Digestion

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.

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.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), also known as milk thistle, is a spiny plant from the Asteraceae family that is native to the Mediterranean region but also grows in other parts of Europe. The plant is best known for its characteristic purple-pink flowers and spotted leaves.
The seeds of the milk thistle are primarily used for supplements. These seeds naturally contain silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans found naturally in this plant. Silymarin is a plant compound often used in dietary supplements based on herbal extracts.

Single herbal tincture made with dried seed of Sylibum marianum (Cardui Mariae) (Milk thistle).
Milk thistle, 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.

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen plant belonging to the sandalwood family (Santalaceae). It is also known by common names such as mistletoe, mistletoe, and birdlime. Mistletoe is native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and West and Central Asia. It is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on various types of trees and shrubs, where it extracts water and minerals while photosynthesizing.
Throughout the centuries, mistletoe has become deeply intertwined with legends, rituals, and symbolism. Druids considered mistletoe growing on an oak tree sacred and associated it with the new year, fertility, and prosperity.

Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree native to parts of Africa and Asia. Also known as the "moringa tree," it is traditionally used as a food source in various cultures. The leaves, in particular, are valued for their diverse range of natural nutrients.
Moringa leaves naturally contain a variety of nutrients, including plant proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and plant compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids. This versatile composition means moringa is used worldwide in powders, capsules, and other food products.

Moringa oleifera, often called the "tree of life," is a plant native to parts of Africa and Asia. The leaves of the moringa tree contain various nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants.
In many Asian and African cultures, moringa has been used for centuries as part of the daily diet. The leaves can be incorporated into meals or used as a supplement for their nutritional value.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a plant in the Asteraceae family and is closely related to wormwood. It is a weakly aromatic plant with deeply incised leaves that are white and felt-like hairy on the underside. The stem can reach a length of approximately 60 to 120 centimeters and often exhibits a reddish discoloration.
Mugwort is common in the Netherlands and Belgium. The plant grows primarily in fallow land, along roads, and on other disturbed soil types. Mugwort thrives best in sandy soils and is known for its strong adaptability.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant found in many places and known for its stinging hairs when touched. Despite this characteristic, the plant has long been valued and used in various cultures. Nettle is used in culinary preparations such as soup and herbal tea.
The plant is native to large parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Latin name Urtica dioica refers to the plant's stinging properties. Historical and botanical sources describe both the leaves and the roots as being traditionally collected and processed.
Both nettle leaf and root hold a firm place in herbal tradition. Due to their natural composition and long history, these parts of the plant have been mentioned for centuries in ethnobotanical and historical accounts.

Nettle is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries in European herbal traditions. Both the leaves and the roots are used in herbal preparations. Nettle is valued for its wide range of uses and natural composition, making it a suitable addition to a varied and balanced diet. The plant is also widely used in teas and culinary applications, such as soups.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant found in many places and known for its stinging hairs when touched. Despite this characteristic, the plant has long been valued and used in various cultures. Nettle is used in culinary preparations such as soup and herbal tea.
The plant is native to large parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Latin name Urtica dioica refers to the plant's stinging properties. Historical and botanical sources describe both the leaves and the roots as being traditionally collected and processed.
Both nettle leaf and root hold a firm place in herbal tradition. Due to their natural composition and long history, these parts of the plant have been mentioned for centuries in ethnobotanical and historical accounts.

Single herbal tincture made with dried herb of Urticae dioica (Nettle).
The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant found in many places and known for its stinging hairs, which cause a tingling sensation when touched. Despite this characteristic, the plant has been valued and used in various cultures for centuries. It is used in culinary preparations such as soup and herbal tea.
The plant is native to large parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Latin name Urtica dioica refers to the plant's pungent nature. Historical and botanical sources describe both the leaves and roots as being traditionally collected and processed.

Single herbal tincture made with dried herb of Usnea barbata (Old Man's Beard).
Usnea barbata, sometimes also called 'old man's beard', is a genus of lichens belonging to the ascomycetes. They are found in moist forests around the world, where they usually hang from tree branches. In rare cases they are also found on the bottom or on rocks. The genus belongs to the family of Parmeliaceae. Beard mosses are characterized by a shrub-like structure and a central axis from which branches arise. In areas free of air pollution they can grow 10 to 20 cm tall.

Usnea barbata, sometimes also called 'old man's beard', is a genus of lichens belonging to the ascomycetes. They are found in moist forests around the world, where they usually hang from tree branches. In rare cases they are also found on the bottom or on rocks. The genus belongs to the family of Parmeliaceae. Beard mosses are characterized by a shrub-like structure and a central axis from which branches arise. In areas free of air pollution they can grow 10 to 20 cm tall.

Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), also known by the basic name Lichen islandicus, is a shrubby lichen belonging to the Parmeliaceae family (shell mosses). The species is native to cold and mountainous regions and is extremely rare in the Netherlands. For this reason, Iceland moss is listed on the Dutch Red List as critically endangered.
Iceland moss has a long cultural and historical background. Botanical and historical sources from the 17th century describe the lichen as part of the botanical knowledge of the time. During that period, the lichen was collected whole and used in traditional practices. These uses are part of historical and folklore.

Olive leaves come from the wild olive tree (Olea europaea) and naturally contain antioxidants. These trees are native to Western Asia, Egypt, and Syria, and are now also found in the Mediterranean, South America, the southern United States, southern Australia, and the tropics.
Olive leaves have been used for centuries in the Mediterranean region, for example, as a tea. They contain various plant compounds, including oleuropein, secoiridoids, and flavonoids. Olive leaves have a rich history in traditional cuisine and folk herbalism and are often associated with the olive tree, also known as the "tree of life."

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as wild marjoram, is an aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines and cultures. The herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and mint.
Oregano naturally contains several plant compounds, including carvacrol, which is responsible for its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter flavor. This compound contributes to oregano's distinct aroma.
The most aromatic oregano grows naturally in Mediterranean mountain regions on calcareous soils. Wild oregano blooms in spring, after which it is traditionally harvested. Thanks to its flavor and composition, oregano is widely used in culinary applications and herbal teas.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as wild marjoram, is an aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines and cultures. The herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and mint.
Oregano naturally contains several plant compounds, including carvacrol, which is responsible for its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter flavor. This compound contributes to oregano's distinct aroma.
The most aromatic oregano grows naturally in Mediterranean mountain regions on calcareous soils. Wild oregano blooms in spring, after which it is traditionally harvested. Thanks to its flavor and composition, oregano is widely used in culinary applications and herbal teas.

Single herbal tincture made with dried herb of Oregano vulgaris (Oregano).
Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as wild marjoram, is an aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines and cultures. The herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and mint.
Oregano naturally contains several plant compounds, including carvacrol, which is responsible for its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter flavor. This compound contributes to oregano's distinct aroma.
The most aromatic oregano grows naturally in Mediterranean mountain regions on calcareous soils. Wild oregano blooms in spring, after which it is traditionally harvested. 

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is a vitamin-like substance belonging to the B vitamin complex. It occurs naturally in foods such as wheat germ, bran, yogurt, and organ meats. PABA is available as a dietary supplement and can be included as part of a varied diet.

The pansy (Viola tricolor), also known as the wild violet, is an ornamental plant that has been part of European botanical knowledge for centuries. The tricolor violet belongs to the pansy family (Violaceae) and is native to Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean, and even to Siberia.
This plant, which is annual but can sometimes be perennial, grows to a height of 30 cm and has roots that can reach depths of up to 45 cm. Its flowering period extends from May to October. The flowers are at least 1 cm wide, but usually larger, with an average diameter of 1.5 cm. The plant was first described by the renowned botanist Rembert Dodoens in 1554.

The pansy (Viola tricolor), also known as the wild violet, is an ornamental plant that has been part of European botanical knowledge for centuries. The tricolor violet belongs to the pansy family (Violaceae) and is native to Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean, and even to Siberia.
This plant, which is annual but can sometimes be perennial, grows to a height of 30 cm and has roots that can reach depths of up to 45 cm. Its flowering period extends from May to October. The flowers are at least 1 cm wide, but usually larger, with an average diameter of 1.5 cm. The plant was first described by the renowned botanist Rembert Dodoens in 1554.

The papaya (Carica papaya) belongs to the Caricaceae family and is imported to Belgium and the Netherlands from Central America, Asia, Central and South Africa. Recently, the papaya has also been grown in greenhouses in the Netherlands, which requires special soil. This fruit is available all year round, without significant seasonality.
The papaya grows on the trunk of a melon tree and is therefore also called "tree melon". The origin of the papaya tree is in Mexico. This tree can grow up to six meters tall, with a hollow trunk and large, finger-shaped leaves. There are several subspecies of the papaya.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial, hardy herbaceous plant from the Apiaceae family. The herb is widely used in European, American, and Middle Eastern cuisine for its fresh, aromatic flavor.
In ancient times, parsley had symbolic meaning. For the ancient Greeks, the herb symbolized joy and was frequently used in rituals and traditions. The Romans spread the use of parsley throughout Western Europe. In the Middle Ages, parsley was eaten and cultivated as both an herb and a vegetable, including in the gardens of Charlemagne.
For culinary use, the leaves are primarily used, preferably just before serving. Parsley is often combined with garlic in herb butter, used in salads, and incorporated into a variety of dishes. The seeds can also be ground and used as a spice.