A passionate herbal teacher KARIN PLANKER
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Karin Planker tells us more about local flora
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Karin Planker is in her element. She was born in Val
yarrow tea – this stimulates digestion thanks to its bitter-
Gardena and is the bridge between two worlds, a
ing agents. During my yearly detox routine, I also prepare
bridge which helps many people. As an herbal expert
yarrow liver compresses, which can greatly support the
and teacher, she uses her knowledge about plants and
liver in its detox function.
their effects in her work with mothers, children, and
How does the world of flowers and herbs work, anyway? Do
patients in general. We took a spring stroll across wild
they grow back quickly? Do you often see the same species,
meadows with Karin, walking down memory lane to
or do you see new ones every year?
when she was a child. An herbal teacher – what is that all about, then?
The world of flowers and herbs is very dependable and,
An herbal teacher is a specialist, trained professional who
tiful valley. Depending on the weather, you could also see
teaches knowledge about plants such as herbs, flowers,
some plants grow for the first time in some years.
trees and their use and applications to promote health as
When can we best admire the Flowering Dolomites? Is there
well as bringing people closer to nature.
a specific period?
Not your regular day job then. How did you find out about it?
In this period, there are different flowers and herbs which
As a child, I loved to while away the day sitting in a field
can be admired. Depending on the amount of snow and
and tasting flowers and herbs. I had fallen under the spell
type of weather, in Val Gardena the first spring flowers
of plants and nature as a child, you see. And I also like the
awaken from heir slumber at the end of April/beginning of
holistic aspect of natural medicine.
May. The blooming period starts at the end of May – June/
Do you think there is one plant in Val Gardena which stands
July. But even in August and in September you can find
out or can be applied to multiple uses?
meadows covered in flowers – in those places the harvest-
There are plenty, actually. Yet my favourite plant is yar-
ing of hay does not occur.
row. It is rich in mineral salts, which is why I make an herb-
The future: what effect will tourism have on local flora?
al salt using the leaves and petals of the yarrow and use it
Tourism will not have a negative impact on the local flora
to dress my salads or spice my sauces. It is a way for me
if we treat our most valued good (nature) well. It is impor-
to introduce those salts into my body. I also make an oil
tant for all people, locals as well as guests, to stick to the
extract which I use for an amazing hand cream. If I some-
beaten path and not pluck protected species.
times have digestion problems from overeating, I will have
luckily, we find a variety of different species in our beau-
