Baobab: source of great potential
The Adansonia digitata, belonging to the Bombacaceae family, is a mighty tree with a huge trunk, more or less fibrous and spongy inside. The botanical name, Adansonia digitata, owes its name to the French scholar Michel Adanson, who in the 18th century first provided a detailed description of the plant; and also to the […]
Crespira: use, properties, and tradition
The Berberis vulgaris L., commonly known as Crespino, belongs to the Berberidaceae family. The name Berberis seems to be linked to the brightness of the leaves; in fact, the Greek word “berberi” indicates shiny mother-of-pearl. In Italy, it owes its name to the Latin “acrispinum“, which means “with sharp thorns.” Crespino is a […]
Ceterach: use, properties, and tradition
The Ceterach officinarum, belonging to the Aspleniaceae family, also known as Cedracca, Stonebreaker Herb, or Rust Herb; comes from the Latin ceterum = the rest, the remaining; that is, everything that the body cannot expel, primarily residing in the kidneys and bladder as stones, sand, etc. The term stonebreaker is derived from the remedy’s ability […]
Alchemilla: the herb of alchemists
Alchemilla vulgaris belongs to the Rosaceae family. Its common names are “Star Herb” for its light green flowers, arranged in two whorls of four sepals each, giving it a star-like appearance. Alternatively, it’s known as “Fan Herb” for its leaves with seven to eleven toothed lobes. The term Alchemilla stems from alchemy, as […]
Ivy: a tonifying vine
Hedera helix, commonly called Ivy, is an evergreen vine whose sterile branches, with the help of short and dense adventitious roots, can creep up walls, rocks, and trees to heights of up to 10 meters. Botanical characteristics of Ivy: The flowering branches are erect and rootless. The leaves are leathery, of variable size (5-10 cm […]
Motherwort: the plant for the heart and psycho-physical relaxation
Leonurus cardiaca L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family (formerly Labiateae), was already known to the Greeks for its effects on the heart. During the Middle Ages, it was cultivated in monastery gardens. Historically, Motherwort was used for uterine infections and pregnancy-related stress. Its English name, Motherwort (mother’s grass), suggests its effectiveness in cases of menstrual […]
Artemisia absinthium: history, properties, and tradition
Artemisia absinthium is a composite plant widespread in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It is found spontaneously in the Mediterranean region up to the subalpine zone, and its flowering occurs between July and September. In Italy, it thrives in arid and rocky soils, from sea level to 1000 meters altitude, and is absent on […]
Agrimony: usage, properties, and tradition
Agrimonia, or Agrimonia eupatoria L., belonging to the Rosaceae family, is also known as St. William’s herb or the Eupatorium of the Greeks. Its name is derived from Mithridates Eupator Dionysus, the king of Pontus (1st century BC), who, according to tradition, introduced the plant for therapeutic purposes. Historical uses: The Greeks and Romans utilized […]
