What is Fennel?

Scientific and medicinal info
The fennel plant loves the sun and is native to the Mediterranean area. The leaves are fine and feathery, and the yellow flowers are bunched in an umbrella-shaped fan. All parts of the plant are used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The seeds taste strongly of licorice and make a nice addition to teas, especially if you are suffering from digestive or abdominal complaints. The fennel bulb can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Fennel is closely related to the carrot.

What is Damiana?

Scientific and medicinal info
Damiana is a low-growing plant that loves dry soil and plenty of rocks. It’s native to Mexico, Central and South America. The flowers are yellow and small, and damiana bears a small sweet-smelling fruit as well. It’s used as an herbal remedy to enhance sexual performance, as well as a very long list of other physical ailments.

What is Copal?

Scientific and medicinal info
Copal is actually a resin, not an herb. Resins are solidified pieces of plant sap, and they are very fragrant when burned. Copal comes from various species of the Bursera tree, in Mexico and South America. There are 3 varities of copal: white, gold and black. Each has its own subtle differences in scent.

What is Cinnamon?

Scientific and medicinal info
Cinnamon is actually aromatic tree bark, one of the few herbs that is not a seed, root or leaf. The trees are native to various parts of Southeast Asia. Cinnamon is an extremely popular spice used in all forms of baking and cooking. Be careful with cinnamon oil. In a pure or essential state, it can be very irritating to the skin.

What is Carnation?

Scientific and medicinal info
Carnation flowers are as popular as roses in cut bouquets, but they can last for weeks once cut. Carnations grow in low shrubs, and are native to the Mediterranean area. These plants are quite hardy and have a clove-like aroma when fresh and growing. Colours range from white to many shades of pink, red and yellow.

What is Broom?

Scientific and medicinal info
Broom is a small shrubby plant, with small round leaves and aromatic yellow flowers. The bright flowers are great for attracting bees to your garden. It’s sometimes considered a weed plant in fields with sandy soil. When the plant is dried, the long and thin branches stay tough which is why it was used in broom-making (hence the name). Broom is toxic and should not be used in teas, or any other form that requires ingesting the plant.