Hawthorne
The hawthorn (Crataegus) is a stone fruit belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is mainly found in North America, but some of the 300 species can be found in Europe. As a protective shrub, the hawthorn was often used as a field border and many animals thrive around and in it. It was known for its effects among ancient Germanic tribes and was revered for its nutritious berries.
Birch Leaf
The silver birch tree (Betula pendula), a member of the birch family (Betulaceae), is one of approximately 40 birch species found across Central Europe, Asia and America. The silver birch, the most prevalent variety in Europe, has distinctive black and white bark and holds a rich heritage in traditional practices, as both its leaves and bark have been long employed for both internal and external applications.
Raspberry Leaf
The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a medicinal plant that was already used 2000 years ago by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Belonging to the rose family, the plants thrive mainly in forest clearings or deforested areas up to 2000m above the treeline in the boreal zones of the northern hemisphere.
Goldenrods
Goldenrod (Solidaginis virgaureae) is a crop that has been recognised for its various uses for centuries. The introduction of goldenrods to Europe took place in the 17th century, and since then, it has thrived as an invasive neophyte in the sparse forests and dry woodland meadows of Europe and North America. This medicinal plant, which announces the end of summer with its vibrant yellow flowers, can also be used as a natural dye.
Hops
The hop (Humulus lupulus) is native to eastern Europe and western Asia. It requires nutrient-rich deep soils and wind-protected locations to thrive, and is typically found on the edges of woods and on fences and hedges, up to 1,000m above sea level. It belongs to the Cannabinoid family and its properties are deeply rooted in the inviolable brewing laws of beer. Hops have been used as a medicinal herb since Hildegard von Bingen's time.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis is a southern European plant. Like many herbs from the south, it was first cultivated in monastery gardens and then gradually spread throughout Europe. The perennial plant sprouts in March and can grow up to 70cm tall by July and is clearly recognisable by its scent. Due to its many uses, however, it was cultivated early on throughout Europe as a popular aromatic herb. In the Middle Ages, it was cultivated in every monastery garden because it was considered particularly valuable.
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.
Red Clover
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has many names such as Hummellust or Zuckerblümli. Red clover can be found in meadows and fields, in sparse forests in hilly and alpine altitudes. As a plant cultivated for fodder production, it can be found all over Europe. Since the Middle Ages, red clover has had a firm place in monastery gardens and hay gardens.
Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinale) is found throughout most of Europe. It is found on the banks of streams and ditches, in marshy meadows and at the edges of forests. It is a perennial herb, so the plant grows afresh every spring. Its healing properties have been known since ancient times and are also highly valued in modern medicine.
Pine Buds
Pine buds (Pinus sylvestris flos ) are harvested with the first shoots in May. Native to the northern hemisphere, this tree has been valued for thousands of years for its productive wood, among other things. Its healing properties have been recognised since ancient times, notably amongst the Celts.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a plant genus belonging to the labiates family. Originally native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, lavender was cultivated by Benedictine monks north of the Alps and can now be found throughout Europe. It is reputed to possess a wide range of beneficial properties.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a laurel plant native to Southeast Asia and is known for its many applications. The Egyptians used it for embalming as early as 2000 BC, and it has also been used in China and India for millennia to treat all kinds of ailments. The cinnamon tree has to grow for several years before the trunk is cut. The young shoots are cut and peeled after 2 years, before it curls into the distinctive cinnamon stick shape.
