We aim to deepen interest in medicinal plants, focusing on recognising and correctly using healing herbs, gathering and applying them in natural cosmetics, identifying invasive species, categorising habitats and spreading knowledge about herbs through exhibitions, study circles, fairs and similar activities.
The SC currently has 12 nature lovers enrolled. We are retirees yet eagerly embrace new knowledge and insights about nature, especially medicinal plants. The knowledge we acquire is put to good use in alleviating age-related issues, and we passionately share it in our homes, with younger generations and among friends.
During our meetings, we learn about medicinal plants and herbs, and practise gathering, drying, storing and using them. They can be used fresh or dried, preserved in oil macerate or alcohol extracts.
The seasons call for different activities
Autumn brought us closer to plants such as comfrey, buckwheat and lemongrass. We received tips on gathering autumn fruits and plant parts, including horse chestnuts, rosehips and dandelion roots. We learned how to prepare oil macerate properly and made creams from dried lavender, calendula, rose and laurel with rosemary.
During the festive December season, we prepared healing teas (such as bay leaf tea for coughs and herbal blends for easing mucus), learned to distinguish between an infusion and a decoction, made glycerine soap, mixed fragrant bath salts and created charming little gift packages ready for Christmas and New Year.
Equally important is recognising herbs in their natural habitat. We therefore took a walk in a nearby forest and were pleasantly surprised to discover just how many edible and healing plants grow around us.
In spring, our SC mentor Ana often arrives with a shopping trolley full of freshly picked plants, making the morning lessons pass all too quickly.
Valuable friendships
We have built a sense of belonging through small acts of kindness, such as exchanging seedlings, tasting homemade refreshing drinks or liqueurs, rosehip or pumpkin jam, vinegar, dried fruit or a bundle of sweets. Our gatherings also include short breaks, which we use for gentle exercise, and we practise a 1000-movement routine for a healthy life.
We showcased our work at an exhibition at the Pobrežje Library.
Ani Hanžič (hanzic.ani@gmail.com) and Marija Brezovec (marija.brezovec@gmail.com); Herbalism Study Circle, Third Age University Maribor