Hydroponic cultivation of medicinal plants in Pharmacies by Luca Sartoretto Verna

Hydroponic cultivations merge the millennial tradition of phytotherapy with the most advanced technology, paving the way for a green revolution within Pharmacies. By introducing hydroponic greenhouses for the cultivation of medicinal plants, pharmacies not only emphasize their role in health promotion but also position themselves as pioneers of a more sustainable and authoritative approach to well-being.

PRODUCTION AND SALE IN PUBLIC SPACES ARE ALREADY A REALITY IN NORDIC COUNTRIES

Hydroponic cultivation practices in Nordic countries are at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, especially in contexts characterized by challenging climatic conditions. These countries, known for their long winters and limited sunlight exposure, have adopted hydroponics as a solution to grow fresh vegetables and greens all year round, overcoming the limitations imposed by their environment.

Hydroponic cultivation eliminates the need for soil, replacing it with a nutrient-rich solution that circulates directly around the plant roots, allowing for faster and more controlled growth. This method significantly reduces water consumption compared to traditional agriculture since water can be recycled and reused in the system. Furthermore, the use of controlled greenhouses minimizes the need for pesticides and herbicides, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

In Nordic countries, hydroponic cultivation initiatives are already present within supermarkets that produce and sell at ZERO MILEAGE. This not only reduces the distance between producer and consumer but also increases the freshness and availability of fruit and vegetable products in areas where they would otherwise have been imported, saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport.

Hydroponic cultivation in these countries often employs innovative technologies such as the use of energy-efficient LED lights that provide plants with the optimal light spectrum for growth, regardless of external conditions. These practices not only demonstrate a commitment to technological innovation but also promote a sense of community and collective well-being, aligning with the values of sustainability and environmental responsibility deeply rooted in these societies.

The adoption of hydroponic cultivation not only transforms the concept of sustainability in agriculture but also paves the way for new business models that can coexist harmoniously with the urban and natural environment.

THE ORIGINS OF THE PHARMACIST AS AN APOTHECARY

The historical connection between the pharmacist and the knowledge of medicinal plants is deeply rooted in a past where the pharmacy was not only a place for selling remedies but also a laboratory where herbs and plants were cultivated, harvested, and prepared for creating medications. This deep bond between botany and pharmacology represents the foundation upon which the art of pharmacy developed, with the pharmacist acting as a bridge between the natural world and human health.

In ancient times, knowledge of medicinal plants was a mix of empirical knowledge, observation of nature, and oral transmission from generation to generation. Pharmacists, along with monks in monasteries and herbalists, were the custodians of this knowledge. They were skilled in recognizing plants, knowing their healing properties, and preparing effective remedies. The pharmacy itself was conceived as a laboratory, a place of experimentation and production where nature was transformed into medicine.

The advent of hydroponic cultivation represents a turning point that connects this millennial tradition with the possibilities offered by modern technology. Through hydroponics, it is possible to cultivate medicinal plants under optimal conditions, controlling environmental factors such as light, temperature, and nutrients, regardless of external conditions. This method not only guarantees a constant and sustainable production of medicinal plants but also allows preserving their purity and healing properties while reducing the environmental impact through efficient use of resources.

Hydroponics, as a technology, fits perfectly into the contemporary vision of sustainability and respect for the environment. It overcomes geographical and climatic limits, making it possible to cultivate medicinal plants even in urban contexts or in areas not traditionally suitable for agriculture. This innovation opens new possibilities for pharmacists to reconnect with the direct production of raw materials, renewing the historical bond with medicinal plants and reinventing the role of the pharmacy as an integrated and sustainable health center.

In this perspective, the modern pharmacist can play a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention through consultation and the provision of natural products cultivated directly in the pharmacy. The hydroponic cultivation of medicinal plants thus represents a return to the origins, where the pharmacist was also a botanist and chemist, but with the tools and knowledge that modern technology can offer.

