At Karoolkie, in the heart of Barrydale, are five beautiful stone buildings nestled in hectares of vineyard and olive trees. We utilised the land between the rows of olives and vines, where we planted thousands of medicinal plants used in teas, tinctures, essential oils, and dried herbs.
At Yamu, we believe that the cultivation of medicinal plants relieves the pressure on wild species, but that cultivation ensures high-quality herbs rich in the various compounds that make them effective healers. Medicinal plants also heal the soil as well as people.
Yamù means from the earth, for from the earth and of the sun our healing and our treasure comes. The foundation of Yamù rests on these growing principles. When walking through the garden, you will first notice the smells and then see a variety, 55 species diverse, of medicinal herb crops planted like gardens. There are no mono-crops; the diversity in planting encourages diverse soil organisms, which in turn will assist the olive trees in prospering by enlivening the soil to cycle nutrients. The gardens are grown organically with very low water requirements and no soil additives.
The productive medicinal gardens are planted around the olive trees and vines and as a forecourt for the house and wine cellar. This application illustrates that the transition between agriculture, personal space and the wilderness can be seamless sanctuaries for plants and animals.
Some of the herbs we grow are favourite South African indigenous herbs such as Artemisia afra or African Wormwood, Lessertia frutescense or Cancer Bush, Ocicum tenuifolium or Tulsi, to less well-known herbs such as Verbascum thapsis or Mullein, and Salvia apiana or California White Sage. We love plants and experiment with species all the time with those plants which are happy in our soils and microclimate.
The full range of Yamù products is processed and packed on the premises at Karoolkie, including the steam still for our essential oils. Join us for a fascinating tour and allow your senses to be re-awakened.
