Handmade Masks Infused With Plant Energy Benefits Food Rescue US

Sheltering at home has brought life full circle for food shaman, holistic health coach, gardener and former fashion designer Laura Parisi. When Laura left the fast pace of NYC’s fashion world almost 30 years ago to raise a family in Old Greenwich, she never imagined that her sewing machine, love of plants and expertise in health and food would all come together to help to protect, heal and feed people in need across the country.

What began as an effort to make masks for local medical has blossomed into a labor of love to benefit the Food Rescue US COVID Response Fund. Norwalk-based Food Rescue US, a national nonprofit committed to ending hunger and eliminating food waste has expanded their reach since the pandemic to address the hourly increase for the hundreds of thousands of food insecure Americans. Over the past month, Laura has made a few hundred masks, and plans to continue sewing until she runs out of fabric or elastic.

Laura’s one of a kind handmade, double-layered washable masks are created with 100% cotton or cotton/linen blend vintage fabric mostly sourced from Laura’s husband Bob, also a clothing designer. The masks, available at Parisi’s online apothecary at Rooted Angel (www.rootedangel.com) sell for $15.00.

But, what sets Laura’s masks apart from others? They’re infused with healing energy from plants. Laura meditatively sets the mood for sewing masks with The Music of The Plants, a specialized piece of bamboo equipment that when connected to a plant, perceives the electromagnetic variations from the surface of plant leaves to the root system and translates them into sound. Essentially, it gives the plant a voice. The voice of each plant is different as Parisi has learned from working The Music of The Plants for the past 10 years.

Scientific studies show that the effect of The Music of the Plants in settings, like homes, hospitals and the workplace, can shorten recovery time and aid in overall healing. Laura’s intention is that each mask she makes while she listens to the plant music is infused with these healing benefits.

“I like to believe that the energy and vibrations of the plants are weaving their way into the masks, offering additional healing,” said Parisi. “ A bit like a prayer,” she added.

When she’s not making masks, Laura helps people become healthier by teaching basic awareness of food and self, conscious eating, and lifestyle balance. Her connection to plants is a deeply rooted and integral part of her practice. She uses plants, herbs and flowers she grows in her garden to create recipes, healing tinctures, balms, essences and salves to support people on a path to wellness. Many of these products have been helpful in calming, immune boosting, and peace of mind during the pandemic as well.

For more about Laura Parisi and the Rooted Angel Apothecary, visit www.rootedangel.com or Instagram @rootedangel

To hear The Music of the Plants playing while Laura sewed masks on 5/4/20, click here

For more about Food Rescue US visit www.foodrescue.us