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 can help with a feeling of heaviness after meals, because it has a soothing and relaxing effect.

Aronia berries, also called black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), grow on compact bushes of about 1 to 3 meters high. The berries have a deep purple to black color.
Aronia berries are particularly rich in anthocyanins, the flavonoids that give the berries their characteristic color. Flavonoids are plant substances that protect the plant against ultraviolet light, oxidation and heat. Compared to blueberries, aronia berries contain four times more anthocyanins.
The black fruits contain different types of anthocyanins. The natural function of these anthocyanins and other polyphenols is to protect the seed of the aronia berry against harmful external influences. Anthocyanins act as natural antioxidants.

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a plant that originates from the Mediterranean region. People eat the closed green or purple flower buds as vegetables. The artichoke leaf has a slightly bitter taste. This plant has been consumed for centuries for the support it provides to digestion and the cleansing effect of the liver, thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants.
The artichoke is rich in various nutrients and phytonutrients. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It also contains flavonoids, enzymes and tannins.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant from the Lamiaceae family. The name basil is derived from the Ancient Greek word 'basileus', meaning king, which is also reflected in the alternative name king herb. Basil originally grows in the regions between Central Africa and Southeast Asia.
In some pharmacopoeias and traditional medicine, basil is recommended for the treatment of arthritis, bronchitis, colds, fever, influenza, stomach ulcers, rheumatism, earache, epilepsy, heart disease, malaria, sinusitis, snakebites, abdominal pain and vomiting.
Scientific research has shown that basil has antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

The bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a plant from the heather family (Ericaceae). The Dutch name "bearberry" refers to the assumption that bears would be fond of the fruits of this plant.
The scientific name Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a tautological mixture of Greek and Latin. The Greek 'arktos' and the Latin 'ursus' both mean "bear", while 'staphyle' and 'uva' both mean "grape".
This plant is known for its supportive effect on the urinary tract. As early as the thirteenth century, bearberry was mentioned in herbal books and praised for its beneficial effects on the bladder.

Birch (Betula) has been valued for centuries for its beneficial properties, thanks to the presence of bioactive substances. In the past it was even considered a sacred tree. In the spring, just before the tree sprouts, birch sap is tapped because that is when the sap flow is strongest. This juice is full of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. The young leaves are then collected, because they also contain a high content of various beneficial substances during this period.Birch leaf is rich in flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The saponins and tannins are responsible for the diuretic properties of the birch. 

True chamomile, also known as Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita, is native throughout Europe and widely cultivated in countries such as Hungary and Eastern Europe. The ancient Egyptians revered chamomile as the flower of the sun god Ra. The herb is known for its supportive effect on the immune system, soothing effect on the respiratory tract and promoting digestion. Additionally, chamomile is often used as a natural sedative and to promote restful sleep.

Chicory (Cichorium) belongs to the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae) and includes well-known vegetables such as chicory and endive. It is mainly consumed for health reasons.
Since the late years of the twentieth century, chicory roots have been cultivated not only for chicory, but also for the production of inulin and sweeteners, especially fructose. Both inulin (a dietary fiber) and fructose are widely used in the food industry.
Roasted chicory root is used as a coffee substitute or as an ingredient in coffee brewing. In the past, this was done out of necessity, such as during the Napoleonic blockade during the French occupation.

Chlorella, a single-celled green algae belonging to the green algae family, thrives in lakes and rivers of Southeast Asia. This microscopic organism is a veritable treasure trove of nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids.
Its versatility is reflected in supporting the immune system and promoting liver detoxification. Chlorella also contributes to healthy digestion and supports normal intestinal function. The name 'chlorella' has its origins in the Greek words 'chloros' and 'ella', which mean 'green' and 'small' respectively.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum) has been known for centuries for its many uses. It is extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, where part of the bark is carefully cut loose and the rough outer surface is removed with a knife. The well-known cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder are made from the inside of the bark. Cinnamon has been valued for centuries, both in culinary and herbalist circles.
This herb has been used in Asian cultures for centuries for its versatile uses. The wonderful aroma of cinnamon is determined by volatile oils, of which cinnamaldehyde is the most common. In addition, cinnamon also contains substances such as eugenol, coumarins, tannins, OPCs and terpenes. 

Coriander seeds have been used for thousands of years to support digestion and intestinal health, and this tradition continues to this day. People who want to strengthen their immune system prefer coriander seeds. In addition, coriander seed has a beneficial effect on the heart and nervous system.
Coriander is an herb rich in valuable substances. Both the leaves and seeds contain vitamins A, C, K and folic acid, as well as minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The seeds are especially rich in essential oils such as linalool, camphor, gamma terpinene and geranyl acetate. The seeds are the main source of nutrients.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a shrub native to southern Texas in the United States, as well as Central America, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. It belongs to the Passifloraceae family and has been used by the Mayan Indians for centuries for its known effects on libido. Both men and women benefit from the libido-supporting properties of damiana, which is also known for its stress-reducing effect.
In Mexico, women often prepare tea from the fragrant leaves of the damiana shrub or smoke them to stimulate their feelings of pleasure. Damiana leaf contains several active substances, including beta-sitosterol, arbutin and alkaloids.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is one of the most widely grown and used herbs in the world because of its positive influence on the immune system. The genus name 'echinacea' is derived from the Greek word 'echinos', meaning 'hedgehog', because of the spiky flower cone. Since the beginning of the last century, much research has been done into Echinacea purpurea in Europe.
This plant has a rich history and originally comes from North America. Indigenous tribes used this perennial plant for its beneficial effects on the immune system. Colonist doctor H.C.F. Meyer adopted this knowledge from the indigenous population and brought the first product based on echinacea onto the market in 1871.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has had a good reputation in both China and Russia for centuries as a supporter of the immune system. Siberian ginseng root extract is beneficial for memory and concentration.
The carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, and they are high in eleutherosides. It is important not to confuse Siberian ginseng with its Korean variant (Panax ginseng) or the American one (Panax quinquefolius). Not only do the names differ, but also the properties.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), also known as horsetail because of its appearance, belongs to the horsetail family. It is known for its supportive properties for the skin, hair and nails, and it provides benefits for the liver and blood vessels. Horsetail extract has a natural calming effect and promotes a healthy moisture balance.
This plant thrives in different environments, such as meadows, along roads, on waste land and on slopes. Horsetail is one of the oldest plant species on earth, having existed for 390 million years. Thanks to its deep roots, horsetail can extract minerals from the depths of the earth. That is why horsetail is packed with valuable substances, including minerals, fiber and silicon.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system and the liver, while also supporting the immune system and regulating blood sugar levels.
Garlic belongs to the garlic family and produces a leafy, round flower shaft from the bulb in the spring. It is one of the oldest plants in herbalism. Although it is prized for its taste, garlic is also known for its strong smell.

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.

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.

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 seeds of milk thistle contain silymarin, a powerful antioxidant. Silymarin stimulates the liver in the natural detoxification process and thus supports liver function.

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.

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. 

Astragalus, also known as Fleshy Locust (Astragalus membranaceus), is a plant native to Asia. It has been used for 2000 years in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to strengthen the immune system. In addition to this property, astragalus has many other benefits. According to Chinese tradition, it strengthens the life force, or 'qi', as it is called in China, when ingested. It is known as a powerful antioxidant and is especially valued for its ability to support the immune system.