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.

For the past two years, our Herbal Medicine Tour on Kythera Honoring Juliette de Bairacli Levy has taken place in late June at the start of the summer season. The herbal legacy of Kythera is made possible by the generosity of the plants that bring us together each year to celebrate the gifts from those who have come before us.

Known as the godmother of modern herbalism in the United States, Rosemary Gladstar is an influential herbalist, best-selling author, and educator who has captivated people worldwide for more than 50 years. Rosemary’s upcoming visit to Athens marks an important moment for herbal medicine in Greece, and is an exciting reminder that the plants around us can inspire us for a lifetime.

As part of the Preserving Herbal Traditions project, The Greek Herbalist participates in the annual harvest of acorns on the island of Kea with Marcie Mayer, the founder of the Acorn Oakmeal Initiative.

As part of the Preserving Herbal Traditions project, join The Greek Herbalist on a plant walk with a local herbalist in the mountains of Corfu!

As part of the Preserving Herbal Traditions project, The Greek Herbalist visits an apiary for a honey tasting experience and a sweet buzz to explore!

Greece is a beautiful country surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian seas. Ranked as one of the sunniest countries in Europe, Greece is a popular vacation destination for visitors from around the world who seek to experience its exquisite beaches and seaside resorts. In addition to its promise of fun in the sun, this small, delightful country also provides a haven for a diversity of flora and fauna. From its seaside to its mountains, Greece is a treasure trove for exploring herbal wonders which provide an impressive display all year round.

Hippocrates was a renowned ancient Greek physician and teacher born on the island of Kos in the Aegean Sea. While we know him as the father of medicine today, Hippocrates may also have played an important role as an herbalist. Let’s explore how he may have been both a renowned physician and celebrated herbalist in his day.

Throughout history, humans have sought ways to ease many ailments. Some lasted through millennia. Others fell into disuse. Through surviving documents, we can examine some of the seemingly strange and curious ways to heal in ancient Greece.

With a landscape brightened by vivid colors and infused with aromatic scents of ocean and mountains, the ancient Mediterranean region provided a sensational feast for the senses. Many of the historical plants that the various ancient civilizations in this region gathered for food, medicine, and religion remain in use today. Yet, the story of some of these historical plants, for various reasons, ended too soon…

Throughout history, plants have evoked the curiosities of the human imagination. Listen in to a three-part series exploring herbal motifs in the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring the sinful fig leaf, the sensual rose flower, and the good luck pomegranate fruit.

Throughout history, plants have evoked the curiosities of the human imagination. Listen in to a three-part series exploring herbal motifs in the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring the sinful fig leaf, the sensual rose flower, and the good luck pomegranate fruit.

Throughout history, plants have evoked the curiosities of the human imagination. Listen in to a three-part series exploring herbal motifs in the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring the sinful fig leaf, the sensual rose flower, and the good luck pomegranate fruit.

The ancient Greeks drank wine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although always diluted, wine was not only a satisfying beverage, but also a nourishing and healing tonic. We will explore the herbs that were infused in wine, the common ailments of the day, and the religious traditions with Dionysus, the much celebrated god of wine. The recorded presentation is available through registration with the International Herb Symposium.