U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Ashwagandha, officially known as Withania somnifera, is a plant that has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition of India. Within this traditional teaching, ashwagandha is referred to as a rasayana, a term used in Ayurveda for herbs with special cultural and historical significance.
The plant belongs to the Magnoliophyta family and is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The root of the plant is traditionally used most often.
The name ashwagandha literally means "horse scent," a reference to the characteristic, earthy aroma of the fresh root. In Indian culture, the herb is often symbolically associated with strength and vitality, similar to that of a horse.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a climbing plant that is native to the Amazon region of Brazil and Peru. It is highly valued in the Peruvian Amazon and is among the protected species. This plant is often called the 'sacred herb of the rainforest' because of its significance. The name 'cat's claw' or 'cat's claw' is derived from the small claw-like thorns at the base of the leaves, which resemble a cat's claws. These claws help the vine to wrap itself around trees and climb up to a hundred meters high!

Dried corn silk, also called stigmas, are used in herbal medicine. When fresh, these hairs are green in color, but once dried they turn dark brown to black.
Corn silk, also known as corn beard, can have beneficial effects on fluid balance, bladder inflammation (soothing) and irritation of the urinary tract (soothing).

The elm (Ulmus), also known as olm, is a genus of deciduous trees. These trees have feather-veined leaves with a serrate or double-serrate leaf edge. They bloom before the leaves appear, with small green perianths whose petals are fused together. Above the perianths are the stamens with purple anthers and the pistil. The seeds of the elm are flattened and have a broad, winged edge. Elms thrive best in fairly nutrient-rich, moist and calcareous soil.

Ginger comes from the root of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) and is used as a spice in many countries because of its strong flavor. It contains various bioactive substances, including gingerol, shogaol and zingiberene. Ginger supports the immune system, promotes healthy digestion and has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, ginger can promote well-being during vehicle travel.

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.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant found in many places and known for its stinging hairs when touched. Despite this characteristic, the plant has long been valued and used in various cultures. Nettle is used in culinary preparations such as soup and herbal tea.
The plant is native to large parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Latin name Urtica dioica refers to the plant's stinging properties. Historical and botanical sources describe both the leaves and the roots as being traditionally collected and processed.
Both nettle leaf and root hold a firm place in herbal tradition. Due to their natural composition and long history, these parts of the plant have been mentioned for centuries in ethnobotanical and historical accounts.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant found in many places and known for its stinging hairs when touched. Despite this characteristic, the plant has long been valued and used in various cultures. Nettle is used in culinary preparations such as soup and herbal tea.
The plant is native to large parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Latin name Urtica dioica refers to the plant's stinging properties. Historical and botanical sources describe both the leaves and the roots as being traditionally collected and processed.
Both nettle leaf and root hold a firm place in herbal tradition. Due to their natural composition and long history, these parts of the plant have been mentioned for centuries in ethnobotanical and historical accounts.

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.

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.

Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) is a perennial plant that forms a dense sward and belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). This plant occurs naturally in Eurasia.
The plant reaches a height of 10-50 cm and has stems that spread horizontally and then grow upwards. The stems are evenly hairy. The leaves, short-stalked, are elliptical or obovate in shape, with slightly toothed or serrate edges.
Male speedwell blooms from May to August with light blue flowers, which are darkly veined and have a size of 6-8 mm. There are also variants of the plant with dark blue, pink or white flowers. The flowers grow in bunches.

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.