English name

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.
The most common use is as a tea, but the herb can also be made into a tincture.

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.

Skullcap (Scutellaria) is a versatile genus of both annual and perennial plants, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The genus includes about two hundred species, all of which are characterized by their characteristic, calyx-shaped flowers. These flowers are distinguished by clearly visible upper and lower lips. The name "Scutellaria" is derived from the Latin word "scutella", which means "small shield" or "saucer", and refers to the shape of the calyx.

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 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.

Ashwagandha, officially known as Withania somnifera, is a plant that has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition of India. Within this traditional teaching, ashwagandha is referred to as a rasayana, a term used in Ayurveda for herbs with special cultural and historical significance.
The plant belongs to the Magnoliophyta family and is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The root of the plant is traditionally used most often.
The name ashwagandha literally means "horse scent," a reference to the characteristic, earthy aroma of the fresh root. In Indian culture, the herb is often symbolically associated with strength and vitality, similar to that of a horse.

Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), is a low-growing plant native to parts of Southeast Asia. It prefers humid areas and has played an important role in traditional systems such as Ayurveda for centuries.
Within these traditions, Centella asiatica is valued for its long history and diverse cultural applications. Due to the presence of various natural plant compounds, the plant has earned a permanent place in Asian herbal traditions.
Centella asiatica is recognizable by its creeping stems and small, rounded leaves. During the flowering period, small white to light pink flowers appear. Traditionally, the above-ground parts of the plant are primarily used.

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 deciduous shrub belonging to the barberry family (Berberidaceae). The plant is native to large parts of Eurasia and prefers relatively dry, often calcareous soils, such as along forest edges and in thickets.
The shrub is known for its thorny branches, yellow flowers, and elongated, bright red berries. The roots, bark, leaves, and fruits naturally contain various plant compounds, including berberine. This compound is characteristic of plants in the Berberis genus.
Barberries have long been valued in various cultures for their culinary uses.

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.

Betony, also known as feverwort (Betonica officinalis, synonym Stachys officinalis), is a herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the species is listed on the Red List of Plants and is classified as very rare, with a sharply declining population. In addition to its natural habitat, betony is also frequently cultivated as an ornamental.
The plant reaches a height of approximately 30 to 90 centimeters and blooms from June to August. The flowers are usually purplish-red, although white varieties also occur. They are clustered in dense, spike-shaped, pseudo-inflorescences. Most leaves form a basal rosette; the lower leaves have long petioles, while the upper leaves have short petioles. All leaves have distinctly reticulate venation. 

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.

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.

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.

Black Tea Assam is a black tea from the state of the same name in India. Since 1838, this tea has also been drunk outside India, but in the first 25 years it could not compete with the already popular Japanese and Chinese teas, which had been popular in Europe since the 17th century. Today, about half of the total Indian tea production comes from Assam, making this region more popular than the other famous Indian teas: Darjeeling and Nilgiri.

The shell of the black walnut (Juglans nigra) comes from the immature fruits of the black walnut tree (Juglans nigra).
Black walnut (Juglans nigra, also known as 'black nut') is a species of walnut that grows naturally only in the United States and Canada, hence the term American black walnut. Juglans nigra belongs to the walnut family.
The fruits are dark brown and have a strong odor distinct from European walnuts. In America, the use of black walnut has long been common among herbalists. It is often used in the form of an extract or tincture in herbal medicine, because this way the active substances are optimally preserved. The fruits are edible and contain polyphenols, tannins, juglon, tannins and omega fatty acids.

The genus Blackberry (Rubus) belongs to the rose family and has more than 1400 species worldwide. More than 200 of these species grow in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Blackberries are prized primarily for their fruits, which range in color from red to dark blue. They have a sweet taste and can be eaten fresh or processed into jam, for example.
The leaves of the blackberry can be used to make herbal tea. After picking, the leaves should be dried in a dry and airy place, after which they can be used to make tea.

The Latin name for blackcurrant is Ribes nigrum L. 'Nigrum' refers to the dark color and 'ribes' to the berries themselves. Various parts of the blackcurrant plant are attributed with different health benefits. The berries, seeds and leaves exhibit unique properties. For example, blackcurrant leaves are used to maintain healthy cartilage and to keep the joints flexible.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a species of brown algae in the genus Fucus. It is found along the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, often in kelp forests. The plant is notable for the air bladders that some varieties possess, which serve as flotation devices; however, there are also varieties without these bladders.
Bladderwrack belongs to the brown algae and naturally contains various polyphenols, including phlorotannins. The plant also contains minerals such as iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Because of this natural composition, bladderwrack has been included in botanical and historical descriptions of seaweeds.

Centaurea benedicta, commonly known as St. Benedict's Thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle, spotted thistle or dissolved knapweed, is a thistle-like plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, it ranges from Portugal and southern France to Iran. Outside its native habitat it is often found as a systematic species and in some regions such as North America it is observed as a conventional weed.
This annual plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has leathery, hairy leaves that can reach 30 cm long and 8 cm wide.

Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen tree native to South America and other warmer regions, including Chile, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina, and North Africa. It prefers sunny, dry locations and can reach a height of 8 meters and a width of 5 meters. Female trees produce drupes that were traditionally used as a spice.
Boldo leaves naturally contain various plant compounds, such as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins. In Chile, the leaves have been mentioned in traditional customs for centuries and described in historical texts. Today, boldo is valued worldwide for its distinctive leaves, botanical characteristics, and cultural significance.

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.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a climbing plant that is native to the Amazon region of Brazil and Peru. It is highly valued in the Peruvian Amazon and is among the protected species. This plant is often called the 'sacred herb of the rainforest' because of its significance. The name 'cat's claw' or 'cat's claw' is derived from the small claw-like thorns at the base of the leaves, which resemble a cat's claws. These claws help the vine to wrap itself around trees and climb up to a hundred meters high!

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.