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Conyza canadensis Horseweed / Canadian Fleabane NL: Canadese fijnstraal / F: Vergerette du Canada Native from North America, this plant made its way all over Europe and many other parts of the world. It may not be the prettiest plant one would choose to keep in the garden, neither is it among the most popular plants in modern herbalism. Nevertheless Horseweed, or Canadian Fleabane, as it is also called, was used by most Native North Americans tribes to treat various illnesses, including diarrhea, fever, running nose, rhinitis, but also used to arrest bleedings or to relieve stomach aches, earaches or headaches. Externally, it was made into poultices to treat burns and sore joints. Roots were used in decoction teas to treat menstrual complaints. Dried and burned as incense it was used to ward off insects. In today’s herbalism Horseweed is mostly employed where an astringent is required: diarrhea, internal hemorrhage, nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, etc. It has been recently researched for its ...

Solidago canadensis F: Verge D'or  - Solidage / NL: Guldenroede Goldenrods can be seen in flower all over the fields, gardens, in most places in Europe from August till October, depending on the region. Its flowers show all their glory when most other plants are no longer in flower, to the joy of the bees, which are delighted to feast on them. Luckily for Goldenrod's lovers, this plant has been studied by the scientific community and some of its properties have been already recognized - by the German Commision E - for its effectiveness when used in the treatment of illnesses of the urinary tract. Its restorative, anti-inflammatory, tonic and cleansing properties make it one of the top herbs to aid in any kidney and bladder condition, including kidney stones, nephritis and cystitis. Next to that Goldenrod also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, diaphoretic, antiphlogistical, astringent, spasmolytic, hemostatic, anti-mucus, expectorant and anti-oxidant properties. It has been used ...

Hypericum perforatum NL: St Janskruid /  F: Millepertuis St John’s Wort (SJW) is another powerful herb with a long history as folk medicine. In our days St John’s Wort got great media attention for aiding in the treatment of those suffering from depression, being known as the “natural prozac” Long before SJW got to be used to treat depression, it was considered to be a “herb that chases the evil spirits away” as it was used to treat various types of insanity attacks. Paracelsus was whom mentioned it for the first time for treatment of a wide range of psychotic symptoms. Even though it is not yet clear to modern medicine how exactly SJW works on the nervous system, its nervine action is recognized by herbalists around the world. Its most widespread use in herbal medicine is in healing wounds, bruises, sunburn, herpes, skin ulcers and inflammations. Most of its skin healing abilities are attributed to its properties as analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent. I...

Arctium minus / A. lappa NL: Grote klit / F: Bardane One more amazing plant, with both great nutritional value as well as a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. The young stalks and leaves are edible, raw or cooked, but the young roots are the most popular part of this plant. The roots should be harvested when they reach up to 60 cm, since they can get “woody” as they grow further. The seeds can be sprouted and used in raw salads or lightly stirred in olive oil. It is a powerful cleansing herb and, similarly to curly dock, it has been traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of skin illnesses, infections and even cancer. Its blood purifying properties are so effective as in helping the body to get rid of heavy metals and a wide range of toxins. The roots also have antibacterial and anti-fungal action and combining that with its depurative properties, makes it a great herb to help healing eczema, rheumatic conditions, acne, rashes, and several types of inflamma...

Taraxacum officinale NL: Paardenbloem - F: Pissenlit Well known for its long list of medicinal properties, this beautiful and powerful plant is also loaded with essential nutrients, which makes it a top plant in any survival situation. It grows in most countries around the world, particularly in the temperate zones of the Northern hemisphere and withstands a wide array of soil types and weather conditions. It does not need any special care.  Dandelions are among the most nutritious greens that one can eat. Some raw foodists claim one could survive only eating dandelions if needed. As food, it is very rich in vitamin A and C, calcium and iron. With only 55g of dandelions one meets 112% of his daily needs for vitamin A, 32% of the daily needs for vitamin C, 535% of the daily needs of vitamin K and about 10% of one’s daily needs for calcium and iron. It is also a good source of folate, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, and a very good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), thiamin, r...