Moravian Karst – Nature's Treasury of Herbs

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Disclaimer

This e-book is intended purely for informative and educational purposes and serves to introduce both traditional and modern perspectives on the herbs of the Moravian Karst. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment guide, and it does not, under any circumstances, replace consultation with a doctor, pharmacist, or qualified herbalist/phytotherapist.

The effects of the herbs described in this text are based on traditional use and generally available phytotherapy knowledge; these are not clinically verified claims applicable to every individual, and results vary from person to person. The authors and operator of tydenvkrasu.cz accept no responsibility for any harm to health, allergic reaction, adverse interaction with medication, or other negative consequence arising in connection with the use of information, recipes, or recommendations contained in this material — nor for any incorrect identification, collection, or processing of plants by the reader.

By using this e-book, the reader confirms that they are acting on their own responsibility and that they will seek professional advice before using any herbal preparation, particularly if they have an existing medical condition, are taking medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are considering use in children. We also recommend following the plant-collecting rules in force in the protected landscape area (see Moravian Karst PLA rules).

Note on this version: I have reworked the original draft. I removed invented “local traditions” and figures that cannot be substantiated, corrected one genuinely dangerous error (a sentence that told readers they were allowed to pick protected species — it should have said exactly the opposite), and swapped lavender for wild marjoram, since lavender does not grow wild in the Moravian Karst and is associated with the region only as a garden plant, whereas wild marjoram genuinely grows on the limestone slopes of the karst. The recipes and safety notes remain largely unchanged, as they correspond to standard phytotherapeutic practice.

Introduction

The Moravian Karst is one of the oldest protected areas in the Czech Republic — a limestone landscape between Blansko and Brno, threaded through with ravines, chasms and caves. The combination of limestone bedrock, dry ridgetops and damp valley floors creates a surprisingly varied mosaic of habitats here — and with it, a rich flora that includes plants traditionally used as medicinal herbs for generations.

This e-book introduces twelve herbs that genuinely grow wild in the Moravian Karst or are traditionally cultivated here, have a long history of use in European herbalism, and whose effects are now backed by modern research. For each herb you’ll find a botanical description, a history of its use, what science says about it, a tried-and-tested recipe, and safety notes.

Collecting herbs in harmony with nature means taking only as much as the population can sustain, and respecting that part of the landscape is strictly protected. You can read more in the section on collecting rules and in our separate article on Moravian Karst PLA rules.

General Safety Notice

Before using any herbal remedy or preparation, it’s important to understand the safety considerations and limitations involved. This e-book is an informative resource and is NOT A SUBSTITUTE for professional medical care. Before using any herbal preparation, especially if you have a health condition or are taking medication, always consult a doctor or a qualified herbalist.

Important safety principles:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many of the herbs listed here are traditionally considered safe, but every pregnancy is different. Never take a herbal preparation during pregnancy without consulting a doctor or midwife. Some herbs (particularly coltsfoot and yarrow) may theoretically affect its course.
• Children: Doses need to be adjusted for age. As a rough guide: a child aged 2–6 should receive a quarter of the adult dose, and a child aged 6–12 half the adult dose. Always consult a paediatrician.
• Combining with medication: Many herbs can interact with medicines — St John’s wort, for example, reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraception and certain antidepressants, while nettle may affect blood-thinning medication. Always tell your doctor which herbs you’re taking.
• Allergic reactions: Even natural substances can trigger an allergy. If you experience itching, swelling, a rash or breathing difficulties, stop using the herb immediately and seek medical help.
• Long-term use: With some herbs (St John’s wort, wild thyme), it’s advisable to take a week’s break after 4–6 weeks of use.
• Wild collecting: Be certain of your plant identification — there’s a risk of confusing herbs with toxic species. If you’re not sure, don’t pick it.
• Switching from synthetic medication: Never replace prescribed medicines (such as antidepressants) with herbs without medical guidance — sudden discontinuation can be dangerous.
• Acute conditions: In cases of fever, serious injury, chest pain, breathing difficulties or other serious symptoms, always seek medical help immediately — don’t rely on herbs.

