Violet-Shrinking and Billie Bee

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS

Marigold is called "Calendula" in Latin, which means "little clock" or "calendar. Marigold is both: first of all, you can tell from the flowers whether it is already late because they close when it gets dark. Furthermore, marigold usually blooms at the beginning of a new moon, making it almost a calendar.

Under its Latin name, marigold is widely used, as in the past, in salves and creams for your skin: calendula ointment. It helps against inflammation and makes your skin heal more easily.

MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA

Like the marigold, chamomile is still widely used. The scent calms and if you put the flowers in a steam bath, you can sleep very well.

The Latin name Matricaria comes from "mater," the word for mother. That's because it was always widely used by mothers for sick children. For example, the steam bath also helps against colds. If you have a fever, cramps or abdominal pain, it is a good idea to drink chamomile tea. Chamomile works best if you pick it in full afternoon sun.

DIGITALIS PURPUREA

Foxglove is very toxic, so it was actually not used in the Middle Ages. Later, a very small amount of the poisonous substance was actually found to be good for people with heart problems. Meanwhile, that substance is made in a laboratory.

It does come with a nice story: the flowers of the herb are said to be chairs for fairies. Flying makes you tired, and the foxglove is a good place to rest. To thank the plant, the fairies would have given the flowers magical powers. Animals, especially foxes, who wear the flowers as gloves, can talk to each other without making a sound. How fun is that?