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.
Raspberry Leaves
The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a valuable plant with a history of use that dates back over 2000 years to the ancient Greeks and Romans. A member of the rose family, it thrives primarily in forest clearings or on deforested land at altitudes of up to 2000m within the boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere. While best known for its delicious fruits, its leaves have also long been used in traditional herbalism for preparation of tea. Archaeological finds show that both the fruits and leaves of the plant were used as far back as the Stone Age, and it was later cultivated in monastery gardens by knowledgeable priests and monks during the Middle Ages.
Elderflower
Cranesbill (Geranium spp.) is a wild plant from the geranium family and is native to many regions of Europe. Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is particularly well known for its aromatic scent and delicate pink flowers. The characteristically deeply lobed leaves and the beak-like fruiting bodies, which give the plant its name, make cranesbill easy to identify. It prefers to grow in semi-shaded to shaded locations such as forest edges, hedges and damp meadows.
Peppermint
White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a perennial plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia. It is characterised by its woolly, grey-green leaves and small white flowers. In traditional herbal medicine, white horehound is highly valued for its expectorant properties and is a proven ingredient in cough remedies and throat lozenges. Due to its bitter taste, it is also used in digestive bitters and classic herbal sweets. The plant thrives in dry, sunny locations and is often found on wild or disrupted soils.
Nettle
Elder (Sambucus nigra) often grows in close proximity to human habitation, where it nestles against houses and walls. The small tree graces us with its fragrant flowers from May to July, and as late summer transitions into autumn, the flowers mature into berries. The wisdom of the Celts acquainted them long ago with the uses of elder's blossoms and berries.
Rose Petals
Originating from the Mediterranean region, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) was introduced to Central Europe in the first century, where it swiftly secured its place in traditional herbalism. Valued since antiquity for its intense, aromatic, and vitalising fragrance, rosemary remains a cherished ingredient in both culinary and medicinal traditions.
