Dedication to the Earth

Contents

1. Aloe Vera 

2.  Basil 

3.  Chamomille

4. Dandelion

5. Echinacea 

 6, Fennel

7. Gălbenele or marigold

8. Hibiscus

9. Iris 

10. Jasmine

11. Kelp

12. Lavender

13.Marshmallow 

14. Neem 

15. Oregano

16, Peppermint 

17. Queen of the Meadow 

18. Rosemary 

19.Sage

20. Turmeric

21. Umckaloabo 

22. Valerian Root 

23.Willow Bark (White Willow)

24. Xanthorhiza (Yellowroot) 

25. Yarrow 

26. Zedoary (White Ginger) 

27. Snowdrop

Challenge for the team led by Tămaș Liliana Adriana

David Voniga Theoretical High School, Giroc

is for Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

    Aloe vera is a  succulent, drought-resistant plant native to arid region. Its thick, spiky, fleshy leaves store a clear gel rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory gel, it is widely used to treat skin burns, wounds, and minor irritations.

is for Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

    Basil is a tender, aromatic culinary herb belonging to the mint family.

Native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia, it is widely celebrated as the "king of herbs".

Beyond cuisine, sweet basil contains powerful essential oils with notable antibacterial properties and antioxidants.

is for Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

    Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb from the daisy family.

One of the most globally recognized herbs, prized for its gentle sedative properties to ease anxiety, promote sleep, and soothe upset stomachs.

Challenge for the team led by Murgilă Rita, David Voniga Theoretical High School, Giroc, Romania

is for Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

A powerhouse backyard plant where the dandelion leaf acts as a powerful diuretic, while the dandelion root supports liver detoxification and optimal digestion.

is for Echinacea

Origin: Echinacea is native to North America and has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its healing properties.

Description:
Echinacea is a flowering medicinal plant with large purple or pink petals and a cone-shaped center. It usually grows in sunny areas and can reach up to 1–1.5 meters in height.

Medicinal Uses:
Echinacea is well known for supporting the immune system. It is commonly used to:

Benefits:

is for Fennel

Origin:
Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated in many parts of the world. It has been used since ancient times for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Description:
Fennel is a fragrant medicinal plant with feathery green leaves, yellow flowers, and aromatic seeds. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a sweet, licorice-like flavor.

Medicinal Uses:
Fennel is widely used for its digestive and health benefits. It is commonly used to:

Benefits:

Challenge for the team led by Antal Liliana, David Voniga Theoretical High School, Giroc, Romania

            Marigolds, scientifically known as Calendula officinalis , belong to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native mainly to the western Mediterranean region, although it is now cultivated in many temperate parts of the world. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal, culinary and ornamental plant.

Marigolds are annual or sometimes biennial plants. They usually grow between 30 and 60 centimeters tall. The plant has green, slightly hairy leaves and bright yellow or orange flowers with many petals. It normally blooms from late spring to autumn. The flowers are the main part used in herbal preparations. They can be collected and used fresh or dried. Marigolds should not be confused with French or African marigolds, which belong to the genus Tagetes.

 is for ,, gălbenele" in romanian (calendulla) and ,,marigold" in english

Potential Benefits

Calendulas contain plant compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenes. These substances may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Possible benefits include:

gentle soothing;

supporting the natural healing of small, superficial wounds;

reducing redness and minor inflammation;

moisturizing and protecting dry skin;

soothing mild irritations of the mouth or throat.

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), celebrated for their  large, showey and trumpet shaped blossom.

Beyond their ornamental value in landscaping and as houseplants, hibiscus plants have various applications. The flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) are frequently used to brew a vibrant red, tart herbal tea, commonly known as karkadè. In traditional medicine, parts of the plant have been used for their potential tonic properties, skin care benefits, and to help lower blood pressure. 

is for hibiscus

is for Iris (Blue Flag)

The iris is an exotic, distinctively shaped perennial featuring sword-like foliage and six petals.

Modern herbalists primarily utilize species like Iris versicolor (Blue Flag) to stimulate the lymphatic system. By aiding the body in eliminating metabolic waste, it is used to treat chronic, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Challenge for the team led by Racovici Iasmina, David Voniga Theoretical High School, Giroc, Romania

is for Jasmine

Origin:

Jasmine is native to tropical and warm regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been cultivated for centuries for its beautiful flowers and pleasant fragrance.

Description:

Jasmine is a climbing or shrub-like medicinal plant with delicate white or yellow flowers and a sweet, intense scent. It usually grows in sunny places and is often used in gardens, perfumes, and herbal remedies.

Medicinal Uses:

Jasmine is commonly used for relaxation and emotional well-being. It may help calm the mind, reduce stress, and support restful sleep.

It is also used in traditional remedies to support skin care and general wellness.

How It Is Used:

Jasmine can be consumed or used as:

Tea

Essential oil

Herbal infusion

Aromatherapy

Benefits:

Supports relaxation

May help reduce stress

Promotes better sleep

Has a pleasant calming fragrance

Can support skin care

Precautions:

Jasmine essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution. People with allergies or sensitive skin should use it carefully.

