Peat: An Answer to Today’s Stress-Related Illnesses

For ten years I have been carrying the question, "what is special about peat that garments are made from its fibers and extracts like solum uliginosum produced from its fluids?" During this time, while practicing as an anthroposophical nurse, I have observed solum uliginosum (moor extract) to be increasingly significant as a therapeutic remedy for many of today's illnesses and life stresses. People live life in the fast lane, families live far from friends and country, and children are caught between today's haste and constant change. Following a rhythmical body oiling (einreibungen) with solum uliginosum, people experience a sense of inner calm and equanimity accompanied by an improved sleeping rhythm. Vitality and joy in life is restored along with the awareness that one's physical boundary with the surrounding world is strengthened. Long held physical and social pains are relieved. Anecdotal evidence suggests a light layer of solum uliginosum on the back and or front two-three times a week or a light silk or wool singlet soaked in solum uliginosum is an additional support for today's environmental stresses.

Since visiting Camphill Village, a farming community for developmentally disabled adults, in Copake, New York, I have valued the peat scarf worn on the long plane trip back to New Zealand and when working on my computer.

Following is a discussion of peat bogs, where peat fiber and fluid are processed, leading on to the health aspects of peat products and solum uliginosum. …