Crete has been characterized as a paradise of biodiversity, after all, Cretan herbs have been the subject of many years of study. Its geographical location, the close distances between the mountain massif and the coastal areas, the composition of the soil make up a rare microclimate, suitable for the growth of aromatic plants. Since ancient times herbs have been used as medicinal plants and many texts have been written about their healing properties. Collectors collect them from the steep mountains of Crete and let them dry under natural conditions to be taken to the packaging plants without having gone through any chemical treatment. Some of these herbs are:

Malotira: the medicine of Western Crete, the Cretan mountain tea:

It is an endemic tea and grows naturally at an altitude of over 900 meters. Its name is of Venetian origin and comes from the word “maletira” (“male” and “tirare”) which means to attract evil. It provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial action which makes it the ultimate cure for colds from the Cretans. It also has fungicidal action. In fact, modern studies have proven the presence of 34 substances in the essential oil of malotira. There is nowhere else in the world this species except in Chaniotike Madares and Psiloritis.

Dichtamo:

It is an endemic herb of Crete with worldwide fame for its medicinal and therapeutic properties for stomach, digestive, spleen, rheumatic and arthritic and uterine ailments. It became known from the Minoan era. It has also been used by ancient experts such as Hippocrates since it is considered a medicine for all ailments. Its name comes from the words Dikti (mountain of Crete) and bush. We may meet it with other popular names which refer to some of its properties. Such are: Erontas or Eros, Stomachohorto, Adichtamos. It is internationally known through the “Harry Potter” books since the well-known hero uses the dictum to heal the wounds of other heroes.

Marjoram:

It is an endemic and very aromatic plant of Crete. It grows wherever malotira and is related to diktamo and oregano. It has very small purple flowers and while it looks fragile it survives in the most adverse conditions of the mountain tops. In medicine, it is used for heart diseases, fever and in wound antiseptics. It is an analgesic for muscle pains, sprains and neuralgias, it is indicated for diseases of the respiratory system, it is considered an expectorant, diaphoretic, a panacea for nervous coughs, colds, tonsils, bronchitis and asthma. It is digestive, antispasmodic, antiemetic, relieves indigestion, stimulates the liver and spleen, is diuretic, vasodilator and antidiabetic. It is also beneficial in nervous diseases, mental illnesses, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, vertigo.

 Aladanos:

It is also known as Kistos the Cretan. Its leaves contain a characteristic aromatic substance, frankincense. It is aromatic, medicinal and bee-trophic. It has become very well known recently since those who wish to strengthen their body resort to this herb. Each of the plant’s flowers remains open for only one day.

Sage:

The Cretan sage comes from the name of the genus Salvia from the Latin verb “salvare” which means to save lives. It has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

In Crete there are two types of sage, the trilobo which is used as a herbal tea but also in cooking, and the apple tree which, due to its strong aroma, is used as an insect repellent. In fact, there are many locals who put a bag of sage under their pillow at night to protect against mosquitoes and smell of freshness.

Oregano:

There is no dish in Crete that does not use oregano. The reputation of Cretan oregano has become known worldwide and the suitable climate of Crete serves this. The word “oregano” comes from the Greek “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” which means shining, so “oreganon” means “shining mountain”. Indeed the appearance of the mountains when the white flowers of oregano are growing gives the human eye a shining appearance like pearls. Since ancient times, oregano has been the therapeutic solution for those suffering from loss of appetite, abdominal cramps or poisoning.

Thyme:

It is the most famous summer beekeeping plant of the island. Its name comes from the word “thymos” which has roots in ancient Greek and the verb “thyo” which means to sacrifice. It has been used to stimulate brain function, against melancholy, as an aphrodisiac, against sore throats, severe coughs and as an herb with antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Rosemary:

In Crete it is known as arismari and its Latin name “Rosmarinus officinalis” translates to sea dew or sea rose. In ancient Greece it was considered a gift from the goddess Aphrodite. According to Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary rested her mantle on the plant, causing its flowers to turn blue. Thus, it acquired its modern name in the English language, “Rosemary”, “rose of Mary”. It is a memory stimulant and improves blood circulation in the brain, particularly effective for headaches and migraines. Its active substance, known as carnosic acid, can protect against stroke, Alzheimer’s, while also improving the symptoms of normal brain aging. In addition, studies show that the herb helps prevent cancer, has antimicrobial, antiseptic and anticorrosive properties. Its antimicrobial action helps to preserve the meat, while if you use it during grilling it fights the cancerous agents that are created in the meat from the high grilling temperature.

Through the generations over time, the benefits of herbs became known and their uses were many, so they became a gift to the modern scientific community. Each of the herbs of Crete has its own history linked to the traditions and beliefs of the island’s inhabitants. The wealth of endemic plants of Crete is due to the isolation for millions of years of Crete from the continental mass and to the great variety of habitats and the existence of high mountains. Plants that in other areas have disappeared in Crete due to the canyons have found refuge in herbs and still offer humans their many and unique properties.