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The Herbal Column

Modern Musings on Ancient Greek Herbalism

Maria Christodoulou Maria Christodoulou

The Ancient Greek Herbalists We know

The ancient Greek civilization thrived on philosophy, science, and the healing arts. From ancient texts to excavated pottery, there are countless artifacts to engage our senses. To begin our journey, we must first meet the herbalists who made history.

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Maria Christodoulou Maria Christodoulou

Who was Juliette de Baïracli Levy?

Juliette de Baïracli Levy (1912-2009) was a well-known herbalist, traveler, and writer who lived on the Greek island of Kythera for ten years during the latter part of her life. Learn more about her extraordinary life and be inspired to carry on herbal traditions.

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Maria Christodoulou Maria Christodoulou

A Drink to Health: Herbal Wine in Ancient Greece

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.

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Maria Christodoulou Maria Christodoulou

Juliette on Kythera

Juliette de Bairacli Levy (1912-2009) was a well-known and well-loved herbalist, traveler, and writer. In July 2021, I took a ten-day trip to the Greek island of Kythera, where Juliette lived for 10 years, to meet with the locals who knew her and visit the house where she lived on the edge of a small village.

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A story for every image

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