A, B, C, D, E

The two-stemmed hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a natural source of beneficial substances. The flowers, leaves and to a lesser extent the berries of the hawthorn contain a rich variety of components, including flavonoids, procyanidins, vitamin C, tannins, glycosides and antioxidants. These substances have beneficial effects on the heart and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Hawthorn is known for its calming properties and supports natural, deep sleep.

Herb Royal (Artemisia abrotanum) is a bushy shrub belonging to the composite family. The plant is originally native to southern Europe, but has been introduced to much more northern areas of Europe.
Historically, the Germanic people used Herb Royal to ward off druids and witches. The Romans made the perfume Abrotenum from it. In addition to its use as a perfume, lemon herb was also used to clean and deodorize wounds, treat cramps and asthma, and as a soothing balm.

Epimedium, commonly known as elf flower, is a genus of about 25 species of perennial plants belonging to the barberry family (Berberidaceae). These enchanting plants are native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, including central, southern and eastern Asia.
Interestingly, many species of Epimedium are said to have aphrodisiac properties. According to an ancient Chinese legend, this remarkable effect was discovered by a goat herder, who noticed that his animals became noticeably more active after eating these plants. This led to the plant being given the name 'yin yang huo' in China, which literally translates as 'Horny Goat Herb'.

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) is a genus of about a thousand species of perennial herbaceous and shrubby plants belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is mainly found in Europe and Asia, with some species in the mountainous areas of Africa, North and South America. Lady's mantles thrive in disturbed and usually damp places, such as forest edges, wet grasslands and roadsides.

Lemongrass, also known as sereh (Cymbopogon citratus), belongs to the grass family (Poaceae). This plant is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in dishes from Thailand, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Lemongrass thrives in several regions, including India, Africa, Vietnam, Australia and America. In Indonesia it is known as sereh, and this name is also often used in the Netherlands.
The leaves of the lemongrass plant are the culinary stars. They have a refreshing, lemony taste and are not consumed raw. Pieces of lemongrass are often added to dishes during cooking or stewing, after which they are removed before serving.

The long sundew (Drosera longifolia) is a perennial carnivorous plant belonging to the sundew family (Droseraceae).
The plant grows to a height of 5-20 cm and forms a rosette of leaves. The leaves have long stems and are upright, oblong to lanceolate, with the widest point above the center. They are covered with numerous red, sticky tentacles containing glandular tissue. These tentacles catch small insects such as Simuliidae. Once an insect touches the tentacles, the leaf coils around the insect and secretes digestive enzymes. The released nutrients, including nitrogen, are absorbed by the plant.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and has been spread worldwide by human activity, especially to areas with suitable soil, humidity and climate.
The starch in the carrot, mixed with proteinaceous substances, was formerly used in making marshmallows and bacon. The leaves can be eaten cooked and the flowers can be used raw in salads.
In the medicinal field, marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract (source WHO) and is used in cough syrups.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and has been spread worldwide by human activity, especially to areas with suitable soil, humidity and climate.
The starch in the carrot, mixed with proteinaceous substances, was formerly used in making marshmallows and bacon. The leaves can be eaten cooked and the flowers can be used raw in salads.
In the medicinal field, marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract (source WHO) and is used in cough syrups.

The marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a member of the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae) and is often grown in ornamental gardens. This plant originally comes from Southern Europe.
It is an annual plant that usually bears orange, but sometimes yellow flowers. The marigold usually grows to a height of 30-45 cm and has blunt leaves. Its flowering period extends from May to November, while the fruits are often curved and boat-shaped.
Both fresh and dried flowers can be used in soups, and they also act as a natural coloring for cheese, butter and other foods. Historically, the petals were even used to imitate saffron.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), also known as milk thistle or milk thistle, is a spiny plant native to the Mediterranean region, but which also grows in our area. It belongs to the composite family. Milk thistle has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver and bile function. It can be used as part of a cleansing regimen to assist the liver in the detoxification process.

The mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a plant from the composite family (Asteraceae), related to wormwood. This weakly aromatic plant has leaves that have white felt-like hairs on the underside. Mugwort is widespread in Belgium and the Netherlands, often found on wasteland and along roads. The plant thrives best in sandy soil. The stem is 60–120 cm long and often shows a reddish color.
In ancient times, the Romans put mugwort in their footwear to relieve fatigue and pain. In central Mongolia, where the population used to suffer from clouds of large mosquitoes (the size of small shrimps), the Mongolian mugwort (with its characteristic bluish, hairy, succulent leaves) was used to repel these mosquitoes in the damp lawns.

