by Louisa O'Brien for Inside & Out - Aegina

In the autumn, we are approaching the time we start worrying about, if not actually experiencing, colds and flu. One of the best and oldest ways to build up our resistance is to use herbal remedies and teas.

Before the advent of the massive pharmaceutical industry, humans were healed and comforted by using herbal medicines, and as we all know, many modern medicines come from plants – such as aspirin, which comes from the willow tree, in the form of Salicin. In the fifth century B.C., the Greeks discovered that a substance in the bark of the willow tree could relieve pain. Originally they used the bark of the white willow tree, Salix alba. Digitalis is another  example of a drug which has been used in the treatment of heart conditions ever since its discovery in 1775, in the purple foxglove, from a secret gypsy herbal remedy.

Herbs are still used a great deal in Aegina homes. Many still use the old remedies for indigestion, and colds and flu. Chamomile is given to calm upset stomachs and fractious babies, while linden is known to aid sleep and relaxation. Herbs can be found tucked away in the corner of grocery shops and on the shelves of pharmacies.

Aegina now has its own specialist herb shop in the centre of town. Evexia (Good Health) – 6, Spiro Rodi tel. 22970 24103, is owned and run by Maria Perivolari, and she has encyclopedic knowledge of, and great love for, her products.
We asked her to suggest a remedy for autumn chills and she proposed a mixture she makes up especially for flu and colds, to be taken as soon as you notice the symptoms. Her Grippe package contains sambucus to clear the sinuses, althea for the throat, wild rosehips which are packed with vitamin C, and echinacea to build up your body’s natural defense system. This mixture should not be boiled – simply mix a dessert-spoonful into a cup of boiled water, cover and leave to steep for 10 minutes. According to Maria you should never drink herbs with sugar as it cancels their healing properties. If you need something sweet, just add a dash of honey. She also stocks spices, natural cosmetics, and pure oils, organic and traditional products, and speaks better English than she thinks she does!

Carmella’s, tucked away on a side street opposite the tiny church of Myrtidiotissa, is full of goodies brought from Traheia in the Argolid: big rounds of hard cheeses; wholewheat stoneground flour; wine from Nemea Corinthias; sheep’s yogurt made from fresh milk; honey from Galatas is especially good with herbal teas, Carmella says, because it has a lighter taste (thyme honey is collected in the summer months and the blossom collected in the spring). Herbs include mint, thyme, mountain tea, chamomile, linden and sage from the Peloponnese as well as ready-made packets of mixed herbs for coughs, diabetes, high cholesterol and slimming. Neither Carmella nor her husband speak English, so if your Greek is not up to it, best to take along your dictionary!

To get aromatic herbs, bulbs, seeds, plants of all sizes and get your garden designed for you, Kostas Maniatis and his mother have a friendly and well stocked garden centre, Toulipa (Tulip), on Capodistrias Street (at the crossroads by the new Museum) tel. 22970 22368. They also deliver all over the island, a bonus when buying heavy plants or compost, and are open every day from 7.30am. Dictionary a bonus.

For more information please contact::

Specialist herb shop:	Maria Perivolari 6, Spiro Rodi Telefone: (+30) 22970 24103
Carden centre:	Toulipa
	Capodistrias Street
	Telefone: (+30) 22970 22368