About us
This is not a typical company you might encounter; rather, it is a blend of passion, love, and deep respect for the planet and all the creatures that live on it.
Long ago, after completing my studies in psychology and learning about the emotional body of humans, I had a strong desire to find healing methods that did not rely on chemicals. Through exploring various alternative methods such as color therapy, painting, music, and psychodrama, I gradually delved into the ancient practices people used in the past. This journey led me back to the times of Hippocrates, Aesculapius, and Dioscorides, where I examined the similarities between different countries and civilizations in their use of herbal remedies. The conclusion I reached was that nature provides, in every place, what is necessary to heal various conditions and diseases.
Following the path of my life around singing, I came to Crete to live 32 years ago, with a deep love for this island. Here, I was taught by the last generation of practical midwives and doctors of the previous century. I began collecting various herbs and preparing extracts, just as women had done in many countries over the centuries, to treat different ailments within the family.
After many years of research on the use of medicinal herbs in Greece and various countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, I opened a small shop in the village of Maroulas in 1996, where I concentrated my knowledge and experience.
My older son, Petros, was born surrounded by herbs and began helping me at a young age, even while still in school. He has followed his passion and completed studies in herbalism, becoming a wonderful herbalist with considerable experience.
You are welcome to visit our Herb Shop in Maroulas if you would like to experience a herbal tea or extract.
Kind regards to all,
Marianna Founti
Marianna was born 55 years ago in what was then a beautiful neighborhood of Athens. After finishing school, she decided to study psychology. She worked with children, particularly preschoolers, for 10 years, all the while developing an interest in and inclination toward alternative forms of treatment.
Through techniques such as design, music, color therapy, and psychodrama, she gradually turned to traditional healing. In her research into the past, she observed that humans have always been closely connected to the plant kingdom, interacting with it throughout the centuries. In 1988, as she watched the blue skies of Athens turn gray, she gradually decided to leave the city. With love and respect for the island of Crete, she ultimately decided to follow her dreams, which guided her to approach Mother Earth and work with her natural products.
Today, she produces the same therapeutic herbs, natural extracts, and creams that humanity has used for centuries, collecting herbs from the surrounding mountains. The processing is entirely natural, without the use of any mechanical means. The beautiful workshop in the village of Maroulas is wonderful and well worth a visit if you find yourself on the magical island of Crete.
Crete and Herbs
Crete is a botanical paradise. The wind, sun, and sea help plants thrive, making them rich in essential oils. Here, I began to bring my dreams to life. I could connect with nature, get to know it, smell it, and collect a variety of medicinal plants. I also met some of the remaining practitioners and midwives who generously shared their valuable knowledge with me.
By combining this traditional knowledge with literature studies, I was able to deepen my understanding. I began collecting aromatic medicinal plants and creating herbal extracts, oils, and tea mixtures that have been used since antiquity. References to these practices can be found in Orphic traditions and the Olympics, where they were used to prevent or treat various diseases. Nature is a living organism, with each member having its own personality, temperament, and properties. Respect and love are essential qualities for anyone in contact with them.
For years, I have chosen not to use any kind of machine or power-driven processing for herbs and extraction. This way, the herbs remain strong, active, and effective in addressing a variety of health problems.
Treatment Through Herbs
Herbs are the simplest form of treatment we can use to support the body. Over the years, I have witnessed many people regain their smiles, alleviate pain, and restore their health and balance. Skin conditions, arthritic pain, digestive issues, stress, and its effects are just a few examples where the human body can benefit from the correct use of herbs.
The more pure and unpolluted the body is, the faster it responds to herbal treatment. Children and young people, for example, recover more easily than older individuals who have taken many medications throughout their lives. Taking herbs internally and using oils externally can bring excellent results. Across Greece, in every home, a hot cup of tea is a comforting ritual in the winter, providing warmth and relaxation after a day’s work. In the summer, you can refresh yourself with a glass of cold tea, all while enjoying the beneficial properties of these wonderful herbs.