P eople have been collecting and using herbs for healing for tens of thousands of years – probably since our prehistoric ancestors began noticing that certain plants relieved pain, aided wound healing, or improved digestion. Archaeological finds from caves in Iraq date back to prehistoric times, the power of herbs was used by the ancient Egyptians, hundreds of plants and their effects were described by Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Thus, it can be said that the use of herbs is as old as human culture itself – it is one of the oldest forms of medicine. Folk medicine has survived to this day, and many herbal remedies continue to be researched, and their active ingredients are also used in modern pharmacy.

A few years ago, Anita Flašková Hozová, who works at the QMS Director's Office in the field of management systems, also succumbed to the charm of herbs.

She exchanged cakes for herbs

Anita is known to many mainly thanks to her cakes. In the past, she made beautiful cakes, also to order for colleagues, family, acquaintances...: "I don't do it anymore, the joy of creating has become a big burden, I baked after work, decorated at night... So I stopped baking altogether."

He is always looking for new opportunities to create because he is a creative person. In fact, she also made cakes because she enjoyed not baking them, but decorating them. She likes to crochet, she has attended a few pottery workshops, courses in making Christmas decorations...  He considers it not only an interesting way to fill his free time, but also an opportunity to clear his head. "Although I live in the city, we have two cottages, one in Hungary and the other in Háj. In addition, I like hiking and I like to spend my time walking in nature.  I knew herbs before, at least the basic ones. When I started to focus more intensively on this topic, I found out that almost every plant, including those we consider weeds, is medicinal, from nettle, goat's foot to lavender..." And it was this moment that connects man and nature that fascinated her and led her to herbs: "Collecting medicinal herbs has become not only a hobby for me, but also a way to slow down, recharge my energy and create something of my own, which will not only please, but also help."

Herbs, both garden and wild, can be used in different ways. They can be used to make tinctures, oils, ointments, teas, herbal wines and other medicinal drinks, they can be used both externally and internally. One of the first "products" that met with great success was lavender Eau de Toilette, which has excellent effects on problematic skin. Until then, she bought it for her daughters, now she makes her own.

He also produces various other products, including creams, eau de toilette, ointments, teas: "I ordered a water-steam distillation set from Portugal, not a large, three-liter one, for home use for myself, for family, friends. It cost up to 300 euros.  Now I make hydrolates myself."

It's almost like alchemy

Working with herbs is a bit like alchemy: "Each herb has several effects. Spring herbs are mostly for bronchi, cough... Depending on how you combine them, they will support each other's effects. The power of herbs is influenced by the entire universe, including the phase of the moon. For example, herbs have the greatest power for Ján. You need to know when to pick them, it is best in the morning, when the morning dew dries up and the sun peeks out, then they contain the most essential oils. Certainly not after rain or during the heat. I also believe in the power of the moon, during the full moon, the leaves and flowers have the greatest strength, and the roots during the waning moon. I'm just at the beginning of the journey, so now I'm processing basic herbs such as nettle, plantain, lemon balm, sage, thyme, mouse tail, lavender, thyme, which is considered the most antibacterial plant, comfrey, St. John's wort, turnip. I do not process all herbs separately, but I combine them. This is the first time I have made an ointment for insect bites, from plantain, mouse tail and mint. Plantain heals, mint cools and mouse tail has antibacterial effects."

What does a herbalist do in winter

I t's fine in spring and summer.  Take a walk in nature, pick herbs...  By the way, today herbalists have an easier life, because mobile apps help them recognize them... But what does a herbalist do in winter?

"I bought a wall-hung dryer, not an electric one, but a mesh dryer, similar to a mushroom dryer.  I read that our ancestors believed that herbs should not be dried inside, because they take energy. They should be dried in the shade where air flows, ideally in the attic, under the gazebo. In winter, I can then work with dried herbs and make, for example, teas. Primrose, daisy, soul, lungwort and plantain tea have proven to be effective against coughs for me. In the summer, we stock up for the winter. My husband is a beekeeper, we also have bees at the cottage, wax for ointments, propolis. I take water for hydrolates from a well, because it is also important whether the water is chlorinated or not. They are small things, but together they create a whole that is in harmony with nature."

Can herbs also be harmful?  "They can, if used incorrectly," says Anita, adding: "For example, some may not be combined with certain medications because they can affect blood clotting. Sometimes it is better to consult a doctor. When you're taking blood pressure medication, you're not going to use an herb that increases blood pressure."

Will the hobby become a business one day?

For now, Anita Flašková Hozová makes ointments, hydrolates, teas and tinctures only for her family, friends and acquaintances.  But – it looks like a pretty interesting business plan for retirement. Whether?  "That's what they told me about cakes. When I retire, I will definitely move to a cottage and devote myself to it.  However, there is a lot to learn.  You need to get to know each herb, learn how and what to use it for. I don't want to go too fast. Rather, I want to add something new every year. What also attracts me is that it is a creative process that combines the wisdom of ancestors and the power of nature. You pick the herbs yourself, dry them, combine them... I have a clever daughter who designs product labels for me, she even came up with a logo for me.  She has already offered to make me a website.  I have an economics school, but I'm more drawn to the natural sciences. I will create, produce, but the sale must be taken over by someone else. Maybe I'll gradually try something through social networks, for now just like that, in a small way."

Photo: archive of Anita Flašková Hozová

Did you know?

One of the legendary figures of Slovak herbal history is the monk Cyprian. He lived in the 18th century in the Red Monastery near the Dunajec River, in the Pieniny Mountains. He was a Camaldolese monk who was dedicated to collecting and growing medicinal plants, distilling tinctures and making ointments. In the Red Monastery today there is an exhibition about the monk Cyprian, including a herb garden with plants that were used in his time (mint, sage, alchemic, St. John's wort).