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It is a genus of the family Lamiaceae which consists of 16 different species in the mountains of Greece, with the best known being Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. (all over Greece), Sideritis scardica Griseb (in the mountains of Northern Greece up to Olympus and Pelion), Sideritis clandestina (Bory & Chaub.) Hayek (in Peloponnese). These are known as mountain tea as they are consumed as hot drinks. They are annual or perennial plants, native to Greece, which are cultivated to meet the great commercial demand. The flowering shoots contain a little essential oil rich in α-pinene and other mono- and sesquiterpenes, while the main components of its extracts are phenolic acids, flavonoids, diterpenes and triterpenes. On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of various types of Sideritis (a dry, herbal remedy for coughs and colds) as herbal remedies for coughs and colds, mild stomach and gastrointestinal infections: www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/sideritis-herba).

Preclinical and clinical studies show its anxiolytic action, while preclinical studies also show its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, gastroprotective and chemoprotective activity. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Żyżelewicz D, Kulbat-Warycha K, Oracz J, Żyżelewicz K. Polyphenols and Other Bioactive Compounds of Sideritis Plants and Their Potential Biological Activity. Molecules. 2020; 25(16):3763. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25163763

Lall N, Chrysargyris A, Lambrechts I, Fibrich B, Blom Van Staden A, Twilley D, de Canha MN, Oosthuizen CB, Bodiba D, Tzortzakis N. Sideritis Perfoliata (Subsp. Perfoliata) Nutritive Value and Its Potential Medicinal Properties. Antioxidants. 2019; 8(11):521. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110521

Heiner F, Feistel B, Wink M. Sideritis scardica extracts inhibit aggregation and toxicity of amyloid-β in Caenorhabditis elegans used as a model for Alzheimer’s disease. PeerJ. 2018 ; 6:e4683. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4683

Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Khan J, Forster J, Heiner F, Feistel B, Suarez CG, Pischel I, Kennedy DO. The Acute and Chronic Cognitive and Cerebral Blood Flow Effects of a Sideritis scardica (Greek Mountain Tea) Extract: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Groups Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients. 2018; 10(8):955. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10080955

It is a tree that reaches a height of 30m, of the family Myrtaceae, which is found naturally in Australia or in crops in temperate and subtropical regions around the world including the Mediterranean. It is known for the wood of its trunk. It is one of the 750 species of the genus Eucalyptus. Its leaves, which contain a significant amount of eucalyptol-rich essential oil (1,8-cineole), are traditionally used in medicine. The leaves, in addition to the essential oil, contain a number of other bioactive ingredients, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenes and unusual formylated fluoroglycinols that appear to have strong antimicrobial activity and provide protection against herbivores. The main traditional use was the symptomatic treatment of respiratory problems caused by colds, asthma or other infections through tinctures, infusions or inhalations. The European Medicines Agency has approved the use of E. globulus leaves in the manufacture of herbal medicines for the treatment of coughs from colds (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/eucalypti-folium )

More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Barbosa LCA, Filomeno CA, Teixeira RR. Chemical Variability and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus spp. Essential Oils. Molecules. 2016; 21(12):1671. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21121671

Moore, B.D., Wallis, I.R., Palá-Paúl, J. et al. Antiherbivore Chemistry of Eucalyptus–Cues and Deterrents for Marsupial Folivores. J Chem Ecol 30, 1743–1769 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000042399.06553.c6

It is a genus of the family Urticaceae that includes cosmopolitan poes, with four species native to Greece, U. dioica, U. urens, U. membranacea and U. pilulifera. It is one of the well-known medicinal plants, which although are common weeds can be cultivated for this purpose. Aerial parts are used in cooking while the uses in therapy are varied, continuous and exceed 2500 years. It is an underestimated highly nutritious food as it is a rich source of minerals (calcium, potassium, silicon, iron and magnesium), vitamins (C, B and K complex), chlorophyll and carotenoids, proteins and polysaccharides, acids, coumarins, amines, and triterpenes. On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of preparations of U. urens and U. dioica nettle herb (dry chopped drug, juice, tincture, liquid & dry extracts) as traditional herbal medicinal products for the relief or pain, seborrheic dermatitis and as a diuretic (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/urticae-herba).

