A, B, C, D, E

Ascophyllum nodosum, better known as clubweed, is a type of brown algae characterized by the presence of small blisters with slimy contents on the stems, in which the reproductive organs are located. These stems also contain large, gas-filled tubercles that help the plant stand upright under water. Knotweed varies in color from olive green to golden brown. The thallus can reach a length of 30 to 60 cm and is flexible, so that it can sway with the powerful movements of the water.

Anise seed has a naturally sweet, warm taste reminiscent of licorice. It is a versatile seasoning that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. All over the world, anise seed is used in confectionery, and it is also often added to liqueurs, such as Ouzo.
You can add anise seeds to bread, pastries, cookies, fruit and gingerbread. In Indian cuisine, anise is indispensable in curries and fish dishes, and it gives a delicious flavor to vegetables such as pumpkin and carrot. In the Netherlands it is a tradition to use anise seed on rusk with mice at birth.
Anise seed tea has a warm, mild flavor and is popular as an after-dinner tea.

Aronia berries, also known as black chokeberries, grow on compact bushes that reach a height of about 1 to 3 meters. The berries have a deep purple to black color and have long been used in various cultures.
The berries contain various natural plant compounds, including anthocyanins and polyphenols. These compounds contribute to the fruit's characteristic color and protect the seed inside. Compared to blueberries, aronia berries contain relatively high levels of anthocyanins.
Aronia berries are a popular ingredient in juices, teas, and jams, for example, because of their rich color and flavor.

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. The green or purple flower buds are often eaten as a vegetable and are known for their slightly bitter, aromatic flavor. The plant has been used for centuries in various cuisines and preparations.
Artichokes contain a wide range of nutrients and phytonutrients. These include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain flavonoids, enzymes, and tannins, which contribute to the characteristic color and flavor of the flower buds.
Thanks to their rich flavor and unique texture, artichokes are popular in salads, soups, pastas, and various culinary dishes.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. The name basil is derived from the Ancient Greek word basileus, meaning "king." This origin also underlies the alternative name "king's herb." Basil is native to regions between Central Africa and Southeast Asia, where it has long been valued.
Basil appears in various traditional systems and historical sources as part of cultural and herbal uses. Ancient texts and pharmacopoeias mention the plant in a variety of contexts, giving it a special place in the history of herbal traditions.
Basil is recognizable by its soft, green leaves and characteristic aroma. The plant naturally contains various aromatic and plant compounds, including essential oils and polyphenols.

The bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing, evergreen plant in the heather family (Ericaceae). The Dutch name "berendruif" (bear grape) refers to an old folk belief that bears enjoy eating the fruit of this plant.
The scientific name is a tautology, composed of both Greek and Latin words. Arktos (Greek) and ursus (Latin) both mean "bear," while staphyle and uva both mean "grape." The name thus emphasizes the same meaning twice.
Bearberry has been mentioned in historical herbals since the Middle Ages and is part of the European herbal tradition. Within this context, the plant was described and valued for its special place in traditional use.

The birch (Betula) is a tree that has held a special place in European cultures and traditions for centuries. Historically, the birch was sometimes seen as a symbolic or even sacred tree, partly due to its role in seasonal rituals and folk customs.
In early spring, just before the tree begins to bud, birch sap can be tapped. This time coincides with the period when the sap flow is most active. Young birch leaves are also traditionally collected during this phase. Both the sap and the leaves are part of ancient customs and have long been described in botanical and herbal sources.
Birch leaves naturally contain various plant compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, synonym Matricaria recutita) is an annual, aromatic plant from the Asteraceae family. Originally native to large parts of Europe, it is now widely cultivated, including in Hungary and several Eastern European countries.
Chamomile has a long cultural and historical background. In ancient Egypt, the plant was symbolically worshipped and associated with the sun god Ra. Throughout the centuries, chamomile has been frequently described in botanical and historical sources, contributing to its fame and spread.

Chlorella is a single-celled green algae belonging to the green algae group. This microscopic algae occurs naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers and is cultivated worldwide. The name chlorella is derived from the Greek words chloros (green) and ella (small), which refers to its color and size.
Chlorella is known for its natural composition and is described in nutritional and botanical sources as an algae that naturally contains various nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. In addition, chlorella contains chlorophyll, the green pigment that plays an essential role in photosynthesis.
Furthermore, descriptions of chlorella often mention plant-based compounds such as beta-carotene and lutein.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum ceylon) is an ancient spice extracted from the bark of the cinnamon tree. A section of the bark is carefully cut away, after which the rough outer layer is removed. The familiar cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder are created from the inner layer of the bark. Cinnamon has been valued for centuries for its culinary and cultural uses.
In Asian and other cultures, cinnamon is traditionally used for various purposes, with its delightful aroma playing a significant role. This aroma is primarily determined by the volatile oil cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon also naturally contains substances such as eugenol, coumarins, tannins, OPCs, and terpenes.

