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Medicinal herbs are usually also popular spices in the kitchen herb garden. Many of the herbs used in the dishes also have a healing effect. The list provides information about the most important medicinal herbs.

In a nutshell

  • Medicinal herbs can be found among the umbelliferae and lamiaceae
  • many used as aromatic herbs in the kitchen
  • a medicinal herb used in medicine is recognized by the addition officinalis in the botanical name
  • not always harmless, the active ingredients should always be checked before consumption in large quantities
  • The first medicinal herbs are dated to 3000 BC. dated, the first medical experiments were made by the Greek "Hippocrates of Kos" (approx. 460-370 BC)

Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)

Many herbs that have healing properties come from the umbelliferae family. The natural occurrence here is often in the Mediterranean and in subtropical areas. But these medicinal herb plants can also be cultivated well in the local climatic regions.

Types from A - J

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

  • in diseases of the respiratory tract
  • against cramps and flatulence
  • can trigger allergic reactions
  • annual
  • Flowering July to August
  • Harvest between July and September
  • dry the entire plant
  • sunny sheltered location
  • little watering and fertilizing

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

  • Dill seeds (Anethi fructus)
  • Dill herb (Anethi herba)
  • have a calming effect on the stomach and intestines
  • annual
  • hardy
  • pick young leaves if necessary
  • Dry or freeze leaves
  • sunny sheltered location
  • keep soil moistured

Kinds of K - Z

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

  • Tea has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect
  • against inflammation in the mouth and throat
  • in gingivitis
  • abscessed tonsils
  • against stomach and intestinal problems
  • annual herb
  • The boiled flowers are used
  • sunny location
  • nutrient-rich, dry soil

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

  • diuretic
  • externally for chronic eczema
  • raw contain a lot of vitamin C, magnesium, iron and carotene
  • annual
  • harvest the leaves before flowering
  • Flowering period from May to August
  • partially shaded location
  • water only a little

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Source: Hungda, Rau mùi (ngò) -Coriandrum sativum, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • mainly antispasmodic for gastrointestinal problems
  • Coriander fruits contain essential oils
  • ripe seeds can be used for non-morbid bad breath
  • annual
  • Harvest seeds, fresh leaves and flowers
  • very easy to care for
  • sunny location
  • Support if necessary due to size

Cumin (Carum carvi)

  • often included in tea for milk production
  • helps with flatulence in infants
  • against bloating
  • appetizing
  • biennial
  • hardy
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • very easy to care for
  • also suitable for a pot garden

Tip: You can use cumin in dishes that would otherwise cause bloating, such as broad beans or lentil stew.

Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Levisticum officinale, lovage, maggi herb
  • also known as maggi herb
  • Do not use if you have kidney problems or are pregnant
  • was formerly used as an aphrodisiac
  • helps with flatulence and indigestion
  • perennial herb
  • hardy
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • needs fertilizing with compost in autumn
  • water moderately

Notice: You can recognize a medicinal herb by its botanical name with the addition officinalis. This is derived from Offizin, a term that is used today in the preparation of medicines in pharmacies and the medicinal herb should be used with caution

St. John's herbs (Hypericaceae)

St. John's herbs are also called Hartheus family and form a family of their own, but as medicinal herbs they must be mentioned in medical applications.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
  • is considered a mild antidepressant
  • is often given to women during the menopause
  • do not use without medical advice
  • already known from antiquity
  • perennial
  • slightly toxic
  • agricultural cultivation
  • sunny location
  • easy-care

Notice: There are many different types of St. John's herbs, but they are used less in herb gardens and more in flower beds. For example, St. John's wort (Hypericum polyphyllum) sets colorful accents in walls and rock gardens. Carpet St. John's wort (Hypericum calycinum), on the other hand, is a popular groundcover.

Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)

There are also many popular kitchen herbs in the mint family of plants, which also have a healing effect and can therefore also be counted among the medicinal herbs. When used in small amounts in the kitchen, the healing effect is usually low, but can support other medicines.

Types from A - K

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • only use pure oil sparingly
  • is commonly used in aromatherapy
  • The ingredient estragol is, however, a health risk
  • annual herb
  • sunny location
  • avoid direct midday sun
  • water a lot
  • protect against snails
  • can keep flies away

Savory (Satureja hortensis)

  • as a tea for diarrheal diseases
  • Can also be used for gall, liver and kidney problems
  • as well as expectorants for a persistent cough
  • annual herb
  • found in almost every cottage garden
  • sunny, warm and humid location
  • only fertilize a little
  • goes perfectly with bean dishes

Stinging nettle (Urticae dioica)

