On the way in the monastery garden

Feel-good herb at Kloster Holzen

Herbal knowledge from the monastery

WTrue gardeners know how to beneficial plants and herbs in particular can be: The beauty of the plants, their fragrance, their fascinating flavour beguile and enchant us. Their essential oils and other specific ingredientes, as well as their bright flowers, bguile our senses and delight us everyday.

Lemon balm: Lat. melissa officinalis – perennial

Belongs to the labiate family
Also known as bee catcher, kidney herb, lady's herb, garden balm, lemon herb, heart herb, honey flower, or nettle
Paracelsus called the herb "elixir of life" - it was said to bring back youth and revitalise the dying
To keep bees in the hive, the beehives are rubbed with it
Revitalising, antispasmodic, nerve-strengthening, calming, sleep-inducing, stomachic, diaphoretic, liver-stimulating, bile-stimulating, invigorating...
Contains essential oils, tannins, bitter substances, resin, mucilage, minerals, vitamins, etc.
Leaves/herb are used before flowering
In folk medicine, lemon balm is used to treat headaches, nervousness, palpitations at night, postpartum complaints, weak nerves, anxiety, blood purification, heart complaints, intestinal and abdominal cramps, blood pressure regulation and much more.
Use in the form of tea, baths, tincture, compresses, syrup, for drinks, desserts ...
Interesting: Melissa as a hair conditioner delays greying
No side effects

Clary sage: Lat. salvia sclarea – biennial

Belongs to the labiate family
Is related to garden sage - but has a higher proportion of essential oil
Biennial perennial that can grow up to 1.5 metres tall
Is also known as muscat sage, Roman sage, sharlei or sharleaf sage
Exudes a strongly aromatic, balsamic scent - has an oestrogenic effect
Has a relaxing, antispasmodic, calming, antibacterial and analgesic effect
Herb and flowers are used
Used in folk medicine: loss of appetite, flatulence, diarrhoea, women's diseases, during childbirth, gastritis, cramps, gum inflammation
Use in the form of tea, tincture, syrup, essential oil
Interesting fact: winemakers used clary sage to "improve" bad wine
Caution: too much can cause headaches

Evening primrose: Lat. oenothera biennis – biennial

Also known as knolau or chinese chives

Belongs to the evening primrose family
Also known as yellow rapunzel, ham root or railway lantern
Root, leaves and seeds are used
A benefit for the skin due to its high content of gamma-linoleic acid
The roots of the evening primrose are said to contain more strength than "two hundredweight of ox meat"
Has a calming effect, stimulates the metabolism, effective on the skin (neurodermatitis!)
Root can be used as a vegetable, leaves are a good wild vegetable or addition to salads
In folk medicine, evening primrose is used for colds, coughs, diarrhoea and cramps; the most effective part of the plant - the seed - provides relief for neurodermatitis, immune defence, etc.
Evening primrose syrup can be effective for coughs and cold symptoms
Interesting fact: It is said that evening primrose contains the secret of the fountain of youth - because you need 1000 seeds for a very small amount of oil
CAUTION: if taken internally, too much can cause headaches or gastrointestinal disorders!

Argentine mint bush: Lat. lippia polystacha – perennial

Belongs to the verbena family
Has a wonderful flavour and is very suitable for drying - is related to lemon verbena
Also called chewing gum shrub or chewing gum plant
The dense leaves, which grow on metre-long (!) unbranched branches, have an intense spearmint scent
Fast-growing shrub comes from the Argentinian province of Mendoza and is also called 'burro' there and is traditionally used to flavour mate tea - can be harvested again and again and grows back quickly
Used in folk medicine for stomach upset, nausea and depression
Very suitable for tea, desserts, drinks, etc.
Overwintering cold or warm. Cultivation is similar to that of lemon verbena!
IMPORTANT: The plant is not hardy - must be kept frost-free in winter

Bergamot mint: Lat. mentha piperita – perennial

Belongs to the labiate family
Also known as eau de cologne mint
Extremely beautiful appearance: elongated, pointed leaves that are dark in colour when sprouting and later turn a lighter green.
The shape of the leaves is strongly toothed. The relatively short, purple-coloured flower panicles sit on dark stems and form an effective contrast to the dark foliage.
The scent of Earl Grey emanates from the leaves
Goes well with both fruity and spicy flavours - also very suitable for scented potpourris
Also suitable for baths, for scenting the home or wardrobe
Used in folk medicine for stomach upsets, nervous restlessness and relaxation

Rosmary: Lat. rosmarinus officinalis – perennial

Also called rosemary herb, favourite herb, wreath herb, Anton herb
Belongs to the labiate family
Rosemary is considered "sacred" in the Middle Berber countries - the plant of Aphrodite, hence probably still the herb of the bride and groom today
Has an antispasmodic, choleretic, nerve-strengthening, appetising, skin-irritating, stimulating, circulation-supporting effect
The leaves and needles are best used before flowering
Use as tea, wine, tincture, ointment, bath, spice, pesto, biscuits, etc.
Used in folk medicine for states of exhaustion, memory loss, stomach and muscle cramps, low blood pressure, nervous heart complaints and menstrual cramps,
A bath to invigorate and stimulate should always be taken in the morning or before strenuous activities - never in the evening, because otherwise you'll be chirpy
Interesting: Sprinkle stalks over the barbecue grill - this keeps insects away
Be careful with high blood pressure!