1. St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Botanical description and identification

A perennial, upright herb 30–100 cm tall with small opposite leaves dotted with tiny translucent and dark spots — these are the glands containing the plant’s active compounds. The flowers are five-petalled, bright yellow, with conspicuous dark veining, and bloom from May to September. St John’s wort is drought-tolerant and copes well with poor, chalky soils, making it typical of open, sunny spots at woodland edges and on rocky steppes.

History and traditional use

St John’s wort has been used in the European tradition since antiquity — it was mentioned by both Hippocrates and Dioscorides. In the Middle Ages, monks grew it in monastery gardens and administered it for mental unrest and melancholy. In folk tradition it was picked especially around the summer solstice (St John’s Day, 23 June), when it was believed to be at its most potent.

Scientific findings on its effects

Clinical studies have confirmed that St John’s wort’s active compounds — hypericin and hyperforin — raise serotonin levels and have a demonstrable effect in treating mild to moderate depression, comparable in several studies to certain synthetic antidepressants but with fewer side effects. It also contains powerful antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Medicinal properties and applications

Used for mild depression, anxiety, insomnia and nervous tension — the effect builds gradually, usually after 2–3 weeks of regular use. Applied externally, St John’s wort oil has proven effective for rheumatic pain and to support the healing of wounds and scars.

Recipe: St John’s Wort oil for external use

Ingredients: 150 g fresh flowering St John’s wort · 300 ml good-quality oil (extra virgin olive or sesame) · a clean jar with lid (1 litre) · fine muslin for straining · a dark glass jar for storage

Method: Lightly dry the fresh St John’s wort, chop it, and fill the jar halfway. Pour in oil until the plant material is completely covered. Seal the jar and leave to macerate for 4–6 weeks in a sunny spot, shaking daily. Once the oil has turned pink to red (the colour comes from the hypericin), strain through muslin into a dark jar. Store somewhere cool and dark and use within a year. Apply to painful areas 2–3 times a day and massage in gently.

Safety and contraindications

Never use continuously for a long period without a break — after 2–3 months, take at least a month off. Increases skin sensitivity to sunlight. Interacts strongly with hormonal contraception, antidepressants (SSRIs), heart and epilepsy medication, and immunosuppressants — always check with a doctor before combining. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, use only under medical supervision; people with bipolar disorder should avoid it.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

St John’s wort is a typical plant of limestone steppes and woodland edges — look for it in sunny, open spots with shallow, mineral-rich soil, characteristic of the karst plateaux. Only pick part of a stand, never an entire population from one location.

2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Botanical description and identification

A perennial herb 40–80 cm tall with pale green, oval, finely toothed leaves that release a distinct lemony scent when crushed — the easiest way to identify it. Small whitish flowers grow in the leaf axils from May to September. Lemon balm originates from the Mediterranean but has been commonly cultivated in European gardens for centuries, and in places it has escaped into the wild in damper, more sheltered spots.

History and traditional use

The name “Melissa” comes from the Greek word for bee — the ancient Greeks believed the plant attracted bees. In both Arabic and medieval European medicine it was one of the most valued herbs, grown by monks in monastery gardens across Europe.

Scientific findings on its effects

Lemon balm’s essential oil (geraniol, citral) has a proven calming effect — studies confirm it raises GABA levels in the brain and is effective for anxiety and insomnia, comparable to mild sedatives but without their side effects. Its antiviral action against herpesviruses (cold sores) is particularly well documented.

Medicinal properties and applications

Lemon balm helps with anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia, without causing daytime drowsiness. It also soothes stress-related digestive complaints, acting on the smooth muscle of the intestines to ease cramps.

Recipe: Calming lemon balm tea

Ingredients for 1 serving: 1.5 tablespoons dried lemon balm leaves (or 3 tablespoons fresh) · 250 ml filtered water (80–90°C, not boiling)

Method: Pick fresh leaves in the morning once the dew has dried, when they’re richest in essential oils. Pour on almost-boiling water, cover with a lid and infuse for 8–10 minutes in a covered vessel so the volatile compounds aren’t lost. Strain, and sweeten with honey if you like. Drink 30–60 minutes before bed; up to 3 cups a day is safe.

