Nutrition, medicinal herbs & health
Not only are we planting a garden together with our children, we are also writing an encyclopaedia of herbs.
Forgotten knowledge of folk medicine
Plants produce a variety of chemical substances that help them to interact with the living environment. Bitter substances and toxins protect against herbivores, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites and prions.
Many animals use these active substances specifically to ward off diseases and parasite infestations or to optimise digestion. Humans began to pass on their accumulated knowledge of plants from generation to generation very early on. Unfortunately, this knowledge is increasingly being lost. This is exactly where we want to start.
Our schoolchildren learn about Cypriot vegetation. The special location of Cyprus offers a flora that can also be found in southern Europe, North Africa and Asia. An inexhaustible source of useful and medicinal plants whose uses have been utilised in Egypt, India and the entire Mediterranean region for centuries.
Would you like to know more about Cyprus' medicinal plants? Here is a small extract.
Small herbal encyclopaedia
Allioideae & Brassicaceae
Leek and mustard oils
The Allioideae, a subfamily of the Amaryllidaceae, includes all leek species. These contain so-called leek oils, which trigger the pungent odour and taste. They have an antiviral, antimicrobial and insecticidal effect.
The characteristic mustard or cabbage-like flavour of the Brassicaceae (cruciferous plants) comes from the mustard oils they contain. They also have an antimicrobial and antifeedant effect.
Winter tip:
Oriental rocket (see photo) is prepared as a tea here in Cyprus. It stimulates digestion, protects against infectious diseases and is warming.
Allioideae
Allium neapolitanum
The Neapolitan leek (see photo) grows wild throughout Cyprus. It can grow to a height of 30-55 cm, has 1-3 cm wide leaves and survives the dry season with a bulb in the ground.
It has an antiseptic effect due to the leek oils it contains. It is used preventively against infectious diseases, intestinal parasites, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and helps heal wounds.
Apiaceae
Essential oils
The umbellifer family includes many well-known spice and vegetable plants, including fennel, aniseed, caraway, carrot and dill, but also some very poisonous species, such as spotted hemlock.
The characteristic odour of the spice plants comes from essential oils, which belong to the terpenoids and have a variety of effects, e.g. anti-inflammatory, digestive, calming, diuretic or antiseptic. (Photo: Tordylium aegyptiacum)
Foeniculum vulgare
Wild fennel
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is mainly found in damp areas near rivers. It is biennial or perennial, reaches a height of up to 2 metres and can branch out. Its leaves are multi-pinnate and slit and grow up to 30 cm long.
Fennel is mainly prepared as a tea from the seeds or leaves. It has an expectorant, antispasmodic, digestive and diuretic effect. It is said to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Asteraceae
Basketwort
Essential oils, inulin, bitter substances
Asteraceae are one of the most diverse plant families. Many have essential oils that have an antiseptic effect, e.g. camomile (Matricaria chamomilla), which is also popular as a tea in Cyprus.
One Asteraceae contains inulin, a carbohydrate that serves as a storage substance. Compared to starch, it is particularly well tolerated by diabetics. It also often contains bitter substances. These serve to protect the plant from being eaten. In humans, they increase the production of saliva and gastric juice. Some species also have tannins or flavonoids. Asteraceae can be used in many different ways due to their diverse ingredients.
Asteraceae
Dwarf chicory
Cichorium pumilum
Cichorium pumilum belongs to the chicory family. It grows to a height of 30-70 cm and has a branched root system. The leaves are predominantly basal, toothed and slightly hairy. It has axillary inflorescences with blue flowers.
The thick root can contain up to 20% inulin. It can therefore be used to treat diabetes. The leaves can be eaten. The bitter substances they contain have an appetising and laxative effect. The plant is said to have an antipyretic effect.
Lamiaceae
Labiates
Essential oils, bitter substances
The labiates (Lamiaceae) contain many plants used in folk medicine. Most are prepared as teas. Many are also typical Mediterranean culinary herbs. Due to their high content of essential oils, they have an antiseptic effect against colds or as an anthelmintic. They can also have a digestive and diuretic effect. This effect can be enhanced by bitter substances. Frequently used species are: Melissa officinalis (photo left), Lavandula stoechas (photo centre) and Rormarius officinalis (photo right)
Lamiaceae
Sage
Salvia fruticosa
The Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa) is widespread throughout Cyprus. It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are up to 5 cm long and densely hairy.
In the Greek part of the island, the tea is known as ‘spatzia’. It has an expectorant effect and therefore treats respiratory problems of all kinds. As it contains tannins, it has a characteristically tart sage flavour and has an astringent effect It reduces milk production in breastfeeding mothers, has an antispasmodic effect and relieves diarrhoea.
Lamiaceae
Endemic species
There are endemic species of many of the classic medicinal herbs of the Lamiaceae in Cyprus, which are also used by the local population. However, these should only be collected if the species are not endangered.
Mental Ingifolia subsp. cyprica, an endemic mint, is effective against stomach complaints, headaches and insomnia.
The endemic marjoram, Organum majorana var. tenuifolum, has an expectorant effect against respiratory infections, just like the well-known species. Thymus integer (photo), similar to the crested thyme, Thymbra caitata, is used as an antiseptic against dysentery and worm diseases, but also against fever.
Further herb descriptions will follow shortly.
