Swiss convent cultivates herbs and tradition
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In Jakobsbad, Appenzellerland, Switzerland, sisters of the Convent of the Suffering Christ maintain a garden of herbs, vegetables, and flowers, continuing a generations-long tradition.
Sister Rita, originally from Slovakia, has led the herb garden for two years, adapting to a hot, dry summer by using Chinese miscanthus to retain moisture in the soil. The convent also cares for animals like ducks, chickens, and rabbits, reflecting the Franciscan order's values and Saint Francis’s love for creatures.
Inside the historic building, Sister Dorothea has worked in the convent pharmacy for over 40 years, producing products like cough syrup, gargle water, and angelica liqueur. When a purchased cough syrup became unavailable, she developed her own recipe, insisting on a strong herbal dosage for effectiveness. Though only eight sisters currently live at the convent, many employees and volunteers assist with tasks like making jam on “jam day” and preparing products for sale in the convent shop and online.
The sisters dry their harvest in a large attic space, overlooking the Appenzellerland, where a statue of Saint Joseph watches over the garden and those who tend it.
