Yarrow
A remarkably resilient perennial, yarrow grows throughout Europe and northern Asia, extending as far as the Arctic Circle. So hardy it often remains visible above ground even in winter, it is a plant with a long and storied tradition in herbalism. Yarrow's legacy is rooted in ancient Greek mythology, which holds that the hero Achilles used the herb to treat his soldiers. This legend is immortalised in yarrow's botanical name, Achillea millefolium.
Lady's Mantle
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla) belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). Its species are widespread across Europe, Asia and Africa, thriving particularly at higher altitudes, with around 300 species in Europe alone. Its botanical name, Alchemilla, alludes to alchemy and the plant's perceived magical properties, a belief inspired by the droplets of water that form on its leaves and have been used in home remedies since ancient times.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis is a southern European plant. Like many herbs from the south, it was first cultivated in monastery gardens and then gradually spread throughout Europe. The perennial plant sprouts in March and can grow up to 70cm tall by July and is clearly recognisable by its scent. Due to its many uses, however, it was cultivated early on throughout Europe as a popular aromatic herb. In the Middle Ages, it was cultivated in every monastery garden because it was considered particularly valuable.
Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens) deserves a place of honour among herbs. The 70 species grow everywhere on the planet except in the Antarctic. Perennial, undemanding and effective, it likes to thrive in the vicinity of humans and many butterflies are dependent on it. In antiquity it was used to ward off evil spells, and in Germany it was called Donnernessel: "thunder nettle" in dedication to Donar, the god of thunderstorms.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod (Solidaginis virgaureae) is an agricultural crop which has been recognised for its various uses for centuries. The introduction of goldenrod to Europe took place in the 17th century, and since then, it has thrived as an invasive neophyte in the sparse forests and dry woodland meadows of Europe and North America. This medicinal plant, which announces the end of summer with its vibrant yellow flowers, can also be used as a natural dye.
Dead-Nettle
Dead-nettle (Lamium) is a low-growing, herbaceous plant commonly found in gardens and forests. It resembles the stinging nettle but does not sting. In traditional medicine, dead-nettle has long been used as a gentle remedy for wounds, cramps, digestive complaints and respiratory diseases. White dead-nettle (Lamium album) in particular is considered to be exceptionally beneficial. In folklore, the plant was sometimes attributed with protective powers against evil spirits.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is distributed worldwide, except in Antarctica and Australia, and is one of the most diverse genera of angiosperm plants. Valued as a medicinal plant since ancient times, sage is an indispensable component of modern cuisine and medicinal herbs.
Mugwort
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), a member of the Asteraceae family, is one of the oldest known herbs. Originally native to Central and Northern Europe, it has since spread throughout the northern hemisphere. Its namesake was a Persian queen from around 400 BC; additionally, the herb was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis and the Egyptian goddess Isis.
Green Oats
Belonging to the Poaceae family, oat (Avena L.) is an annual grass which traces its origins back to the Middle East. Similar to numerous other cereal crops, it has been domesticated. Green oats come from premature oat plants, harvested before reaching full bloom. At this stage, oat is alkaline and contains an abundance of phytonutrients.
Vanilla Pod
Although commonly referred to as vanilla pods, they are actually the fruits of the orchid Vanilla planifolia. Each pod contains thousands of tiny seeds and must undergo an elaborate fermentation process – including scalding, sweating and drying – to develop its characteristic aroma. The first known people to cultivate vanilla were the Totonacs, an ancient civilisation in what is now Mexico. They regarded vanilla as a sacred plant and used it in a variety of ways: in medicine, for ritual offerings and as a fragrance in temples.