Pleasant: Lat. artemisia vulgaris – perennial

Also known as broomweed, wild wormwood, goosegrass or stickweed
Belongs to the composite family
Mugwort belongs to the St John's wort family and is also a bridal plant
At the summer solstice, a wreath was made from the herb and thrown into the solstice fire.
The embers were believed to burn away all evil influences and bring good health throughout the year
Has a digestive effect, stimulates the appetite
Mugwort is known as a spice plant that makes Christmas roasts more digestible
Leaves or flowering herb and roots are used
Used as tea, baths, tincture, aperitif, wine, desserts, spice, salt and much more.
In folk medicine, mugwort is used to treat stomach disorders, bad breath, bile and liver problems, haemorrhoids, nervous disorders, menstrual cramps, cystitis, abdominal complaints, during childbirth and much more.
Tip: Herbal pillow with dried herbs - for a deep and restful sleep!
Caution if you are allergic to composite plants!

Roseroot: Lat. rhodiola rosea – perennial

Also known as golden root or rose root
Belongs to the family of the thick-leaved plants - perennial
The rhizome and leaves are used
The root of the plant is said to make you wide awake and allows the brain to perform miracles
Strengthens the brain, heals wounds, stimulates blood circulation, invigorates
The root emits a pleasant rose-like odour - which gives the plant its name
Use as tea, extract, tincture, powder
Whenever there is a weakening, whether due to illness or overexertion or simply because a person is old and tired, roseroot can help
Interesting: In a comparative study of gingko, ginseng and roseroot, researchers found that extracts from roseroot can counteract genetic changes and slow down the growth of tumours

Balsam herb: Lat. cedronella canariensis – perennial

Also called lemon balsam or lemon shrub
Belongs to the labiate family
The leaves of this small shrub are used for herbal teas and scented mixtures
The herb, leaves and flower buds are used
Has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant, relaxing and refreshing effect
Used as tea, drinks, tincture, oil, cosmetics, etc.
In folk medicine, it is used for poor circulation, bronchitis and coughs, laryngitis, mild headaches and aching limbs, bruises, etc.
Caution: too much can lead to headaches

Motherwort: Lat. tanacetum parthenium –perennial

Also known as feverfew, bertram, golden feather or lady's mint
Belongs to the composite family
Close relatives are tansy and camomile
Leaves and flowers are used
Has an antispasmodic, antipyretic, calming, appetite-stimulating, analgesic and uterine stimulating effect
In folk medicine, feverfew is considered THE herb for migraines and headaches
Used as a tea, syrup, powder or tincture
A face pack or toner can be helpful for skin blemishes or spots on the face
Caution if you are allergic to composite plants!

Lemon verbena: Lat. artemisia abrotanum – perennial

Also known as lemon herb, cola herb, garden herb, aberganz, elf's wheel, lapwort or boar's rice
Belongs to the composite family
It is said that if someone wants to have a girl for his sweetheart, he must secretly slip her a tuft of wild rue - the girl will then come to him of her own accord.
Its relatives are mugwort and wormwood
The upper parts of the herb are used
Stimulates the stomach and bile, has a diuretic and diaphoretic effect
Used as facial tonic, essence, bitters, tea, spice, drinks
In folk medicine, it is used against weakness, to stimulate the digestive organs, against worms, for chronic bronchial catarrh, as an ointment against frostbite, for snake bites
Interesting fact: Rue is a substitute for incense when smoking - the herb in the wardrobe repels moths
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy!

Caraway: Lat. carum carvi – biennial

Also known as cumin, field cumin, meadow cumin, bread cumin or sheaf cumin
Belongs to the umbellifer family
The fruits are used
Caraway is one of the oldest spices used in our culture
Caraway was sprinkled in the stables to keep diseases at bay
Has an appetising, anti-bloating, digestive and antispasmodic effect
Used as tea, oil, wine, vinegar, liqueur, spice, tincture, mouthwash, bath etc.
Used in folk medicine for coughs, nervous stomach disorders, flatulence, promotes lactation, relieves indigestion and bloating
Interesting fact: When sowing the seeds, you should really scold them - this supposedly stimulates them to germinate!

