A former history teacher, Nathalie Baissac decided to break free from the institutional mould and embark on a new adventure… But which one? At the opposite end of her professional background, her true calling revealed itself almost intuitively, after a few months—phytotherapy. A dream that came to fruition in 2019 with the creation of her very own herbalist shop: Feuilles et Fleurs.
Growing up in Réunion island, Nathalie treasures fond memories of colourful, fragrant gardens and soothing lemon verbena infusions. The granddaughter of a biologist and daughter of a florist, she turned to the plants in her garden for remedies from an early age, though her passion for medicinal plants only truly blossomed much later. Tired of rigid systems, she started small—growing plants in her garden and experimenting with drying techniques—while completing an online phytotherapy course.
Today, Nathalie’s range, completely pesticide-free, is impressive: infusions, capsules, purification bundles, flavoured salts and sugars, spices, jams, syrups, elixirs and herbal massage sachets… Together with her team, the days start early and are nothing short of productive. While Sila, Meera and Naden tend to the gardens, Mimi oversees production in the workshop and Shalinee handles the administrative side of the small business.
Feuilles et Fleurs’ star plants—roselle, butterfly pea, tulsi, turmeric, bacopa and orthosiphon, depending on the season—share the spotlight with local species such as bois de ronde, bois de Reinette and Jean Robert. But Nathalie’s work goes beyond phytotherapy: she is also passionate about bringing this age-old knowledge to a wider audience, notably through guided tours of her garden. ‘Taking care of our health while making the most of everything nature has to offer is well within our reach. Our ancestors did it—so why shouldn’t we?’
