From the vast Åland flora, the Post chose three medicinal plants to be featured in the 2016 stamp booklet to be issued on 9 May. Artist Jonas Wilén’s illustrations are reminiscent of old pharmacy bottle labels.

Representing nature pharmacy are the medicinal plants henbane, foxglove and tansy that all appear in Åland to a smaller or greater extent. Since time immemorial, herbs and spices have been used to cure or ease various ailments. According to Nordic folklore, curative plants were also ascribed magic powers.

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a sticky and odorous herb that flowers from June to September with large dingy yellow flowers. Ithas been grown in the North for medicinal purposes since the Viking and Middle Ages.Highly toxic, henbane has been used for its painkilling and sedative effect.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a biennial herb and flowers from July to August with purple or white tubular flowers.Foxglove is a highly toxic plant that affects the heart. An extract containing the glycoside digitoxin was earlier used for the treatment of heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia.

Tancy (Tanacetum vulgare) is an herbaceous perennial plant with clusters of yellow flowers. The plant is slightly toxic and has been used for medicinal purposes to treat intestinal worms and vermin. The leaves and flowers may also be used to flavour aquavit and colour yarn and fabric.

Three maximum cards elaborating on the healing and magic powers of the plants complement the booklet.

Date of issue                        9.5.2016
Artist                                     Jonas Wilén
Edition                                  70 000
Denomination                     9 x Inrikes (€11.70)
Price FDC                             €4.60
Stamp size                           52 x 23.83 mm
Booklet size                          176 x 56 mm
Paper                                     110 g/m2
Perforation                           13 per 2 cm
Printing method                  4-colour offset
Printing house                     Österreichische Staatsdruckerei

To order, please visit Åland Post Stamps web shop at www.posten.ax/webshop/en.