The 5 reasons that make Dittany of Crete known worldwide

14/12/2023
Herbs

Maybe the most famous herb of the Cretan land. But why is it so famous all over the world? Do we know all the hidden secrets of a herb that it is known for over 5000 years to mankind?

Uniqueness – Dittany is an endemic plant

Dittany (Origanum dictamnus), an endemic plant of Crete, grows naturally on the island’s steep mountain slopes. This unique plant exists nowhere else in the world. Since ancient times, people have known about it. Researchers have found its seeds and depictions in Minoan vessels.The first to call it “Cretan” because the plant that existed only in Crete was Hippocrates, the father of medicine 2500 years ago.

Medicine & Dittany of Crete

Dittany in antiquity was considered a panacea, this means medicine for all diseases, for the stomach, digestive system, the spleen, currents and arthritis, the uterus, and dystocia as first mentioned by Hippocrates. The belief in Dittany as a healing and painkiller that the ancients had, was first mentioned by Aristotle. Even the Cretan goddess of childbirth, Elythia, wore a wreath from Dittany that shows the relationship between the plant and childbirth as mentioned by Euripides at “Hippolytus”. The properties of this plant are many and research on them continues even today. One of the latest scientific results on studying Cretan herbs’ properties is Cretan Iama. Cretan Iama is a natural formulation, based on traditional Cretan herbs that contributes to the strengthening of the human body, including dittany.

Dittany
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Dittany – the herb of Love

There is a certain theory that attributes the association of the plant with the Greek term for love to the fact that in the older times Dittany tea was used as an erotic stimulant. Moreover, the plant tends to grow naturally in steep and difficult to approach terrain, making it a privilege only for those in love, who are willing to take the risk of trying to reach for it, to cut it off, and to offer it to their sweetheart as evidence of their faith and love.

Benedictine & Martini use Dittany

Dittany’s special aroma has been used for flavoring different beverages throughout the ages. During Middle Ages, it was widely used in French monasteries for the preparation of the famous liqueur Benedictine. For the preparation of the famous Martini, Martini & Rossi have used 40 different herbs, among them and Dittany of Crete.

Harry Potter – Dittany is a magical plant

Let’s explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter, focusing on dittany. This magical plant is crucial in Wiggenweld Potion-Making. Known for its potent healing properties, dittany rapidly regenerates skin over wounds. After its application, wounds appear days old, showcasing its remarkable restorative abilities. Inspired by dittany’s magic, Joanne “Jo” Rowling, the creator behind Harry Potter, ignited global curiosity about this herb. This led to increased dittany consumption, particularly in England and France. Harry Potter enthusiasts continue their quest to uncover the herb’s secrets.

Of course, the reasons that make Dittany of Crete famous worldwide are more than five! But which is the most important? We believe that the health benefits that Cretan nature offers to people via this unique herb are unsurpassed.