1. Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Camomile has been one of the principal medicinal plants to be found in the European home pharmacy for centuries. Its blossoms are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and soothing properties. It is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, mouth and throat inflammations as well as skin irritation and minor injuries. Camomile is mainly administered as a tea, steam bath or in compresses.
2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita ‘Mitcham’)
The fresh scent of peppermint has always made it a popular medicinal plant and herb. Antispasmodic, soothing and refreshing properties are ascribed to its leaves. It has been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, colds and minor headaches. Peppermint is used mainly as a tea, for inhalation or for external application as an oil and compress.
3. Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’)
Few other medicinal plants have been so widely used for centuries as sage with its silver-green leaves and spicy scent. Anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiperspirant properties are attributed to it. Sage has been used traditionally to treat mouth and throat disorders, colds and to support digestion. It also has many uses in the kitchen, for example to impart a strong, aromatic flavour to pasta, butter dishes, meat, vegetables or herbal teas. In the home pharmacy sage is used mostly as a tea, mouthwash or for inhalations.
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
In antiquity, aromatic thyme was already regarded as a valuable plant to treat and strengthen the respiratory tract. Mucolytic, disinfectant and antispasmodic properties are ascribed to it. Thyme is still appreciated today especially to treat colds, coughs and respiratory tract disorders. It is also a popular herb for use in the kitchen and adds a piquant touch to vegetable, potato, meat or Mediterranean dishes. In the home pharmacy, thyme is used mostly as a tea, syrup, for inhalation or as a bath additive.
5. Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Bright marigold blossoms have made this flower a popular plant in the medicinal garden and home pharmacy for centuries. Anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and soothing properties are attributed to it. Traditionally, marigold has been used to treat minor injuries, skin irritations and dry or sensitive skin. At the same time, the edible flowers are also popular in the kitchen as a colourful addition to salads, herbal butter or tea blends. Marigold is used mainly as an ointment, oil, tincture or in the form of compresses.
6. Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Often growing unnoticed by the wayside, ribwort plantain is one of Europe’s oldest known medicinal plants. Anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties are attributed to it. It is still widely used today especially to treat coughs, colds and minor injuries or insect bites. A rustic bandage for minor injuries or skin irritation has also traditionally been made from crushed fresh leaves. Ribwort plantain is used mainly as a tea, syrup, ointment, fresh compress or by direct application of the leaves.
7. St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
When its golden-yellow flowers bloom in summer, St John’s wort reminds us of its long tradition as a plant that can be used to treat both body and mind. Mood-lifting, soothing and beneficial properties are attributed to it. Traditionally, St John’s wort has been used to treat nervous agitation, sleep disorders and sensitive or irritated skin. It is applied mainly as a tea, oil or in tincture form.
8. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
For centuries the refined scent of lavender has been a distinctive feature of monastery and medicinal gardens in the Mediterranean region. Calming, relaxing and balancing properties are ascribed to it. Traditionally, lavender has been valued for the treatment of nervous agitation, sleep problems and stress. The flowers are also used in the kitchen and impart a refined aromatic touch to desserts, syrups, teas and herbal mixtures. Lavender is used mainly as a tea, in scented sachets, as a bath additive or essential oil.
9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Its tangy fragrance already makes rosemary one of the most typical medicinal and aromatic plants of the Mediterranean region. Stimulating, blood flow enhancing and fortifying properties are attributed to it. Traditionally, rosemary has been used to treat fatigue, circulatory complaints and to facilitate the digestion. It is also a versatile kitchen plant and imparts an intense aroma to potato dishes, vegetables, meat, bread and Mediterranean meals. In the home pharmacy, rosemary is used mainly as a tea, bath additive, for friction or as an essential oil.
10. Verbena (Verbena officinalis)
In antiquity, verbena was already highly prized as an outstanding medicinal plant and symbolically venerated in many cultures. Soothing, fortifying and balancing properties are attributed to it. Verbena is still used nowadays to treat nervous irritation, exhaustion and colds. It is used mainly as a tea, tincture or bath additive.
11. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Bright nasturtium flowers have long since made the plant a valued item in the traditional home pharmacy. Antibacterial, mucolytic and fortifying properties are attributed to it. It is still mainly used nowadays to treat colds and assist the respiratory and urinary tracts. Nasturtium is used as a tea or tincture and also in the fresh state in cooked dishes and salads.
12. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
The purple coneflower originates from North America and was already used by the indigenous peoples as a versatile medicinal plant. It is particularly sought after to support the immune system and fortify the body’s own defences. Traditionally, echinacea has been used to treat colds and infections and generally strengthen the metabolism. The leaves and roots are widely used, often in the form of tea, tinctures or drops.
