A, B, C, D, E

The common agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). This plant, with its bright yellow flowers in long, slender spikes, is quite common on calcareous roadsides and dikes in Belgium and the Netherlands.
In herbal medicine, this plant is used for various purposes due to its active constituents, including triterpenes, tanning and bitter substances, flavonoids, silicic acid and mucilages.
The most common use is as a tea, but the herb can also be made into a tincture.

The angelica (Angelica archangelica), also known as archangelica, belongs to the umbellifer family (Apiaceae). This plant thrives in moist, very nutrient-rich soil along water edges, such as the IJsselmeer, river banks and in osier banks. In addition, the angelica is also grown in gardens.
Historically, angelica is known for its medicinal properties. The plant is still grown locally from central Germany to Turkestan. A sweet-smelling oil known as angelica oil is extracted from the seeds and roots, which is used in the cosmetic industry, liquor distilleries and bakeries. In addition, the stems and petioles are often candied because of their sweet and fragrant taste.

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a plant that originates from the Mediterranean region. People eat the closed green or purple flower buds as vegetables. The artichoke leaf has a slightly bitter taste. This plant has been consumed for centuries for the support it provides to digestion and the cleansing effect of the liver, thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants.
The artichoke is rich in various nutrients and phytonutrients. It contains beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It also contains flavonoids, enzymes and tannins.

Asian pennywort also known as Gotu kola(Centella asiatica), is a plant that thrives in Southeast Asia and plays a central role in Ayurvedic medicine. Due to its diverse active substances, Asian pennywort is widely used in herbal medicine. It is known for supporting cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and learning, and it is also used to promote healthy blood circulation and vascular function.
Asian pennywort is a delicate plant with creeping stems and small, rounded leaves, often accompanied by white or pink flowers. The main bioactive compounds in Asian pennywort are triterpene glycosides, alkaloids and essential oils.

Astragalus, also known as Fleshy Locust (Astragalus membranaceus), is a plant native to Asia. It has been used for 2000 years in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to strengthen the immune system. In addition to this property, astragalus has many other benefits. According to Chinese tradition, it strengthens the life force, or 'qi', as it is called in China, when ingested. It is known as a powerful antioxidant and is especially valued for its ability to support the immune system.

The barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a shrub belonging to the barberry family (Berberidaceae) and native to Eurasia.
The entire plant, including the fruits and seeds, contains berberine.
The shrub grows on fairly dry, usually calcareous soil along thickets and forest edges.
Traditionally, the vitamin C-rich berries were used in Europe for making jam. In countries such as Iran, the fruits are used as a seasoning in rice dishes, fish and meat.

The bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a plant from the heather family (Ericaceae). The Dutch name "bearberry" refers to the assumption that bears would be fond of the fruits of this plant.
The scientific name Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a tautological mixture of Greek and Latin. The Greek 'arktos' and the Latin 'ursus' both mean "bear", while 'staphyle' and 'uva' both mean "grape".
This plant is known for its supportive effect on the urinary tract. As early as the thirteenth century, bearberry was mentioned in herbal books and praised for its beneficial effects on the bladder.

The Birch (Betula) has been valued for centuries for its beneficial properties, thanks to the presence of bioactive substances. In the past, it was even considered a sacred tree. In the spring, just before the tree starts to leaf out, birch sap is tapped because the sap flow is strongest then. This sap is full of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. The young leaves are then collected, because they also contain a high content of various beneficial substances during this period.
Birch leaf is rich in flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The saponins and tannins are responsible for the diuretic properties of the birch.

Birch (Betula) has been valued for centuries for its beneficial properties, thanks to the presence of bioactive substances. In the past it was even considered a sacred tree. In the spring, just before the tree sprouts, birch sap is tapped because that is when the sap flow is strongest. This juice is full of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins.
Birch is rich in flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The saponins and tannins are responsible for the diuretic properties of the birch. Birch supports, among other things, kidney function and a healthy urinary tract, and is beneficial for the liver. In addition, it promotes joint health and contributes to maintaining normal cholesterol levels.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), has been used in North American herbal medicine for centuries. The roots of this plant have been used for centuries by northern Indian tribes, where it is known as "squawroot" (where 'squaw' refers to 'Indian woman'). Black cohosh is best known as an herb specifically aimed at women and is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. It provides support for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and irritable feelings.

Boldo (Peumus Boldus) is a versatile plant with a long history of positive effects on the liver, bile and digestion. It contains a combination of alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids and tannins, which together provide these beneficial properties. By supporting the liver and bile and promoting healthy digestion, boldo is a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. In addition, boldo strengthens the immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

California Poppy, also known as golden poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), is a plant with golden yellow flowers that belongs to the poppy family. It owes this name to its soothing properties, which help with natural, healthy sleep and stress reduction.
This plant is native to California, hence the name. The indigenous people of America traditionally used golden poppy as a sedative herb and to help them sleep better. The aerial parts of the golden poppy contain several active substances, including quinolide alkaloids, rutin, phytosterols, carotenoids and cyanogen glycosides.

Centaury, also known by the scientific name Centaurium (synonym: Erythraea), includes about fifty species of herbaceous plants belonging to the gentian family (Gentianaceae). The genus may have been named after the centaur Chiron from Greek mythology, who was known for his knowledge of medicinal herbs and reportedly treated his wounds with this herb. An alternative explanation for the botanical name is derived from the Latin 'centum' (= one hundred) and 'aurum' (= gold).
In North America, the European centaury is sometimes cultivated as a medicinal plant and has been partly introduced as an exotic plant. The herb contains various bitter substances, glycosides, flavonoids, essential oils, valeric acid and xanthones.