Preclinical studies in experimental animals show significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic studies, while small-scale clinical studies in humans show analgesic and beneficial effects in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Dhouibi R, Affes H, Ben Salem M, Hammami S, Sahnoun Z, Zeghal KM, Ksouda K. Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and others benefits. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 150 (2020): 67-77. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.05.008.

Kregiel, D.; Pawlikowska, E.; Antolak, H. Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules 23 (2018): 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664

Rutto LK, Xu Y, Ramirez E, Brandt M. Mineral Properties and Dietary Value of Raw and Processed Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Int J Food Sci. 2013 (2013): 857120. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/857120.

It is a popular annual plant of the Asteraceae family, native to Greece. It is one of the most well-known aromatic and medicinal plants, which is cultivated for this purpose. Its flower heads are used to make beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, including blue essential oil. The flowers contain flavonoids (up to 6%), sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids and derivatives thereof, mucus and essential oil (0.3-1.9%) which contains an abundance of sesquiterpenes (bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes mainly with hamazole). On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of chamomile flower heads (a dry medicinal product for the preparation of infusions and infusions, liquid and dry extracts) and essential oil as an herbal medicine for the relief or relief of colds, inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal cavity, skin irritations, inflammations and sores (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/matricariae-flos & https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/ medicines / herbal / matricariae-aetheroleum).

Preclinical studies and clinical studies show the significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and sedative effect of chamomile. Recent animal studies have shown that chamomile decoction prevents the onset of obesity, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and hyperglycemia caused by a high-fat diet. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Weidner C, Wowro SJ, Rousseau M, Freiwald A, Kodelja V, Abdel-Aziz H, Kelber O, Sauer S. (2013) Antidiabetic effects of chamomile flowers extract in obese mice through transcriptional stimulation of nutrient sensors of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family. PLoS One. 8(11):e80335. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080335.

Miraj S, Alesaeidi S. (2016) A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). Electron Physician. 8(9): 3024-3031. https://doi.org/10.19082/3024.

Jabri MA, Sakly M, Marzouki L, Sebai H. (2017) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract inhibits in vitro intestinal glucose absorption and attenuates high fat diet-induced lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother. 87:153-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.043.

Keefe JR, Mao JJ, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD. (2016) Short-term open-label chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine; 23(14): 1699-1705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.013

It is an evergreen shrub, a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to the Western Mediterranean and cultivated in many parts of the world. The aerial parts (flowers and leaves) are intensely aromatic as they contain 1-2.5% essential oil with main components thymol and carvacrol (at least 40%). They also contain bioactive flavonoids, phenolic acids and their derivatives, and terpenes. It is widely used as a spice and traditionally in the healing of many countries. On the basis of traditional therapeutic uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of the aerial parts and their essential oils as traditional herbal medicines for the treatment of productive coughs associated with the common cold (https://www.ema.europa .eu / en / medicines / herbal / thymi-herba & https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/thymi-aetheroleum).

Preclinical studies show that the essential oil of the fruit has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, while the extracts appear to have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. A recent small clinical study confirms its traditional use as an expectorant. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Dauqan EMA,Abdullah A. Medicinal and Functional Values of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Herb. J App Biol Biotech.2017; 5(02): 017-022. https://doi.org/10.7324/JABB.2017.50203

Satyal P, Murray BL, McFeeters RL, Setzer WN. Essential Oil Characterization of Thymus vulgaris from Various Geographical

Locations. Foods. 2016; 5(4):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods5040070

Ghahremani-Chabok A., Bagheri-Nesami M., Shorofi S.A., Mousavinasab S.N., Gholipour-Baradari A., Saeedi M. The effects of Thymus vulgaris inhalation therapy on airway status and oxygen saturation of patients under mechanical ventilation: A randomized clinical trial. Advances in Integrative Medicine 2020; in press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2020.08.007

Hibiscus is a perennial low shrub that originated in Africa and is now found and cultivated in all tropical areas. It belongs to the Malvaceae family. Its shoots and leaves are used in cooking, while the deep red cups of its flowers are used in the preparation of drinks with intense and special aroma, slightly sour taste and characteristic red color. The intense color is attributed to the high content of anthocyanins and for this reason they are also used as natural dyes. The high content of pectin (polysaccharides-68.75% in the cups) gives its preparations increased viscosity and gelatinous texture. The cups also contain vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, tocopherols, vitamin C), trace elements, a variety of flavonoids and organic acids. Its uses in traditional therapy are also important, mainly for the treatment of infections such as colds and as a diuretic.

