Mechthild Scheffer

Born in Germany in 1942, Wolf-Dieter Storl is a cultural anthropologist and ethnobotanist known for his promotion of anthroposophy and esoteric concepts. He immigrated to the United States with his parents at age eleven, where his interest in nature and plants grew during his upbringing in rural Ohio. Storl is married and has two children; the family resides on a historic farm in Germany. His work often delves into the spiritual and healing properties of plants, drawing connections between nature, ancient traditions, and human well-being. Storl has authored numerous books and produced videos on these subjects. While widely recognized for his expertise in ethnobotany and natural healing, he has also faced criticism regarding his views on natural cures for Lyme disease and his perspectives on the climate crisis.

Wolf-Dieter Storl was born in Germany in 1942 and later moved to the United States with his family in 1951. His childhood in rural Ohio fostered a deep connection with the natural world, particularly forests and plants. This early engagement with nature laid the foundation for his later academic and literary pursuits. Storl's personal life includes being married to an American woman and raising a son and a daughter. The family's home is a secluded farm in Germany, located on a property dating back to 1188, emphasizing a connection to history and a life immersed in nature.

Storl's work is characterized by a deep exploration of ethnobotany, the study of how different cultures use plants. He frequently integrates this scientific discipline with esoteric and spiritual perspectives, particularly drawing from anthroposophy. His writings often explore the perceived soul-essence and healing powers of plants, connecting them to ancient mythologies, shamanic practices, and broader spiritual traditions. Storl views plants not merely as biological organisms but as carriers of divine or elemental forces, offering wisdom and healing to humanity. This approach positions his work at the intersection of botany, cultural anthropology, and spiritual inquiry.

Storl has published extensively on topics related to plants, healing, mythology, and spirituality. His bibliography includes a wide array of books and videos that explore subjects such as medicinal herbs, plant deities, Celtic plant lore, and shamanic rituals. He has co-authored works, including a notable collaboration with Mechthild Scheffer on the soul plants of Edward Bach. While his contributions to ethnobotany and natural healing are significant, Storl has also encountered criticism. Specific points of contention include his advocacy for natural treatments for Lyme disease, a condition he himself has experienced, and his expressed views on the climate crisis in public interviews.