Magic of Plants

Even as a young girl, I loved plants. By my bed at night I kept a large planter of indoor plants that I lovingly cared for. In return they grew and filled the space, breathing fresh life into the air.

My passion for plants flourished as I learned the healing powers of certain plants. Chamomile for soothing and cleansing as an eyewash, lavender for burns and wounds, peppermint for digestion and headaches, hemp for inflammation and pain relief.

The more I learned about plants, the more I wanted to surround myself with them. This year I finally had an opportunity to pursue working with plants and essential oils full time and it has been nothing short of amazing.

I opened my business, Patches of Paradise, in March after working as a mental health therapist for eight years. After months of research, I began creating hemp flower tinctures and pain cream for my family because we needed their healing properties.

I was dismayed to discover that all commercially available hemp products, commonly known as CBD, were heavily processed using solvents and alcohols and decided to try and find a better way to do it.

A little to my own surprise, it worked better than anything we could buy. The whole flower, untouched by solvents or other chemicals, gently infused into oil worked better, lasted longer, and had more healing effects. The harsh chemicals damage the best parts of the plant and age old knowledge proved superior to modern technology.

At that time I had an idea that continued to work through my thoughts, an idea of an all natural pain cream that would combine the benefits of those currently available. After researching and testing, it was time to bring the idea to life.

I held my breath as the first person tried it, my husband. For a time, he experienced total pain relief, something he had not experienced for years. It worked! No chemicals, no artificial ingredients, just powerful plant components combined with the miracle of hemp.

More people tried it and the common question became, “What is this magic?” That was the magic of plants. Never in my life through any other work have I ever felt this fulfilled. I knew at that moment that I was doing exactly what I should have been doing all along. Using the magic of plants to improve quality of life, relieve pain, bring peace and calmness to those who are consumed with worry and racing thoughts. This was my answer.

At this moment, I am stuck with the agonizing decision of going back to work at least part time in order to make enough money while my business grows or put my family’s finances at risk and continue to pursue my passion of the healing magic of plants full time.

Though the response has been very positive and growing, the business is still very small and unable to provide for my family on its own. I envision a farm of my own giving me a chance to raise these amazing plants, grow food for the family and community, and my continual pursuit of healing creams and tinctures to bring relief for those who can’t find it in this modern society or those seeking an all natural alternative.

There are many conditions that could be gently healed with the power of plants, but that requires time, space, research, and experimentation. My dream is to bring the magic of plants to any who seek it in an affordable and sustainable way. There are so many amazing plants out there, they just have to be harnessed in a way that the body can use it.

With support, I wouldn’t have to pick between the financial welfare of my family and pursuing my passion for plants. With support, I could realize my dream of owning a parcel of land and grow life sustaining miracles, further my research and expand my business.