The diuretic action of hibiscus has been the subject of preclinical and clinical studies and the results contribute to the dose dependence of the action. Other studies suggest that hibiscus extracts have hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Da-Costa-Rocha I, Bonnlaender B, Sievers H, Pischel I, Heinrich M. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – a phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chem. 2014 Dec 15;165:424-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.002.

Ojulari OV, Lee SG, Nam J-O. Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity. Molecules. 2019; 24(1):210. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010210

Njinga NS, Kola-Mustapha AT, Quadri AL, Atolani O, Ayanniyi RO, Buhari MO, Amusa TO, Ajani EO, Folaranmi OO, Bakare-Odunola MT, Kambizi L, Oladiji AT, Ebong P. Toxicity assessment of sub-acute and sub-chronic oral administration and diuretic potential of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Heliyon. 2020 Sep 21;6(9):e04853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04853.

Verbena is a perennial shrub of the Verbenaceae family, originally from South America, which is found on its own or in crops in many warm and tropical regions around the world. It attracts interest as an ornamental, aromatic and medicinal plant. Its leaves are consumed fresh or used to make popular infusions due to the attractive aroma of lemon that emerges. The special aroma is related to the content of essential oils (about 2%) with citral (mixture of geranium and neral) and lemon as the main ingredients. Also, the extracts are a source of bioactive compounds such as phenylpropane and their derivatives (the main ingredient is verbascosite), flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes. Based on its traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the release of verbena leaves (a dry, finely chopped herb for infusion and infusion) as herbal medicines to relieve mild indigestion symptoms (flatulence) but also to treat mild of insomnia (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/aloysiae-folium).

Many preclinical studies show that Verbena extracts have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Hurrell J.A. (2018) Aloysia citriodora Palau. In: Albuquerque U., Patil U., Máthé Á. (eds) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of South America. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1552-0_7

Bahramsoltani R, Rostamiasrabadi P, Shahpiri Z, Marques AM, Rahimi R, Farzaei MH. Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Aug 10;222:34-51. Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021

Sánchez-Marzo, N.; Lozano-Sánchez, J.; Cádiz-Gurrea, M.d.l.L.; Herranz-López, M.; Micol, V.; Segura-Carretero, A. Relationships Between Chemical Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Isolated Phytocompounds from Lemon Verbena. Antioxidants 2019, 8, 324. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080324

It is a popular annual plant of the Asteraceae family, native to Greece. It is one of the most well-known aromatic and medicinal plants, which is cultivated for this purpose. Its flower heads are used to make beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, including blue essential oil. The flowers contain flavonoids (up to 6%), sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids and derivatives thereof, mucus and essential oil (0.3-1.9%) which contains an abundance of sesquiterpenes (bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes mainly with hamazole). On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of chamomile flower heads (a dry medicinal product for the preparation of infusions and infusions, liquid and dry extracts) and essential oil as an herbal medicine for the relief of colds, inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal cavity, skin irritations, inflammations and sores (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/matricariae-flos & https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/ medicines / herbal / matricariae-aetheroleum).

Preclinical and clinical studies show the significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and sedative effect of chamomile. Recent animal studies have shown that chamomile decoction prevents the onset of obesity, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and hyperglycemia caused by a high-fat diet. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Weidner C, Wowro SJ, Rousseau M, Freiwald A, Kodelja V, Abdel-Aziz H, Kelber O, Sauer S. (2013) Antidiabetic effects of chamomile flowers extract in obese mice through transcriptional stimulation of nutrient sensors of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family. PLoS One. 8(11):e80335. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080335.

Miraj S, Alesaeidi S. (2016) A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). Electron Physician. 8(9): 3024-3031. https://doi.org/10.19082/3024.

Jabri MA, Sakly M, Marzouki L, Sebai H. (2017) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract inhibits in vitro intestinal glucose absorption and attenuates high fat diet-induced lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother. 87:153-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.043.

Keefe JR, Mao JJ, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD. (2016) Short-term open-label chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine; 23(14): 1699-1705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.013.

