Herb bushes are traditionally tied on the Assumption Day.
The herbal teacher Anneliese Stockinger knows what must not be missing and explains the meaning behind the custom.
Bad Heilbrunn – Herb bushes have been tied to the Assumption Day in Bavaria for centuries and consecrated in the service.
A tradition passed from generation to generation.
Heilbrunn herbalist Anneliese Stockinger explains what it's all about.
Herb bushes: These seven herbs definitely have to be in there
According to Anneliese Stockinger, the custom of consecrating herbs on the Assumption Day can be traced back to the tenth century.
According to old folk belief, the sacred bush should protect against diseases and catastrophes.
According to the herbalist, seven herbs should not be missing from the bush.
"These are plantain, sage, chamomile, mullein, St. John's wort, arnica and wormwood." Anneliese Stockinger knows about her healing powers and cuts off all the ingredients in Bad Heilbrunn's herb park.
But in the end there are far more than the seven.
"It should be a prescribed magic number," explains the 65-year-old, while adding loosestrife, horsemint, lady's mantle, marigolds, marshmallow and many other herbs to her basket.
"So nine, twelve, 15, 19 or more."
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Ancient tradition: This is how medicinal plants work
The mullein forms the center of the herb bush.
"Their flowers make a good cough tea," says Stockinger, draping the other herbs around the stem of the mullein.
St. John's wort helps with depression, wormwood supports digestion.
"Camomile is an inflammatory herb," explains the herbalist.
“Actually, she is an all-rounder.
Just like arnica.
Both have an anti-inflammatory effect.” Sage, which is also one of the seven main herbs, is effective against sore throats, and plantain tea is also good for coughs, adds Anneliese Stockinger.
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These seven herbs should not be missing from the herb bush (from left): buckhorn, sage, chamomile, mullein, St. John's wort, arnica and wormwood.
© arp
So-called Marian plants can also be placed in the herb bushes.
"They are taken in honor of Maria," explains the herbalist.
"Wonderful scents are said to have flowed from her grave, which one assumes were herbs." The Marian plants, which according to Stockinger are associated with the Blessed Mother in a special symbolism, include the rose as the queen of all flowers or the white lily, which stands for purity.
The sacred herbs are said to ward off evil
Stockinger has long been familiar with the tradition of tying herb bushes because she grew up with it.
"Even as a child, I tied herb bushes with my grandmother," she says.
"The consecrated herb bush is hung in the Lord's corner," explains the herbalist.
"In the past, people threw some sacred herbs into the fire during a thunderstorm to ward off disaster," says the 65-year-old.
"Farmers have also smoked out their stables with herbs from the sacred bushes," the expert continues.
"That should keep disease away from the animals."
Herb educator observes trend back to natural remedies
There is a reason why the bushes are being tied right now: "The women's thirties begin with the Assumption of Mary," says Stockinger.
“Now the herbs have their greatest healing power.
It ends on September 12 with the name of Mary.” Stockinger observes that younger people are also becoming more interested in herbs.
"The trend is going back to natural healing powers."
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