DICTAMY OF CRETE
It is by visiting the Gorges d'Imbros in Crete that I really discovered this endemic plant that is the DICTAME DE CRETE (Origanum dictamnus)
Although I had already heard of it for its many benefits, the period was not adequate to discover the flowering of this plant. However, some rebellious shrubs ravished my eyes.
The flowers of a pretty rose open and bloom from May to August. It emits a strong aromatic odor.
They are found mostly in the wild on the rocks rocky slopes hard to reach, under a very sunny exposure.
Wild dictam appears as a rare species and is protected by European law. It is also at the forefront of medicinal plants of Crete.
Its virtues are known since 2700 years BC, the Minoans used it at the time to create perfumes, ointments and aromatic oils. She is considered "the queen of herbs"
Hyppocrates, the father of medicine already used it to cure patients.
Subsequently, the legend said that the goddesses Aphrodite and Artemis also used it.
Finally, in ancient times, doctors made it famous.
Likewise, Crest dictamy was used in witchcraft as incense of divination to come into contact with spirits.
In literature, the dictam refers to what diminishes suffering.
Michelet evokes: "the word of the woman, universal dictam, pacifying virtue that everywhere softens, heals"
From dictamy, we draw a very balsamic oil and we know him in Crete, 14 different appellations
From then on, offering dictamy was a precious gift.
These virtues are numerous and the Cretans use it mainly in the form of ointment.
When the dictamy is picked, it is its flowers and leaves that are then used
IN EXTERNAL USE
Proven therapeutic effects, the ointment composed of products from organic farming is moisturizing, regenerating, soothing, and calming.
Soothing for cracked nipples, due to breastfeeding.
Regenerating during rashes.
The vulnerable ointment oint that can heal wounds and wounds, heals twice as fast.
In the same way, an ointment composed of roots of dictaria is ideal for the pain of the hips.
Dictamy treats burns due to prolonged exposure to the sun, attenuates very dry skin areas and soothes dermatitis and inflammation.
The flowers and leaves can be used as a poultice
DICTAMY OIL: relatively oily is used for its moisturizing character on the face. She has
also anti-aging properties and improves the appearance of the skin.
IN INTERNAL USE:
In infusion, Dictamy helps fight colds, coughs and headaches.
Also very effective in reducing intestinal disorders, (antidiarrheal, cholalogue by stimulating the function of bile, carminative by reducing intestinal gas, stomach pains to fight against chronic fatigue, and thus strengthen the immune system. herbal tea, the dictaria has aphrodisiac properties.
And here I am, I learned even more about this plant and I will try experimentally to try an oily macerate of Cretan dictam with the flowers that I bought in an organic shop in Crete.
This plant has inspired me even more than where I come from the West Indies, the dictam (and yes, at home, it's dictam) is a starch very popular for cooking and recommended by nutritionists and farmers. pediatricians ...
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