Herbaceous Alchemy
Herbaceous Alchemy is a project that pushes the boundaries of how we view healing, blending science, design, and spirituality. It invites us to reconsider healing as something that goes beyond just the physical—it’s an intersection of nature, rituals, and the unseen forces that shape our well-being. By revisiting ancient herbal practices, like those surrounding Lavender and St. John’s Wort, this project reimagines how these age-old remedies can serve in a modern context, bridging the empirical with the mystical.
Lavender, known for its soothing qualities, and St. John’s Wort, revered for its healing of the mind, serve as symbols for this exploration. These plants were once connected to spiritual rituals and healing, and here, they become the foundation for something new. By reconnecting with these plants and their symbolism, Herbaceous Alchemy shows how ancient knowledge can merge with modern science to regenerate holistic well-being, weaving together tradition and technology in unexpected ways.
The heart of the project is the Occult Enigma, a ritual that merges science with spiritual practice. A custom-built machine uses Spirograph techniques to create intricate patterns on biodegradable hydrogel bandages, turning each piece into a therapeutic work of art. The patterns themselves are not just decorative but symbolic—an alchemical blend of healing and faith, bridging biotechnology with ancient practices to foster wellness on all levels.
The Occult Enigma ritual begins with the creation of a magic circle—an altar where each element is honoured. Air is represented by incense, fire by UV light, water by a CaCl₂ solution, and earth by alginate. Together, they form a sacred space that connects the physical with the spiritual, transforming the act of healing into a ritual, not just a science.
Through Herbaceous Alchemy, the project questions the conventional boundaries of healing. It’s not just about treating the body, but about understanding the interconnectedness of all things—the physical, the spiritual, the seen, and the unseen. By blending ancient practices with modern science, it opens up new possibilities for what healing can be, offering a more holistic approach to health, one that honours both tradition and innovation.
Making process
1. Making Material:
The first step involves extracting the therapeutic properties from herbs. Essential oils are carefully extracted from plants like Lavender and St. John’s Wort, capturing their healing qualities. These oils are then infused with natural colourants derived from the same herbs, creating vibrant pigments. The extracted oils and colours are blended with agar or alginate to create a plant-based gel, forming the foundation for the hydrogel bandages.
2. Making Bandage:
The creation of the bandages begins with building the Occult Enigma machine, designed to follow the traditional faith ceremony of the magic circle. The process starts by preparing a CaCl₂ solution, which will trigger the gelation of the hydrogel. The hydrogel mixture is then spun over the CaCl₂ bath, where it forms layers, one over the other, creating a strong, flexible bandage. Each layer is carefully applied to ensure both the physical and spiritual healing potential of the bandage. The finished bandage can be applied to the wound, providing healing that integrates both natural remedies and symbolic, spiritual significance.
Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.
Ingredients
Separate ingredients with commas (e.g. wood, metal, glass)
1.Natural Polymer Base:
Sodium Alginate (from brown seaweed) — forms a gel when cross-linked with calcium ions.
Or Gelatine (from collagen) — promotes cell adhesion and biodegradability.
Or Agar (from red algae) — used for firmness and cooling properties.
2.Cross-linking Agent:
Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) — used to solidify alginate into a stable gel matrix.
3.Plant-Based Additives (for healing + antimicrobial effects+ritual energy):
Lavender Extract — anti-inflammatory, calming, and promotes skin regeneration.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) — aids wound healing and has natural antibacterial properties.
Hibiscus Extract — rich in antioxidants and natural acids that support skin renewal and hydration.
4.Plasticiser (to improve flexibility):
Glycerine, — keeps the hydrogel soft and prevents cracking.
5.Preservative (optional for short-term shelf life):
Rosemary Extract — natural antioxidants that protect plant compounds.