It is a herbaceous perennial plant representative of the family Zingiberaceae. It is native to the tropics of Southeast Asia, but is cultivated in many tropical regions around the world due to the high demand for fruits and seeds. They are widely used as a spice in beverages, and to a lesser extent in perfumery, distillery and cosmetics. There were many traditional uses in the treatment of asthma, cough, infections, gastrointestinal disorders and as a diuretic. Its fruits contain a high amount of essential oil (up to 8%) rich in monoterpenes, mainly eucalyptol and α-terpinyl acetate which are responsible for the particular aroma. Other bioactive ingredients found in fruits are flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, tocopherols (different forms of vitamin E), and other phenolic derivatives.

Preclinical studies show that cardamom extracts and essential oil have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Ashokkumar K, Murugan M, Dhanya MK, Warkentin TD. (2020) Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton] – A critical review. J Ethnopharmacol. 246: 112244. https:doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112244

Alam A, Majumdar RS, Alam P. (2019) Systematics Evaluations of Morphological Traits, Chemical Composition, and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Varieties of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. Natural Product Communications. 14 (12) https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X19892688.

Moulai-Hacene F, Boufadi MY, Keddari S, Homrani A. (2020) Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Elettaria cardamomum Extract. Pharmacognosy Journal 12(5): 1058-1063. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2020.12.149

Dittany is a perennial low shrub, a native chasmophyte endemic to Crete, for which cultivation efforts are made to meet commercial demand. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a classic aromatic and medicinal plant which was traditionally used for the preparation of drinks but also in cooking and beverage. The flowering shoots contain essential oil rich in carvacrol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. Other bioactive ingredients of its extracts are phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, tocopherols and triterpenes. On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the circulation of dittany leaves (a dry, finely chopped herb for the preparation of infusions for internal and external use) as herbal medicines for the treatment of coughs and colds, mild or mild gastritis, inflammation and bruising of the skin (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/origani-dictamni-herba).

More information can be found in the following scientific article.

Liolios CC, Graikou K, Skaltsa E, Chinou I. (2010) Dittany of Crete: a botanical and ethnopharmacological review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 131(2): 229-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.06.005.

It is a low annual plant of the family Zygophyllaceae, which is found mainly on its own (it is considered an aggressive weed) or in crops in many temperate and subtropical regions around the world, including the Mediterranean. The leaves and shoots are consumed fresh in East Asia, while the fruits and roots have been used as herbal medicines in Greece, India (Ayurveda) and China. The main traditional uses were for the treatment of infertility, erectile dysfunction and the stimulation of erotic desire, while other uses were diuretic, expectorant, cardiotonic and generally tonic. Recent research reveals that the steroid content of saponins and flavonoids have potent anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects and are responsible for many of the traditional uses. Clinical studies also support the beneficial effect on the reproductive system and in particular on erectile dysfunction and sexual desire disorders, although they highlight problems that prevent its drug use.

More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Zhu, W., Du, Y., Meng, H. et al. A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris. Chemistry Central Journal 11 (2017): 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-017-0289-x

Ștefănescu R, Tero-Vescan A, Negroiu A, Aurică E, Vari C-E. A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of Tribulus terrestris L. Biomolecules 10(5) (2020) 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10050752

Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K, Jannini EA. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas. 99 (2017): 20-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.01.011.

Vale FBC, Zanolla Dias de Souza K, Rezende CR, Geber S. Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 34(5) (2018): 442-445. https//doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2017.1409711.

It is a genus of the family Urticaceae that includes popular poes, with four species native to Greece, U. dioica, U. urens, U. membranacea and U. pilulifera. It is one of the well-known medicinal plants, although common weeds can be cultivated for this purpose. Aerial parts are used in cooking while the uses in therapy are varied, continuous and exceed 2500 years. It is an underestimated highly nutritious food as it is a rich source of minerals (calcium, potassium, silicon, iron and magnesium), vitamins (C, B and K complex), chlorophyll and carotenoids, proteins and polysaccharides, acids, coumarins, amines, and triterpenes. On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of preparations of U. urens and U. dioica nettle herb (dry chopped drug, juice, tincture, liquid & dry extracts) as traditional herbal medicinal products for the relief or pain, seborrheic dermatitis and as a diuretic (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/urticae-herba).

Preclinical studies in experimental animals show significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic studies, while small-scale clinical studies in humans show analgesic and beneficial effects in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Dhouibi R, Affes H, Ben Salem M, Hammami S, Sahnoun Z, Zeghal KM, Ksouda K. Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and others benefits. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 150 (2020): 67-77. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.05.008.

