10/29/2026
Last winter, I completed Cornell University's Medicinal Plants Program—an intensive and fascinating course of study that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Throughout the program, I often found myself reflecting on our hometown family farm, my parents' garden, the enormous cherry tree of my childhood, and my mother, who used house plants, berries, cherries, currants, harvested wild plants, flowers, and leaves to prepare traditional medicinal tinctures, jams, and herbal remedies for respiratory, digestive, skin, and other health concerns.
Those childhood memories have become even more meaningful as I continue exploring the fascinating connection between plants, nature, and human health.
This winter, I plan to put my knowledge into practice by studying some of the plants growing at our Zelener Farm in greater depth: our Italian fig tree, Asian strawberries, European cherry trees reminiscent of my childhood, red and black currants, gooseberries, and beautifully fragrant English garden tea roses.
My long-term goal is to develop educational and consulting presentations focused on agritherapy, organic gardening, plant-based nutrition, soil cultivation, and the growing and responsible use of medicinal plants.
I am especially passionate about promoting gardening practices that avoid synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and glyphosate, while encouraging sustainable cultivation and healthy living.
I also hope to explore how gardening, horticultural activities, and meaningful connections with nature can support well-being and quality of life for cancer survivors, veterans, and individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, and other health challenges.
My number one plant of interest is our Italian fig tree (Ficus carica). 🌿
I plan to study its potential health-promoting properties in greater detail, particularly the bioactive compounds found in its leaves and the polyphenols present in its fruit. I am especially interested in the scientific research surrounding these compounds, their extraction methods, antioxidant activity, and potential applications in human health.
For me, this journey is about much more than botany or medicinal plants. It is about reconnecting with my roots, honoring my Zelener (translates Green) family and my mother's knowledge and traditions, and bringing together childhood memories, modern science, and my lifelong love of nature.
From Zelener's garden to Cornell's classrooms—and now to Zelener Farm—the journey continues. 🌹🌿
Photo and article source NIH https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10255635/
