Explore the herb encyclopedia: properties, uses and where they grow. A green assistant suggests the right plant and explains why.
Tell me what you seek and describe how you feel: I’ll suggest the most fitting herbs and explain why.
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Herbs for you
121 herbs
“The flower that declares love”
Southern Europe and Asia, flower crop.
Description. Ruffled flower in vivid colours, tied to the heart.
What it’s for. Petal or essence for love rituals and skin.
Where it grows: Southern Europe and Asia, flower crop.
“The sage that opens love dreams”
Mediterranean and Caucasus, calcareous soils.
Description. Tall sage with violet flowers, euphoric and sweet.
What it’s for. Oil or tea for mood, cycle and seduction.
Where it grows: Mediterranean and Caucasus, calcareous soils.
“The herb of desire”
Mexico and Central America, dry soils.
Description. Mexican shrub with fragrant leaves, aphrodisiac.
What it’s for. Tea for sensuality, mood and lightness.
Where it grows: Mexico and Central America, dry soils.
“The red flower that opens the heart”
Africa and warm Asia, ornamental flower.
Description. Bright red calyx, tonic and slightly tart.
What it’s for. Infusion for pressure, heart and beauty.
Where it grows: Africa and warm Asia, ornamental flower.
“The white scent of passion”
Tropical Asia, fragrant climber.
Description. Intense white flowers, aphrodisiac and relaxing.
What it’s for. Tea or oil for sensuality, calm and meditation.
Where it grows: Tropical Asia, fragrant climber.
“The purity that enchants”
Northern hemisphere, in gardens and woods.
Description. Elegant flower with pale petals, symbol of purity.
What it’s for. Infusion or bulb for heart, skin and rites.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, in gardens and woods.
“The magic root of love”
Mediterranean and Middle East, sandy soils.
Description. Legendary forked root, aphrodisiac and protective.
What it’s for. Historical use in love and protection rituals (with care).
Where it grows: Mediterranean and Middle East, sandy soils.
“The root of virile strength”
Amazon basin, rainforest.
Description. Amazonian shrub, tonic for energy and desire.
What it’s for. Decoction for vitality, memory and passion.
Where it grows: Amazon basin, rainforest.
“The orange blossom that calms the heart”
Mediterranean, from bitter-orange trees.
Description. Bitter-orange blossoms, noble and soothing scent.
What it’s for. Oil for love, anxiety and sensitive skin.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, from bitter-orange trees.
“The flower of the heart that speaks”
Grown worldwide, native to Asia.
Description. Fragrant petals from pink to crimson, the symbol of love.
What it’s for. Infusion or petals for heart, skin and love rituals.
Where it grows: Grown worldwide, native to Asia.
“The shy flower that enchants”
Europe and Asia, in damp woods.
Description. Fragrant violet flowers, tender and slightly sedative.
What it’s for. Infusion for cough, heart and small rituals.
Where it grows: Europe and Asia, in damp woods.
“The sweet pod that seduces”
Mexico and Madagascar, climbing orchid.
Description. Orchid with a brown pod, warm and enveloping.
What it’s for. Pod or extract for mood, skin and sweetness.
Where it grows: Mexico and Madagascar, climbing orchid.
“The exotic flower of joy”
Tropical Asia, evergreen trees.
Description. Very fragrant yellow flowers, euphoric and sweet.
What it’s for. Oil for sensuality, heart and hair.
Where it grows: Tropical Asia, evergreen trees.
“The spike that shields the aura”
Europe, field edges and hedges.
Description. Plant with yellow flowers and bracts, protective and astringent.
What it’s for. Tea for subtle protection and gut.
Where it grows: Europe, field edges and hedges.
“The leaf of success”
Mediterranean, coasts and hills.
Description. Shrub with glossy leaves, victory and purification.
What it’s for. Leaves for cooking, smoke and protection.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, coasts and hills.
“The warm grain that ignites”
Southwest India, perennial vines.
Description. Pungent black berries, stimulating and warming.
What it’s for. Spice for circulation, digestion and defences.
Where it grows: Southwest India, perennial vines.
“The frond that hides and protects”
Anywhere damp and shady.
Description. Ancient flowerless plant, linked to secrets.
What it’s for. Leaves for invisibility rites and roots.
Where it grows: Anywhere damp and shady.
