KOMPENDIUM

The raspberry (in German “Himbeere”) – as well as the apple, pear, plum and cherry – is a part of the rose family. Its most used name is based on the word “Hindin”, a German term for a doe, which is the reason why the fruit is also called “Hindebeere” or “Hirschbeere” (loosely translated as “hind berry” or “deer beery”) in the vernacular. These berries contain not only important minerals nutrients and vitamins, but also numerous ingredients which support your immune system, fight inflammations and promote the natural wound healing. The Greeks and Romans already knew the healing effects of the little red berries and used them as a remedy for diarrhoea. If you suffer of a weak immune system, rheumatism, gingivitis or organ inflammation, raspberries can help you. The little red fruits also help with digestive problems and nervousness. Traditional naturopathy uses, alongside the fruits of the raspberry bush, very different parts of the plant, which also produce similar effects. For example, the leaves can be used for a calming tea. If you gargle this tea, you can sooth stomatitis thanks to the innate tannin. 

Chili is a special breeding of the bell pepper. Original from South American, the plant came to Europe in the fifteenth century, but it was cultivated by people for thousands of years. And that’s no surprise: Besides the characteristic spicy taste chili has a variation of beneficial effect on the human body. The Maya and the Aztecs were already using it as a medical plant. Nowadays it is used in the Ayurveda-Medicine and the traditional chinese medicine. Essentially the innate essences of the chili take a stimulating effect on the blood circulation as well as a soothing effect of the digestion. Furthermore, chili contains capsaicin, which is used also in the modern academic medicine for its pain-relieving value. The fields of application are diversified: Chili can help with toothache, ongoing migraine and arthritic pain as well as slow digestion, circulation problems and inflammation. Those values take a fast and intensive effect. The red seed pouch contains also a lot of vitamins and important nutrients for our body.

This plant which is a part of the berry family, was domiciled in North America where it was used as a medical plant and food, long before the Europeans arrived and it was cultivated. After the fruit arrived in Europe on seaway, the pumpkin quickly accomplished its place in the local medicine.  The pumpkin seeds, which have their own hearty aroma in comparison to the fruit pulp, are especially known for their oil content. Pumpkin seeds contain very little saturated fatty acids, but many one- and twofold unsaturated fatty acids, which help to lower your cholesterol level. Thereby you can prevent heart and circulation problems as well as lower the risk of a stroke or infarct. Furthermore, pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants, which strengthen a weakened immune system and support a healthy one. Simultaneously, they can help with incontinence, prevent prostate problems and soothe muscle cramps. Pumpkin seeds also contain many mineral nutrients, valuable proteins and the vitamins A, B1 and B2, which should never be lacking in your diet. If you eat ground pumpkin seeds, or chew some seeds daily, you can for example support your blood circulation.

Vanilla is part of the orchid family and carries full-bodied yellow, bell-mouthed blossoms. More commonly known and used in receipts are its fruits – small, dried, black-brown seed pouches with an unmistakable sweet-strong fragrance and flavour. It´s used in many kinds of sweets and, of course, in liqueurs. The Inca and Aztecs already used the seed-pouches in this way and bestowed upon their cocao an especially delicate note. Because of the complicated nature of the breeding, harvest and processing, vanilla takes an important part in the culture of these cultures. It is probable that vanilla was also used as a medical plant. This knowledge was temporarily lost, due to the export of vanilla an cocao by the Europeans, but was discovered again later. The plant is useful against mycosis and can be soothing for the pressured mind. Furthermore, it can help with different female complaints. Vanilla is said to be help with menstruation cramps and morning sickness, within pregnancy, better even than some remedies of the academic medicine.

Safflower is also known as carthamus tinctorius, false saffron and bastard saffron. Safflower was mainly used to dye fabric in ancient Egypt. The herb that grows in single, dark green stems has yellow, globose flowers whose look and ingredients resemble saffron. For this reason, it is sometimes used as a replacement for saffron. Additionally, safflower oil is ideal to use for the low-cholesterol cuisine. Not least, the “false saffron” is particularly well-known as medical plant in the Eastern or Chinese medicine from ancient times. Among other things, it has an effect on joint pains, measles and the menopause. Moreover, Safflower helps with inflammations and helps to heal smaller or bigger wounds. Hence, it can have an effect on many skin problems, as well. In the long term, the different kinds of oils and vitamins, which contain safflower, provide a renewed cell structure. Therefore, safflower is said to support the hair growth but it also provides a healthy nerval structures.

Our sun is not without reason since the early days of humanity a source of life and joy. Without the brightest star upon our sky no life would be possible. The sun delivers energy, which is especially essential for our earthly plants and their growth. If you want to live healthy, you should also submit yourself to a daily dose of sunshine. Firstly, it stimulates and strengthens our nerves and supports our health. Furthermore, the sun can be a true well of health. Sunshine promotes the body´s defences and regeneration. If you submit your skin and eyes to sunlight, your body absorbs vital vitamin D, which, among other things, is important for healthy bones. Furthermore, your body will produce serotonin, which regulates your sleeping rhythm and body temperature. In turn, this is very important for a strong immune system. In conclusion: The sun can not only support your health, but also make you happy.