Gérard Bédat
Gérard Bédat comes from a long line of five generations of pharmacists, and is in charge of a pharmacy in the centre of Geneva that was founded in 1885.
The pharmacy has diversified under Gérard Bédat's influence; as well as providing all the services associated with the sale and distribution of conventional medicines, it now includes herbalism, and, in particular, the use of hemp. It was the first pharmacy in Geneva to distribute ioba in its original form, then known by the name "Hempcoline".
Like his father, who was very active in the life of his local community and then became involved with politics, Gérard Bédat became the president of the Association Genevoise des Pharmaciens (the Geneva Pharmacists' Association). He was aware that the public was becoming more and more interested in complementary medicines, and wanted his pharmacy to be friendly and welcoming, offering a wide range of natural, plant-based products.
Interview with Gérard Bédat
pharmacist and creator of ioba
Tell us about your meeting with Jean-Pierre Michel.
Interview with Gérard Bédat
What do you think of your collaboration with Jean-Pierre Michel ?
Jean-Pierre Michel and Gérard Bédat produced an oil based on hemp that was harvested just before its hallucinogenic properties developed. This oil, which contains vitamin E, works wonders in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Gérard Bédat has been preparing ioba products for almost ten years, and could talk forever about the incomparable benefits of hemp in the prevention of skin conditions.
"Hemp oil is very useful for treating and healing skin lesions due to eczema, acne or psoriasis. It is mixed with essential oils, and its healing power is due to its very high levels of vitamin E. Applying hemp oil reduces the appearance of scars."
Gérard Bédat recalls that, more than 8000 years ago, the Indians already knew about the regenerating and soothing properties of hemp leaves, which they made into poultices to heal their wounds.