Coriander seeds have been used for thousands of years in various cultures and cuisines worldwide. Traditionally, the seeds are part of spice blends and are prized for their warm, slightly citrusy, and spicy aroma. This long-standing use has led to coriander seeds holding a permanent place in both culinary and traditional herbal practices to this day.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a versatile plant, with both the leaves and seeds used. The seeds are distinguished by their specific composition and concentrated aromatic compounds. They naturally contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, and minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a shrub native to southern Texas, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The plant belongs to the Passifloraceae family and is known for its aromatic leaves.
In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, damiana has been used for centuries in culinary and cultural traditions. The leaves are made into herbal teas and sometimes smoked, among other things. Damiana is also a traditional ingredient in Mexican liqueurs and is sometimes used in cocktails, such as margaritas, where it complements the flavor or replaces part of the liqueur.
Damiana leaves naturally contain various plant compounds, such as beta-sitosterol, arbutin, and various alkaloids.

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. The genus name Echinacea is derived from the Greek word echinos, meaning "hedgehog," and refers to the spiky flower cone that characterizes this plant.
Echinacea purpurea is native to North America and is now cultivated worldwide. The plant has striking purplish-pink flowers and is valued for its ornamental appearance and botanical properties. Since the early twentieth century, there has been considerable interest in this species in Europe, leading to extensive botanical and historical research.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a shrubby plant native to parts of Russia, China, Korea, and Japan. The plant belongs to the Araliaceae family and is botanically related to, but distinct from, the better-known Panax species such as Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).
The roots of Siberian ginseng have long been mentioned in East Asian and Russian botanical literature. These historical and cultural sources describe the plant as part of traditional practices. This long history of use has also led to Siberian ginseng becoming known beyond its native range.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), also known as horsetail because of its characteristic appearance, belongs to the horsetail family (Equisetaceae). The plant is common in Europe and grows in a variety of locations, such as meadows, along roads, on fallow land, and on slopes.
Horsetail is one of the oldest plant species on earth, having existed for approximately 390 million years. The plant is distinguished by its deep root system, which allows it to absorb nutrients from deeper soil layers. As a result, horsetail naturally contains various plant compounds, including minerals, fiber, and silicon.

Garlic (Allium sativum) belongs to the Alliaceae family and is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. The plant develops a leafy, round flower shaft from the bulb in spring. Garlic is prized worldwide for both its characteristic flavor and distinct aroma.
The use of garlic has a long history in various cultures. Since ancient times, the plant has been part of traditional cuisines and herbal lore. Its intense aroma makes garlic a common ingredient in a wide variety of dishes.

The two-styled hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a thorny shrub or small tree native to much of Europe. In spring, it blooms with white flowers, while in autumn it produces dark red, spherical or egg-shaped berries, also known as "whitebeans."
The leaves, flowers, and berries of the hawthorn naturally contain a rich composition of plant compounds, including flavonoids, procyanidins, vitamin C, tannins, and glycosides. Because of this composition, hawthorn is traditionally used in various herbal products and supplements.

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.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), also known as milk thistle, is a spiny plant in the Asteraceae family. It originates in the Mediterranean region, but also grows in temperate regions such as the Netherlands and Belgium.
The plant is known for its striking, white-flecked leaves and purple flower heads. Milk thistle seeds contain natural compounds, including silymarin, a group of bioactive compounds considered antioxidants. Because of this composition, milk thistle is traditionally used in various food and herbal products.

Turmeric, also known as turmeric (Curcuma longa), is a tropical plant native to India and Southeast Asia. The root has been used for centuries and is best known in powdered form. In the Netherlands, it is often called "geelwortel" (yellow root) because of its bright yellow color, which is used in curry mixtures, mustard, and other culinary preparations.
Turmeric plays an important role in various Asian cuisines, where it is valued for its color, aroma, and distinctive flavor. The root is found in historical and cultural sources and was traditionally incorporated into dishes and spice blends.

Turmeric, also known as Javanese ginger (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), is a tropical plant native to India and Southeast Asia. The root of this plant has been used for centuries and is best known in powdered form. In the Netherlands, turmeric is also known as yellow root (gelukkigroot) because of its intense yellow color, which is used in curry mixtures and mustard, among other things.
Turmeric plays an important role in various Asian cuisines, where it is valued for its color, aroma, and characteristic flavor. Besides its culinary uses, turmeric is traditionally described in historical and cultural sources from India and Indonesia, where the root played an integral role in daily life.

Astragalus, also known as fleshy box pod (Astragalus membranaceus), is a plant native to Asia. The root of the plant has been used in traditional Chinese culture for thousands of years.
Astragalus holds an important place in this tradition and is associated with the concept of "qi," which represents life energy. Astragalus is used in a variety of applications, such as herbal teas, powders, and other herbal preparations.
The root contains various natural plant compounds and is valued for its long history of traditional use.

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 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.