Urtica, nettles
  • Burning hairs leave wheals on skin when touched
  • harmless but also very uncomfortable
  • can have a supportive effect on rheumatism
  • as well as gout, diabetes and arthritis
  • externally for boils and fistulas
  • perennial, hardy perennial
  • very easy to care for
  • thrives on all soils
  • sunny to partially shaded location

Types of L - R

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Scent repels insects and moths
  • Lavender oil relaxes and soothes
  • against restlessness and nervous insomnia
  • against circulatory problems
  • blood circulation effect in foot care
  • perennial, hardy shrub
  • warm and sunny location
  • protect in winter with brushwood and mulch on soil

Mint (Mentha)

  • many different types
  • mentholated or fruity-fresh
  • Tea against nausea, intestinal problems
  • can also be used for colds
  • hardy perennial herb
  • strong rhizomes
  • Pot cultivation recommended
  • nutrient-rich, slightly moist soil
  • fertilize with compost
  • sunny, warm location

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • do not use during pregnancy
  • "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2011"
  • Rosemary oil for rheumatic complaints
  • also against circulatory problems
  • promotes blood circulation
  • externally for sprains and bruises
  • perennial subshrub
  • sunny location
  • dry ground
  • needs winter protection

Types from S - Z

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

  • not during pregnancy
  • not in large quantities or for a long period of time
  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • known are sage sweets for sore throat
  • also against digestive problems
  • hardy, perennial subshrub
  • sunny location
  • water and fertilize moderately
  • needs winter protection

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

  • "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2001"
  • "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2006"
  • has an antiseptic effect
  • as a cough reliever for influenza infections
  • externally for inflammatory skin diseases
  • used against sprains and strains
  • perennial subshrub
  • dry, calcareous soil
  • sunny location
  • water and fertilize little

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Melissa officinalis, lemon balm
  • Application in aromatherapy
  • has a calming and balancing effect
  • against nervous insomnia and restlessness
  • hardy perennial perennial
  • sunny location
  • slightly moist soil
  • needs a lot of compost fertilizer
  • can be cultivated in the pot
  • calming effect on the stomach and intestines

Notice: Medicinal herbs are plants with medicinal benefits through healing properties. Nowadays, many medicinal herbs are also assigned to kitchen spices or luxury foods.

Other medicinal herbs and plants

There are also well-known and popular herbs in many other plant families that have a healing effect.

Valerian (Valerianae officinalis)

  • Valerian family (Valerianaceae)
  • do not take for long periods of time
  • better after consultation with the doctor
  • against inner restlessness and sleep disorders
  • hardy
  • perennial
  • roots are used
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • fertilize with lots of compost
  • water enough

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora)

  • The rose family (Rosaceae)
  • do not take during pregnancy
  • against menstrual and menopause symptoms
  • against stomach and intestinal problems
  • Relieving inflammation in the mouth and throat
  • hardy perennial perennial
  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • fertilize regularly with compost
  • prefers clay soil

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

  • Asteraceae family
  • "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2004"
  • do not use during pregnancy
  • Those who are allergic to daisies should avoid the plant
  • antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory
  • is often used like chamomile
  • perennial
  • hardy
  • easy-care
  • sunny location

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

  • daisy family (Asteraceae)
  • can cause allergies
  • Tea against stomach and intestinal diseases
  • helps with loss of appetite
  • subshrub
  • forms rhizomes
  • slightly toxic
  • hardy
  • sunny to partially shaded location

frequently asked Questions

Since when is the healing effect of different plants known?

Birch polypores used to heal wounds were found on the 5,300-year-old “Ötzi” found in the Alps. From Mesopotamia (today's Syria and Iraq) the first records for medicinal plants are from about 3000 BC. known. Scientific medicine was founded around 400 BC. founded by "Hippocrates of Kos" with "Corpus hippocratium".

How many medicinal herbs are used in total?

The power of medicinal herbs has been rediscovered in recent years and has increased as a result of better research into ingredients and old traditions. In the meantime, around 50,0000 plant species are used worldwide for medicines, both in modern medicine as phytopharmaceuticals and traditionally, in homeopathy, Hildegard medicine and in cosmetics.

Medicinal herbs are plants, why should I still be careful when consuming them?

Even if medicinal herbs are natural, plant-based substances, you should always keep in mind that they do not necessarily have to be harmless. Consumed in large quantities, these can also trigger side effects and interactions as well as allergies, as is the case with chemically manufactured substances. In addition, some of the plants classified as medicinal herbs are also slightly poisonous and must not be consumed in large quantities.

What can I do if symptoms of poisoning appear after consumption?

If an emergency has occurred because a child may have put leaves in your mouth that you do not know are poisonous plants, you should seek immediate medical attention or call 911. At the same time, you can also call the poison control center. The staff can help you after the description and tell you if the plant is poisonous and what action should be taken.

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