Pilewort, or Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is a flowering plant in the buttercup family. It is native to Europe and has distinctive bright yellow flowers. It is now quite widespread and is considered to be an invasive species in a number of regions of the world. Due to its toxicity towards grazing animals, it is…
The plant Salvia fruticosa or Greek Sage, grows extensively in Greece and is widely found on Lesvos and it has similar properties to Common or Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis) which is also a Mediterranean plant found chiefly in Northwestern Greece, the Western Balkans, Italy, France and Spain. Greek sage can develop woolly galls called “apples”…
Camomile, or chamomile, (Matricaria chamomilla) is a daisy-like plant which is often used as an infusion or herbal tea and in cosmetics and personal cleaning products. The characteristic smell of the flowers distinguishes it easily from the common daisy. A tea prepared from the dried flowers of the plant is often taken for help with…
Thymbra capitata or Thymus capitatum is widespread in the mediterranan basin and is readily found on Lesvos. It is very aromatic can be used as an alternative to common thyme in cooking. It has been used to treat cough, throat and lung infections, indigestion, gastritis, diarrhoea, gum disease and wounds and fungal infections. The flowers…
The olive tree (olea europea) is one of the most characteristic plants of the Mediterranean region and, historically, has played a major role in the culture and prosperity of the region. There are many references to olive trees and their products in ancient texts. The Mediterranean basin accounts for the vast majority of all the…
The essential oils contain a large number of substances, mainly terpenes and related compounds with antimicrobial and antifungal properties.