Kregiel, D.; Pawlikowska, E.; Antolak, H. Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules 23 (2018): 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664

Rutto LK, Xu Y, Ramirez E, Brandt M. Mineral Properties and Dietary Value of Raw and Processed Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Int J Food Sci. 2013 (2013): 857120. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/857120.

It is a perennial plant representative of the Apiaceae family. Its fruits are a well-known spice, while they are used in the distillery for the preparation of well-known drinks in the Mediterranean, such as raki, ouzo, zivania, pastis, arak. Fruits and essential oil find many applications in the food industry as a flavoring and preservative. The content of essential oils in the fruits is high (1.5-6%) and these give its characteristic aroma. The main volatile ingredient is trans-anethole (80-95%). The fruits contain vitamins B, C and A, flavonol glycosides, phenolic acids and their derivatives, coumarins, fatty acids, carotenoids and minerals. Based on its traditional therapeutic uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of anise and its essential oils as traditional herbal medicines for the relief of indigestion and cough associated with the common cold (https: //www.ema .europa.eu / en / medicines / herbal / anisi-fructus & https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/anisi-aetheroleum).

Preclinical studies show that the essential oil of the fruit has antimicrobial, antispasmodic properties and increases the secretion of epithelial cells of the respiratory system, while the extracts appear to act anxiolytic and neuroprotective, while a study in rats showed that it increases milk production. A study in postmenopausal women showed that it reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Nahidi, F. , Kariman, N. , Simbar, M. , & Mojab, F. (2012). The study on the effects of Pimpinella anisum on relief and recurrence of menopausal hot flashes. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research , 11(4), 1079–1085.

Hosseinzadeh, H. , Tafaghodi, M. , Abedzadeh, S. , & Taghiabadi, E.(2014). Effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Pimpinella anisum L. seeds on milk production in rats. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies , 7(4), 211–216. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2013.10.004

Wenli Sun, Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian & Qi Cheng | Sabrina Sabatini (Reviewing editor:) (2019) Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), a dominant spice and traditional medicinal herb for both food and medicinal purposes, Cogent Biology, 5:1, DOI: 10.1080/23312025.2019.1673688

Iannarelli, R, Marinelli, O., Morelli, M.B., Santoni, G., Amantini, C., Nabissi, M., Maggi, F. (2018) Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulates mucus secretion in primary airway bronchial and tracheal epithelial cell lines. Industrial Crops and Products, 114: 81-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.01.076

Mint is a perennial plant native to Europe, which is grown in many parts of the world. It is a hybrid of M. spicata L. and M. aquatica L. and there are several distinct varieties. It is known for its intense spicy aroma (contains 1.2 -3.9% essential oil) and so both its leaves and its essential oil are used in many beverages and foods, as well as cosmetics. The main compound of its essential oil is menthol, an alcohol that creates the feeling of “cooling”. Also, its leaves contain a significant amount of beneficial polyphenols and mainly the compounds eriocitrin and rosmarinic acid, while the largest percentage of them (75%) is transferred to the decoctions. At the same time, it is a classic “medicinal plant” which was used as a decoction for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Based on this traditional use, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of certain preparations of mint leaves (dry chopped drug and extracts) as herbal medicines for the relief of indigestion and flatulence (https://www.emaueuropa / en / medicines / herbal / menthae-piperitae-folium).

Many clinical trials have been conducted over the last three decades to study the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil on specific gastrointestinal disorders. The literature claims that peppermint oil is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for the symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional indigestion, due to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Studies also show antiemetic activity. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Khanna, R., MacDonald, J.K., Levesque, B.G., (2014) Peppermint Oil for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 48 (6), 505-512. https://10.1097/MCG.0b013e3182a88357

Shams R., Oldfield EC, Copare J, Johnson DA (2015) Peppermint Oil: Clinical Uses in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. JSM Gastroenterol Hepatol 3(1): 1036. (http://www.academia.edu/download/54138943/Peppermint_Oil_Clinical_Uses_in_the_ Treatment_of_Gastrointestinal_Diseases.pdf)

Alammar, N., Wang, L., Saberi, B. et al. (2019) The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data. BMC Complement Altern Med 19, 21 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2409-0)

Mallow is a biennial or perennial plant that spreads to almost all of Europe except the north, as well as to the African and Asian countries of the Mediterranean. All parts of the plant, but mainly the flowers and leaves, contain mucus (10% in the flowers and 6-8% in the leaves). In the presence of mucus, its emollient and soothing properties are attributed. A variety of other beneficial ingredients, such as flavonoids, phenolic derivatives, terpenoids, fatty acids and sterols, and coumarins, are found in parts of the plant. On the basis of traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the marketing of mallow leaves and flowers (a dry medicinal product for the preparation of infusions and infusions) as herbal medicines for the relief of mild stomach and intestinal upset but also for dry cough (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/malvae-sylvestris-flos & https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/malvae- folium).

