Descurainia sophia (fine-leaved mustard) – 1543 Leonhart Fuchs

A beautiful botanical illustration of Descurainia sophia , today known as fine-leaved road mustard, and has also been called Sophia herb and God's Grace herb throughout history – names that attest to the plant's former status as a highly valued medicinal plant, especially in medieval monastery gardens and folk medicine. The illustration comes from Leonhart Fuchs' groundbreaking work New Kreüterbuch from 1543 – a milestone in European herbalism. With its feather-like leaves and small yellow flowers, the plant has been used in folk medicine since the Middle Ages.

Descurainia sophia is a herb in the cruciferous family and has been traditionally used for respiratory ailments, especially coughs and asthma. The seeds were used as an expectorant, and a tea brewed from the herb was considered to have cleansing and tonic properties. It was highly valued in both monastery gardens and apothecaries – and in Islamic herbal medicine it was considered a plant given in mercy, which is also reflected in the name Sophia (Greek for “wisdom”).

This illustration has been digitally restored with a gentle hand, reproducing the original 16th century woodcut in high resolution and with respect for the historical colors. It is perfect for nature lovers, historians, herbalists and anyone who wants to bring both aesthetics and knowledge into the home.