Dittany of Crete (Organic Loose Leaf)

Dittany of Crete (Cretan Dittany) is a potent and soothing herb that is native to the small Greek island of Crete. We source the finest wild-grown herb for maximum flavour and health benefits, creating a brew that has been consumed for centuries and was once praised by Aristotle!

Dittany of Crete, or origanum dictamnus, is a medicinal herb native to the Greek island of Crete. In the Cretan dialect, it’s known as έρωντας, which translates as “love”. It’s greatly prized by the locals, and although it’s not as well-known elsewhere, it really should be.

Dittany grows on mountainsides and possesses unique health benefits, much like its better-known cousin Sideritis Scardica. And just like Sideritis Scardica, you can buy the very best Dittany here on Shelgo Tea, sourced direct from the mountains of Crete where it's grown without the use of pesticides and free of preservatives or fillers.

It’s Cretan Dittany exactly how it should be, giving you a chance to experience an herb that has been consumed throughout Greece since the classical age and is considered one of their most treasured herbs.

What is Cretan Dittany?

Origanum dictamnus is a perennial plant that grows on mountainsides on the island of Crete. The plant grows to a maximum of just 30 centimetres, and its leaves have a soft, almost woollen covering, making it a popular ornamental plant as well as an alternative medicine.

The Cretan name for this plant, which, as mentioned above, translates as “love”, likely derives from its purported aphrodisiac qualities, as well as its history of being given as a symbol of love. In fact, it’s said that young lovers would scale mountainsides to collect the plant. These men were known by a name that translated to “love seekers” and were commended for their bravery in pursuit of love, but many of them are said to have fallen to their death looking for the plant.

Cretan Dittany is widely used in traditional medicine and is said to possess a number of benefits. 

How to Consume Dittany

Dittany of Crete can be made into a simple but delicious tea, preferably with a dollop of honey to add some sweetness and a little more depth. To make Cretan Dittany tea, just follow the instructions on the packet. All Shelgo Tea products contain brewing tips on the back, and you can use these as a guide, adding more of the product if you want something a little stronger and less if you find the taste too much.

You shouldn’t add milk, but you can add a squirt of lemon juice if you want a little more bite. We also recommend experimenting with other herbs to create a delicious and heathy concoction. A little lemon verbena works perfectly with Dittany, adding a fresh burst of lemon flavour and giving you all the benefits of verbena, as well. Lemon balm works in the same way, and if you want something a little stronger, you can try sage or a sprig of mint instead.

Dittany tea is best consumed hot, but you can also leave it to cool, add ice, and consume it as an iced herbal tea, preferably with a wedge of lime, lemon, or orange on the side.