From 1349 onwards, there were regular outbreaks of the plague in the Low Countries and the last outbreak in the Northern Netherlands was in 1636. After that, there were several smaller outbreaks. At that time, it was not clear what caused the disease, at least not according to our modern concepts. Nevertheless, various plants with… Continue reading Recipe to make plague water
Category: Publications
Haveroon, or the mystery of the missing child
In 1687, Maria Cornelissen Moerincx, an unmarried maid of 22 years from the vicinity of Roosendaal, was accused of giving birth. But the child was missing and the father unknown. Maria denied everything and dismissed it as gossip. However, there was milk coming from her breasts and that was seen as irrefutable proof that she… Continue reading Haveroon, or the mystery of the missing child
Challenges to preserving herbal knowledge in Latin America
Much knowledge of medicinal plants is in danger of being lost because the traditions of the bearers of that knowledge are threatened. Traditional ways of life are hindered by forced relocation, pollution of soil and drinking water, and even assassinations of indigenous leaders and healers. One of the consequences is the extinction of certain languages,… Continue reading Challenges to preserving herbal knowledge in Latin America
Maca: rise and fall of a hype
Historically, maca was cultivated only in a small region in Peru, and this plant was threatened with extinction in the 1980s. From the end of the 1990s, however, maca developed into a popular herbal remedy. It has since been cultivated on a large scale, even in China. Maca is sold as ‘super food’, ‘Peruvian Viagra’… Continue reading Maca: rise and fall of a hype
Erythroxylum spp. (‘coca’): a versatile and controversial medicinal plant
Abstract. Erythroxylum spp, known as ‘coca’ are an essential part of several cultures in Latin America since thousands of years. Coca is used in social interactions, as medicine, food and in magical-religious rituals. This article discuses some of the research done on the effects of coca that are most known in Europe, namely on altitude,… Continue reading Erythroxylum spp. (‘coca’): a versatile and controversial medicinal plant