KNYSNA NEWS - Despite a quieter turnout due to year-end holidays and family commitments, an indigenous aromatherapy workshop recently held in the area offered an enriching experience for those who attended.
Organiser Carlo Randall said the workshop focused on the traditional practice of burning herbs used to either uplift or ground the mind, body and spirit.
Proceedings began with the burning of impepu, also known as Khoigoed, an indigenous plant-based incense traditionally used to "invite the goodwill of ancestors or spirit guides".
This opening ritual was performed as an offering for a successful workshop.
"The aim of the session was to introduce participants to aromatherapy as practised within indigenous healing traditions. A variety of shrubs were showcased, including Khoigoed, Rhinosterbos and Sage, which served as base plants. Additional aromatic plants were used to enhance fragrance, while different roots were sprinkled onto the smouldering base plants to release their scents," he said.
Plants and roots used during the workshop included Root of David and dried leaves of a haworthia species, traditionally believed to ground the body and spirit while calming the mind.
Other elements, such as powdered red storm and liquorice root, were added for their sweet fragrance and uplifting properties.
The workshop concluded with an educational discussion on the importance of correctly identifying plant species by their botanical names.
Participants were reminded that not all smudging herbs are sage, and that each plant carries distinct properties and effects, making proper identification essential in indigenous healing practices.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
