods didn’t address the root causes of my issues, which led me to explore alternative approaches. Growing up in a family that valued natural remedies and traditional practices sparked my curiosity about the healing power of plants.

Recently, I discovered that my great-great-grandmother was an herbalist in her time, and learning about her life gave me a sense of connection and purpose. It made me realize that this passion for herbalism runs deep in my family, and it feels like a calling rather than just a career choice.

Traveling to places like India, where I delved into Ayurvedic practices, further ignited my passion for natural healing. I saw firsthand how herbs could transform lives, and I wanted to share that knowledge with others.

Today, I strive to empower people by providing them with the tools and guidance to harness the benefits of herbal remedies. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others find natural solutions that promote their health and well-being. This journey has been both personal and professional, and I feel blessed to be able to do what I love every day!

Given your deep familiarity with local flora, how have you acquired such extensive knowledge about the health benefits of various plants? Do you have any particular resources or guides that you refer to?

—————-

I have a deep connection to the local flora, thanks to my childhood memories of foraging with my grandparents and parents. Growing up, we would explore the countryside together, and many of the plants I learned about then still resonate with me today. The flora here in the UK is quite similar to what I remember from my hometown in Poland, which has made it easier for me to identify and appreciate these plants.

In addition to those cherished memories, I've read countless books on herbalism and plant identification. This reading has been invaluable in helping me understand the health benefits associated with various herbs. If I ever come across a plant I'm not sure about, I take a photo and try to identify it using my resources. I believe in foraging with respect for nature, always ensuring I gather herbs sustainably and responsibly.

This combination of personal experience, reading, and a deep appreciation for the natural world has shaped my knowledge of herbs and their healing properties. It’s a continuous learning journey, and I’m excited to share that knowledge with others!

Do you enjoy foraging for a variety of plants in your local area for personal use? Additionally, do you think people would be surprised by the many uses of these local plants?

—————-

Absolutely! I love spending time close to nature, and whenever the weather permits, I take my dog out of the city to explore the meadows and gather herbs. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect with the environment and find inspiration for my herbal practices.

Even today, I encounter people who are surprised when they see me foraging for fruits like hawthorn berries or wild rose hips. Many don’t realize the incredible uses of these local plants! This curiosity has been a significant motivation behind my Instagram profile, where I often share content about foraging these plants and provide recipes for how to use them.

I believe that by sharing this knowledge, I can help others appreciate the abundance of natural remedies right in their own backyards. It's all about empowering people to explore and utilize the amazing gifts that nature has to offer!

Can you list for us some of the most common plants that people do not realise they can consume and what their benefits are?

—————-

Of course!

My favourite dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, and roots, Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, dandelion can help support digestion, improve liver function, and act as a diuretic.

Clover (Trifolium spp.)

Parts Used: Leaves and flowers. Benefits: High in protein and vitamins, clover can support heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

Parts Used: Flowers, Berries.

Benefits: Known for its immune-boosting properties, elderflower can help relieve cold and flu symptoms and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Parts Used: Leaves and young shoots (cooked).

Benefits: High in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, nettle can help reduce inflammation and support allergy relief.

Mallow (Malva spp.)

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, and seeds. Benefits: Mallow has soothing properties and can be used to relieve coughs and throat irritations.

How would you approach researching an unfamiliar plant to determine its potential medical uses? What steps would you take?

—————-

When I come across an unfamiliar plant, I always approach it with caution and respect for nature. If I'm not sure about its identity, I never pick it. Instead, I take a moment to admire it and capture a photo. Once I'm home, I delve into my collection of herbalism books to try to identify the plant.

While there are apps available for plant identification, I've found they aren't always 100% accurate, so I prefer to rely on my books and personal knowledge. I love learning about each plant's unique characteristics and potential uses. This thoughtful approach not only helps me avoid harming nature but also deepens my understanding and appreciation of the flora around me!