Health & Dittany of Crete...
The herb Dittany of Crete is known locally here on the Greek Island of Crete as Diktamo or Diktamos.
Traditionally Dittany of Crete has been used to soothe aches and pains including headaches and period pains, heal wounds, soothe skin conditions, help with digestion and aid stomach ailments. Dittany of Crete has also reputed aphrodisiac qualities.
Diktamo has been tested and classed as analgesic, antiseptic, anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory, anti rheumatic, bactericidal, carminative, expectorant and fungicidal by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. (CIHEAM, 1996, Vallezano-Bari, Italy)
As an herb for health Diktamo can be used in a variety of ways:
· As an herbal tea for internal use.
· As an infusion for external use to disinfect.
· In a poultice for healing wounds.
· In a tincture as a medicine.
· For chewing in the case of mouth or throat ailments.
· As an essential oil in aromatherapy.
Our Cretan Village Shop can ship rare Dittany of Crete (Diktamo) direct from the Greek Island of Crete to wherever you are in the world!
Herbal Tea
To brew Diktamo as an herbal tea either simply pour boiling water over a few leaves and allow to infuse for around 5 minutes and strain.
or
The traditional way to make this Cretan tea is to place a few of the leaves in a pot of cold water. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.
You can drink the Diktamo with nothing added or add lemon, cinnamon or honey according to your liking.
Infusion
To extract the medicinal and healing benefits of Dittany of Crete you can make an infusion to use as an antiseptic and disinfectant for wounds or skin conditions such as acne or eczema. An herbal infusion differs from an herbal tea as more of the herb is used and steeped in boiling water and left for several hours. Strain out the herb material and use topically as required. An herbal infusion should be kept for no longer than 3 days so make only small amounts as required.
Poultice
Diktamo is said to be a good drawing agent for infected wounds, bruises or splinters. Diktamo was also commonly used to treat snakebites. To use in a poultice Diktamo should be ground to a powder using a mortar and pestle. Place the ground Diktamo herbs in a glass or ceramic (not metal) bowl, and add enough warm water to make a thick paste that can be easily applied. Smooth a little olive oil on the affected area to keep the paste from sticking, apply the paste, and wrap with muslin or gauze strips. Leave for up to 3 hours and reapply, if necessary.
Tincture
Making a Diktamo herbal tincture concentrates the healing properties of the herb in a small dose. Since an herbal tincture is so concentrated it tends to work faster, and more effectively than herbal teas.
To make a Diktamo tincture add the herb into a glass jar and cover with Tsikoudia (Raki) or Vodka and leave in a cool dark place for 3 - 6 weeks, shake the bottle each day. Use one part Diktamo to five parts alcohol. After 3 - 6 weeks strain the herbs and bottle the liquid in an opaque bottle and store in a cool dark place. The tincture should keep for 3 – 5 years and just a few drops should be sufficient for a single dose.
Aromatherapy
As an essential oil for use in aromatherapy Dittany of Crete is suggested as useful as a relaxant for stress, for anti-ageing, acne, eczema, cellulite, muscular aches and pains, headaches, rheumatism and cellulitis. We stock the rare Dittany of Crete Essential Oil for aromatherapy use in our Cretan Village Shop
Information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.