The power of alpine herbs

Between high mountain peaks and magical valleys, Leogang is home to an incredible variety of herbs. At Hotel Der Löwe, we pay special attention to these natural treasures because of their powerful effects. We're delighted to have compiled a brief herbalist's guide for you in this blog post. You'll also learn how your health can particularly benefit from an Alpine wellness retreat harnessing the power of mountain plants.

Life in the Alpine regions is characterized by a deep connection to nature and a special appreciation for time-honored traditions. Many people still regularly celebrate these customs today. They consciously strive to maintain a certain authenticity in their everyday lives. If you'd like to experience this appreciation, we highly recommend the Harvest Festival. Enjoy Salzburg's "homeland" feeling with all your senses!

Wild herbs are an important part of Alpine culture. Increasingly dependent on their own energy and the power of nature, the herbal knowledge acquired over many years was passed down from generation to generation. With the advent of conventional medicine, the importance of mountain plants declined somewhat. But now, more people are returning to naturalness. And rightly so! For those who know the value of these Alpine treasures can fully appreciate their benefits.

Mountain plants in the Alpine region are exposed to extreme weather conditions. These conditions have led to the development of exceptional properties and special effectiveness. Below you will find a small selection of our favorite Alpine treasures and their special features.

• Meisterwurz: "Meisterwurz is warm and effective against fever," wrote Hildegard von Bingen. The root, which grows at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,000 meters, warms the body from within and strengthens the immune system against infectious diseases. You can dry the root in a shady place for a week and then process it into a powder. This makes it suitable for use as a spice or as an incense blend. It is particularly effective when processed into a cream.

• Yellow Gentian: This undemanding plant grows in the upper Alpine regions at altitudes of up to 2,500 meters. Its sister plant, the Blue Gentian, is considered a symbol of the mountains. Yellow gentian is known as a medicinal herb of the Alps because it contains the highest concentration of health-promoting bitter compounds among native plants. When consumed in tea, the root primarily strengthens your intestines, relieves strain on the liver, and strengthens the immune system.

• Wild marjoram: You can find the pleasantly fragrant wild marjoram in meadows and open forests up to 2,000 meters above sea level. It is also a diaphoretic and diuretic, but also has a very beneficial effect on digestion and supports women's health. You can use both the young shoots and the leaves fresh or dried as a spice or tea.

• Ground ivy: You can find ground ivy, also known as ground ivy, at altitudes up to 1,600 meters. Ground ivy is very healing for skin irritations, slow-healing wounds, and inflammation. In the past, this bitter-rich plant was also used to preserve beer. Today, ground ivy is primarily used in cooking. You can either cook the young leaves like spinach or use the dried version as a spice.

• Bibbernell: This medicinal plant was even used to combat the plague during the 16th century, and Sebastian Kneipp also recognized its special effects on rheumatism and kidney inflammation. Bibernell also has digestive and expectorant properties. You can harvest the roots at altitudes of up to 2,200 meters. These are particularly effective as a cough tea. You can use the leaves fresh in salads or sauces.

Explore the diversity of herbs on your own or let a local mountain guide accompany you on a guided hike. Feel free to join us for our weekly forest bathing sessions. Immerse yourself fully in untouched nature. If you're going herb gathering on your own for the first time, we'd like to offer you the following tips.

• Basic knowledge: Many medicinal herbs are visually similar to other poisonous plants. Please only bring what you know. And if you're still not quite sure, nettles, nasturtiums, or dandelions are also true natural treasures.
• Nature conservation: Some alpine herbs are protected and therefore may not be collected in the wild. Respect this boundary and enjoy the multitude of unprotected medicinal plants.
• Mindfulness: Herb collectors always carry a sharp knife. Plants should not be pulled out, but carefully cut off. Even with roots, only cut off a small piece and rebury the rest.
• Frugality: Take only as much as you really need and can handle.

• Basic knowledge: Many medicinal herbs visually resemble other poisonous plants. Please only bring what you know. And if you're still not quite sure, nettles, nasturtiums, and dandelions are also true natural treasures.
• Nature conservation: Some alpine herbs are protected and therefore may not be collected in the wild. Respect this boundary and enjoy the multitude of unprotected medicinal plants.
• Mindfulness: Herb collectors always carry a sharp knife. Plants should not be pulled out, but carefully cut off. Even with roots, only cut off a piece and rebury the rest.
• Frugality: Only take as much as you really need and can process.

We run the Hotel der Löwe in and with nature. Every day, we enjoy our unique spot in the natural paradise of Leogang. Our Löwengartl (Lion Garden) is particularly beautiful with a year-round heated outdoor pool, cozy corners, relaxation zones, and stunning views of the breathtaking mountain panorama. The Löwengartl is not just perfect for relaxing or enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the terrace. It also offers plenty of space for our spacious flowerbed, where we have planted a variety of different herbs.

Carefully selected mountain herbs are also an essential part of our spa and wellness retreat. Tailored to individual needs, herbal wellness has a detoxifying, calming, or invigorating effect. The beneficial powers of nature are an important cornerstone of our spa concept. We even make some of the herbal oils for our treatments ourselves. For example, we collect wild mint, wild thyme, elderberry, yarrow, St. John's wort, sweet clover, chamomile, and arnica from the wild and infuse them with oils.

We are convinced that nature is simply good for us humans – both internally and externally! Let our highly trained spa team pamper you! Seven nights in one of our superior nature rooms with a view of the Leogang Steinberge mountains plus four different herbal treatments are included in the package.