Origin and history
Common heather, or Calluna vulgaris , is an emblematic plant of the heaths and acidic undergrowth of Europe. Found from northern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean basin, it has always been a feature of wild and sunlit landscapes. In Celtic traditions, heather was a symbol of protection and good fortune—it was often placed in homes to ward off evil spirits. It was also used from the Middle Ages onward for its medicinal properties, notably as an infusion to purify the kidneys and soothe urinary tract infections. Even today, it remains a valuable plant for its cleansing and soothing virtues.