HERBAL MEDICINE TEXTILE

Herbal Medicine Textile 

Can textile materials physically contribute to human health?

 

Herbal medicine textile is an innovative, natural and sustainable textile, using materials with added benefits of healthcare efficacy and addressing design that takes models from natural & history. This is linked through the exploration of traditional herbal medicine as a medical practise specifically when in contact with human skin, thus creating medicinal textile. It also considers design for cyclability and minimizing waste through understanding how the bio-material can be recycled by breaking the material down into its original material components or by biodegrading the material without burning and creating an environmental impact; upgrading the material into a new and valuable product.

 

This series of household product design is representing the first trial, focusing on one herbal medicine, astragalus. Its healing properties target people who often feel fatigued during their hard working conditions. The products are made from fibers of astragalus roots, applying the rationale of reflexology - to effect many reflected areas of the body by the use of touch or massage. It is creating a new way for people to self-medicate.

 

I am working on colour that is produced by other Chinese herbal medicines to create products which address wellbeing issues as well as developing a holistic aesthetic. Colour with complimentary properties will be my next step.