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In July and August 2024, Ljudska univerza Ormož successfully piloted the Home Herbal Pharmacy program as part of the Erasmus+ SIGA project.
The 40-hour educational course was designed for older adults aged 54 and above, with 12 participants taking part.
The program focused on the use of medicinal plants and the importance of preserving their natural habitats. Participants gained practical knowledge in creating herbal remedies such as tinctures, syrups, teas, oil macerates, and ointments—skills they can now apply in their own home apothecaries.
The hands-on workshops were led by the local company Botanik, which brought extensive expertise in herbal medicine and natural product preparation. Their guidance ensured that participants learned safe, effective, and sustainable methods for producing plant-based remedies.
Outdoor excursions complemented the workshops, including visits to the local park and the Ormoške lagune nature reserve—a protected wetland area known for its biodiversity. During these excursions, participants used the PlantNet mobile application to help identify wild plants in their natural environments, enhancing their learning experience and supporting accurate plant recognition.
The excursions also emphasized sustainable harvesting and environmental awareness, helping participants understand the ecological roles of the plants they encountered.
Beyond the technical skills, the program fostered social connection and active engagement with nature. Participants reported increased confidence, a stronger sense of purpose, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Ljudska univerza Ormož, a proud partner in the SIGA project, played a key role in organizing and delivering the pilot. The success of the program highlights the value of lifelong learning and the potential of nature-based education to empower older adults.
The pilot in Ormož stands as a model for future initiatives, blending health, sustainability, and community in a meaningful way.
Croatian (Croatia)