K, L, M, N, O

Lucerne (Medicago sativa), also known as alfalfa, is a perennial plant that can live between five and twelve years, depending on the variety and climate. With a height of up to one meter and clusters of small purple flowers, the plant resembles clover. The plant has a deep and powerful root system that can extend up to 4.5 meters.

Lucerne is native to Europe and is grown worldwide as animal feed. In the Netherlands, alfalfa is mainly dried artificially for the production of protein-rich animal feed.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Lovage, also known as the maggi plant, is a perennial plant from the umbellifer family (Apiaceae). The name "maggi plant" refers to the strong smell, which is reminiscent of the maggi aroma. However, the herb is not an ingredient in the original Maggi recipe.
Originally from Southeast Asia and Iran, the Romans spread lovage throughout Europe during their conquests. Today, the plant grows in large parts of Europe and North America and occasionally occurs in northern Thailand.

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.

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.

Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita), a cross between water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Peppermint belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes other aromatic herbs such as basil and rosemary.
The plant was recognized as a distinct species in England in the 17th century and has been widely cultivated ever since. Peppermint naturally contains several essential oils, including menthol, menthone, and cineole, which together contribute to its characteristic fresh scent and flavor.
Peppermint oil is used as an ingredient in a variety of products, such as peppermint candy, flavorings, and herbal preparations. The leaves of the peppermint plant are also traditionally made into tea.

Spearmint, also known as green mint (Mentha spicata), is an aromatic perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. This plant originally comes from Central and Southern Europe, where it regularly establishes itself as a feral plant. Peppermint (Mentha ×piperata), a commonly used variety in food and care products, originated from a cross between spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica).
The leaves of spearmint contain a wealth of essential oils, with carvone being the most important. This component is also found in caraway, which gives the mint its characteristic scent. However, the leaves contain little menthol, which makes the taste milder than that of peppermint.

Watercress belongs to the Brassicaceae family and resembles the slender watercress (Rorippa microphylla), but is distinguished by shorter fruits and a different seed structure.
The plant grows in and around water, such as along streams, ditches, ponds, and in marshes. It is a spineless, hairless plant that can grow 10 to 60 cm tall and has a hollow, square stem that often creeps at the base. Watercress blooms with white flowers and petals of 4 to 6 mm.

The Yellow Sweet Slover (Melilotus officinalis) is a biennial or perennial plant from the legume family (Leguminosae). Originally from Southern Europe, this plant has now spread worldwide. It is a slender, hairless plant that is frequently found along roads and on arable land, and is also found in dune areas. The lemon yellow honey clover reaches a height of 30 to 150 cm and blooms from July to October.