Crete is famous for its wild herbs, if you are interested of herbs picking follow us on our excursions. Click the link to see who of our excursions contain herb picking activities.
Starting from the Minoan times, if someone notices the murals, the connection of the ancient Cretans with nature and its products, it is obvious that they have taken a rather special place to the everyday life and worship. Besides the edible plants, that were the main food for the Minoans and are still a basic part of the Cretan Diet, there were also those who were objects of worship. Sacred trees of Crete carry over the centuries a great testimonial to the relationship of the locals with nature.
The collection of Herbs: the collection of herbs takes place while the plants are in the right biological stage and the nutrients are at their peak. But that differs from one plant to another.
a) The leaves are collected before the flourishing of the plant.
b) The blooming parts are collected during the flourishing.
c) The fruits during the pick of their maturation.
d) The roots, after the cycle of the plants has ended
Tip: the plants should never be uprooted!
DRAINAGE: The drainage of the herbs takes place in a dark and dry place, well-aired (20ο-30ο)
STORAGE: Stored preferably in dark glass containers, with airtight stoppers, in a dark and dry place (20ο – 25ο).
Create your own collection of herbs and take advantage of their qualities!
Dictamum – Origanum dictamum
Dictamo is the most common herb of Crete. It is found in all the mountains of the island and it has borrowed its name from mountain Dikti. It has fuzzy leaves with grey-greenish color and has pink little flowers & strong fragrance.
Dictamo is famous for its healing abilities, since the times of ancient Greece. Hippocrates used it against stomach and digestive issues, against rheumatisms, but also as a healing and antispasmodic balm.
Dictamo’s essential oil is also used for fragrancing liqueur Venedictine.
Malotira – Sideritis syriaca
Malotira is a wild plant that grows on the highest slopes of Crete’s mountain ranges. Found at an altitude of between 800 and 2000 meters above sea level, it’s harvested usually in July, when its small yellow flowers appear. It was Crete’s rulers for 400 years, the Venetians, who gave the plant the name we know it by today, after recognizing its remarkable healing properties. The Venetians described it with the Italian words male (meaning malady), and tirare (to extract), and for centuries Malotira – with its soft downy stem, light grey-green leaves and tiny yellow flowers – has been gathered by hand each summer in the highlands of Crete.
The dried plant’s medicinal properties, once transformed into tea, are known to help digestion, and are highly recommended as a treatment for the common cold. Rich in antibacterial substances and antioxidants, there’s also strong evidence that it strengthens the body’s natural immune system. Malotira’s scientific name Sideritis syriaca stems from the word sideros (Greek for iron), and some believe the latin name sideritis, derived from the Greek, meaning ‘He who is made of iron’ was given to the plant to describe its ability to heal wounds caused by iron weapons.
Sage – Salvia officinalis
The sage is a herb of intense flavor and taste. The ancient Greeks considered it to be the solution to everything. The elders say that whoever has sage at his home, has no need of a doctor. It is also said that if you burn dry leaves inside your house, bad energy disappears.
Its nutrition value is extremely high and it is ideal for relaxation, for helping asthma and for better adjustment to menopause. It has also antioxidants, it is inflammatory, has anti-aging qualities and improves memory.
Mint (Metha aquatica)
It takes its name from Nymph Minthi that Pluto wanted as his mistress. Persephone pursued and trampled her, but Pluto transformed her into this herb.
Mint is considered to be a natural aphrodisiac.
It stimulates the blood flow and increases the body temperature. It is said that Aristotle had advised Great Alexander never to allow his men to drink mint tea before the battle, so they would not have sexual excitement, thus loss of their powers.
It is mostly a pharmaceutical herb, with anti-oxidants, it is digestive and stimulant and it is a perfect expectorant, ideal for coughing and the flue.
Instructions:
For mint tea, pour a little mint into boiled water, leave it for 5-7 minutes, then drain and drink it. It can also be served cold. We can also prepare a large amount and keep it in the fridge.
Attention: Do not drink over 2 cups of mint tea per day for a long time. Also, people that practice homeopathy should not drink or eat mint.
In the kitchen, it can be used everywhere, in pastry and cooking, in salads, vegetables, meat or fish!
Tip: Place some mint inside your cupboards and keep away the ants!
ATTENTION: These are not a medical advice, and under no circumstance these herbs should replace medical treatment. Some of the herbs may cause effects and should not be used at the same time with drugs.
Article & photo sources: www.minoapalace.gr, https://blog.cretamaris.gr/