As we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day, we invite you to join us in honouring the divine feminine energy of Mother Nature and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations of women. At the heart of our celebration lies the story of Ian, whose journey into the world of plant-based healing was profoundly influenced by the wisdom of his grandmother, along with his great-grandmother and great- great-grandmother before that.

In the early 1980s, Ian embarked on a transformative path, driven by his botanic background and a deep passion for natural remedies. Inspired by his grandmother’s insights, he dedicated years to exploring the therapeutic properties of Australian native plants. Through meticulous research, he uncovered the remarkable healing qualities of Australian bush flowers —nature’s own remedy for restoring balance and harmony.

Ian’s reflection on his grandmother’s influence offers a poignant reminder of the profound connection between women, nature and healing. Growing up next door to his grandmother, surrounded by National Park bushland, provided Ian with a unique opportunity to absorb her knowledge and expertise. Together, they would craft herbal tinctures, embark on enchanting bush walks and immerse themselves in the healing properties of the plants that surrounded them.

“My grandmother had a huge impact on me, especially in my work,” Ian recalls. “I often feel her presence when I’m in the bush, especially when I’m making up the Bush Essences.”

While Ian’s grandmother and great-grandmother were pioneers in researching the healing properties of Australian plants, their legacy lives on through Ian’s work. Despite the unfortunate loss of his grandmother at a young age, Ian remains deeply connected to her teachings and the ancestral lineage of women who came before him.

This International Women’s Day, let us not only celebrate the achievements of women worldwide but also pay tribute to the wisdom embedded in the very essence of nature. Join us in embracing the feminine, honouring generations of wisdom and nurturing the spirit of empowerment and harmony. Happy International Women’s Day!