Herbs

Rose root (Rhodiola rosea) also known as the 'golden root', is a succulent plant that thrives in cold, rocky areas around the world. The roots emit a characteristic scent of roses. This herb has long been used in herbal medicine.
It contains protective antioxidants that help our body cells. Rose root supports both physical and mental balance in our body. It helps keep the mind clear, improves mood and promotes concentration. Some of the bioactive compounds in rose root include rosavine and salidroside, which are thought to be responsible for Rhodiola rosea's calming and uplifting effects.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a fragrant, compact shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This versatile herb has been used for centuries for various purposes, both culinary and for health promotion. Originally from Mediterranean regions, the Rosmarinus officinalis displays lush blooms in spring with small, lavender blue flowers.
The name "rosemary" has its origins in the Latin "ros" (roris), meaning "dew", and "marinus", meaning "sea": "dew of the sea". Since ancient times, by both the ancient Greeks and Romans, Rosmarinus officinalis has been valued for its health-supporting properties. It helps with digestion, strengthens the immune system and contains antioxidants.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a fragrant, compact shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This versatile herb has been used for centuries for various purposes, both culinary and for health promotion. Originally from Mediterranean regions, the Rosmarinus officinalis displays lush blooms in spring with small, lavender blue flowers.
The name "rosemary" has its origins in the Latin "ros" (roris), meaning "dew", and "marinus", meaning "sea": "dew of the sea". Since ancient times, by both the ancient Greeks and Romans, Rosmarinus officinalis has been valued for its health-supporting properties. It helps with digestion, strengthens the immune system and contains antioxidants.

True sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a well-known herb that is used for various purposes. It has been used for centuries from China to ancient Rome. All kinds of magical properties were attributed to the little purple flower.
Sage is an antioxidant and can be used for menopausal symptoms. In addition, it supports normal menstruation. Sage is a natural soother for the throat, it supports the immune system and contributes to normal digestion.

Savory (Satureja) belongs to the lip flower family (Lamiaceae or Labiatae). The scientific name of savory is derived from 'satyr'. During Roman times, savory was mainly used by the followers of Bacchus. They wore it in wreaths in their hair and used it regularly to increase their potency. Although many herbal books do not mention this, savory is one of the oldest remedies for increasing potency.
In ancient times, the Romans were fond of savory sauce, which was made with vinegar and served with fish and meat dishes in the same way as mint sauce. Most cooks had their own recipes for using savory. They used it in stuffings for veal, in sauces for fish and other dishes, and even in sausages and pork pies.

The shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae).
It is an upright plant that can grow between 5 and 60 cm high, and is annual or biennial in nature. Shepherd's purse is winter hardy and usually has a lignified taproot. The sinuously toothed leaves form a rosette around the spindle-shaped root.
The plant is processed into various commercial products. In folk medicine, infusions are used against bleeding and inflammation of the urinary tract, and as a compress on open bleeding wounds. In addition, young rosette leaves can be used in salads or braised in soups.

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 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 Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), also known as slippery elm, was initially mistaken for the Ulmus americana in 1753. It was not until 1793 that researchers discovered that it was a different species and gave it the name Ulmus rubra. This deciduous tree is mainly found in the humid highlands east of North America.
The slippery elm has traditionally had many uses in America. The tree grows quickly and produces durable wood that does not rot quickly. The strong fibers are often used to make thread or rope and are even suitable for clothing production.
The inner bark of the slippery elm is slimy and is often used to make tea. The dried and ground leaves are also used as tea.

Smooth rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) is a rare plant from the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), which occurs as an annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plant. It blooms from June to October.
Originally, the plant was used to treat hernias. It was also used against dropsy and to stimulate the kidneys.

Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) is a perennial plant that forms a dense sward and belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). This plant occurs naturally in Eurasia.
The plant reaches a height of 10-50 cm and has stems that spread horizontally and then grow upwards. The stems are evenly hairy. The leaves, short-stalked, are elliptical or obovate in shape, with slightly toothed or serrate edges.
Male speedwell blooms from May to August with light blue flowers, which are darkly veined and have a size of 6-8 mm. There are also variants of the plant with dark blue, pink or white flowers. The flowers grow in bunches.

Spirulina, a type of algae, provides support to the immune system through its rich nutrients and relieves fatigue.
The blue-green spirulina is a type of algae that contains both chlorophyll (green pigment) and phycocyanin (blue pigment). These single-celled algae form spiral microscopic strands and thrive in warm, fresh water.
With its abundance of essential nutrients, spirulina is invaluable to our body. It contains more than 60% complete protein, almost three times more than beef, and is rich in vitamin B complex, vitamin E, carotenoids, iron, manganese, zinc and essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid. With ten different mixed carotenoids, spirulina is the most beta-carotene-rich food known.

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.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has had a positive reputation in European herbal medicine for centuries. It can be used to support both moments of depression and cheerfulness, and it promotes a good night's sleep. In addition, St. John's wort is beneficial for bile function and contributes to healthy digestion, thanks to the presence of bioflavonoids, tannins and essential oils.
The use of St. John's wort dates back to the times of the Ancient Greeks and is traditionally harvested between June 21 and 24, on the occasion of the Feast of St. John, in both pagan and Christian traditions.

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.

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum; synonym: Asperula odorata) is a perennial, winter-hardy herbaceous plant belonging to the star-leaved family (Rubiaceae).
The use of woodruff in herbal medicine is known, but due to its coumarin content, caution should be exercised due to possible effects on blood clotting and teratogenic effects. It is no longer used in modern medicine.
In ancient times, woodruff had various uses, such as giving scent to clothes and enriching the taste of wine. It was also known as an "anti-magic" herb, used to ward off evil spirits. For example, it was hung in bundles near windows and doors to protect the home against the plague.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been known for centuries for its relaxing and soothing properties, which is why it is often used for stress and to sleep better. It is a natural tranquilizer.
The reputation of the valerian plant stretches back centuries. The plant is still common in the Netherlands, mainly growing in airy, moist soil. The roots emit a strong and characteristic odor that cats are especially fond of. In the past, our superstitious ancestors used valerian to ward off 'evil'. For example, bridal couples wore wreaths of valerian leaves to ward off evil elves, while farmers used the herb to prevent 'milk bewitchment'. 

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been known for centuries for its relaxing and soothing properties, which is why it is often used for stress and to sleep better. It is a natural tranquilizer.
The reputation of the valerian plant stretches back centuries. The plant is still common in the Netherlands, mainly growing in airy, moist soil. The roots emit a strong and characteristic odor that cats are especially fond of. In the past, our superstitious ancestors used valerian to ward off 'evil'. For example, bridal couples wore wreaths of valerian leaves to ward off evil elves, while farmers used the herb to prevent 'milk bewitchment'.