about
Organic, handcrafted plant-based preparations for self-care rituals
Based in Taiwan, Sana Sanuo is an independent botanical project founded by Raphaël, dedicated to the exploration, cultivation, and practical application of traditional plant knowledge.
Rooted in herbalism and inspired by ancestral practices such as traditional folk medicine from the French Caribbean (rimèd razyé), where Raphaël previously lived, the project focuses on the relationship between people and plants, with particular attention to medicinal flora, traditional botanical uses, and sustainable approaches to working with natural resources.
Its activities encompass several interconnected areas: herbalism and the study of medicinal plants; the development of handcrafted botanical preparations through a small-scale apothecary; the creation of botanical brews and plant-based infusions as well as decoctions; and the exploration of traditional horticultural knowledge through ancestral seed saving and seed stewardship.
Sana Sanuo also develops educational initiatives and hands-on workshops, providing opportunities to explore local plant species, discover traditional botanical practices, and acquire practical skills in herbalism, botanical preparation, and seed preservation.
Through these different initiatives, Sana Sanuo seeks to contribute to the transmission of traditional plant knowledge while encouraging greater awareness of local biodiversity and more meaningful relationships with the natural environment.
other projects
• Le cerf-volant – Itinerant tea arts
• Kůra Růka – Yoga, massage, meditation
• Phayan – Fujara music and sound healing
• Immānence – Tea arts, slowcraft, antiques, photography, wellness
• Nalma – House of contemplative brews
Sana Sunao has humbly crafted the Akasha Herbal Balm by carefully selecting and synergistically combining snake grass, ginger, coconut oil, Taiwanese camphor essential oil, Taiwanese hinoki essential oil, and menthol to offer a soothing comfort and a deep, nourishing effect to the muscles, joints, and tendons. Its Fire and Water properties (warming and cooling) help release muscular soreness arising from physical activity, and contribute to the recovery from strains, sprains, and spasms while stimulating and promoting a healthy blood circulation.
The Hanoora Aromatherapy Roller has been crafted from a carefully selected combination of three grounding aromatic essential oils, designed to release stress, support relaxation, and promote mental clarity. Blended with nourishing grapeseed oil, these essential oils work synergistically to create a harmonizing formula, making Hanoora Aromatherapy Oil the perfect companion for self-care rituals, mindfulness practices, or restorative moments at home or on the go.
Carefully prepared by hand in small batches, the Bakoua Liniment is a Caribbean-inspired preparation drawing from the long tradition of bay rum as an aromatic botanical rub. At its heart is Pimenta racemosa, the West Indian bay whose fragrant leaves have been used throughout the Caribbean in traditional preparations, including bay rum. By combining its essential oil with rum and a selection of familiar warming spices, it creates a contemporary interpretation of this old botanical tradition, formulated to soothe muscle pain, soreness, and tension.