Europe

The intensely aromatic Roman camomile is native to Western Europe, where, it is traditionally used internally.

The coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum) is also called the "herb of longevity" in Chinese tradition. The fruits (seeds) and leaves also differ in their areas of action and application due to their individual ingredient profiles of antioxidants, essential oils and tannins.

The word "lavender" is etymologically derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash. Since ancient times lavender buds have been added to baths and used in religious purification ceremonies to cleanse the soul. It has been known for a long time that a garden with lavender has fewer pests than a garden without

In ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, the bay laurel was strongly associated with the gods. Bay leaves were burned during spiritual cleansing ceremonies and crowns of laurel were presented to victorious warriors after battle. In the Middle Ages, bay leaves were considered a means to ward off evil spirits and curses. To this day, however, the bay laurel is enjoyed as a popular spice to provide aroma and depth of flavour to cooking.

Marjoram, which translates to beauty of the mountain, was attributed to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, in Greek mythology as well as to Osiris, the god of rebirth and fertility in Egyptian mythology. According to Greek tradition, Aphrodite praised the delicate scent of marjoram flowers as a symbol of happiness with the ability to raise people's spirits.

Peppermint has been used for ages in cultures around the world for purification rituals, as incense, and in the form of calming tea. To help improve concentration, students in ancient times wore a crown of twisted mint and relied on the sweet scent for its stimulating effects.

The essential oil of spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia spica), also known as broadleaved lavender, has a stronger fragrance than English lavender. Spike lavender buds and leaves have been used since ancient times as a calming natural remedy and spice.

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb and named for "thymos", the Greek word for spiritedness. Thyme carries this name because of its invigorating and stimulating properties. In the Middle Ages, thyme was also used as incense in spiritual rituals.

The essential oils in lemon peel are synthesised by the plant to protect the fruits from pests and decay. In Asia, where citrus fruits originated from, these essential oils have been used for ages to refresh and purify the air, to spice food, and to protect against insects.

The cypress is respected as a symbol of eternity in Asian cultures. The fruits, branches and wood of cypress trees have been used in traditional herbal medicine for millennia.