Herbs Cut

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.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been known for centuries for its relaxing and soothing properties, which is why it is often used for stress and to sleep better. It is a natural tranquilizer.
The reputation of the valerian plant stretches back centuries. The plant is still common in the Netherlands, mainly growing in airy, moist soil. The roots emit a strong and characteristic odor that cats are especially fond of. In the past, our superstitious ancestors used valerian to ward off 'evil'. For example, bridal couples wore wreaths of valerian leaves to ward off evil elves, while farmers used the herb to prevent 'milk bewitchment'. 

Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is a plant that belongs to the Verbena family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, sometimes annual, with a thin, erect stem that can grow up to 100 cm in height, with the bottom of the stem becoming lignified. The leaves of vervain are hairy and can take different shapes. This plant has no distinctive odor and tastes bitter raw and untreated.
The flowers of vervain appear in spike-shaped clusters in the leaf axils. They are trumpet shaped and vary in color from soft pink to violet. The flowering period extends from June to autumn. The flower spikes are slender yet sturdy and flexible. The fruit of vervain is a split fruit.

The Juglans regia, also known as walnut, walnut or walnut, belongs to the walnut family (Juglandaceae). This species is also known as common walnut or Persian walnut, to avoid confusion with the genus Juglans. Other species in the genus Juglans include the white walnut and the black walnut.
This deciduous tree can reach a height of up to 30 meters with a crown that can be more than 10 meters wide. The leaves are odd-pinnate and can be 25-40 cm long, consisting of five to nine leaflets per compound leaf. The three largest leaflets are located at the end of the leaf and measure 10-18 cm long and 6-8 cm wide. The leaflets at the base of the leaf are smaller, usually 5-8 cm long.

The willow (Salix alba), also known as 'white willow' in English, naturally contains the bioactive substance salicin. This tree is common in the Netherlands. In 1828, the German pharmacist Johann Andreas Buchner discovered that the bark of the willow tree contains high concentrations of the glycoside salicin. This substance is beneficial for maintaining flexible joints and muscle health.

The American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a shrub belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae, native to North America from Nova Scotia to Minnesota, and from southern and central Florida to eastern Texas.
The shrub can reach a height of 6 to sometimes even 10 meters, with a bushy growth thanks to the many branches that arise just above the ground. The bark is light brown, smooth but somewhat flaky, and shows a reddish-purple color on the inside.
Blooming from September through October, the flowers of the American witch hazel display clusters of 4 stamens. They usually range from pale yellow to bright yellow, although orange or red hues also occur. The petals are ribbon-shaped and measure 10-20 mm in length.

Woddruff Sweet (Galium aparine) belongs to the star-leaved family (Rubiaceae). This plant is known for its ability to cling to objects it comes into contact with, thanks to the numerous hooks on both the stem and fruits. This causes plants and fruits to get caught in the fur of animals, resulting in widespread dispersal over great distances.
Cleaver leaves are widest above the middle and have one central vein. They grow together in whorls of seven. These leaves also have hooks, albeit less than the rest of the plant. The stem is thickened at the tips.

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 buds of wormwood absinthe are traditionally seen as medicinal. 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.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an herb that belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is a winter-hardy, perennial plant that is common in the Netherlands. It has finely divided, feathery leaves and small white flowers that tend toward pink. The use of this herb has been around for centuries. Yarrow is used, among other things, to support digestion and promote fat metabolism. The herb is beneficial for the blood vessels, urinary tract and respiratory tract. It helps with normal menstruation.

The Yellow Sweet Slover (Melilotus officinalis) is a biennial or perennial plant from the legume family (Leguminosae). Originally from Southern Europe, this plant has now spread worldwide. It is a slender, hairless plant that is frequently found along roads and on arable land, and is also found in dune areas. The lemon yellow honey clover reaches a height of 30 to 150 cm and blooms from July to October.