“The clove that defends”
Central Asia, grown everywhere.
Description. Pungent white bulb, antibacterial and ancient.
What it’s for. Raw or cooked for defences, heart and protection.
Where it grows: Central Asia, grown everywhere.
“The green that wraps and guards”
Europe and Asia, on walls and trees.
Description. Evergreen climber, binds and protects spaces.
What it’s for. Leaves for external use and boundary rites.
Where it grows: Europe and Asia, on walls and trees.
“The berry that purifies the air”
Northern hemisphere, acidic and mountain soils.
Description. Shrub with blue berries, fumigant and disinfectant.
What it’s for. Berries or smoke for spaces, kidneys and defences.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, acidic and mountain soils.
“The sacred branch of peace”
Europe, on host trees in winter.
Description. Semi-parasitic plant with white berries, sacred and protective.
What it’s for. Traditional use for luck and protection (caution).
Where it grows: Europe, on host trees in winter.
“The wand of home rites”
Mediterranean, maquis and coasts.
Description. Aromatic shrub with black berries, purifying.
What it’s for. Leaves or berries for smoke, skin and protection.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, maquis and coasts.
“The spiced seed that fortifies”
Indonesia, trees of the Moluccas.
Description. Brown seed with a warm scent, tonic and protective.
What it’s for. Spice for circulation, mood and defences.
Where it grows: Indonesia, trees of the Moluccas.
“The tree that upholds and shelters”
Northern hemisphere, lowland and hill woods.
Description. Majestic tree with acorns, strength and grounding.
What it’s for. Bark or acorns for courage and stability.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, lowland and hill woods.
“The tear that frees”
Western Asia, universal vegetable.
Description. Layered bulb, detoxifying and antibacterial.
What it’s for. In cooking or poultices for defences and breath.
Where it grows: Western Asia, universal vegetable.
“The bitter herb that banishes”
Mediterranean, on sunny walls.
Description. Bluish herb with strong scent, purifying and protective.
What it’s for. Traditional use for protection and boundaries (external).
Where it grows: Mediterranean, on sunny walls.
“The cushion that guards the home”
Mediterranean, dry coastal gardens.
Description. Grey shrub with button yellow flowers, repellent.
What it’s for. Bundles or oil for insects, spaces and boundaries.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, dry coastal gardens.
“The root that strengthens”
Northern China and Mongolia, grasslands.
Description. Chinese adaptogen root, supports defences.
What it’s for. Tea or capsules for fatigue and immunity.
Where it grows: Northern China and Mongolia, grasslands.
“The warm grain that ignites”
Southwest India, perennial vines.
Description. Pungent black berries, stimulating and warming.
What it’s for. Spice for circulation, digestion and defences.
Where it grows: Southwest India, perennial vines.
“The dark leaf that wakes”
Asia, grown at altitude.
Description. Oxidised leaves rich in theine, tone and vigour.
What it’s for. Infusion for energy, heart and concentration.
Where it grows: Asia, grown at altitude.
“The fragrant seed that warms”
India and Sri Lanka, understorey plants.
Description. Aromatic green seed, digestive and toning.
What it’s for. Spice or tea for breath, focus and warmth.
Where it grows: India and Sri Lanka, understorey plants.
“The warm bark that ignites”
Sri Lanka and Asia, tropical trees.
Description. Brown aromatic bark, circulatory and sweet.
What it’s for. Infusion or spice for circulation, sugar and defences.
Where it grows: Sri Lanka and Asia, tropical trees.
“The fungus that gives breath”
Himalayan plateaus, on larvae.
Description. Energising parasitic fungus, breath and vigour.
What it’s for. Tea or powder for endurance and oxygen.
Where it grows: Himalayan plateaus, on larvae.
“The root of black hair”
Southern China, woody climber.
Description. Chinese tonic root, vitality and youth.
What it’s for. Decoction for energy, hair and kidneys.
Where it grows: Southern China, woody climber.
“The root that warms and wakes”
Tropical Asia, warm moist soils.
Description. Golden spicy rhizome, circulatory and digestive.
What it’s for. Infusion or root for nausea, cold and vitality.
Where it grows: Tropical Asia, warm moist soils.
“The root of vital energy”
East Asia, cool shady woods.
Description. Human-shaped root, adaptogen and restorative.
