Chicory is a plant, that grows in meadows, forest glades, grassy slopes, often as a weed in wastelands, fields, near roads, near settlements. It is found in Eurasia, North Africa. As an invasive species, it is found in South Africa, North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. Chicory is used as flavoring and aromatic additives to various food products: coffee and coffee drinks, confectionery. Chicory root contains polysaccharide inulin (up to 49%). Pharmacists use it as a prebiotic - a substance that has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora.
Olive trees have been cultivated in the Mediterranean since ancient times. They were revered as sacred plants. The ancient Greeks considered Olive trees the creation of the goddess of wisdom and justice Athena. Even now the olive tree is a symbol of holiness, abundance, peace, victory, wisdom, health, and a long, fruitful life. Olive trees are exposed all year round to hot sunlight and the salubrious sea climate of the Mediterranean. This gives unique properties to the fruit, and to the olive leaves. Archaeological documents confirm that the beneficial properties of the olive leaf were known to poeple several thousand years ago. The olive leaf, which has a strong antimicrobial effect, was used to mummify deceased kings. It has also been used since ancient times to heal as an anti-febrile remedy and to heal purulent wounds. A decoction of olive leaves is useful for normalizing blood pressure.
Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Laurel, or Bay, is a subtropical tree or shrub. Its leaves have long been used as a seasoning. Laurel leaves and oil are widely used in world cuisines. Laurel leaves give dishes a pleasant light aroma and a bitter, spicy taste. They are used both fresh and dried, sometimes ground into powder.
Rosehips are rich in vitamin C, its average content of which is about 6%. Rose hips are also rich in vitamins A, K, P, E, B vitamins. The complex of trace elements that is contained in rose hips includes: potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, chromium, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, and manganese. Rosehip contains sugars, pectins, tannins, organic acids, essential oil and many other substances
Thyme is one of the main aromatic herbs of French cuisine and is included in the "bouquet garni" and “Herbes de Provence”, and in Spain, Greece and Turkey, thyme oil is used for pickling olives.
Stinging nettle, or simply nettle, is considered a storehouse of vitamins: ascorbic acid (twice as much as in black currant berries), K, E, A and B vitamins.
Viola tricolor, commonly known as heartsease, or wild pancy, is a short herbaceous plant that is often grown as an ornamental plant. The herb of the plant contains a wide variety of substances: flavonoids, salicylic acid, anthocyanins, saponin, vitamin A, vitamin C, tannins, inulin. Viola herb has a beneficial effect on the condition of the blood vessels in the human body. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels and prevent the occurrence of certain diseases of the cardiovascular system. Flavonoids in Viola have strong antioxidant properties, thanks to which they neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals on the body.
Dandelion is familiar to everyone. It is one of the first summer flowers that covers meadows, roadsides and city courtyards with a bright yellow blanket. Almost all parts of the plant are edible. You can prepare delicious dishes from them, like vitamin salads from fragrant leaves, soups.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has a lot of other common names: blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle. This kind of thistle has red to purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves with white veins.