Herbs

Properties & Use

Malotira (sideritis syriaca)

Also known as mountain tea, malotira can be found at high altitudes in the White Mountains of Crete. It is used against influenza and respiratory diseases. Malotira acts as antimicrobial, diuretic and detoxifier. It is beneficial in diseases of the circulatory system. Recent investigations indicate that it prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis and acts against Alzheimer’s disease. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of malotira, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Sage (salvia officinalis)

Sage is worthy of its name, which comes from the latin verb salvare (save) and it is referred to its healing properties. It is the only herb that can cure excessive perspiration. Recent research has shown that sage tea strengthens and restores memory significantly. Its use has a positive effect in treating Alzheimer’s disease and hyperlipidemia. Sage tea is used effectively against oulitis, tonsillitis and many other oral cavity diseases. It boosts heart functioning and it’s beneficial against hypotension, purifies the blood and improves liver function. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of sage, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus)

Rich in phosphorus and potassium, lemongrass tea is used against headaches and fever. It is detoxifying and boosts the immune system. It contains vitamins B1, B2 and B12, fat soluble A and C. Lemongrass is also used as a flavoring in cooking. Lemongrass essential oil has strong antiseptic properties. It is particularly useful for skin with acne that needs deep cleaning. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of lemongrass, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy. Lemongrass tea is particularly refreshing when drunk cold.

Laurel (laurus nobilis)

Tea with laurel, after dinner, is digestive and hypnotic. Leaves of laurel can be used as an aromatic in cooking and 1-2 drops of laurel essential oil act beneficially against pains in the joints and rheumatic pains. Laurel essential oil is also used in perfumery, soap making and massage. Its perfume is said to clear the mind and create clarity. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add 1-2 laurel leaves, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Dittany (origanum dictamnus)

Dittany used to be one of the most famous ancient plants, known for its healing properties. Tea with dittany can be used as an antiseptic, tonic and soothing for the digestive system. Its action is effective against influenza and common colds. It also contributes to the prevention and treatment of circulatory and heart problems and acts as an antidiabetic and aphrodisiac (in Cretan dialect is referred as Erontas/Love). Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of dittany, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Majorana (origanum majorana)

Tea with majorana soothes headaches, migraines, dizziness, intestinal disorders and rheumatic pains. It is considered useful against cough, common colds, bronchitis and asthma, while being used also as digestive and anxiolytic. It helps in healing wounds and sores and has analgesic, calming and spasmolytic properties. Majorana leaves are also used in cooking. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of majorana, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Lavender (lavandula officinalis)

Its name comes from the latin verb lavare (wash). Lavender essential oil is widely used in perfumery, soap making, pharmaceutics and has antiseptic and healing properties. Lavender flowers can scent wardrobes. Tea with flowers and leaves of lavender relieves migraines, headaches, acts effectively against melancholy and ensures a peaceful sleep. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of lavender, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Mint (mentha spicata)

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used mentha against indigestion, dizziness, insomnia, gastritis, cough, common colds, runny nose, sore throat and as an antispasmodic. The main substance present in the essential oil of peppermint is menthol. Mint leaves contain vitamins A, B3, C, magnesium and iron. The essential oil of mint is aromatic and refreshing and works as a nerve tonic, while it combats stress, tension and removes negative thoughts. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of mint, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Oregano (oregano vulgare)

Greek and especially Cretan oregano is considered to be the best in the world. Apart from the characteristic flavor it leaves in food, oregano has many medicinal properties. Oregano is one of the plants with the highest content of vitamin C. It acts effectively against diarrhea and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Oregano tea is used against the debility of intestines, cough and helps for hypertension. It is also used in cooking. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of oregano, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Thyme (thymus vulgaris)

Thyme was very well known during the ancient times. It is a very old herbal medicine that cures diseases of the respiratory system. More specifically, thyme is very effective against asthma, phlegm and prevents pneumonia. It relieves those suffering from nervous hyper stimulation or depression. Furthermore, thyme heals wounds and burns, increases the flow of urine and menstruation. Its essential oil can prevent colds, fever, flu, intestinal disorders and skin infections. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of thyme, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is heating, stimulates blood circulation to the brain and improves concentration and memory. It is useful against headaches and migraines and helps in hair growth, by enhancing blood circulation to the scalp. Rosemary tea acts against faintness and dizziness. It elevates the mood and is useful in cases of depression. Rosemary is considered antibacterial, antifungal, heart and vision tonic vision, but also against diabetes. It is also used in cooking. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a teaspoon of rosemary, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Mix Malotira/Majorana (sideritis syriaca–origanum majorana)

The combination of these two herbs effectively treats common flu. It soothes headaches, migraines and dizziness and acts as antimicrobial, diuretic and detoxifier. It relieves persistent cough and is expectorant, suitable for diseases of the respiratory system. It is beneficial in diseases of the circulatory system and is used as a digestive and anxiolytic. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of the mixture, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.

Mix Dittany/Lemongrass (origanum dictamnus–cymbopogon citratus)

The combination of these two herbs gives an exceptionally aromatic tea. It is used as an antiseptic and tonic. It is effective against influenza and common cold. It is detoxifying, stimulates the immune system and effectively treats headaches and fever. Use: In 200 gr. boiling water add a tablespoon of the mixture, wait for 4-5 minutes, strain, add some honey and it’s ready to enjoy.