Messengers of the Earth: At the Heart of Ancient Knowledge

By Clarisse :)

When we think of plants, our minds often turn to their aesthetic beauty, how they decorate our homes, or the care we show a loved one by offering them a bouquet. And yet, long before they were objects of decoration, affection, or contemplation, plants were perceived as allies in daily life: they nourished, healed, and protected. And even if these ancient customs have sometimes been forgotten, their power remains inscribed in our collective memory. At Dirty Roots Berlin, we seek to revive this simple, deep connection with nature.

Fennel: Aniseed Sweetness

An aromatic and medicinal plant, fennel is recognizable by its sweet aniseed scent and its umbels of yellow flowers. Used for millennia, it was prized by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its digestive virtues and soothing properties.

Main virtues: digestive, carminative (anti-bloating), galactagogue (promotes lactation), expectorant.

How to use it: in cooking (bulb, seeds, and leaves), as an infusion (crushed seeds) for digestive problems, or as compresses for tired eyes.

Burdock: The Purifying Root

Often considered a "weed" with its purple flowers and clinging burrs, burdock hides a root with powerful purifying properties. It was traditionally used to purify the blood and treat skin problems.

Main virtues: depurative, draining, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial (for external use).

How to use it: in a root decoction (for skin detoxification), as a poultice or lotion for skin conditions (acne, eczema).

Linden: The Tree of Light Sleep

Majestic and often planted in schoolyards or village squares, the linden tree is well-known for its fragrant flowers, harvested at the beginning of summer. It is traditionally associated with serenity and rest.

Main virtues: calming, mild sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic.

How to use it: in an infusion of flowers and bracts to promote sleep, calm nervousness, or soothe a cough.

Borage: The Blue Star

With its beautiful intense blue flowers and hairy leaves, borage is a resourceful edible and medicinal plant. It is sometimes called "herb of gladness" for its comforting effect.

Main virtues: emollient (softens the skin), expectorant, diuretic, revitalizing (rich in omega-6).

How to use it: in salads (young leaves), in soups, as an oil (extracted from the seeds) for skin and hair, or as an infusion for its depurative properties.

Calendula (Marigold): The Healing Ray of Sunshine

This flower with bright orange petals, often found in gardens, is a powerful healing agent. Marigold has been used for centuries for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, reminiscent of the sun's warmth.

Main virtues: healing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, softening.

How to use it: in an oil macerate or ointment for minor wounds, skin irritations, and sunburns. In an infusion for throat or digestive irritations.

At Dirty Roots Berlin, we are rediscovering a simple and deep connection with these plants. Not to follow a "green" trend, but because every object, every pot, every sphere is designed to extend this relationship with nature by honoring it rather than just decorating it. A plant is not an accessory. It is a memory, an accomplice, a breath. The raw spheres we find here don't just hold plants; they protect them, enhance them, and remind us that in the slowness of life, there is a whole world to rediscover.