Medicinal plants

In so-called rational phytotherapy, medicinal plants are processed into standardised finished products (phytotherapeutics) using scientific methods and then also used in conventional medicine. They are also an important component in many alternative healing methods. In contrast to rational phytotherapy, traditional phytotherapy does not rely on isolated individual extracts, but uses complete extracts obtained from whole plants or parts of plants, usually in the form of teas or infusions.

Herbal medicines are used for the following complaints: Gastrointestinal diseases, diseases of the respiratory tract, diseases of the urogenital tract, cardiovascular complaints, nervous disorders, sleep disorders, gynaecology, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and skin diseases.

Medicinal plants of the month

Meadowsweet

Even in Celtic times, meadowsweet was considered one of the most important medicinal plants of the Druids. The flowers and the herb are still used today as medicinal drugs, and parts of the plant are also used in the kitchen.

Mallow

Mallow leaves - colloquially known as cheese poplar - have a long tradition in local folk medicine and are used in tea infusions, for example.

Yarrow

Yarrow has long had an important place in the rural medicine chest, especially as a remedy for women's ailments, digestive problems and wounds as a tea or bath.

St John's Wort

St John's wort has always been considered a mood enhancer. In the past, it was used to banish evil spirits from the mind, but today it is used to combat depressive moods.

Elderflowers

The black elder has been known since time immemorial. In early summer, it bears large white flowers that taste delicious. But it is not only used in the kitchen, it is also very popular as a medicinal plant.

Comfrey

Comfrey has been regarded as a medicinal plant since time immemorial: the Latin genus name Symphytum and the German genus name "Beinwell" refer to the wound- and bone-healing properties of this plant.

Marigold

The marigold has been used as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages. Its name comes from the Latin term officina for the room in which medicines were produced.

Spring cowslip

The spring cowslip, also known as primrose, is a medicinal plant with a long history: it was already used in the Middle Ages as a proven medicine, especially for coughs.

Common shepherd's purse

The common shepherd's purse comes from the cruciferous family. In folk medicine, it is used in the broadest sense to stop bleeding.

Last updated: 12.09.2024

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