Welcome to our herb library
Click on one of the herbs listed below for more information.
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Apple Peel
Apple skins contain significant levels of vitamins and minerals that are lower or almost non-existent in apple flesh. In fact, a raw apple with skin contains up to 312% more vitamin K, 70% more vitamin A, 35% more calcium and potassium, and 30% more vitamin C than a peeled apple.
Our apple peels are from the apples grown on our property in La Garrotxa. They are treated without any chemicals, handpicked and dried at a temperature below 50 degrees to preserve the natural benefits.
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Contains insoluble fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Calcium, Folate, Iron, and Phosphorus.
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Contains the flavonoid quercetin, helps to protect brain cells from damage and prevents memory loss and also increases concentration.
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Reduces the risk of glaucoma. It is good for the health of your eyes.
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Contains a large number of antioxidants
Anise Seed
Our Anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum) come from Andalusia. It is a Southern European and Mediterranean herb with a flavour reminiscent of liquorice.
Anise has always been used for its therapeutic along with its cookery qualities. Romans utilised anise and its cousins to flavour cake which they consumed right after large meals to enhance the digestion of food.
In fact, several cultures make anise-flavoured liqueurs which are ingested along with meals, because the essential oil within anise helps digestive function, removes gas and relieves uncomfortable intestinal cramping.
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Great for treating bronchial ailments, coughs and mucus as well as respiratory system blockage.
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Because of its milk-inducing effect, anise is used by breastfeeding mothers to enhance lactation.
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The herb’s anti-microbial agents make it a helpful treatment for head lice.
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Enhances the digestion of food
Black Pepper
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, known as a peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. It combines well with the Curcuma in our tea blend.
Black pepper contains the bioactive compound piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin, the active component found in chilli powder and cayenne pepper. Piperine has been shown to help relieve nausea, headaches and poor digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Still, its most significant benefit may be its ability to boost the absorption of curcumin. Curcumin in turmeric and piperine in black pepper have been shown to improve health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities.
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Piperine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.
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When combined, curcumin and piperine are a powerful inflammation-fighting duo that can help reduce discomfort and pain.
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Piperine has been shown to enhance the activity of digestive enzymes in the gut, which helps your body process food more quickly and easily.
Chamomile
The most commonly used chamomile in Spain is "Matricaria recutita", also known as German or sweet chamomile. It grows in abundance at our organic farm in Garrotxa.
It is an annual herbaceous plant that grows spontaneously in Europe and in temperate areas of Asia.It has become naturalised in Australia and America and can reach 50-60 cm in height.
It is an anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, an antiulcer, a digestive, bactericidal, a mild sedative and fungicidal.
Cinnamon
Our cinnamon is biologically cultivated Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka, also known as "Cinnamomum Verum". There is another variation on the market, also known as "Cassie", but we have consciously chosen Ceylon because of its proven health benefits.
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Is high in cinnamaldehyde, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
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Antioxidants, such as polyphenols, protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
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Has anti-inflammatory properties
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Has insulin-boosting properties which have been known to give people sustained energy and prevent crashing after carb-rich meals because it stabilises the blood sugar.
Curcuma
Turmeric, also known as the "golden spice", is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America. Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae.
Turmeric gives curry its yellow colour and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. Its most active compound, curcumin has many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
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Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound
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It can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body
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It can boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor
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It may lower your risk of heart disease and prevent cancer
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It may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease
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Arthritis patients respond well to curcumin supplements
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Curcumin has benefits against depression
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Curcumin may help delay ageing and fight age-related chronic diseases
Elderberry
Elder (Sambucus nigra plant) is a perennial shrub that can be found growing along hedgerows, forest perimeters, and ornamentally in gardens. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family and is native to most of Europe, North America, and southwest Asia.
The elderberry has an extensive history of use and folklore in traditional western practices. For centuries, elderberries have been used to make preserves, wines, cordials, herbal infusions, and elderberry syrup. Its flowers and berries have a long history of use in traditional European medicine. Our whole, dried elderberries are naturally grown on our property in La Garrotxa.
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Elderberries are an immune system booster and are higher in flavonoids than blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and blackberries. This is due to chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immuno-stimulant effects on your system.
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They're also anti-inflammatory which may help with sinus infection symptoms, promote urination and bowel moments, and has natural diuretic effects.
