Cretan Dittany
Cretan dittany (Origanum dictamnus) is an endemic plant found in Crete and is consumed as beverage.
Its name comes from Mount Dikti (on the mountains of Lasithi), where it used to abound.
Its leaves are furry and have a grey-green color.
In Minoan Crete and Ancient Greece, it was one of the greatest pharmaceutical plants.
Hippocrates used it against stomach and digestive system illnesses, rheumatism, and arthritis, as a healing, emmenagogue, tonic and antispasmodic.
Ironwort
Ironwort is self-planted mainly in eastern Crete and is consumed both as a tea and a medicine.
It is considered to have healing properties, rich in antibacterial and antacid substances.
Wild ironwort is rare nowadays, although it is planted in cultivating plantations that still provide its benefits in people all over the world.
Even though it is rarer than it was, its value is still great both in Crete and beyond.
The plant grows between 800 and 2000 meters above the surface of the sea and Cretans harvest it since the ancient times and still use it in a variety of recipes and pharmaceutical applications.
The White Mountains of Crete are where these unique, yellow-leafed plants found in greater numbers.
Marjoram
Marjoram is a relative plant to oregano with many branches and small fragrant leaves.
Its ethereal oil is produced from the above-ground parts through distillation.
It is one of the richest sources of antacids.
In the ancient times, it was considered to be the herb of happiness.
It acts as an antispasmodic, antiemetic, relieves flatulence and indigestion and stimulates the liver and spleen.
It greatly aids in stomach aches and acts as a digestive/smoothing.
Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic, Dioskourides as a tonic and Galinos as a digestive.
