18 July, 2018 - Durmitor is a mountain rich in medicinal plant species. A few of the existing species can be successfully cultivated. However, most of these species can’t be successfully cultivated in plain areas because they have no healing properties as when they are harvested in natural habitats. The specificity of the geological structure, the microclimate characteristics caused by geographical positions and exposures, caused the appearance of different types of soil. All of these factors significantly influenced the diversity and richness of the Durmitor flora as well as medicinal, edible vitamin and aromatic plants. There are about 140 edible mushrooms in the Žabljak area, of which 22 are suitable for mass plantations.
Organic collection of medicinal herbs, plantation production of certain plant species and primary processing of plant material represent a potential factor for improving the economic position of Žabljak’s farmers. The clean, unpolluted environment makes the plants even more valuable and healthier. Many healthy plants have found their place in the official medicine. The application also has a strong trend in the use of plants, such as auxiliary medicinal products. This fact confirmed by the existence of a large number at the Institute for the study of medicinal herbs, as well as the numerous clinics for treatment with herbs.
Estimated species that are present on Mount Durmitor that could be harvested in significant quantities for the market would be: gentian, birch, hawthorn, valerian, rose hip, juniper, spartium, nettle, ramsons, bearberry, Perforate St John's-wort, yarrow, chamomile, breckland thyme, Teucrium montanum, Marsh mallow, sage, plantago and mugworts.
The most suitable medicinal herbs for plantation are: gentian, valerian, mountain arnica, Marsh mallow, nettle, Perforate St John's-wort, Norwegian angelica and rose hip.
The plants can be used for tea, oil production, skin care products, elixirs, syrups, or as spices when cooking delicious and healthy food.