Safety and contraindications

Lemon balm is very safe, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding (consultation with a midwife is recommended). Take care when combining with sedatives or antidepressants. Avoid if allergic to plants in the mint family.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

In the karst landscape, it grows mainly in the lower, damper and shadier parts of the valleys, away from the drier limestone environment of the ridges. That said, lemon balm from a garden or grower is the safer bet — collecting the wild plant is always less reliable in terms of both purity and identification.

3. Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Botanical description and identification

A semi-woody shrub 30–70 cm tall with elongated, wrinkled, velvety-haired leaves of a grey-green colour and an intense, bitter, woody scent. Violet-blue flowers in dense spikes bloom from June to August.

History and traditional use

The Latin name “salvia” is linked to the word “salvus” — healthy. Sage was one of the most important herbs of medieval Europe, grown in monastery gardens, and in folk medicine it was credited with the power to “save life”.

Scientific findings on its effects

Sage contains powerful antioxidants and has proven anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects — which is why it’s a common ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes. It also contains thujone, which is safe at normal doses but can be neurotoxic at high doses, so prolonged high-dose use is not recommended.

Medicinal properties and applications

Most commonly used as a gargle for gum inflammation, mouth ulcers and sore throats. It supports the immune system during colds and flu, and is traditionally used to reduce excessive sweating.

Recipe: Sage gargle

Ingredients for 2 servings: 3 tablespoons dried sage leaves (or 6 tablespoons fresh) · 400 ml water · a teaspoon of salt (optional)

Method: Bring the water to the boil, add the sage, lower the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Strain and allow to cool to a comfortable temperature. Gargle for 1–2 minutes, 4–5 times a day, after meals and before bed — do not swallow. For internal use, a maximum of a quarter of a cup can be drunk 2–3 times a day after meals, no more than 2–3 cups a week.

Safety and contraindications

Do not use internally for more than 2–3 weeks at a time. Avoid internal use during pregnancy (especially the first trimester); breastfeeding mothers should use with caution (sage reduces milk production). Take care with epilepsy and high blood pressure.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Common sage doesn’t grow wild in the Moravian Karst — it’s a garden herb that people have traditionally grown near cottages and in monastery gardens, thanks to the warm, south-facing slopes the karst offers. Your best source is therefore your own garden bed or a herb supplier, rather than foraging in the field.

4. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Botanical description and identification

An annual herb 20–60 cm tall with finely divided, almost cobweb-like leaves and white, daisy-like flowers with a yellow, hollow centre. It blooms from May to August and has a sweet, herbal scent when crushed. In the landscape it favours lower ground and human-disturbed areas — field margins, paths and waste ground.

History and traditional use

Chamomile was known to the ancient Egyptians and was described by Hippocrates. In German folk tradition it was called “Alleskraut” — the cure-all — because it was grown in both monastery and farmhouse gardens as a basic household remedy.

Scientific findings on its effects

Its active compounds (apigenin, chamazulene, bisabolol) have a proven anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive tract and have also been studied for a mild anxiolytic effect comparable to benzodiazepines, but without their risk of dependence. Studies also confirm strong antiseptic and antibacterial activity.

Medicinal properties and applications

Chamomile is a classic remedy for bloating, cramps and inflammation of the digestive tract, while also easing nervousness and aiding sleep — suitable for children too. A cooled infusion is used as a compress for inflamed eyes, and as an ointment or extract for irritated skin.

Recipe: Chamomile infusion

Ingredients for 1 serving: 2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers · 250 ml water (80–90°C)

Method: Pour almost-boiling water over the flowers and cover immediately with a lid so the volatile oils aren’t lost. Infuse for 5–10 minutes, then strain. Drink 15–30 minutes after meals, up to 3–4 cups a day. For chronic complaints, it can be drunk for 4–6 weeks, then followed by a week’s break.

Safety and contraindications

One of the safest teas of all — suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for infants from around 6 months (after checking with a paediatrician). The only caution is for those allergic to daisy-family plants (related to dandelion and ragweed).

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

German chamomile isn’t native to limestone habitats, but it has settled well in the lower, human-influenced parts of the region — you’ll find it along field margins and paths near villages.

