Pharmacy Header Image

All wise woman’s posts

Mary Tree image

Mary Tree

This week I read in the Dutch newspapers that the Marialinde—Mary tree in Dutch—in Oisterwijk has been elected tree of the year. This tree is at least 650 years old. Its name reveals that this specific tree was important to our ancestors. Linden trees were seen as powerful magical protective trees and were often the first to appear in a new settlement. They played a role in many important social rituals. When christianity gained the upper hand, the church was unable to eradicate this custom, so the tree in question was adopted and christianised. You can read more about Linden’s magical properties and also about its medicinal effects in the monograph elsewhere on this website.

Meanwhile, at my place…

Well, the books are all on their way to their new homes. I can actually move around in the house again. Now is the time to fill you in on…

Read more

My most important task is to inform people who want to get back onto their own path. Who want to trust themselves again, every aspect of themselves, their mind, their heart and their body. I help them see the stories, taught through upbringing and cultural frameworks, for what they are, recognise the voice of their own intuition and find the strength to follow it, on their way to health and happiness.

That’s the red thread through all my work. In small ways, by sharing knowledge, thus enabling people to take care of themselves. And in larger ways, by always asking questions, challenging the status quo…

Mouse, beetles and flies image

Mouse, beetles and flies

Nature’s cycles, the circle of life in action.

I came across this mouse today while walking in local woods. I filmed as it was being eaten by burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides) and carrion flies. While around us everything is growing and coming to fruition, death is still also very much part of life.

My herbal grimoire image

My herbal grimoire

No image

If you can’t say ‘yes’ wholeheartedly, there’s always ‘no’. ‘No’ is an answer too. In fact, sometimes it’s the only possible answer.

Many of us, especially women, have been taught never to say no. Learning to say no is often an important step towards healing, physically and mentally and spiritually. If you can’t say ‘yes’ wholeheartedly, just say no for a change.

Emma, hagetisse
Our relationship with nature image

Our relationship with nature

Most of our health problems, be they of a physical, mental or existential nature, are the result of us viewing ourselves as being separate from the earth around as. We’ve chosen this video, made by the BBC in association with Dr. Eleni Dimou, to illustrate what we’re talking about.

To improve our quality of living and sense of well-being we will have not only ‘repair’ every aspect of ourselves, but also reconnect ourselves to nature. That’s the only way in which we will becoming our magical best selves and get to live a fulfilling live.

Rain image

Rain

I love the rain … I can see it drench the earth and disappear where it is supposed to be. When it rains after a hot day I can practically hear the plants cheering. Today it sounds more like a satisfied humming.
I get sad when I see that, in many places, the rain is streaming straight into the gutter from the tiles, pavers and asphalt. Did you know that 39.8% of the surface of the average Dutch garden is paved?
Rooks nesting image

Rooks nesting

Shadow work: processing trauma to secure a sense of safety

Safety is the top priority for every living being. For humans, this is no different from other species. A human child is extremely vulnerable and, therefore, safety plays a crucial…

Read more

Should you use naturopathy, aka alternative or natural medicine, or conventional medicine?

I’m a practitioner of naturopathy, which is also referred to as natural medicine or alternative medicine. The latter is an odd name if you ask me, because naturopathy has been…

Read more

Some plants are better left alone, unless you’re an expert on medicinal and therapeutic usage

One of the plants in my garden that I wouldn't recommend for medicinal usage unless you're an expert is foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. This plant has brilliant medicinal properties, but is…

Read more

Stillness image

Stillness

Wow, that was quite a rollercoaster, this past Yuletide and a bit longer than that as well.

Shortly after asking you about your ideal place to live (thanks for the many inspiring responses!), I fell quite ill. Additionally, my dearest companion, Chelik, deteriorated rapidly. He was already an old man, but still… I never left his side and tried everything to help him. Towards the end as well, when helping meant being there for him continuously, to ensure his transition would be as peaceful as possible.

Meanwhile, I feel better, although I am still rather tired. I just give into that and everything else at play. Over the years, I’ve learned that during tough times, it works well for me to come to a bit of a standstill. To let whatever needs to be there be there without resisting it.

That doesn’t mean I do nothing. I write, read and walk a lot. I handle the necessary ongoing matters. I spend time with my family members but also a lot of time alone. Just sitting or hanging around or staring into space. But I do avoid doing anything that could have significant future consequences. Now is not the time for that. That time will come again, of course. I’ll feel it when it does.

What helps you get through the tougher times?

Stories image

Stories

People love stories. It’s the one quality that sets us apart from other animals, if you ask me, the ability to make up stories. We are capable of creating fiction, concoctions, of air mongering, and so on. In short, we can imagine things that have nothing to do with the truth. We can fantasise.

So far everyone will be able to agree, I’d say. What many people don’t realise is that we also fantasise our daily life. Our whole life, our entire society, is one giant work of fiction.

Read more

The advantages of fate: the freedom that comes with letting go

I can imagine that my last article about fate was a bit of a shock. For most people who have grown up in our society it takes an 180 degree…

Read more

The best herbs for naturally strong and shiny hair and a healthy scalp

Due to all kinds of events in my life, my hair has endured some blows. It probably is the same for mAt my age, perimenopause also has its effects. In…

Read more

The foundation of a healthy life, part 1: introduction

As a hagetisse I receive many people who have problems with their health. It often concerns chronic diseases for which those who seek me out have not found an adequate…

Read more

The foundation of a healthy life, part 10: how do you stick to your life choices?

In part 10 of The foundation of a healthy life series we are going to talk about sticking to life choices. The secret of staying true to yourself and your…

Read more

The foundation of a healthy life, part 11: conclusion and an important end note

So far in this series on how to life a healthy life we've talked about nutrition, medicine, exercise and making sure your life suits you. Of course, this is not…

Read more

The foundation of a healthy life, part 2: nutrition, an important ingredient of good health

The body does not operate just like that. Like with an engine, it needs fuel. The mechanical comparison immediately ends there. Although many health professionals like to approach the body…

Read more

The foundation of a healthy life, part 3: a healthy way of growing

Conclusion from the previous blogs: everyone seems to agree on a couple of things. We have to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, preferably as many different kinds and…

Read more

It's not allowed to copy content of this website

Become a member for free

and view hidden content





The foundation of a healthy life, part 3: a healthy way of growing image