Olibanum Idian (Boswellia serrata) is a medium to large deciduous tree with a slightly open crown and branches that hang slightly. This tree belongs to the Burseraceae family and is native to India and the Punjab area.
Olibanum Idian is extracted from the resin of the tree. Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint pain, showing a slight improvement in pain and function. In traditional Ayurveda it is used for diabetes.
Boswellia serrata produces several forms of boswellic acids, such as β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid.

The shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae).
It is an upright plant that can grow between 5 and 60 cm high, and is annual or biennial in nature. Shepherd's purse is winter hardy and usually has a lignified taproot. The sinuously toothed leaves form a rosette around the spindle-shaped root.
The plant is processed into various commercial products. In folk medicine, infusions are used against bleeding and inflammation of the urinary tract, and as a compress on open bleeding wounds. In addition, young rosette leaves can be used in salads or braised in soups.

The Heather (Erica vulgaris - Calluna vulgaris) belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae) and grows throughout Europe, especially in Central and Northern Europe. It even reaches Western Siberia in the east. In the nineteenth century, Scottish immigrants brought the heather to Canada, from where it spread throughout North America. It is the only species in the genus Calluna, meaning it is a monotypic genus.

The shrub heath can grow to a height of 10-100 cm, sometimes even up to 150 cm in certain places. It has hermaphroditic, symmetrical flowers, with the calyx and petals being the same color. Purple flowers appear towards the end of the branches, creating the purple heaths from late July to early September.

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum; synonym: Asperula odorata) is a perennial, winter-hardy herbaceous plant belonging to the star-leaved family (Rubiaceae).
The use of woodruff in herbal medicine is known, but due to its coumarin content, caution should be exercised due to possible effects on blood clotting and teratogenic effects. It is no longer used in modern medicine.
In ancient times, woodruff had various uses, such as giving scent to clothes and enriching the taste of wine. It was also known as an "anti-magic" herb, used to ward off evil spirits. For example, it was hung in bundles near windows and doors to protect the home against the plague.

Curcuma (also known as Turmeric) (Curcuma longa) is respected worldwide as one of the most valuable herbs. It originates in the tropical regions of India and Southeast Asia. The powder of the root is known for its popularity in Asian cuisine and is known in the Netherlands as turmeric, due to its role in coloring curry and mustard.
In addition to its culinary uses, turmeric also offers several health benefits. Curcuma has been used in India for centuries because of its effective effect on flexible joints and intestinal function. It is a powerful antioxidant that benefits the liver and musculoskeletal system, while also aiding digestion. 

Curcuma (also known as Javanese Ginger) (Curcumae zanthorrhizae) is respected worldwide as one of the most valuable spices. It originates in the tropical regions of India and Southeast Asia. The powder of the root is known for its popularity in Asian cuisine and is known in the Netherlands as turmeric, due to its role in coloring curry and mustard.
In addition to its culinary uses, turmeric also offers several health benefits. Curcuma has been used in India for centuries because of its effective effect on flexible joints and intestinal function. It is a powerful antioxidant that benefits the liver and musculoskeletal system, while also aiding digestion.

Absinthe wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a plant from the composite family (Asteraceae). This species is on the Dutch Red List of plants as quite rare and moderately reduced in numbers. It is a perennial plant that grows naturally on dry, calcareous, nitrogen-rich and cultivated soils in temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North Africa. The genus name Artemisia is derived from the Greek hunting goddess Artemis.
The buds of wormwood absinthe are traditionally seen as medicinal. The bitter extract of these buds is an important ingredient in drinks such as vermouth and classic absinthe. The most important flavorings are absinthine and the menthol-smelling terpene thujone.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an herb that belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is a winter-hardy, perennial plant that is common in the Netherlands. It has finely divided, feathery leaves and small white flowers that tend toward pink. The use of this herb has been around for centuries. Yarrow is used, among other things, to support digestion and promote fat metabolism. The herb is beneficial for the blood vessels, urinary tract and respiratory tract. It helps with normal menstruation.