5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Botanical description and identification

A perennial herb 40–100 cm tall with strikingly finely feathered leaves (hence “millefolium” — a thousand leaves) and flat white to pinkish flowerheads. It blooms from May through to autumn and is an excellent bee plant. It grows in meadows, pastures and woodland edges throughout the region.

History and traditional use

The Latin genus name refers to the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, used it to treat his soldiers’ wounds. In medieval medicine, yarrow was a staple remedy for stopping bleeding.

Scientific findings on its effects

Science has confirmed yarrow’s haemostatic (blood-clotting) effects — it constricts blood vessels and promotes platelet aggregation. It also has documented anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and mildly choleretic (bile-stimulating) effects.

Medicinal properties and applications

Used externally for minor wounds and nosebleeds, and internally for digestive complaints and to help with heavier menstrual bleeding.

Recipe: Yarrow tea

Ingredients for 1 serving: 1–2 teaspoons dried yarrow herb (flowers and leaves) · 250 ml water (90–95°C)

Method: Pour on almost-boiling water, cover and infuse for 8–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups a day, ideally after meals to support digestion. For a wound compress, make a stronger decoction (2 tablespoons to 300 ml, simmered for 10 minutes), let it cool, and apply with a soaked cloth to the wound.

Safety and contraindications

Not recommended during pregnancy (mild emmenagogue effect). Take care alongside blood-thinning medication, and with long-term use due to its thujone content — take a break after 4–6 weeks. May increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Yarrow is one of the most common herbs in the region, growing abundantly in meadows and pastures near villages and along hiking trails. Pick only the top flowering parts and leave part of the stand in place so it can regenerate.

6. Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Botanical description and identification

An unassuming ground-level rosette with narrow, lance-shaped leaves marked by prominent parallel veins, which is where the species name “lanceolata” comes from. Small brownish flowers are arranged in cylindrical spikes on long, leafless stalks, blooming from May to September. It’s one of the most common “weeds” of meadows, pastures and path edges.

History and traditional use

In English tradition, ribwort plantain was known as “nature’s bandage”, because fresh leaves were traditionally applied directly to wounds and insect stings. It was also mentioned by Pliny the Elder.

Scientific findings on its effects

It contains mucilaginous compounds that protect and soothe irritated mucous membranes, and iridoid glycosides with proven antibacterial effects. It also has an expectorant effect, helping clear mucus from the airways — which makes it a proven remedy for coughs.

Medicinal properties and applications

Mainly used for coughs and airway irritation, and to support the healing of minor wounds and insect stings.

Recipe: Ribwort plantain cough syrup

Ingredients: 200 g fresh ribwort plantain leaves (picked in spring, when they’re at their most tender) · 200 g sugar or honey

Method: Chop the washed and dried leaves and layer them in a jar alternately with sugar/honey, finishing with a layer of sugar. Seal and leave in a cool place for 24–48 hours until the juice is released. Strain through gauze, squeezing out the remainder. The syrup keeps in the fridge for 2–3 months. Take a teaspoonful 3–4 times a day for a cough — suitable for children too.

Safety and contraindications

Ribwort plantain is among the safest herbs of all, suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children. The only rare contraindication is an individual allergy.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

It grows almost everywhere — in meadows, pastures and along hiking paths. It’s one of the region’s most easily accessible medicinal plants, even though most visitors walk straight past it.

7. Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum / Thymus pulegioides)

Botanical description and identification

A low, semi-woody, creeping mat only 10–30 cm tall, with small, strongly aromatic leaves and pinkish-purple flowers in dense spikes from May to September. It loves dry, sun-baked, chalky ground — which is exactly what makes it typical of the Moravian Karst landscape.

History and traditional use

The Latin “mater” (mother) refers to its traditional use in caring for women and children. In the Middle Ages, wild thyme was one of the most commonly grown herbs in monastery gardens.

Scientific findings on its effects

Its essential oil (thymol, carvacrol) has strong antiseptic, antimicrobial and bronchodilatory effects — studies confirm improved respiratory symptoms with regular use.

Medicinal properties and applications

A classic remedy for coughs, bronchitis and colds, whether as a tea or an inhalation. It also has a mild antiseptic effect on the digestive tract.

