By Catia Giorni
As soon as you cross the threshold, an enveloping scent of herbs and spices welcomes you like a discreet embrace, capable of bringing you back to memories of nature and well-being in an instant. The herbalist’s shop ‘Secondo Natura’ nestled in the heart of Città di Castello, in Piazza Matteotti, is not just a shop, but a small refuge where time slows down and every piece of advice has the flavour of authentic care.
For nineteen years, Elena Radici has been taking care of it, who with passion, competence and a smile capable of putting anyone at ease, accompanies people on a personalized journey towards well-being. Graduated in Herbal Techniques and specialized in Applied Phytotherapy, Elena has been able to transform her profession into a real mission: to make everyone feel welcomed and guided, with tailor-made paths that combine tradition, science and deep attention to the person.
We at Valley Life went to meet her, to let her tell us about the news of this period and discover how, even with the arrival of Christmas, her herbalist’s shop continues to be a place where gifts have a meaning that goes beyond the object, becoming experiences of daily well-being.
Valley Life: Elena, many people associate the concept of herbal medicine with herbal teas and cosmetics. In reality, you will find much more. Can you tell us about the “Get back in shape” path?
Elena Radici: “Of course! It is a real path of rebalancing, based on a personalized diet alongside tailor-made herbal products. In practice: we start with a low-calorie diet plan for those who need to lose weight, but we enrich it with natural remedies that act on the specific criticalities of each person. There are those who suffer from nervous hunger, those who have water retention, those who experience menopause with more difficulty: here, the path serves to calibrate each piece in a scientific way, so that the person does not feel ‘only on a diet’ but feels accompanied in a complete wellness project”.
Valley Life: So, it’s not the usual flash diet?
Elena Radici: “Absolutely not. I do not promise miracles; I promise seriousness and sustainable results. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all diet’, but there is a path tailored to the person. What gives me satisfaction is the fact that many customers tell me that they feel better already in the first weeks: less nervous hunger, more vitality, lighter legs…”
Valley Life: So, it’s not just about those who want to lose weight?
Elena Radici: “Exactly. We have protocols designed for every stage of life and for different needs. For example:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding: a balanced diet, designed to support mother and child;
- underweight or elderly: specific diets to regain strength and energy;
- children and young people: clear and professional guidelines for parents who want to raise them with the right eating habits;
- people with pathologies: targeted paths that accompany medical therapy, to live better with a suitable diet”.
Valley Life: So, what is the ultimate goal of this path?
Elena Radici: “Rediscover a state of health and well-being, don’t chase trends! It is a path that everyone can take, because it is always personalized. It combines nutrition science and phytotherapy and allows you to feel good about yourself without impossible deprivations”.
Valley Life: Just as the path is tailored to each person, does skin care also require a personalized approach?
Elena Radici: “For sure! Just as I calibrate nutrition and natural remedies to everyone’s needs, I believe that skincare should also be tailor-made. And it is precisely with this in mind that I have chosen to offer the KOLED Mask in herbalist’s shops”.
Valley Life: Can you explain what exactly the Koled Mask is?
Elena Radici: “It is a new generation mask based on photo-biomodulation, a technique that uses specific wavelengths of LED light to stimulate the skin’s natural processes. Translated into simple words: light helps the skin regenerate, increasing collagen and elastin, reducing blemishes, wrinkles and imperfections. It is already well known on social media, but the difference lies in learning how to use it correctly and personalized, to really get the results it promises.
Valley Life: It’s not the usual beauty fashion, then?
Elena Radici: “No, and this is precisely the point: I chose to propose it because it is supported by serious scientific studies. It is non-invasive and is also perfect for those who want visible results without aggressive treatments”.
Valley Life: How does it work in practice?
Elena Radici: “You wear the mask for a few minutes, with different programs depending on the objective: anti-aging, brightness, acne, spots. It is very easy to use at home, but the difference is made by the advice that is provided: I, in fact, include it in a skincare path built on the person, with targeted products that amplify the effects of light, in a targeted protocol, so that the final result is truly personalized”.
Valley Life: Speaking of consulting: will there be a special day in which to try it?
Elena Radici: Yes, on November 25th I organize a day dedicated to the face in collaboration with Hino Natural Skincare. Those who participate will have a professional skin analysis, personalized advice and the opportunity to try the KOLED Mask with the support of a beauty expert. It is also a nice way to experience a moment of relaxation, perhaps with a friend, and already start thinking about Christmas gifts: from the mask itself to a complete beauty routine for the skin.
Valley Life: So, it can also become an important gift idea?
Elena Radici: Of course! It is an object that combines technology and natural well-being, and that amazes those who receive it because it is not the usual gift. Many customers choose it for themselves, others to surprise a loved one”.
Valley Life: Let’s get to Christmas. Why choose a gift in herbal medicine?
Elena Radici: “Because here you can find gifts that do not end up forgotten in a drawer, but that make you live experiences of well-being every day. My Christmas proposal is very wide and diversified and always allows you to find the right idea. I will mention some of them:
- Spices: salts, peppers and mixes from all over the world for cooking enthusiasts.
- Aya&Ida’s eco-friendly accessories: elegant and practical thermal bottles, and large walking glasses with straws, perfect to take anywhere.
- Home fragrances, to create warm and welcoming atmospheres during the holidays.
- Hair lines: targeted treatments for unruly curls or straight hair. In addition, you can also find elastic bands and pillowcases entirely made of silk.
- My selection of teas and infusions: from the most sought-after bulk blends to practical pyramid filters, including gourmet novelties that conquer even those who do not like classic herbal teas.
- Cosmetics and perfumes for the person cannot be missing: dermocosmetic lines for facial care, natural makeup and the latest scented novelties for the body”.
Valley Life: This year you thought of a special initiative, right?
Elena Radici: “Exactly! My now famous Advent calendars (for those who still don’t know them they are the perfect way to treat yourself or give 24 moments of well-being with full size products, including cosmetics, herbal teas, accessories…) this year offer an important opportunity: all customers who buy them participate in the draw for a Beauty Ticket”.
Valley Life: And what is the prize of the Beauty Ticket?
Elena Radici: “Just a KOLED Mask! A gift with concrete value and a ‘wow’ effect. Whoever wins it takes home not just a product, but a daily ally for the skin. It’s my way of making the Christmas season even more special and thanking those who choose Secondo Natura”.
In conclusion: between herbal teas that warm, personalized wellness programs and gifts designed to last, you can breathe Elena’s passion for a different way of taking time and space for yourself.
It is not just about products, but an invitation to slow down, to choose consciously and to give — to oneself or to others — a philosophy of balance.
Info: Erboristeria Secondo Natura – Piazza Matteotti, Città di Castello (Pg)
Orario: dal martedì al sabato 9:30-12:30/16:30-19:30
Shop online: www.secondonatura.info
Instagram: secondo_natura / Tik Tok: secondo natura