The proposal to integrate hydroponic greenhouses within pharmacies for the cultivation of medicinal plants is an avant-garde concept that combines sustainability, innovation, and pharmaceutical tradition. However, like any innovative initiative, there are practical challenges to face, as well as numerous potential benefits that can emerge from such an approach. Let's examine these dimensions more closely.

PRACTICAL CHALLENGES

One of the main obstacles in installing hydroponic greenhouses within pharmacies relates to logistical and spatial limitations. Pharmacies, especially in densely populated urban contexts, might not have enough space to accommodate a greenhouse. This challenge requires creative solutions such as the use of vertical spaces or the restructuring of interiors to maximize the use of available space.

The installation of a hydroponic system requires an initial investment. Beyond the cost of physical structures and LED lighting systems, there are expenses for plumbing, nutrients, climate control systems, and staff training. These costs can vary significantly depending on the project scale and the technology adopted.

Managing a hydroponic greenhouse requires specific knowledge in agronomy and hydroponic technology, in addition to a constant commitment to system maintenance. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff will need to acquire new skills or hire experts to ensure the correct operation and productivity of the greenhouse.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

• Autonomy in the Production of Natural Remedies: Having a hydroponic greenhouse offers pharmacies autonomy in the production of medicinal plants, reducing dependency on external suppliers and allowing direct control over the quality and availability of products. This can be particularly advantageous during supply chain disruptions or to ensure the continuity of natural remedies for customers.
• Increase in Customer Service Offerings: Integrating the cultivation of medicinal plants within the pharmacy expands the service offerings, allowing customers access to exclusive and personalized products. This can include the creation of herbal teas, essential oils, or dietary supplements tailored to the customer, increasing added value for the customer and strengthening the relationship between pharmacist and clientele.
• Strengthening the Pharmacy's Image: Adopting sustainable and innovative practices like hydroponic cultivation contributes to improving the public image of the pharmacy, positioning it as a center of excellence for health and well-being. This can attract a broader and more aware clientele interested in sustainable and innovative health solutions.

PLANTS TO CULTIVATE IN PHARMACY

The selection of medicinal plants to cultivate in hydroponic greenhouses within pharmacies should be based on various criteria including therapeutic efficacy, market demand, the feasibility of hydroponic cultivation, and potential economic return. Here are some plants that might represent advantageous choices:

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Widely used for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly appreciated in the preparation of relaxing herbal teas. Its high demand and widespread use make it an economically interesting choice.
2. Mint (Mentha spp.): Versatile, used both in culinary and medicinal contexts to relieve digestive and nasal disorders. Its rapid growth and ease of hydroponic cultivation increase its economic attractiveness.
3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its relaxing properties and use in aromatherapy, lavender can attract clientele interested in holistic well-being. Products derived from lavender, like essential oils and soaps, can offer a high profit margin.
4. Aloe Vera: Sought after for its soothing and hydrating properties, being a common ingredient in skincare products and supplements. Its cultivation in the pharmacy could allow for the direct production of fresh aloe gel, with a clear competitive advantage.
5. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Used to support the immune system, echinacea has a solid consumer base. Hydroponic cultivation can ensure a constant supply to meet seasonal demand, especially in the winter months.
6. Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Appreciated for its skin-healing properties, calendula can be transformed into creams and oils. Its indoor cultivation could satisfy the growing demand for natural skincare products.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOICE

• MARKET DEMAND: Focus on plants with a consolidated therapeutic and consumer demand.
• ADDED VALUE: Prefer plants from which products with a high profit margin can be obtained, such as essential oils or herbal specialties.
• GROWTH CYCLE: Plants with short growth cycles or that can be harvested repeatedly offer a quicker economic return.
• COMPATIBILITY WITH HYDROPONICS: Ensure that the chosen plants are suitable for hydroponic cultivation in terms of nutritional and environmental needs.

Incorporating the cultivation of these plants within pharmacies could not only expand the offering of natural and personalized products but also strengthen the image of the pharmacy as an innovative center for well-being and health, creating new business opportunities.