Many preclinical studies show that mallow extracts have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-ulcer properties. In one clinical study, mallow flower extract was safe and effective in treating functional constipation. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Gasparetto JC, Martins CA, Hayashi SS, Otuky MF, Pontarolo R. (2012) Ethnobotanical and scientific aspects of Malva sylvestris L.: a millennial herbal medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol. 64(2): 172-89. https://10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01383.x.

Elsagh M, Fartookzadeh MR, Kamalinejad M, Anushiravani M, Feizi A, Behbahani FA, Rafiei R, Arjmandpour A, Adibi P. (2015) Efficacy of the Malva sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract for functional constipation: A placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 21(2): 105-11. https://10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.02.003

Sharifi-Rad J, Melgar-Lalanne G, Hernández-Álvarez AJ, Taheri Y, Shaheen S, Kregiel D, Antolak H, Pawlikowska E, Brdar-Jokanović M, Rajkovic J, Hosseinabadi T, Ljevnaić-Mašić B, Baghalpour N, Mohajeri M, Fokou PVT, Martins N. (2020) Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications. Phytother Res. 34(3): 546-567. https://10.1002/ptr.6550

It is an evergreen semi-parasitic shrub of the Santalaceae family, native to Europe and southern Asia. It grows on the stems of various trees. It has been used as a medicinal plant since antiquity and is intertwined with various myths and beliefs, while even today it is used for Christmas decoration as a symbol of good luck. Mistletoe preparations contain many biologically active ingredients: lectins (glycoprotein-binding glycoproteins, N-acetylagalactosamine and cell surfaces), proteins and polypeptides (especially viscotoxins), phenogenaphanes, ligands, biogens tyramine, etc.), polysaccharides (especially galacturonanes and arabinogalactans), lipids and other substances in low concentrations. Most of its traditional uses are for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disorders and oncological diseases, while the ingestion of its decoctions is considered safe.

Preclinical studies have shown that it has an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect on smooth muscle cells, which explains its antispasmodic effect. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Khan, T., Ali, S., Qayyum, R. et al. Intestinal and vascular smooth muscle relaxant effect of Viscum album explains its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders and hypertension. BMC Complement Altern Med 16, 251 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1229-3

Hegde P, Maddur MS, Friboulet A, Bayry J, Kaveri SV (2011) Viscum album Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect by Selectively Inhibiting Cytokine-Induced Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2. PLoS ONE 6(10): e26312. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0026312

Zänker KS, Kaveri SV (eds): Mistletoe: From Mythology to Evidence-Based Medicine. Transl Res Biomed. Basel, Karger, 2015, vol 4, pp 67-73. https://doi.org/10.1159/000375427

It is a perennial or biennial plant that is representative of the Skiadantha family and is native to the Mediterranean coast, but has been widely acclimatized in many parts of the world. All parts of the plant give off the characteristic smell of anethole, while its fruits (fennel seed) are used as a spice in cooking, beverage and bakery. Based on traditional uses, the European Medicines Agency has approved the release of certain fruit preparations as herbal medicines for the relief of mild spasmodic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (eg flatulence), but also for the treatment of menstrual cramps and as an expectorant for the treatment of common cold cough (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/foeniculi-amari-fructus & https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines / herbal / foeniculi-dulcis-fructus).

Many preclinical studies show that fennel fruit extracts have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bronchodilator and anti-ulcer properties. More information can be found in the following scientific articles.

Shamkant B. Badgujar, Vainav V. Patel, Atmaram H. Bandivdekar, (2014) Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology, BioMed Research International 2014: Article ID 842674. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/842674

Hawrelak JA, Wohlmuth H, Pattinson M, Myers SP, Goldenberg JZ, Harnett J, Cooley K, Van De Venter C, Reid R, Whitten DL. (2020) Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 48:102233. https://10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102233.