What it’s for. Tea or extract for fatigue and focus.
Where it grows: East Asia, cool shady woods.
“The seed of Amazonian charge”
Amazon basin, climbing vine.
Description. Seed rich in caffeine, lasting energy and focus.
What it’s for. Powder or drink for fatigue and concentration.
Where it grows: Amazon basin, climbing vine.
“The Andean root that charges”
Andean highlands, volcanic soils.
Description. Peruvian tuberous root, nourishing and tonic.
What it’s for. Powder for energy, hormones and endurance.
Where it grows: Andean highlands, volcanic soils.
“The high-altitude rose that resists”
Rocce artiche e alpine del nord.
Description. Arctic root that fights fatigue and cold.
What it’s for. Extract for fatigue, altitude and mood.
Where it grows: Rocce artiche e alpine del nord.
“The five-flavour berry”
Northeast Asia, wild vine.
Description. Red adaptogen berry, sour and tonic.
What it’s for. Infusion for endurance, liver and focus.
Where it grows: Northeast Asia, wild vine.
“The northern ginseng that sustains”
Siberia and northeast Asia, woods.
Description. Spiny adaptogen shrub, endurance and vigour.
What it’s for. Tea for fatigue and seasonal defences.
Where it grows: Siberia and northeast Asia, woods.
“The green algae that nourishes”
Tropical alkaline lakes and farmed.
Description. Blue-green algae very rich in protein and iron.
What it’s for. Powder or tablets for energy and nourishment.
Where it grows: Tropical alkaline lakes and farmed.
“The leaf that keeps awake”
South America, forest tree.
Description. Toasted green leaves, gentle social energy.
What it’s for. Infusion in a gourd for vitality and conversation.
Where it grows: South America, forest tree.
“The green sword that repairs”
Africa, grown as a succulent ornamental.
Description. Succulent with gel leaves, soothing and hydrating.
What it’s for. Leaf gel for burns, skin and digestion.
Where it grows: Africa, grown as a succulent ornamental.
“The sweet seed that deflates”
Middle East and Mediterranean.
Description. Plant with aromatic seed, carminative and digestive.
What it’s for. Infusion for gas, cough and lactation.
Where it grows: Middle East and Mediterranean.
“The green heart of the liver”
Mediterranean, grown in gardens.
Description. Plant with a big inflorescence, hepatic and detox.
What it’s for. Decoction or food for liver, cholesterol and digestion.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, grown in gardens.
“The scent that opens the stomach”
India and Mediterranean, in pot or garden.
Description. Sacred aromatic herb, digestive and toning.
What it’s for. Fresh or infused for digestion, nerves and bronchi.
Where it grows: India and Mediterranean, in pot or garden.
“The citrus that lifts”
Calabria, in sheltered lemon groves.
Description. Citrus with a famous scent, calming and toning.
What it’s for. Oil or tea for mood, skin and digestion.
Where it grows: Calabria, in sheltered lemon groves.
“The sap that cleanses in spring”
Northern hemisphere, woods and gardens.
Description. Tree with light leaves, diuretic and cleansing.
What it’s for. Leaf infusion or sap for kidneys and skin.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, woods and gardens.
“The flower that refreshes the body”
Mediterranean, wild in gardens.
Description. Hairy herb with blue flowers, refreshing and mineralising.
What it’s for. Leaves in cooking or infusion for skin and kidneys.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, wild in gardens.
“The gold of the skin”
Grown everywhere as a garden flower.
Description. Vivid orange flowers, soothing and renewing for skin.
What it’s for. Infusion or ointment for skin, throat and irritation.
Where it grows: Grown everywhere as a garden flower.
“The noble antioxidant leaf”
East Asia, also grown ornamentally.
Description. Shrub with glossy leaves, base of tea, rich in antioxidants.
What it’s for. Infusion for vitality, heart and skin.
Where it grows: East Asia, also grown ornamentally.
“The warm bark that ignites”
Sri Lanka and Asia, tropical trees.
Description. Brown aromatic bark, circulatory and sweet.
What it’s for. Infusion or spice for circulation, sugar and defences.
Where it grows: Sri Lanka and Asia, tropical trees.
“The fragrant buttons that disinfect”
Indonesia, on the Moluccas.
Description. Dried buds with intense aroma, antiseptic and tonic.
