Dictamnus

Dictamnus (Origanum Dictamnus), is a herbaceous, perennial, therapeutic and aromatic plant that grows wild only on the mountain slopes and gorges of the Greek island of Crete. It is harvested when in flower during the summer months and extracted for use in pharmaceuticals, perfumery, and to flavor drinks such as vermouth and absinthe. It has been used since ancient times against stomach pains, as a general pain reliever and for wound healing.

In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates considered the Dictamnus of Crete useful for stomachaches and digestive system problems, as a poultice for wound healing, as well as for inducing menstruation.

Today, the wild, naturally cultivated Dictamnus of Crete is classified as "rare" and protected by European legislation to prevent extinction. It is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plant Species and its cultivation is concentrated south of Heraklion, Crete, for use in teas and natural beauty products.

It is used as a decoction to relieve stomach and abdominal pains, while it has been found to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Also, it is often used in cases of flu and common cold, as a wound hemostatic and against bad breath. To make a decoction, pour 2-3 teaspoons of dried herb into half a liter of boiling water, leave it covered for 10 minutes and strain. Its daily use is not recommended, as it is a particularly strong herb.

Herbs are and should be treated as medicines. We recommend that you always consult your doctor before using them.