Chicory (Cichorium) belongs to the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae) and includes well-known vegetables such as chicory and endive. It is mainly consumed for health reasons.
Since the late years of the twentieth century, chicory roots have been cultivated not only for chicory, but also for the production of inulin and sweeteners, especially fructose. Both inulin (a dietary fiber) and fructose are widely used in the food industry.
Roasted chicory root is used as a coffee substitute or as an ingredient in coffee brewing. In the past, this was done out of necessity, such as during the Napoleonic blockade during the French occupation.

Chicory (Cichorium) belongs to the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae) and includes well-known vegetables such as chicory and endive. It is mainly consumed for health reasons.
Since the late years of the twentieth century, chicory roots have been cultivated not only for chicory, but also for the production of inulin and sweeteners, especially fructose. Both inulin (a dietary fiber) and fructose are widely used in the food industry.
Roasted chicory root is used as a coffee substitute or as an ingredient in coffee brewing. In the past, this was done out of necessity, such as during the Napoleonic blockade during the French occupation.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum) has been known for centuries for its many uses. It is extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, where part of the bark is carefully cut loose and the rough outer surface is removed with a knife. The well-known cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder are made from the inside of the bark. Cinnamon has been valued for centuries, both in culinary and herbalist circles.
This herb has been used in Asian cultures for centuries for its versatile uses. The wonderful aroma of cinnamon is determined by volatile oils, of which cinnamaldehyde is the most common. In addition, cinnamon also contains substances such as eugenol, coumarins, tannins, OPCs and terpenes.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a shrub native to southern Texas in the United States, as well as Central America, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. It belongs to the Passifloraceae family and has been used by the Mayan Indians for centuries for its known effects on libido. Both men and women benefit from the libido-supporting properties of damiana, which is also known for its stress-reducing effect.
In Mexico, women often prepare tea from the fragrant leaves of the damiana shrub or smoke them to stimulate their feelings of pleasure. Damiana leaf contains several active substances, including beta-sitosterol, arbutin and alkaloids.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is one of the most widely grown and used herbs in the world because of its positive influence on the immune system. The genus name 'echinacea' is derived from the Greek word 'echinos', meaning 'hedgehog', because of the spiky flower cone. Since the beginning of the last century, much research has been done into Echinacea purpurea in Europe.
This plant has a rich history and originally comes from North America. Indigenous tribes used this perennial plant for its beneficial effects on the immune system. Colonist doctor H.C.F. Meyer adopted this knowledge from the indigenous population and brought the first product based on echinacea onto the market in 1871.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is one of the most widely grown and used herbs in the world because of its positive influence on the immune system. The genus name 'echinacea' is derived from the Greek word 'echinos', meaning 'hedgehog', because of the spiky flower cone. Since the beginning of the last century, much research has been done into Echinacea purpurea in Europe.
This plant has a rich history and originally comes from North America. Indigenous tribes used this perennial plant for its beneficial effects on the immune system. Colonist doctor H.C.F. Meyer adopted this knowledge from the indigenous population and brought the first product based on echinacea onto the market in 1871.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has had a good reputation in both China and Russia for centuries as a supporter of the immune system. Siberian ginseng root extract is beneficial for memory and concentration.
The carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, and they are high in eleutherosides. It is important not to confuse Siberian ginseng with its Korean variant (Panax ginseng) or the American one (Panax quinquefolius). Not only do the names differ, but also the properties.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and is native to Australia and neighboring areas. Some specimens were brought to Europe by Joseph Banks during Captain Cook's expedition.
In Europe, eucalyptus is mainly planted in the Mediterranean region, although it can also thrive on the west coast of England and Scotland, although only some species can withstand winter.
Aromatic oil containing eucalyptol is extracted from various eucalyptus species. This oil, extracted from the leaves, is used for inhalation for colds to clear the airways. The two main species from which the oil is extracted are Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus odorata.

The Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) belongs to the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae) and mainly thrives in France, with the exception of the Mediterranean region. This plant can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, Austria and Scotland.
Traditionally, Eyebright was used to treat eye infections, but also for headaches and stomach complaints.
The Eyebright is an annual plant that usually grows between 10 and 25 cm high and is covered with numerous long glandular hairs. From May to September the plant blooms with white flowers that often have a light purple upper lip and a yellow spot on the lower lip.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), also known as horsetail because of its appearance, belongs to the horsetail family. It is known for its supportive properties for the skin, hair and nails, and it provides benefits for the liver and blood vessels. Horsetail extract has a natural calming effect and promotes a healthy moisture balance.
This plant thrives in different environments, such as meadows, along roads, on waste land and on slopes. Horsetail is one of the oldest plant species on earth, having existed for 390 million years. Thanks to its deep roots, horsetail can extract minerals from the depths of the earth. That is why horsetail is packed with valuable substances, including minerals, fiber and silicon.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system and the liver, while also supporting the immune system and regulating blood sugar levels.
Garlic belongs to the garlic family and produces a leafy, round flower shaft from the bulb in the spring. It is one of the oldest plants in herbalism. Although it is prized for its taste, garlic is also known for its strong smell.