Oregano is closely related to marjoram. Both plants are species of genus Origanum, and the Latin name comes from the Greek origanon. 1)
What is badian called in the culinary arts? The star anise. This plant's fruit and shoots are used to distill aniseed oil, which is added to liqueurs. The fruit is also used as a spice, especially in Dutch cuisine. The bark and fruit of Japanese badian are used as incense in Japan and Korea, and the plant is planted at temples and cemeteries. 2)
Aniseed oil is distilled from the fruit and shoots of badian and added to liqueurs. 3)
Anise oil is adulterated with badian oil, fennel oil, and synthetic anethole. The polarimetric method easily detect adulteration with fennel oil (it is right-handed). The torsion of badian oil reaches +1°. Detection of adulteration is enabled by Driessen-Mareeuw and Dávida reactions. 4)
The toxic seeds of badian are used to poison fish. 5)
The plants were also the raw material for the first documented insecticides in 2nd century BC China. 6)
Chartreuse is a liqueur based on wine distillate and extracts from 130 different herbs. Its name comes from the Carthusian monastery of La Grande Chartreuse near Grenoble. 7)
Nettle can be consumed as a salad dressing, among other uses. To avoid burning, it should be scalded with hot water. Histamine and formic acid are responsible for nettle's stinging properties. Both of these substances deactivate at a temperature of approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 8)
Nettle leaves and stems contain many healthy and valuable compounds: flavonoids, organic acids (formic, acetic and others), β-carotene, vitamins A, B₂, B5, C, K, mineral salts (especially iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium), chlorophyll, acetylcholine, tannins, B-sitosterol, enzymes and silicon and calcium compounds. Additionally, nettle is often recommended in vegetarian diets due to its high protein content (up to 24% in dry matter). 9)
Nettle can also be made into a tincture. The leaves are poured with a spirit and put away in a dark room for two weeks. 10)
Nettle is used as a feed additive for cattle and poultry. It improves the yield of milk cows or laying hens. In addition, it is also used in gardening, where it works well as a natural fertilizer. 11)
Nettle is widely used in the treatment of many diseases. Among other things, it stimulates water excretion from the body, thus causing flushing of the kidneys and lower urinary tract. It is used to treat kidney stones and cystitis. 12)
The first references to tulasi aka holy basil are found in the Indian books of the Vedas 13)
In ancient Greece thyme was served before a fight - it gave courage. 14)
Thomas Moore advised maintain friendship one should cultivate rosemary. 15)
A sage bush was burned in the fireplace to cleanse the haunted house. 16)
Bathing in sage inhibits sweating. 17)