When I pause to reflect about the role of plants in my life I’m truly in awe of their boundless generosity.
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My own journey with plants began in the most unassuming way.
Who would have thought that replanting a humble dahlia sapling for my mother one spring would spark a journey that would shape not only my lifestyle but also lead me to create an apothecary rooted in the wonders of nature?
At the time, it felt like a simple task, something fleeting and inconsequential. But looking back, I realize it was a pivotal moment that planted a seed not just in the soil, but in my heart.
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I truly never imagined that my relationship with plants would evolve to the point where I would be taking from them and sharing with others, and if I may, in a way becoming a channel through which nature's treasures reach people.
And so, in this blog, we will follow the story of a herb, its journey from its very beginnings to the moment it lands in your hands, ready to become a part in your self care.
Seeds, gathered from plants and flowers that have thrived in Ladakh for generations, harvested from the fields and gardens of grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, neighbours, friends, and friends of friends passed through the hands of people across the valleys of Ladakh.
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In their long journey spanning seasons and landscapes, these seeds will find new homes and settle in new valleys and lofty passes placing their fate in the hands of the harsh, cold wilderness of the Himalayas and yet miraculously they thrive, nourished by glacial meltwaters, snow, and wild droppings.
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Passed through many hands, some will reach us and in spring we sow them in nourished soil. We prepare the soil with intention - digging, turning, softening, and coaxing it awake from winter’s slumber. We enrich it with manure we often source from Changthang, sheep and goat droppings emptied from their pen by nomads as they move along.
The following months require frequent tending and observing, sometimes loosening the soil and sometimes watering it just enough.
We watch the seed grow from seed to sapling and into beautiful blossoms of chamomile, calendula, peppermint, cornflower and more.
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And as seasons arrive and go, we watch lilacs bloom, wild roses blossom, dandelions sprinkle the meadows, russian sage blanket the mountains in vibrant shades of purple and seabuckthorn berries emerge like glimmering jewels.
With the first light of dawn, we venture into the serene villages and valleys of Ladakh - Phyang, Hemis, Ganglas, Rong, Saspol, and others, searching for the freshest blooms. Delicate wild rose petals, bright dandelions, vibrant rosehips, golden seabuckthorn berries, and fragrant Russian sage are carefully foraged.
Always taking no more than 10% of the blossoms from each plant while foraging. This mindful practice ensures the ecosystem remains undisturbed and thriving.
These fresh blossoms are brought back and used the same day to create fresh distillate, obtain essential oils, create macerated oils and some are dried for consumptions as our botanical teas.
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The ones blooming in our own little farm are harvested and used fresh, on need basis.
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And as we journey on through the seasons, we embrace a variety of plants, and we take from them gratefully and gracefully, just enough, as they come and go.
First come the peppermints, followed by lilacs and dandelions, signalling the arrival of spring. Wild roses bloom next, rounding out the season's blossoms. Summer brings calendula, lemon balm, Russian sage, and cornflowers, adding bursts of colour. As autumn approaches, it’s time for the bright orange seabuckthorn berries to take the spotlight.
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As the seasons change, we craft oils and distillates from fresh, seasonal plants, using them to create thoughtfully developed formulations that are repeatedly tested. These are then carefully hand-bottled in sterilized glass and finished with our distinctive labels before they reach you.
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With the heart of a passionate gardener and a love for meaningful rituals, we’ve embraced the process of growing and foraging our own plants, extracting their oils, and using them in our products. While this approach might seem tedious, time-consuming, and even impractical from a business perspective, for us, it’s a way of life - one we deeply enjoy. This commitment is also why we choose to keep our production limited, ensuring the highest quality ingredients and allowing us to maintain full transparency.
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The hydrosol in your drawer, the oil by your bedside, the lip balm in your purse, the botanical teas in your kitchen, and every other Makoii formulation you cherish are crafted with utmost care and intention. Each product reflects our deepest care, backed by thorough research and at least a year of self-testing to ensure it truly works. They’re crafted with love, passion, and the hope of bringing you the very best in plant-based self-care,