February 18, 2023 - Mario Romulic from OPG Čudesna šuma is one of the most creative gardeners we know. On his self-sustaining eco farm, Mario practices ecological food production according to biodynamics and natural farming principles. 

Mario Romulic is a Croatian photographer who became recognised for his "wildlife" photos, and because of the incredible shots he took in Kopački rit, he was called its "good spirit". During the pandemic, Mario replaced his old job with the Čudesna Šuma (Magical Forest) eco estate, located not far from Bilje, in the vicinity of Osijek. Because of this, his life is less stressful today and filled with health, peace, tranquillity and happiness, writes Green.

Serious health problems prompted Mario to start studying the food we buy in shops, and because of this, he started growing food in his small garden six years ago. "I decided I have to produce my food if I want to eat healthily," says Mario.

At the beginning of cultivating his garden, he learned about permaculture; later, he discovered biodynamic agriculture and fully devoted to it. "Biodynamics is perhaps the most extreme form of ecological food cultivation. The food obtained with such an approach is considered a medicine, it is so healthy and full of vitality. By consuming such food, I transfer its life force to myself."

Seeing how well the food he grows affects his health, Mario decided to go one step further and recently started producing natural cosmetics, i.e. organic creams to treat pain and varicose veins, as well as anti-acne creams.

"The creams are made from our plants, which I grow using biodynamic cultivation. We use herbs such as medical hemp, lavender, aloe vera, fennel and habanero pepper. They are obtained through an ultrasonic process to extract plants," said last year's winner of the Green Prix award in the Greenlider category.

 To make creams, Mario bought a laboratory. It contains ultrasound and a machine for evaporating tinctures. "We extract the alcohol from the tincture of the dry hemp flower; then we use it to get an extract from the plant and obtain an oil that we later mix into creams. We finish the entire production process with an ultrasonic process, which is, let's say, the most modern and highest quality way of producing the extract. The sound penetrates the cell and reaches the plant's extract, i.e. its best properties," explains Mario.

As he said, he started making creams for himself and his health problems. "I make the recipes in collaboration with different doctors of Chinese medicine; we check which extracts are the best and how to make a product that will satisfy all needs as much as possible. I tested the first products on myself and my family members. My children had acne problems, I had joint pain, and my wife suffered from varicose veins. The creams proved to be excellent for all our problems".

When he announced on his Facebook profile a few days ago that he had started producing creams, he encountered a wave of positive reactions from loyal followers who pre-ordered Mario's organic creams in the comments. "The interest is huge, but we do not make creams in large quantities. They are small batches, but those who have had the chance to try them are delighted. You wouldn't believe the changes they felt after just a few uses".

Unfortunately, we will have to wait for some time for the miraculous creams to reach everyone who needs them, but since Mario succeeds in everything he sets his mind to, we believe that he will succeed in proving the magical and healing power of nature to people all over Croatia very soon.

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