Valerian: Lat. valeriana officinalis – perennial

Also known as eyewort, tripod, woundwort, cat's bane, moonwort or elfwort
Belongs to the valerian family
The flowers and root are used
Baldur, the light-filled god of the Germanic tribes, is said to have given the plant its name because, like him, the plant was compassionate and blessed those who needed help.
Has a calming, sleep-promoting, nerve-strengthening, heart-soothing, antispasmodic, analgesic, antihypertensive, anti-bloating, eye-strengthening effect.
Used as a tea, tincture, wine, bath, sleeping pillow, powder, plant slurry, etc.
Used in folk medicine for palpitations, insomnia, nervousness, menopausal symptoms, anxiety e.g. before exams, cramps, migraines, fluttering heart, etc.
Interesting fact: cats are completely crazy about the root

Marigold: Lat. calendula officinalis – annual

Also known as the wart flower, usury flower, death flower, month flower, garden marigold or fall flower
Belongs to the composite family
The flowers are used
If the flowers have not opened by 7.00 a.m., this means that rain is expected
Anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antiseptic, emollient, antispasmodic, blood-purifying, vermifuge, diaphoretic
Use as tea, oil, tincture, ointment, poultice, bath, cosmetics, spice blossoms and much more.
In folk medicine, marigold is used for detoxification, for chapped skin and skin problems, abscesses, sprains, etc., for inflammation of the mucous membranes, vein problems, purulent nail bed inflammation, warts, dandruff and much more.
Marigold is also a colouring agent (petals) - also known as false saffron Caution if you are allergic to composite flowers!

Cistus: Lat. cistus incanus – perennial

Also called cistus herb or cistus herb
Belongs to the cistus family
The small twigs, leaves, flowers and resin (labdanum) are used
The wood of the plant is said to protect against evil eyes and should be carried as a talisman
Has a detoxifying, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immune-boosting effect
Used as a tea, syrup, ointment, powder, concentrate, etc.
Used in folk medicine for Lyme disease, as a flu remedy and "life prolonger", for wounds, detoxification, acne, gastrointestinal disorders, compresses for arthrosis and rheumatism
The resin is used as a substitute for frankincense, but is also processed into ointments or used in the cosmetics industry

Mädesüss: Lat. Filipendula ulmaria – perennial

Also known as the meadow queen, elm, spirea, wild lilac or meadow whisker
Belongs to the rose family
Leaves and flowers are used
The German name comes from "mead" - leaves were added to mead, giving the drink not only the strong honey scent but also the almond flavour
Has an analgesic, diaphoretic, diuretic and haemostatic effect
The flowers in particular contain large amounts of salicylic acid compounds (aspirin!)
Used as tea, beer, drinks, desserts, facial cosmetics, colouring agents, etc.
Used in folk medicine for colds, flu, rheumatic complaints, headaches, blood purification, swollen legs
Tip: A foot bath with a strong tea extract has a very soothing and decongestant effect

Fragrant violet: Lat. viola odorata – perennial

Also known as lady's-stems, swallow flower or March violet
Belongs to the violet family
Leaves, flowers and roots are used
The first three violet flowers found each year are said to have very special healing powers - eat them and you will stay healthy all year round
Has an expectorant, blood-purifiying, antihypertensive, relaxing and analgesic effect
Used as tea, syrup, salad, pesto, vinegar, edible flowers, cosmetics and hair care products, compresses, baths, etc.
Used in folk medicine for internal cleansing, varicose veins, and blocked veins, coughs, asthma, whooping cough, lung conditions, skin diseases, acne, burns and much more
Tip: a facial lotion with violets makes a valuable facial lotion that gives soft, fresh skin

cheesy polar or wild mallow: Lat. malva sylvestris – annual to biennial

Also called rose poplar, goose poplar, claw flower or blue mallow
Belongs to the mallow family
To determine whether an older woman could still have children, urine was poured onto cheese poplars. If they withered, she was proven to be infertile; if they remained green, she was able to have children
Has a wound-healing, soothing, expectorant and emollient effect
The flowering herb and flowers are used
Used as tea, tincture, syrup, sauces, soups, salads, desserts, compresses, baths, cosmetics
Used in folk medicine for catarrhs of the airways, coughs, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines, ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, eye complaints, diarrhoea, lichen, rashes, cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, colds, flu, haemorrhoids, nail bed inflammaion, eczema, etc.
Tip: the fruits can be eaten raw or cooked

Lemon-Thyme: Lat. thymus citriodorus – perennial

Belongs to the labiate family
Mild thyme with a beguiling, spicy fragrance
The above-ground herb is used
Has an expectorant, invigorating, nerve-strengthening, antiseptic and expectorant effect, etc.
Ideal for flavouring vinegars and oil or adding to food
The woody stems have a slightly bitter flavour - use only the leaves if necessary
Use as tea, spice, syrup, salt, herb butter, for desserts, scented cushions, baths, etc.
Used in folk medicine in the same way as garden thyme, altough the medicinal effect is not as strong - lemon thyme is used all the more in the kitchen.
Tip: Use dried lemon thyme together with other feel-good herbs to make a relaxing herbal pillow!

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