Recipe: Wild thyme inhalation and tea

Inhalation: Add 3 tablespoons dried (or 6 tablespoons fresh) wild thyme to 1 litre of boiling water, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Lean over the pan, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

Tea: 1.5 teaspoons to 250 ml water (90–95°C), infuse for 5–8 minutes, drink 2–3 times a day after meals. Long-term, use for a maximum of 4–6 weeks at a stretch, then take a break.

Safety and contraindications

Not recommended during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. Take care alongside blood-thinning medication and with high blood pressure.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Wild thyme is one of the most characteristic plants of the karst slopes and limestone outcrops — you’ll find it on sun-baked, dry ground throughout the region, where it forms colourful carpets in summer.

8. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Botanical description and identification

A distinctive plant in that it flowers before its leaves appear — yellow, dandelion-like flowers show up on leafless stems as early as March or April, with the large, heart-shaped leaves with a white, felted underside growing only after flowering ends. It grows in damper, disturbed spots — along streams, on landslips and embankments.

History and traditional use

Coltsfoot has long been one of the most widely used remedies for coughs — it was recommended even by Hippocrates.

Scientific findings on its effects

It contains mucilaginous compounds that protect the respiratory mucous membranes and has a proven cough-relieving effect. However, it also contains the alkaloid senecionine, which at higher doses can damage the liver — so only short-term use is now recommended.

Medicinal properties and applications

Used for acute coughs and bronchitis, always on a short-term basis only.

Recipe: Coltsfoot syrup

Ingredients: 100 g dried coltsfoot leaves (NOT flowers) · 400 ml water · 300 g sugar or honey

Method: Simmer the leaves in water for 10–15 minutes, strain, and stir the sugar/honey into the hot liquid. The syrup keeps in the fridge for 2–3 months. Take 1–2 teaspoons 3–4 times a day, for a maximum of 2–4 weeks at a time.

Safety and contraindications

Important notice: because of its senecionine content, use only short-term (2–4 weeks), followed by a longer break. Not suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for people with liver disease.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Coltsfoot is common in the region along streams and in damper, disturbed spots in the lower parts of the ravines.

9. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Botanical description and identification

A sturdy perennial herb 60–150 cm tall, covered in stinging hairs that release formic acid on contact. It has heart-shaped, toothed leaves and inconspicuous drooping flowers. It grows on nitrogen-rich ground throughout the region.

History and traditional use

Nettle was a staple of European folk medicine — used for arthritis and as a “cleansing” spring herb.

Scientific findings on its effects

It’s remarkably rich in minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium) and vitamins A, C and K. Studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory effects and improved symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a mild diuretic effect.

Medicinal properties and applications

An excellent general tonic herb, useful for fatigue and mild anaemia thanks to its readily absorbed iron, and it also supports bone and joint health.

Recipe: Nettle tea

Ingredients for 1 serving: 2 teaspoons dried young nettle leaves · 250–300 ml water (80–90°C)

Method: Pour on the water, cover and infuse for 10–15 minutes. Drink 2–3 times a day; for a cumulative effect, use long-term (2–3 months). Stronger version: pour water over a tablespoon of dried nettle and leave to infuse overnight (8–12 hours) — this draws out more minerals.

Safety and contraindications

Very safe, suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Take care if prone to thrombosis (contains vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting).

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Nettle grows literally everywhere — at woodland edges, along streams, on waste ground. Pick the young top leaves, ideally wearing gloves, in spring when mineral content is highest.

10. Dog Rose (Rosa canina)

Botanical description and identification

A thorny shrub 1–3 m tall with pink to almost white, five-petalled flowers in May and June. After the first frosts, the typical orange-red rosehips — false fruits — ripen. It grows at woodland edges, on field boundaries and in scrubby margins around pastures.

History and traditional use

During the Second World War, when citrus fruit was scarce, rosehips were systematically collected and processed into syrup in Sweden and Britain as a publicly available source of vitamin C.

Scientific findings on its effects

Rosehips are among the richest natural sources of vitamin C (running to hundreds of milligrams per 100 g when dried, considerably more than citrus fruit), and also contain carotenoids with antioxidant effects, currently being studied for their anti-inflammatory potential in arthritis.

