Herbs Cut

The mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a plant from the composite family (Asteraceae), related to wormwood. This weakly aromatic plant has leaves that have white felt-like hairs on the underside. Mugwort is widespread in Belgium and the Netherlands, often found on wasteland and along roads. The plant thrives best in sandy soil. The stem is 60–120 cm long and often shows a reddish color.
In ancient times, the Romans put mugwort in their footwear to relieve fatigue and pain. In central Mongolia, where the population used to suffer from clouds of large mosquitoes (the size of small shrimps), the Mongolian mugwort (with its characteristic bluish, hairy, succulent leaves) was used to repel these mosquitoes in the damp lawns.

The nettle (Urtica dioica) is a powerful and versatile plant that occurs in many places, despite its irritating property to the touch. Known for its culinary uses, such as nettle soup and tea, the nettle is also known for its health benefits.
Nettle leaf is a traditional herbal medicine with various applications. It contributes to healthy skin, gives shine to the hair and strengthens the nails. In addition, it can help soothe the respiratory tract and maintain proper fluid balance. It also provides support to the heart and blood vessels.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a powerful and versatile plant that can be used in many ways. Although the plant stings when touched, it is best known for its valuable properties. Nettle is not only loved in the kitchen (think of nettle soup or tea), but also because of its many benefits for humans.
This wild plant, native to Africa and Asia and known by the Latin name Urtica dioica, has been used for centuries. In herbal medicine, not only the dried leaves, but also the dried roots are valued. Nettle root is used to support good prostate function.

Usnea barbata, sometimes also called 'old man's beard', is a genus of lichens belonging to the ascomycetes. They are found in moist forests around the world, where they usually hang from tree branches. In rare cases they are also found on the bottom or on rocks. The genus belongs to the family of Parmeliaceae. Beard mosses are characterized by a shrub-like structure and a central axis from which branches arise. In areas free of air pollution they can grow 10 to 20 cm tall.

Olibanum Idian (Boswellia serrata) is a medium to large deciduous tree with a slightly open crown and branches that hang slightly. This tree belongs to the Burseraceae family and is native to India and the Punjab area.
Olibanum Idian is extracted from the resin of the tree. Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint pain, showing a slight improvement in pain and function. In traditional Ayurveda it is used for diabetes.
Boswellia serrata produces several forms of boswellic acids, such as β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid.

Olive leaves, from the wild olive tree (Olea europaea), are naturally rich in antioxidants. Originally native to western Asia, Egypt and Syria, these trees are now a distinctive sight throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as in regions such as South America, the southern United States, southern Australia and the tropics. Olive leaf tea has been consumed in the Mediterranean for centuries, and this is not surprising given the known antioxidant properties of olive leaves. It is therefore no coincidence that the olive tree is often referred to as the 'tree of life'.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) also known as wild marjoram, is a special herb that has been used for thousands of years for its beneficial properties. It supports healthy intestinal flora and promotes digestion. In addition, oregano has benefits for the heart, blood vessels and blood pressure.
The herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme and mint. Oreganois is particularly rich in carvacrol, which gives it its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter taste. The most vigorous form of oregano grows in Mediterranean mountain areas, thriving on calcareous soil. During the spring, wild oregano blooms and residents go into the mountains to collect these aromatic herbs. 

The pansy (Viola tricolor) belongs to the violet family (Violaceae) and is native to Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean, and even in Siberia.
This plant, which is an annual but can sometimes be perennial, grows to a height of 30 cm and has roots that can go up to 45 cm deep. The flowering period extends from May to October. The flowers are at least 1 cm wide, but usually larger, with an average diameter of 1.5 cm.
The pansy was first described as a medicinal herb by Rembert Dodoens in 1554. It was traditionally used for childhood diseases and respiratory diseases. In England it was popular for treating heart disease, chest cramps and pleurisy.

The papaya (Carica papaya) belongs to the Caricaceae family and is imported to Belgium and the Netherlands from Central America, Asia, Central and South Africa. Recently, the papaya has also been grown in greenhouses in the Netherlands, which requires special soil. This fruit is available all year round, without significant seasonality.
The papaya grows on the trunk of a melon tree and is therefore also called "tree melon". The origin of the papaya tree is in Mexico. This tree can grow up to six meters tall, with a hollow trunk and large, finger-shaped leaves. There are several subspecies of the papaya.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial, winter-hardy herbaceous plant belonging to the lacecap family (Apiaceae). It is used extensively in European, American and Middle Eastern cuisine for its fresh taste.
To the ancient Greeks, parsley symbolized joy and was used together with marjoram as a hangover remedy. The Romans spread the use of this herb throughout Western Europe. In the Middle Ages, parsley served as a vegetable and was grown, among other things, in the imperial gardens of Charlemagne.
Adding parsley (usually the leaves) to dishes is best done just before serving. It is often combined with garlic in butter to make herb butter and can also be used in salads. Ground parsley seeds serve as a spice.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is known as a traditional herb that has long been used to reduce stress and inner turmoil. Native people of Central and North America used various parts of the plant to relax and sleep better. It is a natural sedative.
Although the blue passion flower originally only grew in America, it can now be found almost everywhere. The flowers of the Passiflora incarnata are not only beautiful to look at, but also edible. In the fall, passion fruits grow and the leaves are also edible. These leaves are rich in tannins, flavanols, saponins, choline and magnesium.

