YERBA MATE
The mate shrub (Ilex paraguariensis), also known as the mate tree, is an evergreen plant from the holly family, cultivated across many South American countries and still found growing wild in some regions. Traditionally, mate tea is prepared in South America by steeping the dried leaves in a calabash gourd and drinking it through a bombilla, a metal straw with an integrated filter. For much of the population in southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and parts of Bolivia and Chile, this stimulating tea is an essential part of daily life.
BIRCH LEAVES
The birch tree (Betula pendula) belongs to the Betulaceae family and includes around 40 species, with a range extending from Central Europe to Asia and North America. It is known for its black-and-white, paper-y bark. Both the leaves and the bark of the birch tree have a long history of use, valued for both internal and external applications in traditional medicine practices.
HORSETAIL
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has a diuretic effect and has traditionally been used since ancient times to support bladder and urinary tract health. It contains a wealth of beneficial compounds, including silica, potassium salts, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic acids, alkaloids, essential oils, phytosterols, and triterpenic acids. In early spring, horsetail appears as a pale yellow, stem-like plant. Later, green summer shoots emerge, which were once commonly used for polishing metal. Around 400 million years ago, horsetail grew as tall as trees, forming vast forests alongside giant ferns and mosses. Like these ancient plants, horsetail does not produce flowers but reproduces through spores.
THYME
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been valued for its revitalising properties since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, a sprig of thyme was considered a symbol of courage and strength. It was also commonly burned as incense in ceremonies to honour the gods. Thyme has been used for a wide range of applications in traditional medicine and remains popular to this day, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine.
SHEPHERD'S PURSE
Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a widely distributed plant from the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is characterised by its small, heart-shaped seed pods, which resemble the pouches carried by shepherds. The plant thrives along roadsides, in fields, and on barren lands. In traditional herbal medicine, shepherd’s purse has been valued for its blood-staunching properties. It contains biogenic amines such as acetylcholine and tyramine, as well as flavonoids, saponins, and potassium salts.
DANDELION ROOT
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been recognised in herbal medicine since ancient times. Its active compounds are found in nearly all parts of the plant, though they are most concentrated in the roots. Among its most important bioactive compounds are bitter substances, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, a unique class of compounds primarily found in the Asteraceae family. Dandelions produce these substances both as a defence mechanism against herbivores and as plant hormones. Due to their high bioactivity, they are of significant interest in research. Key bitter compounds in dandelion include tetrahydroiridentin B, ainslioside, and taraxacin. Additionally, dandelion is rich in the triterpene taraxasterol, which is associated with numerous beneficial properties. Other valuable components include sterols such as sitosterol, coumarins, flavonoids, choline, B vitamins, vitamin A, potassium, and inulin.
MARIGOLD
The marigold (Calendula officinalis) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely found across Europe. It has strinkingly bright yellow and orange flowers and is commonly seen in gardens. The petals are the most frequently used part of the plant, traditionally dried for tea preparations or extracted for herbal remedies.