Medicinal properties and applications

A classic immune-system support during the cold months; thanks to its fibre and antioxidants, it also benefits digestion.

Recipe: Rosehip tea and syrup

Tea: 2 teaspoons dried, deseeded rosehips (crushed) to 250 ml water (90–95°C), infuse for 10–15 minutes, and strain carefully to keep the irritating hairs from the seeds out of the brew.

Syrup: Simmer 500 g deseeded, chopped rosehips in 500 ml water for 15–20 minutes, strain, and stir 300 g sugar/honey into the hot liquid. Keeps in the fridge for 2–3 months; take a teaspoonful daily to support immunity.

Safety and contraindications

Very safe, suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Be sure to remove the seeds and hairs thoroughly — they irritate the respiratory and digestive mucous membranes.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Dog rose is common at woodland edges and in hedgerows throughout the region, and is picked after the first frost, when the fruits are sweetest.

11. Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) — a replacement for lavender

Botanical description and identification

A perennial, strongly aromatic herb 30–60 cm tall with small oval leaves and pinkish-purple flowers in flat-topped clusters from July to September. Its Greek name, made up of “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy) — “joy of the mountain” — captures exactly where it thrives best: on dry, sun-baked, chalky slopes. It’s a genuinely lime-loving plant and, unlike lavender, it actually grows wild in the Moravian Karst.

History and traditional use

Wild marjoram (oregano) is one of the oldest culinary and medicinal herbs of the Mediterranean and central Europe, used for digestive and respiratory complaints and as a natural preservative thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

Scientific findings on its effects

It contains carvacrol and thymol — the same active compounds found in wild thyme — with documented antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects. It supports digestion and has a mild expectorant effect for coughs.

Medicinal properties and applications

Used for colds, coughs and bloating, and externally as a natural antiseptic.

Recipe: Wild marjoram digestive tea

Ingredients for 1 serving: 1 teaspoon dried wild marjoram herb · 250 ml water (90–95°C)

Method: Pour on almost-boiling water, cover and infuse for 8–10 minutes. Drink after meals, up to a maximum of 2–3 cups a day. The herb can be picked at the start of flowering (July) and dried hanging in bunches in the shade.

Safety and contraindications

Safe for short-term use as a tea. During pregnancy, avoid high doses (mild emmenagogue effect, as with related mint-family herbs). Wild marjoram essential oil (not the tea) is highly concentrated and should not be taken internally without professional guidance.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

Wild marjoram is a true child of the karst landscape — it grows on dry limestone slopes, in the ravines and along the edges of forest paths, exactly where wild thyme and St John’s wort also thrive.

12. Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Botanical description and identification

An annual herb 40–70 cm tall with bright orange to yellow flowers resembling small sunflowers, blooming from June through to autumn. In the Moravian Karst it’s grown mainly in gardens, occasionally escaping into the wild on disturbed ground.

History and traditional use

Pot marigold was a classic herb of monastery gardens, traditionally used for wound healing and skincare.

Scientific findings on its effects

Marigold’s flavonoids and carotenoids have been shown to support the formation of new tissue (fibroblast proliferation) and small blood vessels during wound healing, and it also has antibacterial effects.

Medicinal properties and applications

A classic remedy for healing minor wounds, burns and irritated skin, including eczema.

Recipe: Marigold ointment

Ingredients: 150 g fresh marigold flowers · 250 ml olive, almond or coconut oil · 40 g beeswax (or plant-based wax)

Method: Leave the flowers to macerate in the oil for 2–3 weeks in a sunny spot. Strain, warm the oil in a bain-marie, dissolve the wax in it, and pour into jars while hot. Once cooled, it sets into an ointment and, stored somewhere cool, keeps for up to a year. Apply a thin layer 2–3 times a day to the affected area.

Safety and contraindications

Very safe for external use, suitable during pregnancy too. Take care if allergic to daisy-family plants.

Where to find it in the Moravian Karst

You’ll most reliably find marigold in local village gardens — it’s a traditional, easily grown herb rather than a plant of the wider countryside.

