Nature is Medicine to the Soul

 

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

"Oh, mickle is the powerful grace that lies In herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities. For naught so vile that on the earth doth live But to the earth some special good doth give."
    — Romeo and Juliet, Act 2 Scene 2

I've just finished Maggie O'Farrell's excellent and moving tale 'Hamnet', 'a novel of the plague' and inspired by the son of William Shakespeare. In it, Shakespeare's wife, Anne, or Agnes, is portrayed as a healer, growing medicinal herbs with which she creates potions for family, friends and neighbours. 

Click here to read about Maggie O'Farrell's own home-made Shakespearean tinctures as she turned from author to apothecary.

Coincidentally, I was sent a video this week about 95-year-old Oom (Uncle) Johannes, a herb doctor and healer. He says herbs are:

"a breath of fresh air for your body. They can almost cleanse your heart, that’s how well they work."

For him nature is 'medicine to the soul' and can be used in many ways to aid healing. Click here for the uplifting story of this interesting man; it will make you smile.

Writing prompts:

• Write about any herbs you know and how you have used them. Here's a guide to inspire you. 
  
• Do you agree that 'Nature is Medicine to the Soul?' Write about how this might be true.
• When was the last time you walked in nature? Write about where you walked, what you saw, heard, smelt, touched and tasted. 
• What thoughts and feelings did you have watching the film about Oom Johannes? Write about it.