What it’s for. Infusion or oil for toothache, cough and nausea.
Where it grows: Indonesia, on the Moluccas.
“The warm seed that helps”
Western Asia and Mediterranean.
Description. Aromatic brown seed, digestive and iron-rich.
What it’s for. Infusion or spice for digestion and anaemia.
Where it grows: Western Asia and Mediterranean.
“The dandelion that cleans the liver”
Wild in meadows across the world.
Description. Yellow puffball flower, detoxifying root and leaves.
What it’s for. Infusion or salad for liver, digestion and kidneys.
Where it grows: Wild in meadows across the world.
“The root that loosens joints”
Arid South Africa, sandy soils.
Description. African claw-shaped root, anti-inflammatory for bones.
What it’s for. Decoction or capsules for joints and back.
Where it grows: Arid South Africa, sandy soils.
“The fruit of winter”
Hedges across Europe.
Description. Red berries very rich in vitamin C, restoring.
What it’s for. Rose-hip infusion for defences and cold.
Where it grows: Hedges across Europe.
“The shield of the immune system”
Native to North America, loves full sun.
Description. Flower with drooping pink petals and a brown central cone, supports defences.
What it’s for. Tea or tincture to support the body through seasonal changes.
Where it grows: Native to North America, loves full sun.
“The umbrella that melts mucus”
Europe, in ditches and fields.
Description. Flowers and berries that promote sweating and breathing.
What it’s for. Syrup or tea for cold and fever.
Where it grows: Europe, in ditches and fields.
“The bitter root of the lungs”
Europe and Asia, path edges.
Description. Large bitter root, balsamic for the chest.
What it’s for. Tea or syrup for deep cough and bronchi.
Where it grows: Europe and Asia, path edges.
“The fresh leaf that opens the nose”
Australia, grown in temperate zones.
Description. Tree with very aromatic bluish leaves, decongests.
What it’s for. Essential oil or steam for airways and colds.
Where it grows: Australia, grown in temperate zones.
“The bulb that dissolves”
Mediterranean, anywhere in the garden.
Description. Umbellifer with sweet seed and bulb, anti-gas and fresh.
What it’s for. Seed infusion for digestion, breasts and breath.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, anywhere in the garden.
“The seed that supports women”
Middle East and India, on fertile soils.
Description. Yellow aromatic seed, galactagogue and balancing.
What it’s for. Infusion or seeds for milk, sugar and hair.
Where it grows: Middle East and India, on fertile soils.
“The bitter root that tones”
European mountains, alpine meadows.
Description. Intensely bitter yellow root, digestive and strong.
What it’s for. Aperitif or tea for sluggish stomach and appetite.
Where it grows: European mountains, alpine meadows.
“Warm little flowers that lull you to sleep”
Grown in Europe and the Middle East, easy in the garden.
Description. A delicate aster with white petals and a yellow heart, soothing and calming.
What it’s for. Evening infusion to relax, aid digestion and invite sleep.
Where it grows: Grown in Europe and the Middle East, easy in the garden.
“The guardian of the heart”
Europe and North Africa, in hedges and woods.
Description. Thorny with white flowers and red berries, tones the heart.
What it’s for. Tea for pressure, rhythm and heart serenity.
Where it grows: Europe and North Africa, in hedges and woods.
“The cone that makes you sleep”
Europe and Asia, hardy climber.
Description. Green beer cones, sedative and bitter.
What it’s for. Tea (with passionflower) for insomnia and agitation.
Where it grows: Europe and Asia, hardy climber.
“The mineral horse-tail”
Widespread in damp soils everywhere.
Description. Prehistoric scaly herb, very rich in silica.
What it’s for. Decoction for bones, nails, hair and kidneys.
Where it grows: Widespread in damp soils everywhere.
“The sun that never wilts”
Coastal Mediterranean, rocky soils.
Description. Persistent gold flowers, skin-regenerating.
What it’s for. Oil or infusion for scars, breathing and mood.
Where it grows: Coastal Mediterranean, rocky soils.
“The root that unties knots”
Pacific islands, on volcanic soils.
Description. Polynesian root that relaxes without fogging.
What it’s for. Ritual drink for tension, sociability and calm.
Where it grows: Pacific islands, on volcanic soils.
“The violet spike that calms”
Mediterranean, on sunny hills.
