Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, herba)
It is mainly a depurative and detoxifying herb, but its flavonoid and potassium content also makes it an effective diuretic: it increases urine production and promotes waste elimination. It is a helpful against many skin disorders, such as child eczema and arthritis (especially when associated with weakened kidney function and fluid retention).

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Web. s. l., radix)
Dandelion preparations stimulate all glands and the muscles of the digestive tract. They increase secretion of the salival, stomach and intestine glands, the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. Dandelion root is among the best detoxifiers. It acts mainly on the liver and gall bladder, helping to eliminate waste substances; they also stimulate the kidneys, thereby accelerating the elimination of toxins in the urine.

Burdock (Arctium lappa, radix)
Burdock has some interesting properties: it has been proven to increase urine production, detoxify the organism, stimulate the liver and gall bladder and lower blood cholesterol.

Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare, herba)
European herbalists use knotgrass as an astringent and a diuretic, especially to fight diarrhoea and intestinal parasites, to stop bleeding from the nose and wounds, and to ease excessive menstrual flow. As a diuretic, it is used to treat painful urination.

Celery (Apium graveolens, herba, fructus, radix)
A folk remedy for dropsy, urinatory problems, bladder and kidney stones. It is also recommended against nervous disorders, chronic pulmonary diseases, rheumatism and gout.

Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum, semen)
Escin, the saponin complex extracted from the seed, reduces damage to the capillaries, strengthens their walls, and protects from oedema (antiexudative action). This antiedemic action is based on slower breakdown of corticoidal hormones, making it vital for the functioning of the suprarenal glands to be optimal. Its soothing effect on symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (В»heavyВ« legs, feeling of tension in the legs, itchy skin over the area of varicose veins, pains and varicose inflammation has been demonstrated by a number of clinical tests. It is thought that escin inhibits the incidence as well as the influence of enzymes that corrode the inner walls of the capillaries. The first signs of improvement only become visible after one or two weeks of continuous use.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis, flos)
Calendula is, first and foremost, a skin care herb; it effectively heals most lesser skin lesions. It is used for wounds and scrapes; applied on reddened and inflamed skin, it soothes lesser burns and sunburns, acne and all kinds of rashes. It is also helpful against various fungal infections of the skin, such as tinea, athlete’s foot and fungi. Its healing properties are based on its antiseptic effect; some of its compounds (especially the resins) help combat fungi as well as bacteria and viruses. Calendula is also a capillary astringent, which makes it very suitable for treating cuts and other wounds, varicose veins and various inflammations.

Sweet almond oil
It is a classical medium-weight oil. Very beneficial to the skin, it smoothes and nourishes even oily skin, giving the skin a soft feeling. Well tolerated by all skin types.

Linseed (flax) oil
Linseed (or flax) oil is a useful skin remedy. It soothes and helps healing chapped skin, the remaining foci of psoriasis, dry eczema and, especially, painful Herpes zoster. It is even reputed to be effective against warts (if applied twice a day) and calluses.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale, radix)
Comfrey has a long history as a remedy for suppurating, and therefore poorly healing, lesions and wounds. Its main active component was thought to be alantoin, which breaks down pus, promoting tissue regeneration; tannins and mucous components, however, seem to play an important role in this wound healing effect. Alantoin alone does not have a major effect; it is the combination with other active components which triggers its action. Today, comfrey is only used externally, for lesions where the skin has not been broken. It offers quick relief for symptoms of sprain, luxation, contusion, bruises, diseases of the periosteum, and fractures. It has an antiflogistic (anti-inflammatory) effect, promotes the growth of new bone tissue, and effectively relieves pain. Its combination of tannins and mucilage makes comfrey an effective remedy for bruises, abrasions, acne, boils and psoriasis, as well as an excellent aid for improving wound healing. Because of its alkaloid content, comfrey should only be used on healthy skin, and for a period no longer than 4-6 weeks a year.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum, herba)
St. John’s Wort is suited for massages, healing of superficial wounds, burns, chilblains and other skin conditions. It is also suitable for skin care, especially for blemished or chapped, dry, flaky skin. It soothes sunburns as well as post-operative pains and scars. In folk medicine, it was traditionally used against tremor (shaky limbs) in the elderly, and against rheumatism.

Wild garlic or Bear’s garlic (Allium ursinum, herba)
Its action is identical or similar to that of garlic. In folk medicine, wild garlic is reputed to be an effective remedy against arteriosclerosis; it lowers blood pressure, has a beneficial effect on platelet aggregation and reduction of cholesterol levels. It also has a reputation as a remedy against asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, while its juice prevents weight-loss.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus, folium)
Artichoke leaves stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, especially gall, which makes them an effective remedy for gall bladder ailments, nausea, digestive disorders and constipation; it also lowers blood cholesterol. The leaves contain cynarin, an active component that strengthens and protects the liver.

Burdock (Arctium lappa, radix)
Burdock has some interesting properties: it has been proven to increase urine production, detoxify the organism, stimulate the liver and gall bladder and lower blood cholesterol.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense, herba)
In certain forms of tuberculosis, horsetail helps isolating the foci of the disease in the lungs. Clinical trials have shown that soluble silicic acid promotes the formation of leukocytes, stimulating the body’s own defences, and thereby supporting the natural healing process. Horsetail has also a considerable beneficial influence against bronchial problems, rheumatism, and podagra.

Echinacea or Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea, herba)
Useful against all kinds of infections, it is especially effective against chronic infectious diseases and exhaustion resulting from viral diseases. It is also helpful against chilblains, cold, flu, skin conditions and respiratory problems. Preparations of Echinacea make a very effective gargle against laryngal infections. Echinacea is a very useful remedy for allergic conditions, such as asthma.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica, radix)
Angelica is a warming and tonic herb which can be helpful against many ailments. Thanks to its warming and toning properties, it stimulates blood circulation and eases expectoration, thereby helping against bronchitis and respiratory weakness. For respiratory problems, mainly the root is used, with the occasional inclusion of the stalk and the seed.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis, herba)
An astringent (a tissue contracting and strengthening agent), eyebright counteracts eye and nose inflammations, increases the appetite, and improves digestion. It is also an effective remedy for diseases of the respiratory system, such as colds and bronchitis, as well as for digestive disorders.