Nature has all the solutions we need—we just have to pay attention and listen carefully. For generations, people have trusted natural remedies that work with the body, instead of just covering up symptoms. Today, even with all the rapid advances and synthetic medicines, more and more people are looking for something deeper, something real. They want healing that cares for the whole person and the world around them. It’s about going back to the basics—ancient wisdom combined with modern science—and that’s where healthcare is headed.
At the center of this belief are three remarkable women: Rima Balanaškienė, CEO and Owner of UAB Aconitum; her daughter Vytautė Balanaškaitė-Šatė, Chief Operating Officer; and Akvilė Viliutė, Head of Innovation Development and Purchasing Department, whom Rima proudly calls her goddaughter. Each brings her own mix of strength, kindness, and determination. Rima’s childhood dream of becoming a doctor led her on a path that included hosting Lithuania’s most popular health TV show—and later, developing a company dedicated to natural healing. Together with her daughter and goddaughter, they have shaped not only the company’s future but its heart.
This women trio leads UAB Aconitum, a Lithuanian healthcare company that has spent over 25 years developing natural remedies. What sets them apart isn’t just their use of herbal medicine or their work in cutting-edge fields like epigenetics—it’s their passion and vision. These women aren’t simply leaders; they’re caregivers, innovators, and storytellers, carrying forward a tradition of healing that feels both timeless and more important than ever.
Let’s learn how natural remedies and modern science are shaping the future of healthcare!
The Journey from Childhood Dream to a Healthcare Leader
Rima’s journey began far from the hospitals and laboratories of the city. Growing up in the quiet Lithuanian countryside, surrounded by forests and fields, she nurtured a dream that felt almost like a divine calling. “From childhood, I always dreamed of becoming a medical doctor,” she recalls with a gentle smile. What’s remarkable is that this was not a dream born from family influence or exposure to the medical world—it was a pure, internal desire that took root when she was just five years old.
Her rural upbringing, far from hospitals and medical role models, didn’t discourage her—it only deepened her sense of calling. “I was raised in the countryside, with no direct inspiration around me—it felt like a calling from above,” she says. That inner clarity would go on to shape every step of her path.
After years of study and practice, Rima’s path took an unexpected turn. Invited to host a health television show despite having no media background, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Over three decades, she became the trusted voice for health in Lithuania, educating and empowering people across the nation. “Despite having no experience in media, I accepted, and ended up leading and presenting that show for 30 years. It became the most popular health show in Lithuania.”
But Rima’s journey didn’t stop there. Her exposure to public health sparked curiosity about medicine from a broader perspective—particularly the pharmaceutical industry. She saw an opportunity for Lithuania to move beyond reliance on imported synthetic drugs and develop its own medicines rooted in nature. “This realization sparked the foundation of Aconitum, based on a commitment to natural remedies, especially herbal medicine.”
Growing up surrounded by forests instilled in her a deep respect for nature’s healing power. “This ‘green thread’ has guided us from the beginning—we use herbs not to mask symptoms, but to solve problems at their root.” It was this philosophy that laid the cornerstone for the company’s mission.
Swimming Against the Current
Launching a healthcare company focused on natural remedies in a market dominated by synthetic drugs was anything but easy. Rima remembers those early days with a mix of pride and humility. “There were many challenges, especially in the early days,” she reflects. “We founded Aconitum 26 years ago, in a post-Soviet Lithuania. At that time, Western Europe flooded our markets with synthetic medicines, and people saw them as a miracle cure.”
In a society eager for the new and seemingly miraculous, natural remedies were often dismissed as old-fashioned or ineffective. “Our first products were homeopathic remedies, later transitioning to phytotherapy—plant-based medicine. At the time, this was considered unconventional, even radical. We were swimming against the current.”
Yet, despite skepticism and obstacles, the team’s belief never wavered. “But we stayed true to our belief in natural healing, which has always been deeply rooted in human history.” This conviction sustained them through tough times and set the tone for their company culture—one of resilience, authenticity, and commitment to a higher purpose.
Moving Beyond Pills to Whole-Person Wellness
Rima has witnessed firsthand how society’s understanding of health has evolved dramatically over the past decades. “The transformation has been enormous,” she says thoughtfully. Once, people believed that every health issue could be fixed with a pill—synthetic medicine promised a quick solution for every problem.
But time and experience have changed that mindset. Now, there is a growing appreciation that health is complex, interconnected, and deeply personal. “People have started recognizing the importance of nutrition, movement, sleep, emotional well-being, and even love.”
This shift reflects a broader cultural awakening to the limitations of synthetic medicine. “We now realize that synthetic medicine can’t be the sole answer,” Rima emphasizes. The rising acceptance of holistic health—where lifestyle, emotional balance, and prevention are key—signals a return to wisdom long forgotten in modern medical practice.
She shares a powerful insight that captures this evolving philosophy: “The concept that ‘the living must be treated with the living’ is gaining ground.” It’s a reminder that healing should engage the whole being, drawing on natural sources that resonate with life itself.
Emotional Well-Being and Quality
Behind every product that leaves the Aconitum facility is more than scientific precision—it carries the energy, care, and well-being of the people who make it. For Rima, emotional health isn’t just a personal matter; it’s central to the company’s success. “Two key values guide us: emotional well-being and quality,” she explains.
She believes that the mindset of employees, especially those involved in manufacturing, directly influences the final products. “We believe that the mindset of our employees—especially those working in manufacturing—affects the energy of our products. Emotional wellness isn’t just an internal matter; it carries through into the products that end up in homes and bodies worldwide.”
This focus on emotional well-being creates a work environment that is supportive, mindful, and deeply connected to the company’s mission.
