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Opinions differ on the origin of dandelion’s genus name, Taraxacum. Some believe that it derives from the Persian talkh chakok, “bitter herb.” Others propose that it derives from the Greek taraxos, “disorder,” and akos, “remedy.” Still others believe it could be derived from the Greek taraxia, “eye disorder,” and akeomai, “to cure,” as the plant was traditionally used as a remedy for eyes.
The common name dandelion derives from the French dent de lion, “tooth of the lion,” in reference to the jagged shape of the leaves.

Dandelion is considered one of the five most nutritious vegetables on Earth. It fosters spiritual openness and encourages the letting go of fear and trust in one’s own ability to cope with life. It is beneficial for those who love life but overextend themselves. Dandelion is also used to help clear the body of old emotions such as anger and fear that can be stored in the liver and kidneys.

Taraxacum officinalis

Physiological Effects (flower):

anodyne, cardiotonic, emollient, hepatic, vulnerary

Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, even in large amounts and even during pregnancy. However, as is the case with any plant, there is always a possibility of an allergic reaction. There have been a very few cases reported of abdominal discomfort, loose stools, nausea, and heartburn associated with dandelion. The fresh latex of the plant can cause contact dermatitis in some sensitive individuals. Consult with a qualified health-care practitioner prior to using dandelion in cases of obstructed bile duct or gallstones. Some individuals that have gastric hyperacidity may find that excessive use of dandelion leaf aggravates the condition.

There are several species of laurel; but the most famous and oldest known is the common laurel, which is also called Apollo's laurel, because its branches have always been used to make crowns for victors.

It is said to be safe from lightning : this privilege would justify its symbolism of glory and triumph in addition to being dedicated to Apollo. The laurel tree carries with it the feeling of enthusiasm. But if this tree is the brilliant symbol of all kinds of triumph, it is more glorious for its attribute of clemency. This divine virtue, personified, is represented in ancient medals under the figure of a woman holding a pike and a laurel branch.
The laurel is linked, like all plants that remain green in winter, to the symbolism of immortality. A symbolism that was undoubtedly not lost on the Romans when they made it the emblem of glory, both of arms and of the spirit.
This symbolism of immortality is also known in China: the moon is said to contain a laurel and an Immortal. It is at the foot of the laurel that the moon hare crushes simple plants, from which it extracts the drug of immortality.

Physiological effets (flower)

antiseptic, digestive stimulant, carminative, lung disinfectant, air purifier, anti-inflammatory, analgesic

Allergic reactions are possible due to the presence of substances called sesquiterpene lactones.

Hop/ Houblon/ Hops :

The genus name, Humulus, derives from the Latin humus, “earth,” in reference to the manner in which the plant creeps across the ground. The species name, lupulus, comes from the Latin lupus, “wolf,” in reference to the plant’s aggressive growth, which tends to smother other plants around it. The common name hops comes from the Latin hoppan, “to climb,” in reference to the plant being a climbing vine.

It stimulates physical and spiritual progress and improves group interaction. Hops also can be made into sachets and placed in pillowcases as a sleeping aid and to prevent nightmares. However, the most well-known use of hops is in making beer, for which hops have been used since the Middle Ages; it functions as a preservative and also imparts a bitter flavor.

Physiological effets (flower)

Anaphrodisiac, anodyne, anthelmintic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge, galactagogue, hypnotic, lithotriptic, muscle relaxant, nervine, sedative, soporific, stomachic

Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of depression. Use in conjunction with pharmaceutical sedatives only under the guidance of a qualified health-care professional, as it may exacerbate their effects.

Calendula officinalis

The genus and common name is derived from the Latin calendae, meaning “the first day of the month”, in reference to the fact that its flower opens as the sun rises and can be found blooming in some parts of the world every month. The species name, officinalis, refers to the plant being an official herb of the apothecaries in Europe.

Herbalists recommend calendula to improve eyesight, clear the head, and encourage cheerfulness. As a flower essence, it is helpful for those who listen only superficially and speak hurtfully and argumentatively. It helps increase understanding and receptivity and it encourages warmth, sensitivity, and better communication.

Physiological effets (flower)

Alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, calmative, choleretic, demulcent, diaphoretic, immune stimulant, vulnerary

Generally regarded as safe.

Rozemarijn/ Romarin/ Rosemary :

Rosmarinus officinalis

The genus and common name derive from the Latin ros, “dew,” and marinus, “of the sea,” in reference to the origins of the plant on the Mediterranean coast.

Rosemary has long been considered a symbol of friendship, loyalty, and remembrance. Ancient Greek scholars would wear laurels of rosemary on their heads to help them stay sharp and to keep their memories clear when taking examinations. In some traditions brides wear a wreath of rosemary and carry it in their bridal bouquet as a symbol of their remembrance of their families and their marriage vows. As a flower essence, rosemary encourages users to be less forgetful and more aware, more present in their body, and more conscious. It strengthens the heart and mind and helps users receive strength from their loved ones. It also can be burned in sick rooms to refresh and purify the air.

