Herbs Index

Creeping Rosemary

(Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus)

The Latin name Rosmarinus comes from the words ros, meaning “dew,” and marinus, meaning “belonging to the sea,” i.e., “sea dew.” However, the prevailing view is that the interpretation of the word comes from folk etymology, with the most accepted Greek words being rhops, meaning “shrub,” and myron, meaning “balsam.” The Greek name “dendrolivano” (“rosemary”) is derived from the words dendro (tree) and livano (incense), due to its scent reminiscent of incense.

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’, commonly known as creeping rosemary, is a wild plant found on rocky mountains in various Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Spain, southern France, and southern Italy. In Greece, it grows wild in rocky areas of the Peloponnese, Epirus, and some islands.

Δενδρολίβανο ορθόκλαδο

(Rosmarinus officinalis)

Lavender

(Lavandula angustifolia)

One of the most well-known and widely used species of aromatic and medicinal plants is lavender.

It belongs to the genus Lavandula, whose name comes from the Latin verb lavare, meaning “to wash/clean,” as in Roman times it was used in baths to perfume the water and cleanse the body and spirit. In addition, in Greece, Persia, and Rome in antiquity, it was also used for disinfecting hospitals.

Lavender Cotton

(Santolina chamaecyparissus)

Lavender cotton (or Santolina chamaecyparissus) is the result of the natural hybridization of the species Lavandula officinalis and Lavandula spica, which is why it exhibits the main characteristics of these specific species.

It is a plant native to the peri-Mediterranean regions and spread throughout Europe in the 16th century. Lavender cotton is found as a wild plant on calcareous mountain ranges of Southern Greece, Southern France, Southern Italy, Corsica, Southern Spain, and Algeria.

Sage

(Salvia officinalis)

Since the Roman era, sage was considered the plant of longevity, and that is why the genus name Salvia comes from the Latin verb salvo, meaning “to save/heal.” The species name officinalis derives from the word officina, which was used for the storage of herbs and medicines in monasteries.

Today, it is also known as salvia officinalis or elelifaskos (Greek common name), while its common English name is sage, garden sage, or common sage. The genus Salvia includes about 900 species, more than 20 of which exist in Greece.

Oregano

(Origanum vulgare)

The Latin name Origanum is a combination of the words “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (brightness/joy), meaning “renewal of the mountain.” The plant Origanum vulgare L.

is the oregano we all know, also referred to as agiorigani or wild oregano. Historically, Dioscorides mentions oregano as wild oregano and records its use as an antidote to bites from poisonous animals.

Thyme

(Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is found both as a wild plant and as a cultivated one all around the world.

Thymus capitatus Hoff. et Link, also known as Greek thyme, is one of the best-known species and grows wild in several parts of Greece, as does Thymus serpyllum L.

Lemon Balm

(Mellisa officinalis)

Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean countries of Europe.

It is believed to have originated in southern Europe, while it is also found in regions of North Africa. In Greece, it grows wild in moist lowland and mountainous forested areas at altitudes up to 800 m in Thrace, Macedonia, and on islands of the Ionian Sea.

Mint

(Mentha piperita)

Mint (Mentha piperita), also known as Peppermint, is one of the most well-known aromatic plants worldwide.

It is a sterile hybrid of the species Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha aquatica (watermint). Its common English name is peppermint, and the species name piperita derives from its peppery taste.

Δυόσμος

(Mentha spicata)

Mountain Tea

(Sideritis scardica)

The Latin name Sideritis derives from the word sideros, meaning “iron,” as in antiquity species of this genus were used to treat wounds caused by iron weapons.

However, other interpretations associate the name with the plant’s iron content. The common Greek name “mountain tea” refers to its natural presence at high altitudes in the country.

Δίκταμο

(Origanum dictamnus)

Marjoram

(Origanum majorata)

Marjoram, or Origanum majorana, is a perennial herbaceous shrub that grows wild in countries of Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

In Greece it does not grow naturally, but it is cultivated in gardens and pots as an ornamental plant, while in other countries it is grown systematically. In ancient Greece, it was known as a remedy for stomach and intestinal disorders.

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) is one of the best-known annual plant species in the category of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants.

Its scientific name comes from the Latin word kalendae meaning “calendar,” referring to the plant’s ability to bloom at the beginning of most months of the year. It is widely known as pot marigold or simply marigold, considered to be “Mary’s Gold,” i.e., the flower with the color of the Virgin Mary’s Sun.

Chamomile

(Matricaria chamomilla)

Matricaria chamomilla L., also known as German or common chamomile, belongs to the Asteraceae family.

It is one of the most widespread and well-studied medicinal plants, known since antiquity for its therapeutic properties. The Latin name Matricaria chamomilla has an interesting etymological and historical origin, related to the plant’s properties and its use in traditional medicine.

Yellow Autumn Daffodil

(Sternbergia lutea)

The plant Sternbergia lutea (L.) Ker Gawl.

ex Spreng. belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and is a perennial geophyte with autumn flowering.

Αρμπαρόριζα

(Pelargonium graveolens)

Λεμονοθύμαρο

(Thymus citriodorus)

Αλόη

(Aloe vera)

Αγριοτριανταφυλλιά

(Rosa canina)

Ρείκι

(Erica verticillata)