Quality, too, is non-negotiable. Aconitum’s status as a GMP-certified company reflects its commitment to the highest pharmaceutical standards. “As a GMP-certified company, we adhere to the strictest pharmaceutical standards, not only for our medicines but also for supplements. Our customers value this commitment.”
Together, these values form the foundation of a culture that balances science with soul, and precision with passion.
Women’s Unique Gifts in Healthcare Leadership
What makes women uniquely suited to lead in healthcare? For Rima, the answer lies in the fundamental gift of life itself. “Women are uniquely gifted. Only women have the ability to give life—and this gives them a natural inclination to create, not destroy.”
This gift extends beyond biology to leadership styles characterized by empathy, creativity, and nurturing. “Women nurture from a very young age,” Akvilė explains. “This caring instinct makes them natural leaders in health.” She underscores the importance of role models for young women, saying, “Young women today seek role models, and it’s important for us to set an example of leadership rooted in compassion.”
Vytautė adds two other qualities critical to women’s leadership: endurance and self-belief. “Women have a special capacity to endure. Even during difficult times, they keep going. That persistence is a core strength.” She also points out how women’s internal resilience sets them apart: “Unlike men, who often need external encouragement, many women can be their own cheerleaders. That internal resilience makes a huge difference.”
These insights reveal a leadership style that balances strength with sensitivity, endurance with empathy—qualities that resonate deeply in the healthcare sector.
Staying Ahead of Trends
Innovation at Aconitum is not accidental; it’s born from a mix of visionary thinking, deep intuition, and rigorous science. “Sometimes, inspiration feels like it comes from a higher source,” Rima says with a touch of wonder.
The company has often been ahead of the curve. For instance, they began focusing on longevity 15 years ago—long before it became a mainstream health goal. Five years ago, they launched No-Age, a biomedical herbal product that is now gaining traction in several countries.
Aconitum’s early investment in epigenetics—the study of how environment and lifestyle affect gene expression—is a prime example of their forward-thinking approach. “Unlike synthetic treatments that only mask symptoms, epigenetics allows us to address root causes. Now that it’s becoming mainstream, we know we were on the right path.”
While Rima hints at future breakthroughs, she keeps their next project under wraps: “We already know our next direction, but for now, it’s a secret. Let’s reconnect in 10 years!”
Lessons from the Roller Coaster
For Rima, the journey through business and leadership has been full of ups and downs—like a roller coaster. But the greatest lesson she’s learned is the importance of balance. “Success is temporary, just like difficult times. You can’t become too proud during good times, or too disheartened during the lows.”
This wisdom is deeply connected to her experience as a woman and a mother, roles that naturally teach resilience and equilibrium. “As women, especially as mothers, we learn this balance naturally—managing the ups and downs of both life and business.”
Her reflections remind us that leadership isn’t about perfection or constant success—it’s about staying grounded through change and uncertainty.
Advice for Young Women Aspiring to Lead in Healthcare
Rima’s advice to aspiring women leaders is practical and heartfelt. “Don’t be misled by motivational speeches that promise instant success. Business, especially in healthcare and manufacturing, is extremely challenging.”
Her counsel is to pursue opportunities that align naturally with one’s strengths, not to force oneself into ill-fitting roles. Akvilė adds, “Remember: tough times will pass. Understand the process. Dive deep into knowledge. And trust your gut—especially if something feels off.”
Vytautė highlights the power of purpose: “Have a mission. You need to believe in what you’re doing.” She speaks from personal experience, saying, “For me, knowing that we’re producing something that truly helps people makes every struggle worth it.” She also stresses the importance of legacy and continuity: “As part of a family business, I often wonder—what will my kids see if they choose to join this journey? That long-term thinking keeps us focused.”
Together, their advice offers a roadmap of patience, authenticity, and mission-driven leadership.
The Next Major Leadership Shift
Rima foresees a profound shift in healthcare leadership and patient relationships. “The biggest shift is in the relationship between healthcare providers and patients.” Gone are the days when doctors were the sole authorities. Today, patients are informed, empowered, and active partners in their care.
“The doctor has become more of a consultant.” This evolving dynamic demands new leadership approaches—ones that are collaborative, transparent, and responsive.
This shift is mirrored in product development. “Our products are evolving—they’re no longer just vitamins or minerals. They carry deeper intentions, philosophies, and complex formulations that reflect a more informed consumer base.”
The future of healthcare leadership is less hierarchical and more relational—rooted in trust, knowledge, and shared goals.
What’s Next for UAB Aconitum: Creating Healthy Homes and Beyond
Looking to the future, Rima is energized by the next generation. “My daughter and goddaughter are here with me, and my grandchildren are already visiting the facility.” This continuity inspires confidence and hope.
One exciting new initiative is the Healthy Home concept, born from pandemic research. Seeking alternatives to synthetic face masks led to the development of collagen-based materials. This work evolved into creating collagen-based Waynerr® acoustic panels for interiors—eco-friendly, biodegradable, and functional.
Rima explains, “It’s not just about what you consume. It’s also about the environment you live in. We want to help reduce indoor toxins and microplastics and promote holistic well-being through interior materials.”
This innovative project expands Aconitum’s mission of wellness beyond medicine into the very spaces where people live, reflecting a holistic vision that connects health, nature, and environment.
A Legacy of Healing Led by Women
The story of UAB Aconitum is one of vision, courage, and heart—a company founded on respect for nature’s healing power and driven by women leaders who embody empathy, resilience, and innovation.
In a world searching for deeper, more sustainable approaches to health, these women are paving the way with wisdom and grace. They remind us that true healthcare leadership is about listening—to the earth, to the body, and to each other.
Their journey is an example for future generations, illuminating how leadership infused with care and courage can transform not just companies, but entire communities and cultures.