Salie/ Sauge/ Sage :

The genus name Salvia, from which the common name derives, itself derives from the Latin salvus, “healthy.” (Salvus itself comes from the verb Salvare: to save). The name was given to the plant because of its medicinal properties. Salvia in Latin = "that which saves".

The desire of sage is to make humans immortal. The rituals of the Egyptians, the Gauls and the Romans attest to this reality, with a slightly different meaning than the one we give to immortality today: for these ancient civilisations, the exchanges between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead were experienced differently and the reincarnation of the souls was accepted. To make this delicate passage a success, the guardians of the cults and traditions used specific plants with hallucinogenic or euphoric powers and the sage was the queen of them all. A plant capable of restoring life to the dying, healing the soul as well as the body, and which helped women to procreate, could only be a privileged plant in human society... At that time.

In folkloric tradition, sage is used to promote longevity, wisdom and to attract protection and prosperity. Among Native Americans, it is used in shamanic rituals as a powerful incense in many ceremonies. Sage was said to drive away evil spirits or bad feelings. The smoke released when it is burned is said to have protective properties.

Physiological effets (flower)

Anodyne, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, bitter, cardiotonic, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, choleretic, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypertensive, nervine, ophthalmic, rejuvenative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, yang tonic

Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy (though using rosemary moderately to season food is safe). Though rosemary is generally considered so safe that it is a common kitchen herb, extremely large doses could cause convulsions and death

Physiological effets (flower)

Anaphrodisiac, antifungal, antigalactagogue, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antisudorific, aromatic, astringent, brain tonic, carminative, choleretic, circulatory stimulant, emmenagogue, estrogenic, expectorant, diaphoretic, digestive, hypoglycemic, nervine, phytoestrogenic, tonic, vermifuge

Avoid large doses during pregnancy and, because it can dry up a mother’s milk while nursing. Do not use therapeutically for extended periods. Those with epilepsy, high blood pressure, or kidney disease may be adversely affected by the thujone content and should avoid large doses of sage.

Pepermunt/ Menthe poivrée/ Peppermint : :

The genus name, Mentha, is taken from that of Minthe, in Greek mythology a nymph taken by Hades as a lover. Hades’s jealous wife, Persephone, turned Minthe into a peppermint plant.

In folkloric traditions, it is used for purification, attracting love, promoting healing, and enhancing psychic abilities. In the home, peppermint was once used as a strewing herb and stuffed into mattresses to discourage bed bugs and other vermin.

Physiological effets (flower)

Analgesic (topically), anesthetic (topically), anodyne, antibacterial, antiemetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, refrigerant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator

Avoid mint in cases of coldness, such as chills or yin deficiency, and during acute gallstone attack. Pregnant women should ingest no more than 1 to 2 cups daily of peppermint tea. Nursing mothers should avoid large amounts of mint, which can dry breast milk.

Brandnetel/Ortie/Nettle :

Urtica comes from the Latin urere, "to burn", indicating the effect of irritating substances on the leaves. The plant is used for its powers of exorcism, healing and lust. It is said to be helpful in finding harmony in the way one feels emotions, especially anger and fear.

Physiological effets (flower)

alterative, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, depurative, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antianemic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, antihistaminic, immunostimulant, hypotensive, tonic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, carminative, nutritive, decongestant

The use of the plant dates back thousands of years: there are written traces left by Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder, Hippocrates and many ancient Greeks. In addition, Roman soldiers were already using it against muscular fatigue and rheumatism. It is also found in several medical texts dating back to the Middle Ages, so remote is its use as a remedy.

Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 12 years old, asthmatics and people suffering from heart or kidney problems.

Vlierbloesem/ Fleurs de sureau/ Elderflowers :

The genus name, Sambucus, is from the Greek sackbut, the name of a musical instrument made of elder.

Ancient Celts considered the elder a sacred tree, symbolic of birth and death. In many ancient cultures elder was held to be so sacred that it was neither burned as firewood nor used in woodworking lest it bring bad luck to the household, and it was planted by homes and worn in amulets to encourage prosperity, happy marriage, healthy children, and protection from both lightning and evil forces.

Physiological effets (flower)

Alterative, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, astringent, carminative, decongestant, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, discutient, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, laxative, nervine, purgative, rejuvenative, restorative, stimulant (gentle), tonic, vasodilator, vulnerary

Avoid elder in cases of fluid depletion, as elder is a diuretic. Avoid elder bark and root, except under the guidance of a qualified health-care practitioner; although they have medicinal benefits, they are strongly purgative and emetic. Know your species and avoid using redberried elders, as many of them are poisonous.