A, B, C, D, E

Ascophyllum nodosum, better known as clubweed, is a type of brown algae characterized by the presence of small blisters with slimy contents on the stems, in which the reproductive organs are located. These stems also contain large, gas-filled tubercles that help the plant stand upright under water. Knotweed varies in color from olive green to golden brown. The thallus can reach a length of 30 to 60 cm and is flexible, so that it can sway with the powerful movements of the water.

Anise seed has a naturally sweet, warm taste reminiscent of licorice. It is a versatile seasoning that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. All over the world, anise seed is used in confectionery, and it is also often added to liqueurs, such as Ouzo.
You can add anise seeds to bread, pastries, cookies, fruit and gingerbread. In Indian cuisine, anise is indispensable in curries and fish dishes, and it gives a delicious flavor to vegetables such as pumpkin and carrot. In the Netherlands it is a tradition to use anise seed on rusk with mice at birth.
Anise seed tea has a warm, mild flavor and is popular as an after-dinner tea.

Aronia berries, also known as black chokeberries, grow on compact bushes that reach a height of about 1 to 3 meters. The berries have a deep purple to black color and have long been used in various cultures.
The berries contain various natural plant compounds, including anthocyanins and polyphenols. These compounds contribute to the fruit's characteristic color and protect the seed inside. Compared to blueberries, aronia berries contain relatively high levels of anthocyanins.
Aronia berries are a popular ingredient in juices, teas, and jams, for example, because of their rich color and flavor.

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. The green or purple flower buds are often eaten as a vegetable and are known for their slightly bitter, aromatic flavor. The plant has been used for centuries in various cuisines and preparations.
Artichokes contain a wide range of nutrients and phytonutrients. These include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain flavonoids, enzymes, and tannins, which contribute to the characteristic color and flavor of the flower buds.
Thanks to their rich flavor and unique texture, artichokes are popular in salads, soups, pastas, and various culinary dishes.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. The name basil is derived from the Ancient Greek word basileus, meaning "king." This origin also underlies the alternative name "king's herb." Basil is native to regions between Central Africa and Southeast Asia, where it has long been valued.
Basil appears in various traditional systems and historical sources as part of cultural and herbal uses. Ancient texts and pharmacopoeias mention the plant in a variety of contexts, giving it a special place in the history of herbal traditions.
Basil is recognizable by its soft, green leaves and characteristic aroma. The plant naturally contains various aromatic and plant compounds, including essential oils and polyphenols.

The bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing, evergreen plant in the heather family (Ericaceae). The Dutch name "berendruif" (bear grape) refers to an old folk belief that bears enjoy eating the fruit of this plant.
The scientific name is a tautology, composed of both Greek and Latin words. Arktos (Greek) and ursus (Latin) both mean "bear," while staphyle and uva both mean "grape." The name thus emphasizes the same meaning twice.
Bearberry has been mentioned in historical herbals since the Middle Ages and is part of the European herbal tradition. Within this context, the plant was described and valued for its special place in traditional use.

The birch (Betula) is a tree that has held a special place in European cultures and traditions for centuries. Historically, the birch was sometimes seen as a symbolic or even sacred tree, partly due to its role in seasonal rituals and folk customs.
In early spring, just before the tree begins to bud, birch sap can be tapped. This time coincides with the period when the sap flow is most active. Young birch leaves are also traditionally collected during this phase. Both the sap and the leaves are part of ancient customs and have long been described in botanical and herbal sources.
Birch leaves naturally contain various plant compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.

True chamomile, also known as Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita, is native throughout Europe and widely cultivated in countries such as Hungary and Eastern Europe. The ancient Egyptians revered chamomile as the flower of the sun god Ra. The herb is known for its supportive effect on the immune system, soothing effect on the respiratory tract and promoting digestion. Additionally, chamomile is often used as a natural sedative and to promote restful sleep.

Chlorella is a single-celled green algae belonging to the green algae group. This microscopic algae occurs naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers and is cultivated worldwide. The name chlorella is derived from the Greek words chloros (green) and ella (small), which refers to its color and size.
Chlorella is known for its natural composition and is described in nutritional and botanical sources as an algae that naturally contains various nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. In addition, chlorella contains chlorophyll, the green pigment that plays an essential role in photosynthesis.
Furthermore, descriptions of chlorella often mention plant-based compounds such as beta-carotene and lutein.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum) has been known for centuries for its many uses. It is extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia 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. 

Coriander seeds have been used for thousands of years to support digestion and intestinal health, and this tradition continues to this day. People who want to strengthen their immune system prefer coriander seeds. In addition, coriander seed has a beneficial effect on the heart and nervous system.
Coriander is an herb rich in valuable substances. Both the leaves and seeds contain vitamins A, C, K and folic acid, as well as minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The seeds are especially rich in essential oils such as linalool, camphor, gamma terpinene and geranyl acetate. The seeds are the main source of nutrients.

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.

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.

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.

The two-stemmed hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a natural source of beneficial substances. The flowers, leaves and to a lesser extent the berries of the hawthorn contain a rich variety of components, including flavonoids, procyanidins, vitamin C, tannins, glycosides and antioxidants. These substances have beneficial effects on the heart and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Hawthorn is known for its calming properties and supports natural, deep sleep.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and has been spread worldwide by human activity, especially to areas with suitable soil, humidity and climate.
The starch in the carrot, mixed with proteinaceous substances, was formerly used in making marshmallows and bacon. The leaves can be eaten cooked and the flowers can be used raw in salads.
Marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract (source WHO) and is used in cough syrups.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), also known as milk thistle or milk thistle, is a spiny plant native to the Mediterranean region, but which also grows in our area. It belongs to the composite family. Milk thistle has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver and bile function. It can be used as part of a cleansing regimen to assist the liver in the detoxification process.
The seeds of milk thistle contain silymarin, a powerful antioxidant. Silymarin stimulates the liver in the natural detoxification process and thus supports liver function.

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. 

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.

Absinthe wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a plant from the composite family (Asteraceae). This species is on the Dutch Red List of plants as quite rare and moderately reduced in numbers. It is a perennial plant that grows naturally on dry, calcareous, nitrogen-rich and cultivated soils in temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North Africa. The genus name Artemisia is derived from the Greek hunting goddess Artemis.
The bitter extract of these buds is an important ingredient in drinks such as vermouth and classic absinthe. The most important flavorings are absinthine and the menthol-smelling terpene thujone.