Borage (Borago officinalis) came all the way from Syria some thousand years ago. This exotic plant not only survived and adapted but also managed to cover in bright blue vast territories all around the world, from Greece to Italy, Spain to North America. Borage can grow and multiply on its own by letting its multitude of seeds do the job but some people choose to have this specific plant in their gardens and so they carefully buy and plant the seeds in the soil.

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) can be found mostly on deserted pieces of land and it can be quite invasive once it starts growing and developing deep roots and prickly leaves. The plant is definitely a nuisance for the farmers but such a blessing for the herbalists. They start picking the young leaves, stems and yellow flowers in late spring and setting them to dry in cool, airy places, away from direct sunlight in order to keep the chemical components intact. 

The Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a well know species of wild shrubs that can be found in Europe, Asia and even parts of Africa. The bush is practically covered in thorns and it can be easily recognized by its multitude of purple, small and quite sour fruits. The blackthorn’s flowers, leaves and berries have important properties but handpicking them one by one is quite a slow and laborious job. 

Who would have thought that brambles can actually be useful? The thorny, clingy bushes that invade our shady gardens and make forests so unpleasant to walk through have some purpose after all. Besides the making of that black, seedy and quite tasty jam, blackberry leaves and even roots are being used by people to treat different conditions like sore throats, painful oral ulcerations, dysentery or diarrhea.

Other names: Lavandula Angustifolia, Lavande, Spike Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Alhucema

Ornamental shrub with violet or blue flowers and unmistakable scent, Lavender is indigenous to the alpine region of the Mediterranean  and widely cultivated for culinary use and essential oil extraction. Used as a flavor agent in foods and beverages, Lavender is also a fragrance component in cosmetics, perfumes and potpourris. Lavender is a valuable insect repellent , protecting from fleas, moths and mosquitoes.

Also known as : Convallaria majalis, Clochette des Bois, May Lily, Our Lady’s Tears, Muguet

Other names : Mentha longifolia, Biblical Mint, Menthe Blanche, Menthe Sylvestre, Wild Mint

Native to Europe, central and western Asia and Southern and Northern Africa, English Horsemint is a peppermint-scented, invasive plant of the spontaneous flora, with many subspecies and hybrids. Due to its lower content of menthol (volatile oil), English Horsemint is less irritating than crop species (Mentha Piperita)  and the higher concentration of tannins makes it more suited for enterocolitis.

Also known as : Hyssopus Officinalis, Herbe Sainte, Ysop, Herbe de Joseph

Native to Southern Europe and Middle East, Hyssop is a cleansing, medicinal plant belonging to the mint family, mentioned several times in the Bible for its purifying qualities. Treasured by bee keepers, Hyssop  can be used as an aromatic condiment, as a flavor in liqueurs or as a fragrance agent in soaps and cosmetics.

Other names : Gypsophila Paniculata, Saponaria Blanca, Nube, Velo de Novia

Native to Southeastern Europe, part of Caryophyllaceae family, White Soapwort is a delicate white or pink flower, frequently included in bridal bouquets. The name seems to come from the Middle Ages, from Franciscan and Dominican monks, who considered the plant a divine gift, meant to keep them clean.  Boiled in water, White Soapwort leaves can be used as a soap substitute, having detergent properties and removing grease.

Alternative names : Linum usitatissimum, Common Flax, Keten, Lignans

Part of Linaceae family, Linum is a textile plant, similar to Cotton, indigenous to temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Both the seed of the plant (flaxseed) and seed oil are used for medicinal purposes and are a natural source of omega-3 and dietary fiber. Administered before a meal, flaxseed decreases appetite, supporting weight loss and prevents cholesterol absorption, diabetes and obesity.