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is an imposing tree that thrives in the Amazon rainforest. The bark of the pau d'arco has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine for its diverse uses, including its supportive effects on the immune system.
The inner layer of the bark of Tabebuia avellanedae is packed with flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that protect our bodies against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. In addition, it contains a significant amount of quinones. More than 20 quinone compounds have already been discovered in the bark of the pau d'arco, such as lapachol and beta-lapachone. In addition, the bark contains substances that help defend against unfavorable bacteria and fungi.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is often taken to support digestion. Peppermint is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is used for making peppermint candy.
In herbal medicine, peppermint has a long history dating back to ancient Greece. There, the fragrant peppermint leaf was traditionally used to aid digestion. Peppermint contains several essential oils, including menthol, menthone and cineole.
Peppermint originated from a cross between water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spike mint (Mentha spicata). In the seventeenth century, this plant was discovered in England in a field with mint plants.

The Plantain Broadleaf (Plantago major) is a plant belonging to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and varies in size from 10 to 50 cm. It forms a dense leaf rosette that is resistant to foot traffic, which is why it is often considered a weed. This plant species is common in gardens, along roads and paths, and is sometimes derisively called the "white man's footprint". Nevertheless, there is a cultivated variety known as Plantago major 'Rosularis'.

Propolis, the secret weapon of the bee colony, is used to protect the hive or hive against bacteria and fungi and as 'cement' to close the openings. It is a natural brown-red substance consisting of vegetable resins, beeswax, essential oils and pollen, with traces of vitamins and minerals.
From June onwards, honey bees collect resin from the buds and leaves of trees and herbaceous plants on warm days. They mix this with their saliva and process it with their paws, ultimately creating propolis.

Quassia, known in Surinamese as kwasibita, is the heartwood of the Quassia amara, a plant species from the Quassia genus within the Tree of Heaven family. This South American plant is often planted in the tropics for its use as a remedy for malaria.
Quassia amara is a small, evergreen shrub found in tropical South America, particularly the Guianas, northern Brazil and Venezuela. The plant grows in the understory of the rainforest and its striking red flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds. Because of these beautiful flowers, the plant is also often planted for decorative purposes.

Narrow plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a native plant that thrives in Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa and North America. The young leaves of this plant contain a rich mix of beneficial substances, including mucilages, tannins, bitter substances, flavonoids and minerals such as potassium and zinc. Best known for its soothing effect on the throat thanks to its mucilages, plantain also provides support for the immune system and promotes normal intestinal function. In addition, it can help maintain flexible joints and is beneficial for the liver.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a fragrant, compact shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This versatile herb has been used for centuries for various purposes, both culinary and for health promotion. Originally from Mediterranean regions, the Rosmarinus officinalis displays lush blooms in spring with small, lavender blue flowers.
The name "rosemary" has its origins in the Latin "ros" (roris), meaning "dew", and "marinus", meaning "sea": "dew of the sea". Since ancient times, by both the ancient Greeks and Romans, Rosmarinus officinalis has been valued for its health-supporting properties. It helps with digestion, strengthens the immune system and contains antioxidants.

True sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a well-known herb that is used for various purposes. It has been used for centuries from China to ancient Rome. All kinds of magical properties were attributed to the little purple flower.
Sage is an antioxidant and can be used for menopausal symptoms. In addition, it supports normal menstruation. Sage is a natural soother for the throat, it supports the immune system and contributes to normal digestion.

Savory (Satureja) belongs to the lip flower family (Lamiaceae or Labiatae). The scientific name of savory is derived from 'satyr'. During Roman times, savory was mainly used by the followers of Bacchus. They wore it in wreaths in their hair and used it regularly to increase their potency. Although many herbal books do not mention this, savory is one of the oldest remedies for increasing potency.
In ancient times, the Romans were fond of savory sauce, which was made with vinegar and served with fish and meat dishes in the same way as mint sauce. Most cooks had their own recipes for using savory. They used it in stuffings for veal, in sauces for fish and other dishes, and even in sausages and pork pies.

The shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae).
It is an upright plant that can grow between 5 and 60 cm high, and is annual or biennial in nature. Shepherd's purse is winter hardy and usually has a lignified taproot. The sinuously toothed leaves form a rosette around the spindle-shaped root.
The plant is processed into various commercial products. In folk medicine, infusions are used against bleeding and inflammation of the urinary tract, and as a compress on open bleeding wounds. In addition, young rosette leaves can be used in salads or braised in soups.

The Heather (Erica vulgaris - Calluna vulgaris) belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae) and grows throughout Europe, especially in Central and Northern Europe. It even reaches Western Siberia in the east. In the nineteenth century, Scottish immigrants brought the heather to Canada, from where it spread throughout North America. It is the only species in the genus Calluna, meaning it is a monotypic genus.

The shrub heath can grow to a height of 10-100 cm, sometimes even up to 150 cm in certain places. It has hermaphroditic, symmetrical flowers, with the calyx and petals being the same color. Purple flowers appear towards the end of the branches, creating the purple heaths from late July to early September.

Smooth rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) is a rare plant from the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), which occurs as an annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plant. It blooms from June to October.
Originally, the plant was used to treat hernias. It was also used against dropsy and to stimulate the kidneys.

Spearmint, also known as green mint (Mentha spicata), is an aromatic perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. This plant originally comes from Central and Southern Europe, where it regularly establishes itself as a feral plant. Peppermint (Mentha ×piperata), a commonly used variety in food and care products, originated from a cross between spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica).
The leaves of spearmint contain a wealth of essential oils, with carvone being the most important. This component is also found in caraway, which gives the mint its characteristic scent. However, the leaves contain little menthol, which makes the taste milder than that of peppermint.