Herbs

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.

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.

Heartwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a fragrant perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Originating in Central Asia, this plant has spread throughout the world.
The leaves are suitable for seasoning pea and lentil soup, and were also used in the past to brew beer. 
The plant grows to a height of 30-90 cm and forms rhizomes and square stems with scattered hairs. The leaves, which are medium green in color, have three to seven lobes and are downy hairy on the underside.

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) is a bushy, aromatic shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Southern Europe but was introduced early on to more northerly parts of Europe, where it adapted well.
Summer lemongrass has a long cultural and historical background. In ancient traditions of Germanic peoples, the plant was used symbolically in rituals, while the Romans prized it for its fragrance and made the perfume Abrotenum from it. Due to its aromatic properties, summer lemongrass was also used for household and cosmetic purposes.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also known as roselle, is used worldwide in both hot and cold beverages and as a natural flavoring and coloring agent in the food industry. The plant is especially prized for its fresh, tart flavor and striking deep red color.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is an annual shrub that can reach a height of over two meters. The plant typically has smooth, red-tinged stems and creamy to light yellow flowers that turn pink at the end of the day. After flowering, a characteristic red calyx develops, which is fleshy, crisp, and juicy. When this calyx fully develops and dries, it turns brown and bursts open.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are a hardy, perennial climbing plant belonging to the hemp family (Cannabaceae). The name lupulus may be derived from the Latin word lupus (wolf), which refers to the way the plant twines itself around other plants.
Hops have a long cultural history. The plant was already valued by the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians for its aromatic properties. Later, hops became a staple ingredient in beer production, where they continue to play an important role today due to their characteristic flavor and aroma. Hops were also frequently described in herbals and other historical sources during the Middle Ages.

Epimedium, commonly known as fairy flower, is a genus of approximately 25 species of perennial plants in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). These plants are native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, including Central, South, and East Asia.
Epimedium species are perennial and have striking, graceful flowers that appear in spring or early summer. The delicate, spidery flowers consist of four petals and add a unique touch to any garden.
In China, the plant is known as "yin yang huo." According to ancient stories, it was given this name after a goat herder noticed his animals eating the plant.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is an herb with valuable essential oils.
This striking shrub reaches a height of 30 to 60 cm and has a woody base with ascending branches. The dark green lanceolate leaves are about 2 to 2.5 cm long. During the flowering period, from July to September, hyssop produces small blue/lilac-like lipped flowers that grow in whorls, although some specimens may be white or pink.

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.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also known as jiaogulan, is a climbing vine native to Japan, Southeast China, and Thailand. In the Netherlands, this plant is known as "immortality herb" or "everlasting life herb."
The herb is traditionally used in Chinese culture and contains various plant compounds, including antioxidants. Gynostemma pentaphyllum is often used in teas or supplements due to its rich composition of natural substances.

The juniper (Juniperus communis) is a conifer native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant bears both flowers and berries, which vary in color from green to black as they ripen. The name Juniperus derives from the Celtic word juneprus, meaning rough, prickly, or bitter, while communis means "common."
The black berries of the juniper have a characteristically bitter and aromatic flavor. It takes about three years for the berries to fully ripen: in the first year, the flowers appear, in the second year they turn green, and in the third year they turn blue and then black or dark purple.

The juniper (Juniperus communis) is a conifer native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant bears both flowers and berries, which vary in color from green to black as they ripen. The name Juniperus derives from the Celtic word juneprus, meaning rough, prickly, or bitter, while communis means "common."
The black berries of the juniper have a characteristically bitter and aromatic flavor. It takes about three years for the berries to fully ripen: in the first year, the flowers appear, in the second year they turn green, and in the third year they turn blue and then black or dark purple.

Kelp, a member of the brown algae (Laminariales) family, thrives in the cold waters of the major oceans. This large species of seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, an essential element for healthy thyroid function in humans.
In Asia, especially Japan, seaweed has been an integral part of the daily diet for centuries. A well-known kelp species is kombu (Laminaria japonica), which is often cooked with rice for sushi. In addition to being one of the largest plants in the world, kelp is known for growing extremely quickly, sometimes up to three meters per day.

Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), also known as Kumis Kutjing, is a plant traditionally used in various Asian herbal traditions. The species belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Java.
The plant prefers moist habitats, such as wetlands, riverbanks, and swampy areas. Cat's whiskers are particularly recognizable by their white to pale lilac flowers with conspicuously long, thread-like stamens that can grow up to approximately three centimeters long. These characteristics have led to the Dutch name "kattensnor" (cat's whiskers).

Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), also known as Kumis Kutjing, is a plant traditionally used in various Asian herbal traditions. The species belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Java.
The plant prefers moist habitats, such as wetlands, riverbanks, and swampy areas. Cat's whiskers are particularly recognizable by their white to pale lilac flowers with conspicuously long, thread-like stamens that can grow up to approximately three centimeters long. These characteristics have led to the Dutch name "kattensnor" (cat's whiskers).

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) belongs to a genus of approximately one thousand species of perennial herbaceous and shrubby plants within the rose family (Rosaceae). The plant is primarily found in Europe and Asia, with some species in mountainous regions of Africa and North and South America. It prefers to grow in damp and disturbed places, such as forest edges, wet grasslands, and roadsides.

Lavender (Lavandula) is a genus of aromatic dwarf shrubs belonging to the Lamiaceae family. These plants are especially beloved for their characteristic purple flowers and pleasant fragrance and are widely planted in gardens, borders, and lavender fields.
An important use of lavender is the extraction of lavender oil from the flowering tops. This essential oil is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetic products such as soaps, creams, and perfumes, and also plays a role in aromatic applications.
Lavender also finds its way into the kitchen. The flowers, both fresh and dried, are used as a flavoring and are included in Provençal herb blends, among other things. Lavender can be added to dishes such as cheeses, vegetables, and sweet preparations.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family and is known for its fresh, lemony scent. The plant is native to Southern Europe but also grows easily in temperate regions such as the Netherlands and Belgium. Thanks to underground rhizomes, lemon balm overwinters easily. The plant typically reaches a height of about 50 centimeters.
Lemon balm has a long history of cultivation and was already documented in ancient times. It is likely that the plant was introduced to Europe by Arab cultures via Spain, after which monasteries played an important role in its further spread and cultivation. Historical sources often mention lemon balm for its aromatic and culinary value.

Lemongrass, also known as sereh (Cymbopogon citratus), belongs to the grass family (Poaceae). This plant is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in dishes from Thailand, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Lemongrass thrives in several regions, including India, Africa, Vietnam, Australia and America. In Indonesia it is known as sereh, and this name is also often used in the Netherlands.
The leaves of the lemongrass plant are the culinary stars. They have a refreshing, lemony taste and are not consumed raw. Pieces of lemongrass are often added to dishes during cooking or stewing, after which they are removed before serving.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in various traditions, including Ayurvedic culture. The plant is cultivated in various parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and can also grow in the Netherlands. The roots take three to four years to mature before they can be harvested.
Besides the roots, licorice leaves are also used, for example, in making tea. Licorice is known for its characteristic sweet flavor, which is due in part to the natural substance glycyrrhizin. It is widely used in foods and herbal preparations.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in various traditions, including Ayurvedic culture. The plant is cultivated in various parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and can also grow in the Netherlands. The roots take three to four years to mature before they can be harvested.
Besides the roots, licorice leaves are also used, for example, in making tea. Licorice is known for its characteristic sweet flavor, which is due in part to the natural substance glycyrrhizin. It is widely used in foods and herbal preparations.

Flaxseed is a nutritious seed known for its rich composition of fatty acids and other natural components. It contains a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, of which approximately 55% consists of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In addition, approximately 20% of the fatty acid profile consists of omega-9 (oleic acid).
In addition to fatty acids, flaxseed also contains lignans (phytosterols), as well as tocopherols, carotenoids, and various minerals. This combination makes flaxseed a valuable plant-based food source.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the maintenance of normal cardiovascular function when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet.

The lime tree (Tilia) is native to the Benelux and is known for its remarkable lifespan, which can easily exceed 1000 years. This majestic tree can reach a height of 20 to 30 meters, depending on its growing conditions. The Latin name for the lime tree is Tilia.
Although the lime tree is widespread in Europe, it is not found in the northernmost and southernmost parts of the continent. Outside Europe, the lime is also found in parts of Asia, but to a much lesser extent.
The tree blooms in the months of June and July. The lime blossom produces a lot of honey, and the flowers can be used to make herbal tea.

The long sundew (Drosera longifolia) is a perennial carnivorous plant belonging to the sundew family (Droseraceae).
The plant grows to a height of 5-20 cm and forms a rosette of leaves. The leaves have long stems and are upright, oblong to lanceolate, with the widest point above the center. They are covered with numerous red, sticky tentacles containing glandular tissue. These tentacles catch small insects such as Simuliidae. Once an insect touches the tentacles, the leaf coils around the insect and secretes digestive enzymes. The released nutrients, including nitrogen, are absorbed by the plant.