Herbs, wherever they come from, are important and their therapeutic effect is usually known since ancient times. In Greece, however, we are lucky to have an abundance of herbs, in every part of the country and many times native. This is considered a blessing for a place and we so lucky to live here. Heart diseases, colds, headaches, allergies, stomach disorders, skin problems, hypertension are just a few of the ailments treated by the miraculous Greek herbs. After all, even the pharmaceutical industry uses many of the herbal substances as the basis of many medicines.
Let's see them in more detail.
1. The Sage
It is rich in nutrients and compounds and its uses are varied. It is both a culinary and medicinal herb. It is good for indigestion, gastritis, bloating, heartburn. We can gargle for gum disease, mouth sores, canker sores, throat and tongue. It is also considered to be a memory booster. Along with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively contributes to the treatment of cough, sinusitis and pharyngitis, as it cures infections.
You can find it in bunch, leaf, extract and also in honey
In Greece marjoram has been known since ancient times where it was used as a medicine against stomach and intestinal disorders. Today it is cultivated as an ornamental and aromatic plant in pots and gardens. It has important antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It helps the digestive system, rhinitis and tonsils, acts as an antispasmodic and antiemetic and relieves flatulence and indigestion. It has a digestive effect, helps reduce blood pressure, is ideal for inflammation of the gums and tongue, facilitates the treatment of bruises, has a calming effect and offers relief from headaches and toothaches. It acts as a pain reliever for rheumatism, has diuretic and diaphoretic properties, is beneficial for nervous diseases such as neurasthenia, psychosis, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, vertigo and memory loss. Finally, it helps with diseases of the respiratory system, period pains, coughs, colds, asthma and bronchitis.
3. Thyme
A powerful herb with beneficial actions and many benefits. Thyme is a traditional herb with beautiful pink-purple flowers with a unique smell, which blooms in summer. Its smell is so beautiful that it attracts bees and that's how we get the tasty thyme honey. Thyme is considered one of nature's most important antioxidants and has special antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Its drink helps intestinal function, soothes bloating, helps fight lethargy and anxiety, and diarrhea and colitis. It is a very good expectorant especially for chest infections. It helps with gingivitis, caries, plaque and oral hygiene in general and soothes sore throats and severe coughs. An important benefit is that it fights lethargy and anxiety, mental and physical exhaustion, depression, is a tonic and helps with migraine. It is also particularly invigorating because it is rich in vitamins and minerals, helps blood circulation and strengthens the heart. It is a useful tonic for the immune system in chronic infections and acts against hypertension.
4. Chamomile
Perhaps the most well-known Greek herb that exists in every Greek home. Its No. 1 quality is that it calms us down and relieves stress. It is considered a natural sedative in stressful situations, migraines, neuralgia and dizziness. It helps a lot in phases of insomnia and nervousness. It is enough to drink a little chamomile 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed. Chamomile calms us, invigorates us, and keeps us healthy, contributing to longevity. It relieves stress, helps sleep, boosts the immune system. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps the digestive system. It also works against intestinal gas.
5. Oregano
Greek oregano is considered one of the best varieties worldwide and is used in addition to cooking for its therapeutic properties and was used in herbal medicine even by the Ancient Greeks. The main components of oregano are carvacrol and thymol, two phenols with a very important antioxidant effect. It also contains some very important elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, vitamins C, A, niacin (vitamin B3) and many more. It has antidiarrheal, antiseptic, expectorant, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antirheumatic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano oil is particularly beneficial for toothache. The active substance of the plant is carvacrol. It has been shown to protect against cancer, help with headache, heart disease, and period pain. Helps with sinusitis and nasal congestion. It is a natural powerful antibiotic and can help us deal with various infections of the respiratory, digestive, genital organs such as prostatitis in men and urinary tract infection in women.
We can find it grated, in bunches and in extract.
Dandelion, or dandelion, is a very common plant in Greece which grows both in mountainous areas and in plains and has a yellow flower. Dandelion shows healing properties in all three parts of the plant (root, leaves, flower) and is famous for its detoxifying and diuretic properties. Studies have shown that the herb valerian is a diuretic and laxative and helps with weight loss, lowers blood pressure and helps lower blood sugar. It helps with digestion problems. It is a tonic and digestive decoction. It helps to deal with hormonal disorders, stimulates the appetite and helps to deal with swelling.
7. Mint
Grated or in leaves Mint is a type of mint that is used as an aromatic in cooking but also has therapeutic properties. It includes several micronutrients, essential for the body such as potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium. Its content in many antioxidant vitamins is also important, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, riboflavin and thiamine. Consuming mint significantly improves stomach health, relieving severe stomach pains and GERD symptoms. In addition, digestion is facilitated, preventing the feeling of bloating and discomfort. It acts mainly as an antispasmodic, choleretic and digestive, but it also helps against colds. Mint essential oil is also used externally for myalgias and neuralgias.
8. Valeriana
Valeriana, the beneficial herb for insomnia and anxiety! Valerian is used to treat sleep disorders and especially insomnia. Very often it is combined with hops, lemon, balsam, or other herbs that also induce drowsiness. Many even replace sleeping pills with valerian. However, this is not the only use of valerian. It is also used for psychological conditions such as pathological anxiety and stress, for problems such as nervous asthma, hysterical states, irritability, fear of illness (hypochondriasis), headache, migraines and stomach disorders.
9. Mountain Tea
Although many of us associate it with colds and other ailments, it also helps digestion by relieving the stomach of pain. Its nutritional value is remarkable and along with the unique aftertaste, it also contributes to the hydration of the body. It enhances the health of the digestive system and relieves indigestion and stomachache. Research shows that it contributes to reducing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, due to its content of phenols and antioxidants.
10. The Nettle
Nettle is famous for its diuretic properties, so it is considered one of the best herbs for detoxification. It also helps reduce retention and swelling. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, it is diuretic so it helps detoxify the body, it dissolves uric acid, it is helpful in cystitis and gallstones. Finally, the nettle contributes to the detoxification of the liver and bile, thus helping to purify the blood.
11. Rosemary
A well-known plant in antiquity when the ancient Greeks used it in various religious ceremonies and celebrations, in the decoration of buildings, temples and as fuel for incense. Its origin is from the Mediterranean regions but today, apart from these regions, it is cultivated as an ornamental for its beautiful blue flowers in almost all of Europe and the temperate regions of America. It contains tannin and essential oil, which is extracted by distillation mainly from the tops of the flowering shoots. Its flowers are preferred by bees and become a source for honey production. The tender stems and leaves of rosemary are used as a flavoring in many foods. It gives a special taste to roasts. In confectionery, it is mainly used in spoon sweets. A liquid is extracted from the leaves of rosemary that is used in the preparation of medicine for rheumatism, for various mouth irritations as well as for coughs. Essential oil is extracted from the shoots, which is used in perfumery, in soap-making, as well as with appropriate processing in the preparation of insecticides.
12. Parsley
Parsley is one of the "refined herbs" of French cuisine, which also includes tarragon, myrrh and chives. It is also widely used in Middle Eastern, European, Brazilian and American cooking. It is rich in vitamins A and B. It also contains more iron than any other green vegetable. Your increased content of vitamin C additionally enhances the absorption of iron from other sources. Digestive aid, relieves stomach pains. Flavor enhancer in sauces, stews. Curly parsley is often used as a garnish. Green parsley is often used as a garnish in potato dishes (boiled or mashed), rice dishes (risotto or pilaf), fish, chicken, lamb, goose, steaks, as well as pot meat or boiled vegetables.
