Dittany
Dittany

The ancient belief held that Cretan goats could survive arrow wounds because they consumed dittany.

Dittany has been regarded as a medicinal herb since the time of the Minoans.

Dittany (Origanum dictamnus) is a native herb of Crete and is commonly brewed into tea.

This plant naturally thrives in canyons and on cliffs, but nowadays, it is also cultivated. It features fluffy, grey-green leaves, vibrant violet flowers, and emits a highly fragrant scent.

Dittany has been revered as a healing herb since the era of the Minoans. Even Hippocrates utilised it for various purposes, including digestive support, as an antiseptic, tonic, and for managing arthritis. Additionally, it is believed to possess aphrodisiac qualities, which have earned it the local name 'Erontas,' signifying 'love' in Greek.

In ancient times, there was a belief that dittany had the power to expel arrows from wounded bodies. It was thought that Cretan goats could endure arrow wounds because they consumed dittany.

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