P, Q, R, S, T

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 can help with a feeling of heaviness after meals, because it has a soothing and relaxing effect.

Blackberries are not only delicious, but also extremely nutritious. They are packed with essential nutrients and dietary fiber. These dark purple treats are a rich source of vitamins C, E, K, folic acid and manganese, making them an important contribution to a healthy diet.
The intense purple color of blackberries is caused by anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect our cells against harmful external influences. But it goes further than that. Blackberries are particularly rich in phenolic acids, which also have antioxidant properties. These acids, which include anthocyanins, ellagic acid, rutin, gallic acid, quercetin, cyanides, p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid, provide numerous health benefits.

Chia, also known as Salvia hispanica, is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, originally from central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The Aztecs cultivated this plant even before Columbus discovered America, and chia seeds were used as currency to the rulers. Today, chia is still prized in Mexico and Guatemala; the ground seeds are used in dishes, while whole seeds are often added to nutritious drinks.
The main purpose of growing chia is for its seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. About 25-30% of the seed contains vegetable oil, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Chia seeds are small and oval, about 1 mm in diameter, and have a color palette of brown, gray-black and white.

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.

The dog rose (Rosa canina) is a native rose species in the Benelux, found in Europe, Northwest Africa and West Asia. This species has been introduced into North America.
It is a large, upright growing shrub that can reach a height of 1-4 meters, with long, arching branches that sometimes hang over. The leaves and branches without glands are green, sometimes with a reddish tinge.
The dog rose blooms from June to July with flowers 3.5 to 4.5 centimeters in size, usually pale pink but sometimes white, and they grow in groups of one to ten.
After flowering, a rose hip develops, a fleshy flower base with nutty fruits inside. The rose hip is oval or ovoid, red-orange in color, and measures 1-2.5 cm long and 1-1.8 cm wide.

The elder (Sambucus nigra L.) is a native tree/shrub in the Netherlands that is widespread in various places in our country. Towards the end of May the elder tree blooms and produces large umbels of small, creamy white flowers that give off a sweet, floral scent. These blossoms are used to make elderflower liqueur, syrup or pancakes. In addition to their delicious taste, the blossoms are also rich in substances, including up to 3% flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin and astragalin. In addition, they contain tannins (tannins), triterpenes, fatty acids and essential oil.

The elder (Sambucus nigra L.) is a versatile plant that grows both as a shrub and as a tree in many places in the Netherlands. Although the berries are mainly known for their health-promoting properties, the blossoms also contain valuable substances that can support the immune system and the respiratory tract.
The berries, which ripen towards the end of summer, are rich in natural vitamin C and are considered a powerful antioxidant. They are often used to support the immune system and respiratory system. In addition to flavonoids, the berries also contain anthocyanins, natural sugars and tannins, just like the blossoms.

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.

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.

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and can reach a respectable age of 200 to 300 years, thanks to its rich resin content.
In phytotherapy, the needles and buds of the Scots pine are used because of their content of tannins, flavonoids and vitamins. The oleoresin of this tree is rich in turpentine. This species is known for its abundant monoterpenes, such as α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene, which form an essential oil with expectorant, antiseptic, decongestant, venolymphatic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and can reach a respectable age of 200 to 300 years, thanks to its rich resin content.
In phytotherapy, the needles and buds of the Scots pine are used because of their content of tannins, flavonoids and vitamins. The oleoresin of this tree is rich in turpentine. This species is known for its abundant monoterpenes, such as α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene, which form an essential oil with expectorant, antiseptic, decongestant, venolymphatic and anti-inflammatory properties.

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 husks, derived from Plantago psyllium, are a blend of partially soluble and fermentable fibers that are much appreciated by people looking to promote their gut health. They are a valuable addition to your daily fiber intake, but it is crucial to drink enough water throughout the day for optimal results.
With more than 80% fiber, psyllium seed consists mainly of 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fiber. Once psyllium comes into contact with water, it forms a gel that can absorb up to ten times its own weight in water. This increases the amount of fluid in the intestines, making stools softer, but don't forget to drink enough water!

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) grows naturally in Europe and Central Asia. Usually the leaves of red clover have three parts and a light purple flower blooms in the middle. In addition to the high content of isoflavones, which are bioactive substances that fall under polyphenols, the flower heads of red clover are also rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, beta-carotene and choline.
Red clover can help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. In addition, it supports heart health and contributes to the condition of the blood vessels. It can also be used to maintain strong bones.

Rosae damascena, also known as the damask rose, is a versatile flower with many names, including the Iranian rose, Bulgarian rose, Taif rose, Ispahan rose and Castile rose.
These flowers are known for their delicate fragrance and are grown commercially for rose oil, both "rose otto" and "rose absolute", which is widely used in perfumery. They are also used to make rose water and "rose concrete". The petals are even edible and are used to flavor dishes, as a garnish, to make herbal tea and to preserve gulkand in sugar. Moreover, the damask rose is the national flower of Iran.

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and is native to Northern and Central Europe. It is an imposing conifer that can grow up to 50 meters high.
This tree is monoecious and has a narrow, cone-shaped crown. Spruce trees that grow at lower elevations tend to have wider crowns to be less affected by snow accumulation. The twigs are reddish to orange-brown, while the buds are smooth, brown and pointed. The needles are dark green on all sides and surround the twigs. They are stiff, sharply pointed, square in cross-section and can grow 1 to 2.5 cm long. The lifespan of the needles can be up to 5 to 7 years.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is not only a great seasoning in the kitchen, but also an ally for our health. This herb, recognizable by its characteristic smell, soothes the respiratory tract and promotes freer breathing. In addition, thyme supports digestion.
This herb grows wild in Europe, Asia and Africa and thrives in hardy shrubs about 40 centimeters high, even on dry and stony soils. Both the leaves and flowers of thyme contain active substances that benefit our health. The ancient Greeks and Romans already used real thyme to ease their breathing. Today, thyme is still used in licorice and syrups for its soothing effects on the respiratory tract.