What an important and difficult task it is to find a name for a new business. My first choice was Sole Love but somehow it didn’t feel quite right. Being a nature lover, I thought it would be fitting to have a name from the natural world. The Rowan tree, with its graceful leaves and vivid orange berries that signal the transition from summer to autumn, always delights me. However, one of my tutor’s businesses is already called "Rowan Therapies," so that was not an option. I discussed this with Lis who was one of my case studies when I was studying. Every time, she’d come along for a session she would suggest different trees and plants. Eventually we came upon Willowherb.
I have always been a great fan of Rosebay Willowherb. It is a statuesque wildflower. Growing in vast swathes and flowering in the month of August when the road verges are covered in great stretches of luminescent magenta pink. Then in the following months as the flowers die back its leaves transform from green to fiery oranges, ochre, rusts and reds, treating us to another flush of wonderful colours to brighten our days. Also called ‘fireweed’ or ‘bomb weed’, it’s often the first plant to grow on waste ground or fire-damaged land and became a common sight across Britain after the Blitz.
But Rosebay Willowherb is more than just a resilient wildflower—it’s a versatile, edible plant. The leaves are a source of protein and carbohydrates, minerals, including calcium, potassium and manganese, and are high in vitamins A and C. Its leaves can be dried for a delicate green tea or fermented into ‘Ivan Chai’, a rich black tea enjoyed in Russia. The vibrant flowers add colour and flavour to jams, jellies, drinks, syrups, and even cakes or salads and the mature stems conceal a sweet, nutritious pith. This remarkable plant has been treasured for centuries for its medicinal qualities, offering benefits both inside and out.
Take skincare, for example. My own face cream features Rosebay Willow herb because its natural properties are cleansing, soothing, and gently astringent—perfect for keeping skin fresh and balanced without harsh chemicals.
As well as having medicinal benefits it is an important plant for survival enthusiasts as its fluffy seeds make excellent fire starters, and historically, they were used as insulation or woven with other fibres for clothing. Even the inner pith can be dried and rubbed on your face and hands to protect against biting cold.
In short, Rosebay Willow herb isn’t just a plant—it’s a lifesaver, a beauty booster, and a piece of history all rolled into one. The fortitude, resilience and health benefits are qualities that I think make it a fitting name for my reflexology business. As reflexology is more than a relaxing pampering treatment, by easing tension and reducing stress it supports our central nervous system, aiding with our ability to cope with challenges and supporting and maintaining balance, even when life feels overwhelming. In turn this helps us to reconnect with our bodies, creating a foundation for resilience in everyday life.
References
https://www.theforagingfoodie.co.uk/plants/rosebay-willowherb/
Ode to the Willowherb
Elegant willowherb
united you stand
with your sisters
weaving vibrant seas
of luminosity.
So full and rich
you are eye-catchingly special,
a head turning delight.
Possessing such graceful tenacity.
When summer waves a lazy farewell
you do not shrivel
but transform.
Upright and tall
deep fuchsia petals turn
into fairy fluffs of magical moonlight silver
and away floats
your seed
on the wind’s breath.
Yet still your statuette figure endures,
standing out in stunning hues
of autumnal bronzes
russets and ochre
as deep in colour as
your never-to-be-forgotten flowers.
Welcoming the changing season
with riotous shades of autumn.