Herbs

Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), also known by the basic name Lichen islandicus, is a shrubby lichen belonging to the Parmeliaceae family (shell mosses). The species is native to cold and mountainous regions and is extremely rare in the Netherlands. For this reason, Iceland moss is listed on the Dutch Red List as critically endangered.
Iceland moss has a long cultural and historical background. Botanical and historical sources from the 17th century describe the lichen as part of the botanical knowledge of the time. During that period, the lichen was collected whole and used in traditional practices. These uses are part of historical and folklore.

Olive leaves come from the wild olive tree (Olea europaea) and naturally contain antioxidants. These trees are native to Western Asia, Egypt, and Syria, and are now also found in the Mediterranean, South America, the southern United States, southern Australia, and the tropics.
Olive leaves have been used for centuries in the Mediterranean region, for example, as a tea. They contain various plant compounds, including oleuropein, secoiridoids, and flavonoids. Olive leaves have a rich history in traditional cuisine and folk herbalism and are often associated with the olive tree, also known as the "tree of life."

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as wild marjoram, is an aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines and cultures. The herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and mint.
Oregano naturally contains several plant compounds, including carvacrol, which is responsible for its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter flavor. This compound contributes to oregano's distinct aroma.
The most aromatic oregano grows naturally in Mediterranean mountain regions on calcareous soils. Wild oregano blooms in spring, after which it is traditionally harvested. Thanks to its flavor and composition, oregano is widely used in culinary applications and herbal teas.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as wild marjoram, is an aromatic herb that has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines and cultures. The herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and mint.
Oregano naturally contains several plant compounds, including carvacrol, which is responsible for its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter flavor. This compound contributes to oregano's distinct aroma.
The most aromatic oregano grows naturally in Mediterranean mountain regions on calcareous soils. Wild oregano blooms in spring, after which it is traditionally harvested. Thanks to its flavor and composition, oregano is widely used in culinary applications and herbal teas.

The pansy (Viola tricolor), also known as the wild violet, is an ornamental plant that has been part of European botanical knowledge for centuries. The tricolor violet belongs to the pansy family (Violaceae) and is native to Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean, and even to Siberia.
This plant, which is annual but can sometimes be perennial, grows to a height of 30 cm and has roots that can reach depths of up to 45 cm. Its 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 plant was first described by the renowned botanist Rembert Dodoens in 1554.

The pansy (Viola tricolor), also known as the wild violet, is an ornamental plant that has been part of European botanical knowledge for centuries. The tricolor violet belongs to the pansy family (Violaceae) and is native to Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean, and even to Siberia.
This plant, which is annual but can sometimes be perennial, grows to a height of 30 cm and has roots that can reach depths of up to 45 cm. Its 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 plant was first described by the renowned botanist Rembert Dodoens in 1554.

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, hardy herbaceous plant from the Apiaceae family. The herb is widely used in European, American, and Middle Eastern cuisine for its fresh, aromatic flavor.
In ancient times, parsley had symbolic meaning. For the ancient Greeks, the herb symbolized joy and was frequently used in rituals and traditions. The Romans spread the use of parsley throughout Western Europe. In the Middle Ages, parsley was eaten and cultivated as both an herb and a vegetable, including in the gardens of Charlemagne.
For culinary use, the leaves are primarily used, preferably just before serving. Parsley is often combined with garlic in herb butter, used in salads, and incorporated into a variety of dishes. The seeds can also be ground and used as a spice. 

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a plant native to Central and North America. Various parts of the plant have long been used in diverse cultures. Today, passionflower is also found in other parts of the world.
The striking flowers of Passiflora incarnata are edible and prized for their distinctive appearance. In autumn, the plant produces fruit, and the leaves are also edible. These leaves naturally contain various plant compounds, including tannins, flavanols, saponins, and choline, as well as minerals such as magnesium.
Passionflower is traditionally used in herbal cultures and is often incorporated into herbal teas and other herbal preparations.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is a tree native to the Amazon region. Traditionally, the inner layer of the bark is primarily used. This bark has a long history within various cultures in South America.
Pau d’arco bark naturally contains various plant compounds, including flavonoids and quinones. More than twenty different quinone compounds have been identified in the bark, including lapachol and beta-lapachone. These compounds contribute to the characteristic composition of pau d’arco.
Pau d’arco is traditionally made into tea or other herbal preparations and is valued for its natural origins and rich plant profile.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is a tree native to the Amazon region. Traditionally, the inner layer of the bark is primarily used. This bark has a long history within various cultures in South America.
Pau d’arco bark naturally contains various plant compounds, including flavonoids and quinones. More than twenty different quinone compounds have been identified in the bark, including lapachol and beta-lapachone. These compounds contribute to the characteristic composition of pau d’arco.
Pau d’arco is traditionally made into tea or other herbal preparations and is valued for its natural origins and rich plant profile.

Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita), a cross between water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Peppermint belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes other aromatic herbs such as basil and rosemary.
The plant was recognized as a distinct species in England in the 17th century and has been widely cultivated ever since. Peppermint naturally contains several essential oils, including menthol, menthone, and cineole, which together contribute to its characteristic fresh scent and flavor.
Peppermint oil is used as an ingredient in a variety of products, such as peppermint candy, flavorings, and herbal preparations. The leaves of the peppermint plant are also traditionally made into tea.

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and can reach an age of 200 to 300 years. This tree is known for its rich resin content and characteristic pine scent.
The needles and buds of the Scots pine contain natural compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and vitamins. The tree's resin contains turpentine and a large number of monoterpenes, including α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene, which are components of the tree's essential oil.
Scots pine is traditionally used in various applications, such as in aromatic products and in the production of pine oil. Both needles and buds are used in some traditional preparations for their fragrance and flavor.

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and can reach an age of 200 to 300 years. This tree is known for its rich resin content and characteristic pine scent.
The needles and buds of the Scots pine contain natural compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and vitamins. The tree's resin contains turpentine and a large number of monoterpenes, including α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene, which are components of the tree's essential oil.
Scots pine is traditionally used in various applications, such as in aromatic products and in the production of pine oil. Both needles and buds are used in some traditional preparations for their fragrance and flavor.

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.

Psyllium husk comes from the seeds of the Plantago psyllium plant. These seeds are largely fiber-rich and are often used as an ingredient in nutritional products and supplements. Psyllium contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.
The seed consists of over 80% fiber, of which approximately 70% is soluble and 30% is insoluble. When psyllium husk comes into contact with water, it forms a gel-like substance that can absorb a significant amount of fluid. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water when using psyllium.
Because of these properties, psyllium is often used in products intended to supplement daily fiber intake.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients and calories, with a particularly high fat content (especially linoleic acid and oleic acid), protein, dietary fiber and numerous micronutrients. Pumpkin seeds are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine and are also roasted and served as a snack.

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.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant native to Europe and Central Asia. It is characterized by its compound leaves, which usually consist of three leaflets, and its light purple flower heads.
Red clover flower heads naturally contain various plant compounds, including isoflavones. Isoflavones belong to the polyphenol group and are part of the plant's natural composition. Red clover also contains vitamins such as vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, beta-carotene, and choline.
Red clover has a long history of use in various cultures and is now incorporated into a variety of herbal preparations, such as teas and other plant products.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant native to Europe and Central Asia. It is characterized by its compound leaves, which usually consist of three leaflets, and its light purple flower heads.
Red clover flower heads naturally contain various plant compounds, including isoflavones. Isoflavones belong to the polyphenol group and are part of the plant's natural composition. Red clover also contains vitamins such as vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, beta-carotene, and choline.
Red clover has a long history of use in various cultures and is now incorporated into a variety of herbal preparations, such as teas and other plant products.

Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a native plant found in Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa, and North America. It prefers moist, sandy soil and can be found in grasslands, along roads and railways, and even between paving stones.
Ribwort plantain can reach a height of about 75 centimeters and has long, narrow leaves. Starting in May, the plant blooms with light green flower spikes bearing striking white stamens.
The young leaves contain various natural plant compounds, including mucilage, tannins, bitter substances, and flavonoids, as well as minerals such as potassium and zinc. Ribwort plantain has a long history of traditional and folklore uses and is often considered a common wild plant.

Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a native plant found in Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa, and North America. It prefers moist, sandy soil and can be found in grasslands, along roads and railways, and even between paving stones.
Ribwort plantain can reach a height of about 75 centimeters and has long, narrow leaves. Starting in May, the plant blooms with light green flower spikes bearing striking white stamens.
The young leaves contain various natural plant compounds, including mucilage, tannins, bitter substances, and flavonoids, as well as minerals such as potassium and zinc. Ribwort plantain has a long history of traditional and folklore uses and is often considered a common wild plant.

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a plant in the legume family (Leguminosae) that grows naturally in the fynbos around the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa. Since around 1930, the plant has been cultivated for the production of rooibos tea. The leaves are picked, crushed, and left in the sun to oxidize, giving them their characteristic reddish-brown color.
The name 'rooibos' comes from Afrikaans and means "red forest," derived from the Dutch word.
Rooibos is traditionally used in South Africa as a spice and is used in both beverages and cosmetics. It is naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins, giving it a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Rooibos leaves contain various plant compounds, including antioxidants and minerals such as calcium and iron.