WildFields Apothecary - Walk Lightly on the Earth.

Spitskop – THEN & NOW.
In 2002 when Allen and I returned to this small farm and that wonderful mountain, we were aghast at the destruction that over farming and present day farming methods had done. It was a quiet sad place, in the evenings sitting outside on what was then a crumbling “veranda” the nights were still, no crickets, no frogs, just……silence….and uncomfortable nothingness kind of stillness.

And so, the healing began.

The “Old lands” were left untouched, unsprayed, no chemical fertilizers were used, left to heal and recover. Many fences were taken down, hundreds of snares removed from fences and the mountain, overgrazed fields were left untouched to slowly recover.

Now in the year 2024  - 20 years of REWILDING has transformed this once neglected landscape into a thriving haven for nature and humans alike. Amidst challenges, we embarked on a journey of healing and restoration. Over two decades, our commitment to REWILDING has revitalised the land, bringing back native plants, flourishing habitats, and a renewed sense of vitality.

The fields are filled with wild flowers – birds, bees and wild pollinators proliferate.

A comprehensive Geological report tells us this land, this mountain – is some 230 million years old, and that once, long ago, dinosaurs wandered the valley.

Having done a search in the area and found no Sutherlandia Frutescens plants  -  we re-introduced this plant known as Cancer Bush ( LerumoLaMadi - Spear of the Blood)) to our fields and valleys. This one plant, left to wild seed, has proliferated, and we have many wild plants across the Estate.

Small wild seeded Sutherlandia Frutescens plants gently taken up in the veld and planted in and around the gardens of The Dassie Guest House have been an inspiration in the amount of seed each plant produces - and leaves/flowers/twigs are used to make the most healing tea, and, steamed for some 3 hours in Organic Olive Oil - golden bottles of Infused Oils have proved to be great healers - from light skin cancers to easing the severe Shingles of a neighbour. 

In December the Golden Fields of Helichrysum ( Imphepho ) are in full flower - and we now forage and wild harvest, and here too we have introduced a range of healing and soothing products.  Wild Harvested Sun Dried Imphepho Tea - soothing Infused Oils, which have become available to purchase, both locally and online. The long history of the use of Smudge Sticks by Traditional Healers inspired the making of beautiful hand tied Smudge Sticks.

Artemisia Afra ( Lengana) has wild seeded across the southern slopes of the mountain, so incredibly healing for treating colds and flu and chills - dried flower tea is available for a short period after the flowering season - and dried leaf tea and bundles of cut leaves and stems - wonderful for steaming blocked noses and headaches caused by colds and flu.

Together with our staff - who are loving working with these incredible plants - our knowledge has increased but there is so much to learn.  In summer areas of the "Old Lands" below the mountain are filled with Bulbine Narcissifolia - we were unaware that this chinkerinchees looking yellow plant was the "new kid on the block in cosmetic use " of healing plants - introduced to the plant as KhomoYaBadisa by staff who grew up in the area - and wandered these fields as young children - thus absorbed the knowledge of Traditional Healers -  many South Africans still use traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs.

The summer months when mosquitoes and horse flies can prove pesky - We offer guests some of the fleshy leaves on arrival and instruct them how to pull leaves without harming the plant - and rub on a bite when walking the beautiful trails- climbs into mountain -  they can use on rashes - burns - the fresh juice is marvelously healing. From this wonder plant too - we make beautiful soothing infused oils - steamed for 3 hours in organic olive oil - then strained into bottles.

OUR VISION - Entrepreneurship – to grow the business – expand in the local economy- create jobs and more jobs – providing secure employment – ongoing training and skills development within the arena of our wild heritage – the indigenous and native plants that sustain and heal us and the planet.

• Disclaimer
• Our range of indigenous, wild seeded wild harvested herbs are intended as part of an integrated approach to wellbeing. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition, nor replace prescribed medication.
• WildFields Apothecary, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants, products or documentation provided.