Herbal knowledge past-today
Nature in the Glemmtal is wonderfully diverse and varied - majestic peaks are lined up one after the other, crystal-clear mountain lakes glisten in the sun and fragrant alpine meadows delight hikers and bikers. If you take a closer look, you will recognize a wide variety of herbs, flowers and shrubs. People have always used the plants of the Alps as medicinal herbs. A knowledge that seemed to have been lost for a long time and is becoming increasingly popular again today. They are collected, dried, stirred and processed - the tinctures, ointments and drops are popular remedies for minor ailments and healthy vitamin boosters.
Herbal knowledge in the past
The forest peoples already made use of the numerous active ingredients of the plants. Excavation finds containing burnt herbs indicate early use. Berries, herbs and plants were used as food and medicine. In addition to being eaten freshly harvested, the most popular plants were soon dried and drunk as tea. Various records and finds also indicate that they were used as incense. Sage and dragon's blood, for example, are said to have a cleansing effect, rose petals or camomile a harmonizing one.
As people settled and social structures developed, the use of healing wild herbs was refined, expanded and written down. Pioneers such as the healer Hildegard von Bingen were already writing about "lovage, licorice, wild thyme or bertram for colds" at the beginning of the 12th century.
In rural areas in particular, it was vital for people to have women and men with healing skills in their midst, who often worked as bathers or midwives and supplied the population with tinctures, ointments and herbs.
Herbal knowledge today
The meadows, forest and fields in the Glemmtal valley are captivating in summer with their fine fragrance and diverse flora. If you take a closer look, you will find all kinds of medicinal herbs. In addition to popular classics such as lady's mantle, yarrow, dandelion and daisies, there are real rarities such as the yellow-flowering arnica or gentian in certain places. Carefully harvested and, if the flowers are protected, grown in our own garden, the various plants are processed into a wide range of products.
Three things that no household should be without:

St. John's Wort Oil
The yellow-flowering St. John's wort has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times and is highly valued. The plant is considered to lift the mood and is known as the bringer of light.
How to make it:
Harvest the flowering herb, strip the flowers and leaves from the stem and fill loosely into a screw-top jar. Fill with high-quality vegetable oil (e.g. almond oil) and leave to infuse in a warm and sunny place for six weeks. Then strain off the red-colored oil and store in a dark place at room temperature.
Areas of application:
Tension, burns, for a good mood
Caution: Do not go out in the sun after application!

Dandelion oxymel
Dandelion oxymel tastes delicious as an ingredient in salad dressings or can also be taken by the spoonful. It is very healthy and easy to make.
Production:
Harvest the dandelion flowers and fill loosely into a screw-top jar. Fill half with organic honey and half with apple cider vinegar and leave to infuse in the fridge for three weeks. Strain the flowers and store the sour honey in the fridge.
Areas of application:
In salads as a dressing, in water as a healthy flavor, by the spoonful as a cure
Sour honey has a disinfectant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Dandelion contains valuable vitamins and minerals.

Yarrow tea
Yarrow is considered a real all-rounder, is extremely popular due to its versatility and is mainly used as a women's medicinal herb.
Production:
The yarrow flowers are collected and dried. If required, pour hot water over a teaspoon of the dry herb, leave to infuse briefly and drink in sips
Areas of application:
Has an antispasmodic and calming effect and has a positive effect on the circulation.
Text source: www.saalbach.com