Phytotherapist Mary Carpenter is on a mission to continue making a difference through herbal treatments.
The 25-year-old who volunteers at the Illova-based charity, Mother of Peace will be offering medical examinations and information to raise funds for the NGO at the Highland Gathering this Saturday, 29 April.
Speaking about the herbal treatments, Mary said, “Many people lack faith in herbal medicine due to various reasons. Often the patient will leave the problem for too long, having always relied on synthetic medication. After years, the synthetic medication doesn’t seem to be help and they turn to herbal healing but it’s too late.”
“You need to ensure you see a qualified phytotherapist before making judgement as to the effectiveness of herbal healing,” said the doctor.
During the completion of her degrees at University of Western Cape, Mary spent every holiday at Mother of Peace, lending a hand and helping where she was able to. The two degrees she’s completed, a Bachelor of Science in conjunction with the Bachelor of Complimentary Medicine (phyto) have entitled her to obtain the title of doctor. This year she’s studying for her masters degree in traditional medicine.
The doctor lives at Mother of Peace Illovo, where she treats the 70 children who live in the hostels and their housemothers. She also tends to the vegetable gardens and sorts out the donated clothing among other duties.
“My two-year probation is coming to an end in November, there’s no doubt that this is where I want to devote my time and skills to,” said Mary.
Mary’s parents worked at Mother of Peace and lived a Catholic life of prayer and giving through the organisation, so the organisation has always been a part of her life. Due to government’s latest decision, the organisation along with many others have been cut from receiving funding. This has left the NGO in a crisis and the need for more help and support has surfaced.
Mother of Peace aims to be self-sufficient. Its vegetable gardens, chicken coops and Angora rabbits are the means to do so. Mary and her husband comb the some 30 Angora rabbits kept at the organisation. The phytotherapist now hopes to teach the children how to spin their own Angora wool and knit. This is one of many skills the children are encouraged to learn.
Children’s arts and crafts will also be on sale at the gathering.
For more information regarding the Illovo-based organisation, visit their Facebook page.
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