ROOIBOS
The shrub-like rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) prefers the hot-dry climate of the South African mountain regions. Here, the small needle-shaped leaves of the rooibos are traditionally enjoyed as a tasty tea. While it contains few tannins, it is particularly rich in minerals. The rooibos leaves develop their mild yet intense aroma as well as their typical reddish-brown colour during the fermentation process.
Melissa
Melissa officinalis is originally a southern European plant. Similar to many herbs from Southern Europe, it was first cultivated in monastery gardens and then gradually spread throughout Europe. The perennial plant sprouts from March onwards, can grow up to 70 cm tall by July and is clearly recognisable by its scent. Because of its many uses it was cultivated early on throughout Europe as a popular aromatic herb. In the Middle Ages, it was cultivated in every monastery garden as it was considered particularly valuable and indispensable.
Horsetail/Tansy
Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) once stood as a towering tree, coexisting alongside giant ferns and mosses within vast forests 400 million years ago. Similarly to ferns and mosses, the horsetail lacks flowers, reproducing instead through spores. During spring, it emerges as a pale stem-like plant which wilts away shortly after it appears. The vibrant green summer shoots which then sprout were once favoured for cleaning pewter, a connection which inspired the name "pewterwort."
Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens) deserves a place of honour among herbs. The 70 species grow everywhere on the planet except in the Antarctic. Perennial, undemanding and effective, it likes to thrive in the vicinity of humans and many butterflies are dependent on it. In antiquity it was used to ward off evil spells, and in Germany it was called Donnernessel: "thunder nettle" in dedication to Donar, the god of thunderstorms.
Green Oats
Belonging to the Poaceae family, oat (Avena L.) is an annual grass which traces its origins back to the Middle East. Similar to numerous other cereal crops, it has been domesticated. Green oats come from premature oat plants, harvested before reaching full bloom. At this stage, oat is alkaline and contains an abundance of phytonutrients.
Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) originates from the ‘New World’, the North American prairies, the north-west USA and parts of Canada are home to this perennial herb. Between July and September it delights us with its flowers, which was also the reason for introducing this plant to Europe as bee and animal food.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus (Hibiscus L.), also known as red mallow or African mallow, is native to the tropics and subtropics. Its cooling character has given it a firm place in traditional herbalism, and it has also become irreplaceable ingredients in classic fruit teas.
Carrot Seeds
Carrot seeds (Daucus carota semen L.) and the ‘’carrot‘’ itself have been known in Europe for 2000 years. Originally from Central Asia, this umbellifer was probably bred there into its familiar form.
Cornflower
The cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L., Cyanus arvensis) has been combatted so successfully that it is almost extinct. It is therefore a protected species now. From the eastern Mediterranean region it has spread throughout Europe as a so-called ‘’cultural successor‘’ and can be found at elevations of up to 1800 metres in the Alps. Our true cornflower comes from near-natural cultures on lime-poor, permeable and nutrient-rich soils. Due to its high content of bitter substances and anthocyanin colouring, it has a firm place in herbology.
Linden Blossoms
The linden tree (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) or more precisely the large-leaved linden tree is a preferred herb of traditional herbalism. It is a "true European" and can live up to 1000 years, although it is rarely found in the wild. The blossoms hang in umbels and appear at the summer solstice between June and July. While the leaves of the large-leaved linden tree are up to 15cm in size, those of the small-leaved linden tree are relatively small at around 5cm. The trees grow up to 40m tall and are very popular with bees.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) belongs to the labiates family. It is found all over the world, except in Antarctica and Australia, and is one of the most diverse genera of angiospermous plants. Valued as a medicinal plant since ancient times, sage is an indispensable component of modern cuisine and medicinal herbs.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a separate plant genus within the labiate family. Originally native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, lavender was also cultivated by Benedictine monks north of the Alps and can now be found in every garden in Europe.
Marigold Petals
The marigold (Calendula officinalis) belongs to the daisy (Asteraceae) family, and is widespread in Europe. With its yellow and orange flowers, it is particularly striking and can be found in many gardens. The petals, when dried, can be used as a tea or in the form of an extract for external use.
