Cretan Herbs

Sen-mut.

Crete is known since antiquity for the quality and diversity of its aromatic and medicinal plants. The soil, the weather, the winds and the different biotopes that the island provides and maybe some so far unknown factors, all contribute to the splendid quality of Cretan aromatic plants. Already in Ancient Egypt, about 3500 years ago, herbs from then Minoan Crete were highly estimated. Egyptian tombs (of Sen-mut and Rekh-ma-ra) picture traders from 'Kefti ', or 'Keftiu', Crete, identified by their wasp- waists, girdle and minoan kilts, arriving with pots and bags full of herbs and spices... For thousands of years hereafter, 'as Cretan herbs' was a quality criterion for herbs, indicating superior quality..Botanists and herbalists from Theophrastus in the 4th century BC on, over Dioscurides in 79AD have mentioned the plants of Crete with special emphasis in their writings. Until these days, Crete is blessed with a multitude of wild growing aromatic herbs in remote areas, and botanists are still fascinated by the diversity of Cretan plant-life, about 1900 documented species, of which some 10% are endemic- growing nowhere else in the world.

As any conscious visitor to the island has experienced, Crete is aromatic wherever one steps. In late spring the scent of lavender, then savory, oregano, thyme and later sage fills the air wherever one steps away from the asphalt roads and holiday paradises by the coast....

(Summer aromatic Cistus Incanus perfume of labdanum)

Crete is a botanical paradise!!!

Crete is a botanical paradise, the island boasts 2000 species of plants - 160 of which do not exist anywhere else in the World. Every year, botanists and gardeners flock to see one of Europe's best floral displays and to seek out choice endemic plants. After the winter rain, the wild, rocky landscape is flushed with green, fields and hillsides are bright with flowers, water flows in gorges and the air fills with birdsong.

Crete is also a very popular destination for walkers and it is easy to understand why with the breathtaking backdrop of sea and mountains, along with the mild climate, it is the perfect way to discover untouched Crete.

Crete is a botanical paradise. It is an island with immense biodiversity,hundreds of different native plants, a strong relief and a climate that favours the growing of herbs.

The flora of Crete is at its best in the Spring, after the rain showers of the early season. Crete really looks green, and hundreds of flowers, plants and herbs start to blossom. There are 130 species of wild flowers and herbs unique to Crete. Some of them give us our special aromatic & therapeutic Cretan Tea.

Crete is a botanical paradise. A large number of herbs grow on Crete, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Dictamus or Erondas.

1.Dictamus or Erondas is a herb that grows only on Crete. It has been appreciated for it’s medical value since ancient times as it soothes stomach and intestinal ulcers, neuralgia, headaches and sore- throats

Malotira  or  “mountain tea”.

2.Malotira is also a herb which grows exclusively on Crete. In fact, it’s a kind of herb that belongs to the category of “mountain tea”. It can be found in every geographical region of Greece but it differs in flavour, taste and chemical formula. So the local tea on Crete is Malotira and is considered to have antibacterial value while it helps people suffering from breathing difficulties and problems with the urinary system.

Faskomilo.

3.Faskomilo is not among the herbs that grow only on Crete. Nevertheless, it is believed that the quality of the Cretan faskomilo is one of the best globally. It has a beneficial effect on sore throats, sore gums, headaches, migraine, diarrhea and hair loss. It can also be used as a spice with meat and fish as well as to add a unique flavour to olive oil.