Avens

Geum Urbanum

Alternative names: Geum Urbanum, Benedict’s Herb, Herbe du Bon Soldat, Colewort

The popular medicine of Romania says that Avens helps regain power after a long suffering or illness and people under a spell or a curse. Ancient healers used Avens for strengthening the bones and various afflictions of the body and soul.

Cramp Bark

Viburnum_Opulus.jpg

Also known as: Viburnum Opulus, Guelder Rose, Viorne Aubier, Kalyna, Cranberry Bush

National symbol in Ukrainian folklore, Cramp Bark is a deciduous shrub and also an ornamental plant with white flowers and bright red berries, growing to 13-16ft tall. Native to Europe and central Asia, Cramp Bark is used in Canada as a substitute for Cranberries, being the ingredient of a piquant jelly. Native Americans smoked Cramp Bark but also used it as a medicine for fluid retention and swollen glands.

Bitter Milkwort

Polygala Amara

Other names: Polygala Amara, European Senega, Flowering Wintergreen, Evergreen Snakeroot

Bitter Milkwort is a perennial, flowering plant, part of Polygalaceae family, found in Europe, Asia but also in South America and Africa. The medicine is usually made from the flowers and the root of the plant. Having delicate flowers with colors varying from pink to intense violet and a mild scent, Bitter Milkwort contains chemicals able to ease chest congestion and disperse mucus, favoring cough and expectoration.