Medicinal herbariums

Every plant has a story. And that’s not all: in their tiny leaves, seeds, roots and bark, some plants hold medicinal powers. Because that’s where the active principles lie: those natural medicinal substances that have for untold years been transformed by herbalists into unguents, oils, scents, infusions, tinctures and cosmetics, aromas and medicines. The medicinal rock gardens are home to some of these plants. Like the rhodiola: it yields active principles that moisturize and nourish the skin. You can also see valerian, a mood equilibrator, with its pale pink flowers. Next to it grows the mallow, used to make detergents and toothpaste, thanks to its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. Yellow flowers that resemble daisies signal the presence of arnica montana. In addition to quelling inflammations, this plant also eases pain and aids the circulation.

Imperatoria vera  (Peucedanum Ostruthium), or masterwort, is a species in the Apiacee family and a medicinal herb. Its root has digestive, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, but must be taken in small doses internally.

Local inhabitants have a habit of sucking on a piece of this plant’s root to dull the pain of a toothache, but this practice can irritate the stomach and provoke a general sense of inebriation.