When I was around six or seven, winters became particularly challenging due to the cold and damp weather, which worsened my occasional eczema into a severe condition known as juvenile plantar dermatosis. This condition left the soles of my feet sore, swollen, intensely itchy, and prone to painful cracks with even slight pressure. The onset was both sudden and intense. Despite numerous doctor visits and treatments like steroid injections and nightly cream applications with foot wrappings, relief was minimal. In search of alternative remedies, my parents encouraged me to dip my legs into the freezing South Pacific Ocean during the harsh winter months. After just ten minutes, bundled up like a little snowman, I eagerly returned to the car, looking forward to the warm, bitter pūhā juice waiting for me at home.

​

This experience led to weekly visits to the sea and regular consumption of boiled pūhā juice as part of the ‘Fix Sandras' Feet So She Can Walk Again’ campaign. Dairy was removed from my diet, next was eggs. This childhood experience sparked a lifelong curiosity about plants and natural remedies, intertwining Indigenous knowledge with history, folklore, spirituality, and science. Fortunately, my early encounters with natural healing have found validation in scientific research. Pūhā, or Sonchus kirkii, for instance, is rich in Vitamin C and other compounds that are beneficial for wound healing and reducing inflammation.

​

Every mineral in this plant supports skin health. Magnesium provides anti-inflammatory properties and enhances hydration, crucial for resilient skin, especially for those with eczema. Seawater offers calcium, essential for keeping skin moisturised, while salt acts as a gentle exfoliant, promoting smoother, healthier skin. Nature is abundant with healing elements that our ancestors have wisely utilised over time. Modern research confirms this ancient wisdom, providing insights into better health and revitalised skin.

​

Reflecting on my childhood, when healing felt almost magical, reveals a profound truth: nature offers. As I continue to explore the wisdom of plants, I remain deeply grateful for the young girl who believed in the extraordinary wisdom of Papatūānuku—Mother Nature—and the ancestors who shared it.