Herbs

The long sundew (Drosera longifolia) is a perennial carnivorous plant belonging to the sundew family (Droseraceae).
The plant grows to a height of 5-20 cm and forms a rosette of leaves. The leaves have long stems and are upright, oblong to lanceolate, with the widest point above the center. They are covered with numerous red, sticky tentacles containing glandular tissue. These tentacles catch small insects such as Simuliidae. Once an insect touches the tentacles, the leaf coils around the insect and secretes digestive enzymes. The released nutrients, including nitrogen, are absorbed by the plant.

Lungwort, belonging to the genus Pulmonaria in the rough-leaved family (Boraginaceae), owes its botanical name to the Latin word 'pulmo', which means 'lung'. This is because of the similarity that was seen between the drawing on the leaves of the spotted lungwort and (diseased) human lungs. According to the signature theory, the plant was previously used as a remedy for lung diseases because of this similarity. The Dutch name 'pulmonary herb' is directly derived from the botanical name, and this name also occurs in several other Western European languages.

Schisandra, also known as the Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis), is known as one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting energy and vitality, and reducing stress. This dark red berry is rich in antioxidants, strengthens the immune system and promotes overall vitality. In addition, it provides protection and support to the liver and respiratory tract.
Schisandra has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. Only the berry with its seeds are used, harvested after the first frost and then dried in the sun. Schisandra is known as one of the most important herbs for promoting vitality.

Schisandra, also known as the Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis), is known as one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting energy and vitality, and reducing stress. This dark red berry is rich in antioxidants, strengthens the immune system and promotes overall vitality. In addition, it provides protection and support to the liver and respiratory tract.
Schisandra has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. Only the berry with its seeds are used, harvested after the first frost and then dried in the sun. Schisandra is known as one of the most important herbs for promoting vitality.

The flowers of mallow (Malva) are known for their natural wealth of mucilages, which have a soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Gargling with mallow tea can help with hoarseness and other throat complaints. In addition, mallow can be applied externally for eczema and ulcers.
Mallow belongs to the family Malvaceae and includes thirty species of herbaceous plants found in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of Africa and Eurasia. The fruit of the mallow is a split fruit and owes its name to the flat, round shape, comparable to a cheese, due to the connected seeds.

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.
In the medicinal field, marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract (source WHO) and is used in cough syrups.

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.
In the medicinal field, marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract (source WHO) and is used in cough syrups.

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.
In the medicinal field, marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract (source WHO) and is used in cough syrups.

The marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a member of the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae) and is often grown in ornamental gardens. This plant originally comes from Southern Europe.
It is an annual plant that usually bears orange, but sometimes yellow flowers. The marigold usually grows to a height of 30-45 cm and has blunt leaves. Its flowering period extends from May to November, while the fruits are often curved and boat-shaped.
Both fresh and dried flowers can be used in soups, and they also act as a natural coloring for cheese, butter and other foods. Historically, the petals were even used to imitate saffron.

The meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a perennial plant belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is an erect plant that can reach a height of 0.6 to 2 meters. The flowers of the meadowsweet are numerous and cream-colored, with a width of 0.4 to 1 cm and each consisting of five petals, which have a strong almond scent. The leaves are pinnately compound, with a large top leaflet that is palmately split.
In the past, meadowsweet was used as a remedy for biliary and kidney diseases, as well as for gout and nerve pain. The dried leaves and flowers were used to make tea, which was given for fever. 

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.

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.

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.

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen plant belonging to the sandalwood family, known by various names such as mistletoe, mistletoe, or birdlime. Mistletoe naturally occurs in Europe, Northwest Africa, West and Central Asia. It is a semi-parasite that thrives in the wild on numerous host species.
Over the centuries, mistletoe has become intertwined with numerous legends and symbolic meanings. To the Druids, the mistletoe of an oak tree was sacred and associated with ushering in the new year, symbolic of fertility and good luck. In Norse mythology, mistletoe symbolizes peace and love, with people who meet under it kissing each other as a sign of this peace and love.

Monk's pepper (Vitex agnus castus L.) grows naturally in countries around the Mediterranean. It is known as monk's pepper or chaste tree berries and is prized as a spice in this region.
Monks who had taken a vow of chastity once used this herb to suppress their physical desires, due to its supposed dampening effect on libido. This explains the Dutch name monk's pepper.
Nowadays, Vitex agnus is especially popular among women who want to support their hormonal system around menstruation or menopause. It can relieve discomfort during menstruation and also helps with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. Moreover, vitex agnus contributes to a good mental balance.

Moringa oleifera, also known as the 'tree of life', thrives in Africa and Asia and is known for its rich nutritional value. The tree is a treasure trove of more than dozens of nutrients, including no fewer than 47 antioxidants. Containing minerals, proteins, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenols in abundance, the leaves of the moringa are the true storehouse of nutritional value.
For centuries, Asian and African cultures have recognized the benefits of moringa oleifera. The tree has become an integral part of their daily diet due to its versatile uses and nutritional value. Because of its abundant benefits, moringa oleifera is often affectionately referred to as "the tree of life."

Moringa oleifera, also known as the 'tree of life', thrives in Africa and Asia and is known for its rich nutritional value. The tree is a treasure trove of over dozens of nutrients, including as many as 47 antioxidants. With minerals, proteins, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenols in abundance, the leaves of the moringa are the true storehouse of nutritional value.
For centuries, Asian and African cultures have recognized the benefits of moringa oleifera. The tree has become an integral part of their daily diets due to its versatile uses and nutritional value. Due to its abundant benefits, moringa oleifera is often affectionately called 'the tree of life'.

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 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 mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a member of the marram family (Scrophulariaceae) and mainly thrives in dune and chalk areas, where it is quite common. This plant is rare to find elsewhere in the Netherlands.
The flowers of the mullein are yellow and have a diameter of 1.5–3 cm. They consist of five connate petals, five sepals and five stamens, three of which are covered with yellow or white hairs. The flowers grow in dense spikes and bloom from July to autumn. An adult plant can reach a height of more than two meters.

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.

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.

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.