My grandpa didn’t have a car. Nowadays that is barely conceivable. Yet at the time he didn’t even need one, since he always walked everywhere. I often accompanied him on his walks. These were wonderful little adventures. We roamed through woodlands and over meadows, always in search of the brightest dandelions, the best birch leaves and the lushest nettles.
My grandpa knew exactly what grew where – and which healing effect it had. Sometimes we even visited the vegetable farmers in Wals to see how the black radishes, destined for plant extract, were coming along. I was an outdoor child, always out and about, and I learned about nature in all her beauty and the impact she has at an early age.
Which plants are for the most part underestimated even though they are very helpful?
So many indigenous healing plants are underestimated. The majority of people don’t even consider their useful effect and are surprised that such valuable plants grow here. For instance, fir branches contain essential oils, sea ribwort berries have lots of vitamin C – even comparable to the acerola cherry which is all the rage at the moment. The stinging nettle is regarded as a weed by many, yet is highly effective. And those of you who merely think ‘pizza’ when it comes to the artichoke, just don’t realise how potent it is for the liver and gall bladder.
What Drapal products are to be found in your own home?
All of them! And when they are used up, they are of course replenished. I always bring off-cuts home with me; bit-sized pieces sit on our table just like cookies. However their energy content shouldn’t be underestimated! Thankfully our children are always outside playing.
Who do you want your products to appeal to?
Anyone who wants to know what they are consuming. Those for whom it is important to know what is in a product. In recent times we have felt a strong propensity towards local products that are made by hand. Our products are not anything to do with tradition, but are not short-term trends either.
Are your children little nature-lovers too?
Our kids are always outside. There is so much to discover! They are not on the computer much, or on mobile phones – which is actually not that common of this era. But we are delighted about that. Fortunately here in Wals there are also lots of other children who want to experience the natural surroundings, as opposed to virtual meet-ups.
Does your family pay attention to diet? Are there items that are regarded as taboo at home?
We eat everything. As Paracelsus said, it is the dose that makes the poison. We don’t regard anything as off-limits, because that just makes the forbidden more interesting. Fortunately our children really enjoy eating fruit and vegetables. I once collected a punnet of fresh strawberries from a farm and put them on the kitchen table while I went to get changed. A few minutes later I came back and there were only a few strawberries left. My children’s mouths were smeared red.
What book have you read that has influenced you most and why?
Lots of different books inspire me. I enjoy reading biographies because they interest me, how a person’s life evolves, and what it is that drives a person. For instance the biographies of the founders of Starbucks and Benetton, but also books about Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway as well as Fredmund Malik’s … Führen, Leisten, Leben” (Managing, Performing, Living).
I also think it is inspiring to make the best of the resources available where you are and to continue to expand your own horizon.
