Four years ago, following a health crisis and at the suggestion of my doctor, I took a deep dive into the world of olive oil and learned of the fascinating health benefits that this simple staple of the Greek diet offered.
Of course, I learned quickly that not all olive oils are made the same. As Hippocrates knew thousands of years ago, modern science would also prove that a specific kind of olive oil that was made from unripe olives contained super-powered elements called polyphenols that had numerous benefits associated with their consumption.
I launched my own brand of this unique olive oil from Crete called Agourolado and have been sharing it every harvest season for four years now.
This deep dive led to additional research on other products from the island of my parents’ birth, always pairing what Hippocrates and the ancients have taught us over the years, with a combination of what yiayia… our beloved Greek grandmothers also knew, and always matched with what modern science has taught us.
Introducing my two newest products: Cretan Mountain Tea and Dictamos, two products that are unique to Crete that, like my olive oil, offer numerous health benefits as proven by scientific research.
Last summer when I was in Crete, I did a lot of hiking high up in the Lefka Ori, or White Mountains in western Crete south of Hania to find both of these rare plants. Dictamos, especially, was hard to find as it likes to grow in the most inaccessible, rocky locations.
With the help of a local horticulturist and always following local laws and guidelines as these are both monitored species of herbs, I harvested two bushels of each myself and prepared them for a several months-long drying period that is required.
I’m very excited and proud to add these two unique products to my portfolio of PAPADOMANOLAKIS Products from Crete. Both are available on The Pappas Market here.
What’s different from the commercial brands that you might find online? The majority of them are grown on farms and might not be 100% organic like my products are. Furthermore, like olive oil has a “single source” designation, my mountain tea and dictamos are guaranteed single source as I, personally, have been involved the process from the actual foraging, to the drying, to the packaging and the plants haven’t been mixed with other harvests or crops.
But before you click to order, read some fascinating things we know about Dictamos and Cretan Mountain Tea and why you should incorporate them into your daily regimen.
A BIT ABOUT DICTAMOS
Dictamos is special. It grows only on Crete and has a long folkloric tradition with the Cretan people. Mentions of this super-herb go back thousands of years in Greek mythology, most notably in stories about Aphrodite and her use of the plant to lure lovers, since it supposedly has aphrodisiac qualities.
Small bags of Dictamos are given to newlyweds at weddings to encourage a happy and healthy sex life and mentions of dictamos, also called by its nickname “erontas” (love in the Cretan dialect) appear in numerous folk songs.
But beyond its folkloric and traditional connection to Crete, what else do we know from scientific research?
It relieves cough associated with the common cold. It is also the regular go-to remedy in Crete for belatedness or digestive problems. The old-timers also used it to treat snake and other insect bites, as well as other skin irritations and bruises.
Cretan dittany almost seems too good to be true, but its effects are real. It helps treat common illnesses like the common cold, digestive issues, skin problems, and more. It’s easy to see why ancient Greek physicians used this herb in their treatment playbook.
A BIT ABOUT CRETAN MOUNTAIN TEA
In Crete we call this tea “malotira” which comes from hundreds of years of occupation and influence from the Venetians. From the Italian words male (meaning malady or illness), and tirare (to extract), the Cretan word malotira evolved into the local dialect.
Numerous studies have proven why Cretan Mountain Tea is perhaps, the healthiest and most beneficial tea available on the market and should be incorporated into daily use.
The plant is full of antioxidants that reduce inflammation in your body and decrease the risk for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. The anti-inflammatory properties of these antioxidants can also help ward off the common cold or other ailments. Or, if you’re sick, drinking this tea may help you recover more quickly from illness.
According to a 2012 study, this tea can help reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and exerting less work on the heart.
Hippocrates and other ancient Greeks believed that this plant could help with mental health, and science shows that these assertions may be true. Recent research shows that drinking mountain tea prevents anxiety-related behaviors, including anxiety and depression.
Unlike some other teas, Greek mountain tea is free from caffeine, which means you can drink it any time of the day without adverse effects on your sleep schedule. In fact, it actually has a calming effect that can help you fall asleep earlier and sleep through the night, which can support the treatment of various sleeping disorders.