Herbs

Bitterwood, known in Suriname as kwasibita, is the heartwood of Quassia amara, a plant species in the Quassia genus, belonging to the Simaroubaceae family. The plant is native to tropical South America.
Quassia amara is a small, evergreen shrub found in regions including the Guyanas, northern Brazil, and Venezuela. The plant grows primarily in the rainforest understory. Its striking bright red flowers, which are primarily pollinated by hummingbirds, are a striking feature. Because of these decorative flowers, the plant is also cultivated outside its natural habitat as an ornamental.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), also known as black cohosh, is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional North American herbal medicine. The roots were used by various North American tribes and are known as "squawroot."
The plant is known today for its long history of use and cultural significance. Black cohosh is increasingly sold in the Netherlands, especially as an ingredient in herbal teas, supplements, and traditional herbal blends.

Pepper is a commonly used spice in cooking, known for its sharp taste. It is obtained from the berries of the tropical pepper plant, Piper nigrum. The pungency of black peppercorns comes from the component piperine. Pepper comes in different colors, including black, white and green.
It can be used in virtually any dish and enhances the flavor of meat while adding a spicy note to soups and purees. Sometimes pepper is also used in baking products, such as gingerbread, albeit in moderate amounts. Whole peppercorns, dried berries of the pepper plant, are used in some dishes. Although pepper is also available ground, many gourmets prefer freshly ground pepper. In addition, pepper is also often used fresh. In India, pepper is added to the spiciest curry mixtures.

Black Tea Assam is a black tea from the state of the same name in India. Since 1838, this tea has also been drunk outside India, but in the first 25 years it could not compete with the already popular Japanese and Chinese teas, which had been popular in Europe since the 17th century. Today, about half of the total Indian tea production comes from Assam, making this region more popular than the other famous Indian teas: Darjeeling and Nilgiri.

The shell of the black walnut (Juglans nigra) is obtained from the immature fruit of the tree. The black walnut, also known as the "black nut," is a type of walnut native to the United States and Canada. The tree belongs to the walnut family.
The black walnut fruit is dark brown and has a distinctive aroma that differs from that of European walnuts. They are sometimes processed into extracts or tinctures, preserving their natural compounds. The fruit is edible and contains polyphenols, tannins, juglone, tannins, and omega fatty acids, among other nutrients.
The common walnut (Juglans regia) is widely used in food and culinary applications for its edible nuts.

Blackberries are the dark purple to black fruits of plants in the Rubus genus. They grow naturally in temperate regions and are common along forest edges, hedgerows, and open fields. The berries are known for their full flavor and are prized worldwide in a wide variety of culinary applications.
Blackberries are traditionally used in jams, juices, desserts, pastries, and sauces, among other things. They are also eaten fresh or used as an ingredient in both classic and modern recipes. Their deep color and characteristic flavor have earned them a permanent place in the kitchen.
The striking purple color of blackberries is due to the presence of natural plant pigments, including anthocyanins.

The genus Blackberry (Rubus) belongs to the rose family and has more than 1400 species worldwide. More than 200 of these species grow in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Blackberries are prized primarily for their fruits, which range in color from red to dark blue. They have a sweet taste and can be eaten fresh or processed into jam, for example.
The leaves of the blackberry can be used to make herbal tea. After picking, the leaves should be dried in a dry and airy place, after which they can be used to make tea.

The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a plant native to Northern Asia, Northern Europe, and Central Europe. The name "nigrum" refers to the dark color of the berries, while "ribes" refers to the berries themselves.
The blackcurrant thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil and is resistant to cold and humidity. It is common in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Various parts of the plant are traditionally used, including the berries, seeds, and leaves. The berries contain vitamins and minerals, while the leaves are rich in natural plant compounds such as bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. The use of blackcurrant leaf (Folium Ribis nigri) has a long history in culinary and traditional applications.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a species of brown algae in the genus Fucus. It is found along the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, often in kelp forests. The plant is notable for the air bladders that some varieties possess, which serve as flotation devices; however, there are also varieties without these bladders.
Bladderwrack belongs to the brown algae and naturally contains various polyphenols, including phlorotannins. The plant also contains minerals such as iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Because of this natural composition, bladderwrack has been included in botanical and historical descriptions of seaweeds.