Seasonal calendar for herb collecting in the Moravian Karst

March — Nettle (young top leaves), Coltsfoot (flowers only, not leaves)

April — Lemon balm (first leaves), Ribwort plantain, Yarrow (early season), Nettle (peak)

May — Sage, St John’s wort (start of flowering), Chamomile, Wild thyme (early season), Wild marjoram (start of growth), Marigold

June — St John’s wort (peak), Wild thyme (peak), Dog rose (flowers), Coltsfoot (leaves), Marigold (peak)

July–August — St John’s wort (tailing off), Wild thyme (tailing off), Wild marjoram (peak flowering), Dog rose (fruit ripening)

September–October — Dog rose (fruit after first frost), Nettle (seeds)

General collecting principles

• When: in the morning once the dew has dried, but before the midday heat — this is when active compounds are at their highest.
• Weather: only in dry conditions; after rain, wait until the plants have dried.
• Ethics of collecting: pick at most a third of a stand in any one spot, and never pull up the whole plant, roots and all, even with common species — this allows populations to regenerate.
• Identification: be certain what you’re picking. If in doubt, don’t pick it at all.

Protected species — take care, here the exact opposite of free collecting applies

Rare and strictly protected species also grow in the Moravian Karst, including pasqueflower and iris, as well as the endemic Matthiola’s bittercress found at the bottom of the Macocha Abyss. You must NOT pick these plants — they are protected by law, and picking them is an offence both within and outside the protected landscape area. Likewise, in national nature reserves you may only move along marked paths, so collecting anything off the path there is simply not an option. You’ll find full details in the article Rules in the Moravian Karst PLA — all twelve herbs in this e-book are common, non-threatened species that may be collected outside strictly protected zones, in reasonable quantities for personal use.

Drying and storing herbs

Drying methods

• Loose, in the shade: spread the plants on paper or a sieve in a dark, well-ventilated spot (an attic or shed). Direct sunlight destroys active compounds. Takes 1–3 weeks depending on air humidity.
• Hanging in bundles: suits herbs with longer stems (St John’s wort, wild marjoram, wild thyme) — tie the stems and hang them flower-end down in a dark, ventilated spot.

Storage

• Keep dried herbs in dark, tightly lidded jars, protected from light.
• Label each jar with the name and date of collection.
• Store somewhere cool and dry, ideally below 20°C.
• Flowers keep their quality for 6–12 months, leaves and whole herb for 1–2 years.
• Adding a piece of cinnamon or a few black peppercorns to the jar helps deter insects.

Table: comparison of active compounds and effects

Table: collecting period in the Moravian Karst

Key: ✓✓ optimal time · ✓ suitable time · – unsuitable time

Table: practical information for collecting

Alphabetical index of herbs

• Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) — digestion, respiratory tract, lavender substitute, grows on karst slopes
• German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — digestive complaints, sleep, skin inflammation
• Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) — coughs, wound healing
• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) — minerals, energy, detoxification
• Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) — respiratory tract, typical plant of the karst slopes
• Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) — wound healing, skincare
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) — calming, sleep, antiviral effects
• Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) — acute coughs, short-term use only
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — stopping bleeding, digestion
• Dog rose (Rosa canina) — vitamin C, immunity
• Common sage (Salvia officinalis) — oral health, antisepsis, garden herb
• St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) — mood, anxiety, wound healing

Conclusion and further resources

The Moravian Karst is an exceptional area with a rich botanical heritage. The herbs described in this e-book are just a fraction of what grows in the region — and even this fraction is well worth getting to know, with respect for both nature and the rules of the protected landscape area.

Collecting herbs should always be done in harmony with nature: take only as much as the population can sustain, never pick protected species, and don’t stray off marked paths in strictly protected reserves at all. If you have any doubts about identifying, collecting or using herbs, consult an expert — this e-book is an informative resource, not a substitute for medical care.

Where to go next:

• Rules in the Moravian Karst PLA — what you may and may not do when out in nature
• How the Moravian Karst was formed — why the limestone flora here is so distinctive
• Specialist phytotherapy literature and consultation with a qualified herbalist before putting any recipes into practice

© tydenvkrasu.cz. This material is provided “as is”, without any guarantee of completeness or currency, and its use is at the reader’s own risk — see the Disclaimer at the start of this document.