Herbs Whole

Monk's pepper (Vitex agnus castus L.) grows naturally in countries around the Mediterranean. It is known as monk's pepper or chaste tree berries and is prized as a spice in this region.
Monks who had taken a vow of chastity once used this herb to suppress their physical desires, due to its supposed dampening effect on libido. This explains the Dutch name monk's pepper.
Nowadays, Vitex agnus is especially popular among women who want to support their hormonal system around menstruation or menopause. It can relieve discomfort during menstruation and also helps with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. Moreover, vitex agnus contributes to a good mental balance.

The mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a member of the marram family (Scrophulariaceae) and mainly thrives in dune and chalk areas, where it is quite common. This plant is rare to find elsewhere in the Netherlands.
The flowers of the mullein are yellow and have a diameter of 1.5–3 cm. They consist of five connate petals, five sepals and five stamens, three of which are covered with yellow or white hairs. The flowers grow in dense spikes and bloom from July to autumn. An adult plant can reach a height of more than two meters.

The pansy (Viola tricolor) belongs to the violet family (Violaceae) and is native to Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean, and even in Siberia.
This plant, which is an annual but can sometimes be perennial, grows to a height of 30 cm and has roots that can go up to 45 cm deep. The 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 pansy was first described as a medicinal herb by Rembert Dodoens in 1554. It was traditionally used for childhood diseases and respiratory diseases. In England it was popular for treating heart disease, chest cramps and pleurisy

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and can reach a respectable age of 200 to 300 years, thanks to its rich resin content.
In phytotherapy, the needles and buds of the Scots pine are used because of their content of tannins, flavonoids and vitamins. The oleoresin of this tree is rich in turpentine. This species is known for its abundant monoterpenes, such as α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene, which form an essential oil with expectorant, antiseptic, decongestant, venolymphatic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and can reach a respectable age of 200 to 300 years, thanks to its rich resin content.
In phytotherapy, the needles and buds of the Scots pine are used because of their content of tannins, flavonoids and vitamins. The oleoresin of this tree is rich in turpentine. This species is known for its abundant monoterpenes, such as α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene, which form an essential oil with expectorant, antiseptic, decongestant, venolymphatic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Propolis, the secret weapon of the bee colony, is used to protect the hive or hive against bacteria and fungi and as 'cement' to close the openings. It is a natural brown-red substance consisting of vegetable resins, beeswax, essential oils and pollen, with traces of vitamins and minerals.
From June onwards, honey bees collect resin from the buds and leaves of trees and herbaceous plants on warm days. They mix this with their saliva and process it with their paws, ultimately creating propolis.

Psyllium husks, derived from Plantago psyllium, are a blend of partially soluble and fermentable fibers that are much appreciated by people looking to promote their gut health. They are a valuable addition to your daily fiber intake, but it is crucial to drink enough water throughout the day for optimal results.
With more than 80% fiber, psyllium seed consists mainly of 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fiber. Once psyllium comes into contact with water, it forms a gel that can absorb up to ten times its own weight in water. This increases the amount of fluid in the intestines, making stools softer, but don't forget to drink enough water!

Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients and calories, with a particularly high fat content (especially linoleic acid and oleic acid), protein, dietary fiber and numerous micronutrients. Pumpkin seeds are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine and are also roasted and served as a snack.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) grows naturally in Europe and Central Asia. Usually the leaves of red clover have three parts and a light purple flower blooms in the middle. In addition to the high content of isoflavones, which are bioactive substances that fall under polyphenols, the flower heads of red clover are also rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, beta-carotene and choline.
Red clover can help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. In addition, it supports heart health and contributes to the condition of the blood vessels. It can also be used to maintain strong bones.

Rosae damascena, also known as the damask rose, is a versatile flower with many names, including the Iranian rose, Bulgarian rose, Taif rose, Ispahan rose and Castile rose.
These flowers are known for their delicate fragrance and are grown commercially for rose oil, both "rose otto" and "rose absolute", which is widely used in perfumery. They are also used to make rose water and "rose concrete". The petals are even edible and are used to flavor dishes, as a garnish, to make herbal tea and to preserve gulkand in sugar. Moreover, the damask rose is the national flower of Iran.

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.

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and is native to Northern and Central Europe. It is an imposing conifer that can grow up to 50 meters high.
This tree is monoecious and has a narrow, cone-shaped crown. Spruce trees that grow at lower elevations tend to have wider crowns to be less affected by snow accumulation. The twigs are reddish to orange-brown, while the buds are smooth, brown and pointed. The needles are dark green on all sides and surround the twigs. They are stiff, sharply pointed, square in cross-section and can grow 1 to 2.5 cm long. The lifespan of the needles can be up to 5 to 7 years.

Star anise is a tree or shrub whose fruits serve as a spice. Originally from southern China and Vietnam, it is now also grown in Cambodia, Laos, Japan and the Philippines. Best known for its eight-armed fruits, this tree has been known as a spice in Europe since the 17th century, but is best known for its Asian flavor profile. Star anise thrives in warm tropical areas.
The fruits are often used whole or ground into an easily dosed powder. The spicy taste is not in the seeds, but in the lignified peel of the fruit. Star anise has an intense scent of anise due to the large amount of anethole in the essential oil. The taste of the fruit is richer and firmer than that of the anise plant.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is not only a great seasoning in the kitchen, but also an ally for our health. This herb, recognizable by its characteristic smell, soothes the respiratory tract and promotes freer breathing. In addition, thyme supports digestion.
This herb grows wild in Europe, Asia and Africa and thrives in hardy shrubs about 40 centimeters high, even on dry and stony soils. Both the leaves and flowers of thyme contain active substances that benefit our health. The ancient Greeks and Romans already used real thyme to ease their breathing. Today, thyme is still used in licorice and syrups for its soothing effects on the respiratory tract.