Herb - Infusions
Nature has liberally endowed Greece with herbs. They grow on their own and have been thought to have medicinal and magical powers since antiquity. In Greek mythology, the seer Polyeidos revived Glaucus, the son of Minos, with herbs a snake made known to him. Down through time tradition has related that herbs can be used for everything from love potions to aids to fertility, health and immortality. Even today in Greece people in many areas think that the best day for the collection of herbs is the eve of the feast-day of St. John Prodromos (24 June). But what is important is to remember the beneficial properties these plants of pristine nature possess.
Camomile: In Spring, the Greek countryside is covered like a carpet by the flowers of this aromatic plant. It is a marvellous antiseptic and soporific and is beneficial for stomach and intestinal disorders. Boil the flowers for tea, using one teaspoonful of herb for every cup of water.
Peppermint: This spicy plant has a very pleasant taste and is an aid to digestion. Both the flowery top and the fresh leaves are used. Tea is made of one teaspoonful of herb in one cup of boiling water.
Bee balm: Bee balm (folia mellisae), both beautiful and aromatic, is known all over Greece. It is both pleasant and useful! It is good for stomach aches and arthritic joints and in addition is used for nervous disorders and many other problems. One teaspoonful of the blossoms is used for every cup of water.
Aniseed: Boiling the seeds of this plant makes a drink that is an aid to digestion while being pleasant tasting at the same time. It contains calcium as well as a number of essential oils.
Eucalyptus: The tasty leaves of this tree contain essential oils which are used to treat bronchial disorders. It makes for a fortifying and easily digested drink and externally can be used as an antiseptic.
Sage: The aromatic leaves of this plant cover the slopes of Greek mountains and make for a pleasant infusion good for digestion and slightly stimulating. It is also believed to have cosmetic properties for the hair.
