Welcome to MrHerborist – Guardians of Morocco’s Botanical Legacy
🌿 About Abdellatif Anaflous: Guardian of the High Atlas Medicinal Heritage
Nestled in the heart of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, the valley of Assif el Mal (ⴰⵙⵉⴼ ⵍⵎⴰⵍ), known as the “Valley of Coin” by the local Amazigh people, has always been my home. The “coin” here is not made of metal but is the priceless wealth of medicinal plants that adorn the slopes of the mountains.
From the bright purple hues of Lavandula maroccana to the silver-green leaves of Artemisia herba-alba, and the gold-like blossoms of Thymus satureioides, the valley is a living testament to the richness of Morocco’s botanical diversity.
My name is Abdellatif Anaflous, and I am here to bridge the wisdom of the ancient Amazigh healers with modern scientific knowledge, ensuring that the invaluable plant species of my homeland are preserved and shared for future generations.
🌱 My Journey: A Life Rooted in Plants
My journey began in the valley of Assif el Mal, a place where plants are much more than a source of medicine; they are an integral part of daily life. From a young age, I was introduced to the world of traditional plant remedies by the Imazighen Amghar (Amazigh healers) of the region. Plants like wild thyme (ⴰⵣⵉⵔ) and mountain wormwood (ⵜⵉⵣⵔⵉ) have been passed down through generations as a part of our living currency.
These plants, harvested with respect and care, are central to the health and wellbeing of our communities, and I feel a deep responsibility to honor that legacy.My formal education took me beyond the slopes of the High Atlas, as I pursued an M.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology at Cadi Ayyad University.
This academic journey allowed me to specialize in the bioactive compounds of Moroccan endemic plants. With this knowledge, I am able to combine ancestral plant wisdom with the latest scientific discoveries to unlock the full potential of Morocco’s rich botanical heritage.
🌍 Preserving Morocco’s Botanical Treasure
Morocco is recognized as one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, with the Atlas, Rif, and Anti-Atlas Mountains playing host to over 5,000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the country. This biodiversity is not only a gift but also a responsibility that I take very seriously. To this end, I have dedicated much of my life to preserving these plants and ensuring that they are not lost to time or exploitation.
In my conservation efforts, I have successfully cultivated 487 rare and endangered species in my personal Atlas garden. This includes globally important plants like Argania spinosa (Argan tree) and Crocus sativus (saffron), both of which are threatened by climate change and overharvesting.
The garden serves as a living repository of these plants, where they can thrive in an environment designed to protect their future.As a UNESCO collaborator, I also work to document the indigenous plant knowledge of the region and advocate for its recognition in the Intangible Cultural Heritage registry. This effort ensures that the wisdom of our ancestors is preserved and passed down to future generations in its most authentic form.
📚 What You’ll Discover Here
On this blog, I share the vast botanical knowledge that I have accumulated through both academic study and practical fieldwork. Here, you will find:
The Atlas Apothecary
I will delve deep into the plant profiles of some of Morocco’s most cherished species. From antioxidant-rich ⵉⵍⵍⵉ (Peganum harmala) to immune-boosting ⴰⵙⵙⵓⴽⵙⵓ (Oregano), I will explore their properties, uses, and benefits, all backed by lab studies and research. These plants are not just a part of the natural landscape but have real-world applications in the field of health and wellness.
Ancestral Recipes, Modern Validation
I am committed to showing the world how traditional recipes have stood the test of time. For example, the Imazighen have long known the benefits of infusing Ammi visnaga in goat milk for respiratory health, a remedy that modern science is now validating as effective due to the flavonoids that bind to fats in the milk. On this blog, you will also learn how to prepare ⴰⵙⵍⵍⵉ (healing clay poultices) with Verbascum sinuatum, a plant that has long been used to treat a variety of ailments.
Cultivation as Conservation
I believe that cultivating endangered species is a key part of the solution to conserving Morocco’s unique biodiversity. I provide step-by-step guides on how you can grow Moroccan endemics, such as Berberis hispanica or Dracocephalum thymiflorum, even in urban settings.
My tips on creating climate-resilient gardens and self-watering tizgza (stone terraces) will help ensure that these plants thrive, even in drought-prone areas.
Science of the Land
In addition to showcasing the medicinal properties of plants, I also aim to explain why Morocco’s biodiversity is so important. The Atlas, Rif, and Anti-Atlas Mountains are home to a variety of microclimates, each supporting different ecosystems that harbor unique plant species. Understanding the science behind these ecosystems and how they are affected by climate change is vital to their preservation.
Sustainable Harvesting: My Code of Ethics
As part of my ethical commitment to sustainability, I follow a strict harvesting code. This ethical code, known as ⴰⴷⵔⴰⵔ, ensures that no more than 20% of any wild plant population is harvested at a time. This method of ethical foraging helps maintain healthy plant populations and ensures that future generations will have access to these plants.
⚖️ Why My Voice Matters
In 2022, I played a pivotal role in halting a biopiracy attempt to patent Argan DNA. This battle was not just about the Argan tree but about protecting the very essence of the Amazigh people’s connection to the land and its plants. Our plants are our history, our chemistry, and our resilience. To steal them is to erase our civilization. This fight has defined my mission to ensure that the intellectual property of indigenous peoples is respected and protected from exploitation.
My work is trusted by leading institutions such as the National Institute of Medicinal Plants in Morocco and Slow Food International, who recognize the importance of preserving traditional plant knowledge and ensuring that it benefits the communities that have long relied on it.
📚 The Proof: A Commitment to Authenticity
Every article I write is backed by rigorous scientific research and peer-reviewed studies, as well as traditional knowledge sourced from ancient texts like those of Ibn al-Baytar, a 13th-century Arab botanist. I reject corporate sponsorships from companies that exploit indigenous knowledge for profit. My work is not about greenwashing; it is about genuine, ethical conservation and education.
🌍 Join the Preservation Movement
As part of this effort to protect Morocco’s botanical legacy, I invite you to join the movement and become a guardian of the “green coin” that is the natural wealth of Morocco. There are several ways you can contribute:
- Free Atlas Seed Bank: Request seeds from 15 endangered species to grow in your own garden and help preserve these unique plants.
- Amghar Mentorship: Join my monthly Zoom sessions where I connect with Amazigh healers and share plant knowledge, traditional remedies, and conservation techniques. This is an exclusive opportunity for subscribers.
- Document with Us: Share your own family’s plant remedies and contribute to our open-source Ethnobotanical Archive, a growing database of indigenous knowledge that will be available to future generations.
By supporting these efforts, you are not just helping to preserve a part of Morocco’s history; you are actively participating in a global movement to protect our planet’s most precious resources: its biodiversity and the wisdom of the people who have lived in harmony with it for centuries.