Description. Fragrant spikes that soothe mind and skin.
What it’s for. Tea, bath or oil for sleep, burns and nerves.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, on sunny hills.
“The calming lemon herb”
Native to the Mediterranean, grown everywhere.
Description. Aromatic plant with a lemon scent, soothes nerves and stomach.
What it’s for. Tea for nervousness, digestion and evening calm.
Where it grows: Native to the Mediterranean, grown everywhere.
“The flowers that make you sweat and sleep”
Europe, along avenues and in parks.
Description. Tree with fragrant yellow flowers, diaphoretic and relaxing.
What it’s for. Tea for colds, tension and sleep.
Where it grows: Europe, along avenues and in parks.
“The sweet root that heals”
Middle East and Asia, on well-drained soils.
Description. Brown root with a sweet taste, soothes cough and stomach.
What it’s for. Decoction or sticks for throat, cough and acidity.
Where it grows: Middle East and Asia, on well-drained soils.
“The soft petals that soothe”
Europe, in edges and gardens.
Description. Soft violet flowers, emollient for throat and gut.
What it’s for. Infusion of flowers and leaves for cough and irritation.
Where it grows: Europe, in edges and gardens.
“The root that wraps”
Wet Europe and marshy areas.
Description. Mucilaginous root and leaves, soothing inside and out.
What it’s for. Decoction for cough, throat and irritated gut.
Where it grows: Wet Europe and marshy areas.
“The liver’s shield”
Southern Europe, along paths.
Description. Spiny plant with white-veined leaves, liver-protective.
What it’s for. Tea or capsules for liver and detox.
Where it grows: Southern Europe, along paths.
“The sting that cleanses”
Common throughout the northern hemisphere.
Description. Dark green stinging plant, detoxifying and nutritious.
What it’s for. Infusion or food for detox, iron and kidneys.
Where it grows: Common throughout the northern hemisphere.
“The straw that feeds the nerves”
Temperate, in cultivated fields.
Description. Field plant, the green herb tones and restores.
What it’s for. Green-straw infusion for burnout and convalescence.
Where it grows: Temperate, in cultivated fields.
“The powder that disinfects”
Mediterranean, on arid hills.
Description. Intense Mediterranean herb, antibacterial and warming.
What it’s for. Infusion or spice for cough, gut and defences.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, on arid hills.
“The green tuft for the kidneys”
Mediterranean, common in cooking.
Description. Fragrant herb rich in vitamins and diuretic.
What it’s for. Infusion or leaves for kidneys, breath and minerals.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, common in cooking.
“The flower that switches off anxiety”
Tropical America, grown as a climber.
Description. Vine with intricate violet flowers, calms the nervous system.
What it’s for. Evening tea for anxiety, restlessness and light sleep.
Where it grows: Tropical America, grown as a climber.
“The freshness that wakes”
Europe and Asia, wherever damp.
Description. Herb with a cool scent, digestive and tonic.
What it’s for. Infusion for stomach, breath and a clear head.
Where it grows: Europe and Asia, wherever damp.
“The flower that puts to sleep”
Northern hemisphere, in fields and ruins.
Description. Red flower with oily seeds, calming and light.
What it’s for. Petal infusion for dry cough and quiet.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, in fields and ruins.
“The first flower that heals”
Northern hemisphere, in woods and gardens.
Description. Spring flowers in warm tones, balsamic and calming.
What it’s for. Tea for cough, bronchi and nerves.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, in woods and gardens.
“The fibre that regulates”
India and Middle East, herbaceous plant.
Description. Mucilage-rich seeds that rebalance the gut.
What it’s for. Drink for regularity, cholesterol and weight.
Where it grows: India and Middle East, herbaceous plant.
“The stronger little sister of chamomile”
Western Europe, in dry meadows.
Description. Low plant with intense scent, calming and digestive.
What it’s for. Infusion for nerves, stomach and sensitive skin.
Where it grows: Western Europe, in dry meadows.
“The caffeine-free red tea”
South Africa, only on acidic soils.
Description. South African shrub with red leaves, sweet and calming.
What it’s for. Caffeine-free infusion for relaxation and kids’ digestion.
Where it grows: South Africa, only on acidic soils.
“The red stigma of mood”
Western Asia and Mediterranean.
Description. Violet-gold crocus stigmas, precious and mood-lifting.
What it’s for. Infusion or spice for mood, cycle and sight.
Where it grows: Western Asia and Mediterranean.
“The wisdom that disinfects”
Mediterranean, resists heat and drought.
Description. Grey-green aromatic shrub, antiseptic and toning.
What it’s for. Infusion for throat, memory and excess sweating.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, resists heat and drought.
“The little helmet that quiets”
North America and Asia, in damp places.
Description. Plant with violet lips, sedative of the nervous system.
What it’s for. Tea for anxiety, tics and hyperactivity.
Where it grows: North America and Asia, in damp places.
“The yellow sun against low mood”
Europe, in meadows and roadside verges.
Description. Small yellow flowers that turn oil red, lifts the mood.
What it’s for. Tea or oil for mood, wounds and nerves.
Where it grows: Europe, in meadows and roadside verges.
“The little body that frees breathing”
Mediterranean, fragrant and hardy.
Description. Tiny-leaved shrub, antibacterial and balsamic.
What it’s for. Infusion or steam for cough, bronchi and defences.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, fragrant and hardy.
“The golden root that douses fire”
Southeast Asia, on moist soils.
Description. Brilliant orange rhizome, anti-inflammatory and warming.
What it’s for. Tea or spice for joints, digestion and skin.
Where it grows: Southeast Asia, on moist soils.
“The root of deep rest”
Native to Europe and Asia, grows in moist meadows.
Description. Perennial with white flowers and a root smelling of damp earth.
What it’s for. Night tea for those who struggle to sleep and for tension.
Where it grows: Native to Europe and Asia, grows in moist meadows.
“The sacred herb that calms”
Mediterranean and Americas, dry soils.
Description. Slender plant with lilac flowers, tonic and relaxing.
What it’s for. Tea for nerves, digestion and cycle.
Where it grows: Mediterranean and Americas, dry soils.
“The bitter that wakes the liver”
Northern hemisphere, poor soils.
Description. Silvery very bitter herb, digestive and antiparasitic.
What it’s for. Bitter infusion (dosed) for digestion and stomach.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, poor soils.
“The plant that stops bleeding”
Northern hemisphere, on poor dry soils.
Description. Umbels of white or pink flowers, astringent and digestive.
What it’s for. Infusion for fever, digestion and small wounds.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, on poor dry soils.
“The wood that consecrates and protects”
Middle East and Himalaya, mountains.
Description. Majestic tree with lasting aroma, sacred and strong.
What it’s for. Smoke or oil for spaces, purification and grounding.
Where it grows: Middle East and Himalaya, mountains.
“The resin that lifts prayer”
Horn of Africa and Arabia, spiny trees.
Description. Arab tree resin, sacred and ancient scent.
What it’s for. Smoke or oil for meditation, temples and skin.
Where it grows: Horn of Africa and Arabia, spiny trees.
“The sacred basil of the heart”
India, grown near homes.
Description. Sacred Indian basil, devotion and serenity.
What it’s for. Tea for breath, stress and daily prayer.
Where it grows: India, grown near homes.
“The berry that purifies the air”
Northern hemisphere, acidic and mountain soils.
Description. Shrub with blue berries, fumigant and disinfectant.
What it’s for. Berries or smoke for spaces, kidneys and defences.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, acidic and mountain soils.
“The flower born pure from mud”
Tropical Asia, ponds and paddies.
Description. Sacred water flower, symbol of awakening and peace.
What it’s for. Seed tea or symbol for meditation and calm.
Where it grows: Tropical Asia, ponds and paddies.
“The herb of dreams and the moon”
Northern hemisphere, edges and ruins.
Description. Silvery bitter herb, opens dreams and visions.
What it’s for. Tea or smoke for dreams, cycle and protection.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, edges and ruins.
“The sacred tear of the soul”
Horn of Africa and Arabia, spiny shrubs.
Description. Bitter fragrant resin, used for millennia in rites.
What it’s for. Smoke or oil for meditation, skin and the sacred.
Where it grows: Horn of Africa and Arabia, spiny shrubs.
“The holy wood that purifies”
South American coast, palo trees.
Description. South American wood with sweet smoke, sacred and calm.
What it’s for. Smoke for spaces, meditation and protection.
Where it grows: South American coast, palo trees.
