English name

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.

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.

Barley grass (Hordeum vulgare) is obtained by allowing barley to fully germinate and then cutting off the green shoots when they reach a height of 20 to 30 cm. This grass is known for its high nutrient density. It is packed with bioflavonoids, beta-carotene and a wide range of vitamins, including A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E and K. In addition, barley grass contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. Barley grass powder is also a rich source of chlorophyll and contains all essential amino acids.

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.

Bitterwood, known in Suriname as kwasibita, is the heartwood of Quassia amara, a plant species in the Quassia genus, belonging to the Simaroubaceae family. The plant is native to tropical South America.
Quassia amara is a small, evergreen shrub found in regions including the Guyanas, northern Brazil, and Venezuela. The plant grows primarily in the rainforest understory. Its striking bright red flowers, which are primarily pollinated by hummingbirds, are a striking feature. Because of these decorative flowers, the plant is also cultivated outside its natural habitat as an ornamental.

Pepper is a commonly used spice in cooking, known for its sharp taste. It is obtained from the berries of the tropical pepper plant, Piper nigrum. The pungency of black peppercorns comes from the component piperine. Pepper comes in different colors, including black, white and green.
It can be used in virtually any dish and enhances the flavor of meat while adding a spicy note to soups and purees. Sometimes pepper is also used in baking products, such as gingerbread, albeit in moderate amounts. Whole peppercorns, dried berries of the pepper plant, are used in some dishes. Although pepper is also available ground, many gourmets prefer freshly ground pepper. In addition, pepper is also often used fresh. In India, pepper is added to the spiciest curry mixtures.

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!

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, a single-celled green algae belonging to the green algae family, thrives in lakes and rivers of Southeast Asia. This microscopic organism is a veritable treasure trove of nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids.
Its versatility is reflected in supporting the immune system and promoting liver detoxification. Chlorella also contributes to healthy digestion and supports normal intestinal function. The name 'chlorella' has its origins in the Greek words 'chloros' and 'ella', which mean 'green' and 'small' respectively.

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. 

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is the dried, fragrant flower bud of the clove tree. The main active ingredient is eugenol, which also promotes the antioxidant properties of cloves. Clove is known for its antioxidant effect and supports healthy digestion. In addition, it improves blood circulation and soothes the throat.

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.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been known for centuries for its ability to support liver and gallbladder function. Both the root and the above-ground parts of the plant are rich in nutrients. In addition, dandelion has a beneficial effect on digestion.
The rich nutritional value of dandelions makes it advisable to regularly pick some fresh leaves in the wild and add them to salads. They are especially tasty in the spring. The fresh yellow flowers can be used as a cheerful decoration in salads and dried they can be processed into a 'wild' herbal tea.
Dandelions contain a high level of bitter substances, which always indicates that they are beneficial for liver and gallbladder function.

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.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant belonging to the lacecap family (Apiaceae). It has a distinctive flavor reminiscent of anise, and both the threadlike branches of the leaves and the seeds are used as a herb and spice.
Originally from Asia and the Mediterranean, fennel was brought to Europe via medieval trade routes. Fennel is widely grown, especially in Southern Europe, and is an important ingredient in salads and other dishes.
Chewing fennel seeds can suppress the feeling of hunger. In the past, believers who went to church sober sometimes chewed fennel seeds during the church service.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), also known as fenugreek, boxhorn trefoil or Greek hay, is known for its various health benefits. It can help stimulate appetite, support the immune system and promote fat metabolism.
This versatile plant is mainly used as a spice in Indian cuisine. The aromatic leaves of fenugreek are also used to mask the bitter taste of medicines. Originally from the Mediterranean region, fenugreek later gained popularity in Asia.
Fenugreek is rich in essential minerals such as iron and copper. In addition, it contains saponins and coumarins, where coumarins are known for their pleasant hay-like scent.

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.