exploring Herbal Medicine from Ancient to modern Greece

The mystery and magic of ancient Greece continue to invoke our sense of curiosity.

Join us as we explore the myriad ways herbal medicine weaved into ancient life and be inspired to carry on tradition.

  • Herbal Medicine Course

    Ancient Greek Herbal Medicine Course

    Explore the mythical and magical practice of herbal medicine in ancient Greece during a 6-month online course.

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  • Herbal Tours

    Come explore the botanical bounty of Greece with us. From mountains to islands, we’ll learn about medicinal plants, Greek mythology, herbal remedies, and traditions with the land. All levels of herbal education welcome.

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  • Guidebooks & Products

    Shop unique Greek products — including a hand-crafted Elderberry Oxymel and original guidebooks to the National Garden, Greek mountains, and ancient rituals.

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Meet the Greek Herbalist

Maria Christodoulou is a clinical herbalist exploring the wisdom and whimsy of ancient Greek herbal medicine. She teaches and writes about medicinal plants depicted in fantastical myths, ancient scientific texts, and artistic representations that have survived for thousands of years.

Previously, Maria served as a non-profit fundraising administrator for fourteen years with cultural and educational institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, Onassis Foundation (USA), and New York City Department of Education.

New in the Blog

The Herbal Column
PRESS: A Walk in The National Garden with Reporter Nadia Soufli
PRESS: A Walk in The National Garden with Reporter Nadia Soufli

On a warm autumn day in October, I took a leisurely stroll through the National Garden in Athens with Nadia Soufli, a reporter for the popular Greek newspaper, TO BHMA (The Vima). Having heard that I lead a Myths & Medicine Plant Walk in the garden, Nadia asked for a tour to learn about the plants in the garden that have therapeutic benefits and connections to ancient Greek traditions.

The Eight Trees Growing on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
The Eight Trees Growing on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

The ultimate initiation to the city of Athens is climbing up the hill of the Acropolis and standing before the majestic Parthenon temple. While the Parthenon is definitely a must-see, along with the other ancient marble monuments on the Acropolis, it is also worth taking notice of the eight trees that live on this towering rock in the middle of a bustling metropolitan city. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis is all the more special with them.

A Video with Athens Living: Visiting the National Garden
A Video with Athens Living: Visiting the National Garden

On a hot summer day in early September, I met with Corinne of Athens Living who has been making YouTube videos about interesting people and places in Athens since 2009. We briefly explored the National Garden together and spoke about my popular Myths & Medicine Plant Walks there, as well as my work as a writer and herbal retreat organizer, most recently on Samothrace island.