Ginger
Ginger is among the healthiest spices present on this planet.
It is a flowering plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family that originated in Southeast Asia. The rhizome, which is the underground part of the stem, is most commonly used for consumption.
This year (2021), we used fresh ecological roots and managed to plant our own ginger. In October, we kept them in the greenhouse for full sun.
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Ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Ginger can help prevent various types of nausea and morning sickness.
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Improves stomach performance
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Fights respiratory problems
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Contains nutrients like vitamin B3 and B6, iron, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc
Hibiscus
Many people are familiar with the beautiful flowers of the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus Sabdariffa). It originated in North Africa and Southeast Asia but now grows in many tropical and subtropical climates. People around the world use various parts of the plant as food and medicine.
Historically, hibiscus tea has been used in African countries to decrease body temperature, treat heart disease, and soothe a sore throat. In Iran, hibiscus tea is used to treat high blood pressure.
In addition to its aesthetic beauty and traditional role in sacred ceremonies, hibiscus offers a long list of physical benefits for many different systems and tissues in the body, including:
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Promoting healthy hair growth, skin and a clear complexion
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Removes excess heat from the body
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Supports proper function of the kidneys, heart, circulation and the health of the liver
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Supports the female reproductive system
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Promotes healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels already in the normal range
Lavender
Its name derives from the Latin root “lavare,” which literally means “to wash.” The earliest recorded use of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender oil played a role in the mummification process.
During later times, lavender became a bath additive in several regions, including Persia, ancient Greece, and Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to treat many different ailments, including: mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, nausea, acne, toothaches, skin irritations.
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Aromatherapy
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Sleep aid
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Could help treat skin blemishes
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May offer a natural remedy for pain
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Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
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Could relieve asthma symptoms
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Lessens menopausal hot flashes
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Helps combat fungus growth
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Potentially promotes hair growth
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Helps with eczema, acne, sunburns, and diaper rash
Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial grass in a class of about 45 species of grasses. Our lemongrass comes from an ecological farm in Tarragona.
Lemongrass is packed with a host of nutrients including folic acid, copper, thiamine, iron and zinc and has immunity-boosting properties. It also contains an element called citral, which proves to be helpful when it comes to stomach-related issues.
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Helps with digestive issues
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Improves anaemia
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Helps to accelerate metabolism and promote weight loss
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It is a natural diuretic
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Controls blood pressure
Lemon Peel
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a common citrus fruit, alongside grapefruits, limes, and oranges. While the pulp and juice are used the most, the peel tends to be discarded. However, studies have determined that lemon peel is full of bioactive compounds that may provide numerous health benefits.
Lemon peel contains a high amount of fiber and vitamin C, providing 9% of the DV in only 1 tablespoon (6 grams). Additionally, it boasts small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. D-limonene, a compound that gives lemon its characteristic aroma, is also found in the peel and may be responsible for many of this fruit’s health benefits.
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Dental cavities and gum infections are widespread oral diseases caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. Lemon peel contains antibacterial substances that may inhibit microorganism growth. They combat Streptococcus mutan's activity, with higher doses being more effective.
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Lemon peel is high in antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C, promoting immune health.
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Flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin in lemon peel may promote heart health by lowering blood cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart disease.
Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citrodora, lemon verbena, is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native to South America. Other common names include lemon beebrush. It was brought to Europe by the Spanish and the Portuguese in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil.
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We are so fortunate to have this herb growing "wild". In our infusion of Lemon lush you can find this herb.
Mint
Both spearmint (in Spanish "Hierba buena") and peppermint ("Menthe piperita" in Spanish) belong to the same Mentha genus, but the names refer to different species. Spearmint belongs to the Spicata species whereas peppermint is actually a member of the Piperita species and is a spearmint and watermint hybrid.
Both types differ in flavor. Spearmint is well known for having a mild flavor. Though it contains some menthol, it gets its taste from the compound carvone, which is sweet and has only has a mild cooling effect. Peppermint has a much more pungent flavor, accompanied by a strong cooling sensation, which it gets from menthol. We grow both species at Organic Garrotxa.
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Carminative and antispasmodic, peppermint can help digestive system disorders including gas, bloating and nausea, indigestion and colic. Studies have shown that peppermint is even effective in relieving irritable bowel syndrome.
