As a participant in the 2nd Panhellenic Conference on Traditional Greek Folk Medicine, I explore the ancient art of botanical wine extraction. We will learn about the herbs that were commonly soaked in wine and how these herbs are used by herbalists today. Our exploration will also bring us closer to understanding ancient Greek culture, especially through the well-known doctors who wrote about ancient medicine.

ATHENS – From myths to medicine, plants in Greece hold a plethora of ancient stories and knowledge for us to explore. These timeless plants were the inspiration behind countless mythological tales and medicinal recipes that both entertained and healed our ancient Greek ancestors for thousands of years. Join The Greek Herbalist this summer in Athens for a plant walk through the scenic National Garden for an adventure to ancient Greece.

As a speaker for the 1st Panhellenic Conference of Traditional Greek Folk Medicine, this presentation explores ancient and modern herbal practices of popular herbs in Greece. Exploring the theme that “custom is king,” a cultural continuity of herbal customs − from ancient to modern Greece − provides insight into how plants can teach us timeless lessons about history, health, and the persevering character of nature itself.

Excerpt from The Herbal Academy: “There is a grand mystery and pleasure in reading ancient texts that can still fulfill our curiosities about the human experience. Writings about herbalism are no exception, as they give us a sense of how our ancestors lived, survived, and interacted with the natural world around them. De Materia Medica, Latin for “On Medical Material” is a surviving text from the first century written by Pedanius Dioscorides (c. 40-90 CE), a Greek medical botanist and physician who served in the Roman army. His five-volume manuscript describes approximately 600 plants for more than 1,000 traditional medicines. Centuries after it was written, Dioscorides’ celebrated herbal reference would become the basis of European and Western pharmacopeia.”

Achilles applied a poultice of yarrow to the wounds of his fellow soldiers. Daphne was rooted into a bay laurel tree for protection against the god Apollo. Odysseus held a mullein stalk to defend himself against Circe's mystical powers. These ancient Greek myths blended passion, pain, victory, and defeat with a touch of ancient sorcery. As master storytellers, the ancient Greeks created fantastical stories that have riveted audiences for thousands of years. Let us explore some of these myths and the plants that worked alongside the divine gods and goddesses of our ancient world.

Excerpt from The Herbal Academy: “Herbalism is an ancient practice with thousands of years of historical applications. Today, the well-recognized ancient traditions of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine remain instrumental as effective herbal practices. Equally important is understanding and recognizing the contributions of ancient Greek herbalism, namely the four humours. Although these concepts are no longer mainstream theories, they continue to provide an underlying foundation to modern medical and herbal practices.”