Centaurea benedicta, commonly known as St. Benedict's Thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle, spotted thistle or dissolved knapweed, is a thistle-like plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, it ranges from Portugal and southern France to Iran. Outside its native habitat it is often found as a systematic species and in some regions such as North America it is observed as a conventional weed.
This annual plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has leathery, hairy leaves that can reach 30 cm long and 8 cm wide.

The bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a small, dark blue berry native to wooded areas of Europe and Northern Asia. The plant belongs to the heather family (Ericaceae) and is known for its characteristic flavor and wide range of uses in food.
Bilberries have long been valued in culinary traditions and are used in products such as jams, juices, desserts, and baked goods. Their deep color and natural composition make them a familiar ingredient in both traditional and modern cuisines.
The berries naturally contain various plant compounds, including flavonoids and anthocyanins, as well as fiber and other nutritional components. This composition is often mentioned in botanical and nutritional descriptions of the plant.

Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen tree native to South America and other warmer regions, including Chile, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina, and North Africa. It prefers sunny, dry locations and can reach a height of 8 meters and a width of 5 meters. Female trees produce drupes that were traditionally used as a spice.
Boldo leaves naturally contain various plant compounds, such as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins. In Chile, the leaves have been mentioned in traditional customs for centuries and described in historical texts. Today, boldo is valued worldwide for its distinctive leaves, botanical characteristics, and cultural significance.

California poppy, also known as golden poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), is a plant with golden-yellow flowers belonging to the poppy family. The plant is native to California, which explains its name.
The aerial parts of the golden poppy contain various natural compounds, including quinolide alkaloids, rutin, phytosterols, carotenoids, and cyanogen glycosides. Indigenous peoples in North America used the plant for their traditional purposes.
Today, California poppy is used in herbal teas and other herbal preparations and is valued for its botanical characteristics and aromatic properties.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), also known as cat's claw, is a climbing plant native to the Amazon region of Brazil and Peru, among other places. The plant grows in rainforests and can cling to trees with its characteristic, claw-shaped thorns. These thorns, located at the base of the leaves, give the plant its name and enable it to climb to great heights.
In the Peruvian Amazon, cat's claw has special cultural significance and is considered part of traditional plant knowledge. Due to its origins and ecological importance, the species is a protected plant in certain regions.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), also known as cat's claw, is a climbing plant native to the Amazon region of Brazil and Peru, among other places. The plant grows in rainforests and can cling to trees with its characteristic, claw-shaped thorns. These thorns, located at the base of the leaves, give the plant its name and enable it to climb to great heights.
In the Peruvian Amazon, cat's claw has special cultural significance and is considered part of traditional plant knowledge. Due to its origins and ecological importance, the species is a protected plant in certain regions.

Wild catnip (Nepeta cataria) belongs to a genus of 250 species in the family Lamiaceae. The genus is closely related to Glechoma, Stachys and Prunella. This genus originally occurs in Europe and Asia. The stems grow in nodes and often form dense carpets on the ground. The leaves are coarsely toothed and feel soft because of the hairs. The erect stems bear small, tubular flowers in pairs that are located in the axils of the leaves.

Centaury is the Dutch name for various herbaceous plants from the genus Centaurium (synonym: Erythraea), belonging to the gentian family (Gentianaceae). The genus contains approximately fifty species. The botanical name is often associated with the centaur Chiron from Greek mythology, who was known for his knowledge of plants. Another explanation refers to the Latin centum (hundred) and aurum (gold), possibly indicating the historical value attributed to the herb.
Centaury is native to large parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region. The plants prefer sunny and slightly moist locations, such as dunes, grasslands, forest edges, and meadows.

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.

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.

Chia, also known as Salvia hispanica, is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, originally from central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The Aztecs cultivated this plant even before Columbus discovered America, and chia seeds were used as currency to the rulers. Today, chia is still prized in Mexico and Guatemala; the ground seeds are used in dishes, while whole seeds are often added to nutritious drinks.
The main purpose of growing chia is for its seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. About 25-30% of the seed contains vegetable oil, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Chia seeds are small and oval, about 1 mm in diameter, and have a color palette of brown, gray-black and white.

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.

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 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.