PHYTOTHERAPY

Phytotherapy combines age old wisdom of traditional use medicinal plants from around the world as well as modern medical biosciences and phytochemistry. Phytotherapists use whole plants and their extracts for the prevention and treatment of disease as well as the promotion of optimum well-being. Medicinal plants have an effect on body functions because of the various chemical constituents they have. For example the opium poppy has sedative and analgesic effects because it contains alkaloid constituents morphine and papaverine, and the white willow has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects because it contains an aspirin precursor. Every prescription is tailor made to fit the particular patient.

AROMATHERAPY

“I first learned about essential oils in Sri Lanka, where I for years used Lavender, Tea Three, Chamomilla and Clary Sage to prevent and treat most ailments, big or small, within the family”.

Aromatherapy is a very hands-on therapy that can be used for a wide range of ailments. Many essential oils have strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties perfect for ear, nose and throat related infections and disorders. Essential oils are also effective to disinfect and heal wounds, heal burns, including sunburns, and is widely used in dermatology and cosmetology. Essential oils also induce relaxation, increases energy, reduce the effects of stress and restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.

ETHNOMEDICINE

Marika as has undertaken an ethnobotanical study on traditional healers in Niger with particular focus on herbal remedies for prevention and treatment of Malaria.

ETHNIC & SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY

Roots of a Nomad is in close contact with local producers of natural products in Niger and Burkina Faso and has brought back a stock of excellent quality all natural Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) cosmetic oils for interested persons to try.

The oil extracted from fruits from the wild and perennial Marula tree, has since long back been used by African populations for its healing, nutritional and cosmetic benefits. The Marula oil has a powerful anti-aging action on the skin thanks to its content in antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols. These are very effective in the protection of the skin against free radicals, responsible for the accelerated aging of the skin. The harvesting of nuts contributes to the livelihood of a large number of rural populations and promotes the sustainability of trees thus contribution to combating deforestation and help retain the advance of the desert.