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Peppermint is refreshing, helps quench thirst naturally and reduce heat.
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Helps fight bad breath thanks to its freshness.
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Drinking mint tea aids with digestion and indigestion because it reduces the build-up of gases.
Urtica Dioica / Nettle
Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a shrub that comes from northern Europe and Asia. Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word "uro", which means “to burn”. Though the plant boasts pretty, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers, its stem and the underside of its leaves are covered in tiny, stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched, causing a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
It has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm.
We are fortunate to have stinging nettle growing on our land. Although for some it is regarded as an unwanted weed, we feel blessed to have it.
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Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several B vitamins
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Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium
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Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
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Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
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Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins, and other flavonoids
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Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin, and other carotenoid
From an Ayurvedic perspective, nettle serves as a nourishing and rejuvenating (rasayana) tonic, particularly for the kidneys and adrenals. The herb increases ojas (vitality), making it particularly useful for individuals who are run down from stress or illness or need extra nourishment during convalescence, old age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The baby leaves at the top of the plant have been used throughout history in food and drinks to nourish and detoxify the body in the spring. By stimulating the action of the liver and the kidneys, nettle helps clear ama (toxins from undigested food) and wastes from the body via the bowels and the urinary tract (mutravaha srotas).
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Orange Blossom
We all know about the orange fruit. The orange blossom, however, is not as well known yet commonly used. It is the scented flower that originates from the orange plant.
The orange blossom is mainly utilized in the preparation of perfumes. It is also beneficial both medicinally and in the culinary arts. Using orange blossom, one can prepare various things such as making essential oil and orange blossom water.
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Helps sleeping disorders
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Can reduce anxiety
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Eases menstrual cramps
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Provides relief from headaches
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Helps indigestion problems
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Combats cold, cough and flu symptoms
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Balances cholesterol levels
Orange Leaves
As the famous herbalist Messeguè indicates in his book My Herbarium, orange leaves, especially those of bitter oranges, are rich in active ingredients that give them calming and antispasmodic properties.

In fact, the leaves contain substances, such as limonene and linalyl acetate, with a proven relaxing action (Igarashi et al, J Altern Complement Med, 2013). Therefore, the orange leaves are excellent in case of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness but also asthma and headache, if caused by tension and stiffness. Orange leaves also help the stomach and improve its functions.
Our orange leaves come from our trees and are hand-picked and dried in a dark place.
Orange Peel
The orange is the fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae. Our orange peel comes from our own oranges which we handpick, cut the peel and let it dry. We are so blessed to have them!
In Europe, the Moors introduced the orange to the Iberian Peninsula which was known as Al-Andalus, with large scale cultivation starting in the 10th century as evidenced by complex irrigation techniques specifically adapted to support orange orchards.
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Orange peel contains a good amount of provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium.
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It is rich in plant compounds called polyphenols, which may help prevent and manage many chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's.
Rooibos
Our Rooibos comes from Biedouwvalley in South Africa where special care is given to the organic growth of the "Aspalathus Linearis" (the rooibos scrub).
Rooibos contains little tannin, no caffeine, no additives, no colourants or preservatives and is high in Vitamin C content.
Rooibos is rich in antioxidants, specifically an enzyme that operates like Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.) which attacks free radicals, reducing their negative consequences.
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Contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation and aches and pains.
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Contains anti-spasmodic compounds that help to alleviate abdominal pain such as stomach cramps by activating potassium ions throughout the body.
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Can reduce inflammation, and therefore aid in treating the painful symptoms of arthritis.
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Rooibos tea is high in vitamin C, which further helps to repair collagen and connective tissue in the joints.
Sage Leaves
Sage tea is an aromatic infusion made from the leaves of common sage (Salvia officinalis), an herb in the same family as mint. Commonly used as a spice, sage also has a long history of use in alternative and traditional medicine. Notably, its tea is packed with potential health benefits as well.
Sage leaves contain a variety of powerful plant compounds. In particular, its antioxidants work to neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals. When these accumulate in your body, they can lead to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Sage leaves are particularly high in rosmarinic acid. Animal and test-tube studies have shown that this antioxidant provides numerous benefits, such as decreased inflammation and blood sugar levels.
Sage leaves contain a fair amount of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, circulation, and proper blood clotting. What’s more, this tea boasts several other health-promoting compounds, including carnosol and camphor.