“The mushroom of immortality”
Asia, on oak and chestnut logs.
Description. Glossy red mushroom, tonic and deeply calming.
What it’s for. Decoction for immunity, sleep and long life.
Where it grows: Asia, on oak and chestnut logs.
“The branch that ignites the mind”
Mediterranean, rocky coasts and gardens.
Description. Resinous shrub with a strong scent, stimulating and protective.
What it’s for. Infusion or branches for memory, focus and spaces.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, rocky coasts and gardens.
“The sacred one that cleanses the air”
Western USA, dry sunny soils.
Description. Grey-white sage used to cleanse spaces.
What it’s for. Ritual smoke for spaces, aura and new beginnings.
Where it grows: Western USA, dry sunny soils.
“The herb that sharpens thought”
India and wet Asia, marshy soils.
Description. Aquatic plant with tiny leaves, nootropic.
What it’s for. Tea or extract for memory and mental calm.
Where it grows: India and wet Asia, marshy soils.
“The sap that cleanses in spring”
Northern hemisphere, woods and gardens.
Description. Tree with light leaves, diuretic and cleansing.
What it’s for. Leaf infusion or sap for kidneys and skin.
Where it grows: Northern hemisphere, woods and gardens.
“The fossil tree that remembers”
China, living plant for 200 million years.
Description. Millenary tree with fan leaves, for the mind.
What it’s for. Extract for memory, circulation and focus.
Where it grows: China, living plant for 200 million years.
“The clover that calms and focuses”
Tropical wet Asia, marshy soils.
Description. Creeping herb with shield leaves, mind and circulation.
What it’s for. Infusion for memory, skin and clarity.
Where it grows: Tropical wet Asia, marshy soils.
“The young leaf that wakes the mind”
China and Japan, grown at altitude.
Description. Unoxidised leaves, gentle theine and antioxidants.
What it’s for. Infusion for focus, metabolism and lucidity.
Where it grows: China and Japan, grown at altitude.
“The mushroom that feeds the nerves”
Asia and North America, on beech logs.
Description. White lion-mane mushroom, for mind and nerves.
What it’s for. Tea or powder for memory and clarity.
Where it grows: Asia and North America, on beech logs.
“The green powder of presence”
Japan, from tender crushed leaves.
Description. Powdered tea, calm energy and sustained attention.
What it’s for. Drink for ritual, focus and meditation.
Where it grows: Japan, from tender crushed leaves.
“The half-leaf that balances”
Southern China and Taiwan, hills.
Description. Semi-oxidised leaves, between green and black, centring.
What it’s for. Infusion for metabolism, calm and clarity.
Where it grows: Southern China and Taiwan, hills.
“The branch that ignites the mind”
Mediterranean, rocky coasts and gardens.
Description. Resinous shrub with a strong scent, stimulating and protective.
What it’s for. Infusion or branches for memory, focus and spaces.
Where it grows: Mediterranean, rocky coasts and gardens.
“The bud that reads slowly”
China, buds only at harvest.
Description. Delicate silvery buds, light and clarifying.
What it’s for. Infusion for skin, focus and gentleness.
Where it grows: China, buds only at harvest.
“The leaf that keeps awake”
South America, forest tree.
Description. Toasted green leaves, gentle social energy.
What it’s for. Infusion in a gourd for vitality and conversation.
Where it grows: South America, forest tree.
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Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, written in the first century, describes some six hundred plants and remained the reference work in Europe and the Arab world for over fifteen hundred years. In the monasteries that knowledge moved into the hortus conclusus, the walled gardens where kitchen herbs, remedies and ritual plants grew side by side; in the twelfth century Hildegard of Bingen left a catalogue of them that mixes botany, medicine and symbol without embarrassment.
The plants in this garden are sorted into the same six families as the stone encyclopedia — love, protection, energy, healing, spirituality, clarity — so the two archives can be read together. For each one you get the habitat, meaning where it actually grows, and the uses tradition assigns to it: smoke cleansing, sachets, ritual infusions, bunches hung over the door.
One warning matters more than the rest: this is about symbolic use, not herbal medicine. Many plants on this list are toxic if swallowed, some interfere with medication and others are dangerous in pregnancy. Do not prepare infusions or remedies on the strength of this page, and for any health problem see a doctor or a pharmacist.