Interesting Fact: Jasmine is often called the “Queen of the Night” because some varieties release their strongest fragrance after sunset.

is for Kelp

Kelp grows in cold, nutrient-rich ocean waters,

especially along the coasts of the Atlantic and

Pacific Oceans. It has been used for food and 

traditional remedies in many coastal cultures.

Description:

Kelp is a large brown seaweed that grows underwater in dense forests. It has long, ribbon-like leaves and can grow very quickly. Kelp is rich in minerals, especially iodine, and is important for marine ecosystems.

Medicinal Uses:

Kelp is known for supporting thyroid health because it naturally contains iodine. It may also support metabolism, digestion, and general mineral balance in the body.

Kelp is also used in some skin care products because of its mineral content.

How It Is Used:

Kelp can be consumed or used as:

Food

Powder

Capsules or tablets

Tea or herbal blends

Natural cosmetic ingredient

Benefits:

Supports thyroid function

Provides natural minerals

May support metabolism

Can help maintain healthy skin

Supports general wellness

Precautions:

Kelp should be used carefully because it contains iodine. Too much iodine may affect the thyroid. 

Interesting Fact:

Kelp forests are sometimes called the “rainforests of the sea” because they provide shelter and food for many marine animals.

is for Lavender

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is now cultivated in many parts of the world. It has been valued for centuries for its fragrance, beauty, and medicinal properties.

Description:

Lavender is a flowering medicinal plant with narrow green leaves and fragrant purple flowers. It grows well in sunny areas and is commonly found in gardens and herbal farms.

Medicinal Uses:

Lavender is widely known for its calming and relaxing effects. It may help reduce stress, support better sleep, and promote emotional well-being.

Lavender is also used to soothe minor skin irritations and headaches.

How It Is Used:

Lavender can be consumed or used as:

Tea

Essential oil

Herbal infusion

Aromatherapy

Natural cosmetic products

Benefits:

Promotes relaxation

May improve sleep quality

Helps reduce stress and anxiety

Has a pleasant natural fragrance

May soothe minor skin irritations

Precautions:

Lavender essential oil should be diluted before applying it to the skin. People with allergies or sensitive skin should use it carefully.

Interesting Fact:

The name “Lavender” comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning “to wash,” because the Romans often used lavender in

baths and perfumes.

Challenge for the team led by Arsez ÖZBEK - Toki Şehit Er Yılmaz Özdemir Primary School İstanbul/ Turkey

is for Marshmallow (Root)

Marshmallow Root, scientifically known as Althaea officinalis, is a medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Although its name is now commonly associated with the popular marshmallow candy, the original recipe for this sweet treat actually contained extract made from the plant's root.

The plant belongs to the Malvaceae family and grows mainly in wetlands, along riverbanks, and in areas with fertile soil. The root is considered the most valuable medicinal part of the plant and is usually harvested in autumn, after it has accumulated a large amount of nutrients.

The main active component of marshmallow root is mucilage, a plant substance with soothing and protective properties. When mixed with water, mucilage forms a gel that coats and calms irritated tissues. For this reason, marshmallow root is commonly used to relieve sore throats, coughs, and irritation of the respiratory tract.

In addition to its benefits for the respiratory system, the plant may also support digestive health. The protective gel formed by mucilage can help reduce irritation in the stomach and intestines and has traditionally been used for gastritis, acid reflux, and other minor digestive problems.

Marshmallow root is available in various forms, including teas, capsules, syrups, and liquid extracts. Tea made from this plant is appreciated for its soothing effects and its mildly sweet and pleasant taste.

Although marshmallow root is generally considered safe for consumption, people taking medication should use it with caution because the mucilage may affect the absorption of certain medicines. Therefore, it is recommended to take marshmallow root at least two hours apart from other medications.

In conclusion, marshmallow root is a valuable medicinal plant known for its soothing and protective effects on the body. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, it continues to be valued today as a natural remedy for respiratory and digestive conditions.

is for Neem

Neem, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, due to its numerous medicinal and therapeutic properties. Because of its versatility and importance, neem is often referred to as the "village pharmacy."

Neem trees can grow up to 20 meters tall and thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Almost every part of the tree, including the leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, and roots, has been used for medicinal, agricultural, or cosmetic purposes.

The leaves of the neem tree contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including azadirachtin, nimbin, and nimbolide, which are known for their antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, neem leaves have been used to support skin health and to help manage minor infections and irritations.

Neem oil, extracted from the seeds, is widely used in skincare products, soaps, shampoos, and natural pesticides. In agriculture, neem-based products are valued because they help control insect pests while having a lower environmental impact than many synthetic pesticides.

In traditional medicine, neem has been used to support oral health, digestive health, and immune function. Neem twigs have historically been used as natural toothbrushes in several cultures due to their antibacterial properties.

Modern scientific research continues to investigate the potential health benefits of neem and its active compounds. However, while many traditional uses are supported by preliminary studies, further research is needed to confirm some of its medicinal applications.

Although neem products are generally considered safe when used appropriately, excessive consumption of neem oil or concentrated extracts may cause adverse effects. Therefore, medicinal use should follow professional guidance, especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions.