Little did I know in my early journeys with Dittany that I was becoming part of the invisibly connected circle of Dittany farmers and distillers pioneering on Crete… Becoming an active bearer of the future of this protected plant came naturally. Simply by heart connection and being a down-to-earth biodiversity and sustainability ‘practitioner’, without big announcements or worldwide campaigns. As with many of the plants in my life who befriend me intimately and immediately as they perceive that I genuinely care for them, innocently love their incredible presence, and truly appreciate their innumerable gifts. I still do not recognise this imminent openness from the plant world when I tend to be too shy to understand myself being welcomed and loved so unconditionally by these incredible living beings. Likewise, I tend to need some time until I understand the actual significance of certain occurrences.
In a previous chapter filled with Roses, Mystics and Divine Love you could hear me wondering about the unthinkable extraordinary situation whereas not only did I encounter Damask roses supremely cultivated on the east part of the island, but also found myself care-taking and distilling these genuine roses for the first time in my life! Well, the truth is, you did not have the whole picture at the time since I missed telling you all about it. You can easily understand I was travelling on rosy clouds in my fragrant heavens, so excuse my bias, and let me complement that story with some missing lines.
Dittany among Roses
It’s been a wild summer in 2022. The first of summers when I shared most of my time with my gorgeous little family, taming my wild-woman spirit while adapting to a new situation with all its blessings and challenges. Apart from welcoming an assortment of lovely nature-loving people for my aromatic treats and retreats, the three of us enjoyed our journeys discovering each other through the plant world. In a beautiful process of growing together, growing ourselves as Souls in our physical bodies, we were also growing a child – both real and inner – as wise and careful as wild and free, just like we grow and care for our plants as family members.
Unless you can read between the lines, you could very unlikely see through that amongst the rows of magnificent Damask roses were running lines of beautiful Dittany plants. Almost as old as the queen of flowers on this field, Dittany of Crete had been passionately planted by my beloved Cretan polymath – grower, distiller, horse whisperer, naturopath, homoeopath, teacher and author – Yiannis Psillos. By then, Dittany passed seven years resiliently, still going, happily growing, together and symbiotically with the roses. Both being hale and hearty, some of the most hardy plants on a demanding Cretan land. But before I continue to tell my story about how I have mastered the distillation of Dittany, let me just go down the road of institutional research and scientific justification of why this all matters.
Essential oil research
Thankfully, for Greek universities and research institutions, some pretty remarkable research papers have been completed with laboratory analysis and various in vitro tests over the past few decades. Numerous works focussed on supporting the country’s agriculture, food and value-added industrial developments to research and find use for the clearly beneficial properties of medicinal and aromatic plants. At the same time, little is done specifically looking at aromatherapy applications, which has a broader explanation due to Greece’s different structure and approach to healthy lifestyle, healthcare and well-being, which goes beyond the focus of this article. However, looking into the richness of available research material, added to that of ancient scholars, and drawing from the characteristics of other ‘antibacterial hotshots’ of Crete we can outline the therapeutic profile of Dittany.
According to ‘Composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activity of Origanum dictamnus (Dittany) essential oil’, a study published in 2015, the main constituents of O. dictamnus essential oil identified by GC/MS analysis were carvacrol (52.2%), g-terpinene (8.4%), p-cymene (6.1%), linalool (1.4%), and caryophyllene (1.3%) amongst the 44 compounds that were identified in total (Mitropoulou et al., 2015).
Later, further research found that significant variations may be observed; for instance, carvacrol content have been reported up to 82.3% for wild populations and various locations.
Based on the in vitro tests carried out by the research team, Origanum dictamnus essential oil and its main components were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger. Among the individual constituents tested, carvacrol was the most bioactive compound, accounting for the essential oil’s observed antiproliferative activity (Mitropoulou et al., 2015).
A few years earlier, a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology already published similar results for the antimicrobial activities of O. dictamnus, in addition to listing three human pathogenic fungi Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata where the essential oils from both wild and cultivated species showed comparable activities against all tested microbial strains (Hanlidou et al., 2004).
Behind the therapeutic arena
What does it take to translate theoretical results into actual essential oil therapeutics? What does it take for aromatherapists to utilise the healing properties of Dittany? These are very profound questions, and let me just put a very few of the queries that should take place on the table.
One of the first essentials is that we presume there are farmers, distillers, herbalists, and others who work with Dittany respectfully and continue to maintain all their activities involved in producing medicinal plants and their extracts. Then, this production is influenced by several factors, only to mention one of the key areas, a somewhat solid economical situation. We need to be aware that sustainability is not only about protecting plants but also concerns the life and livelihood of the people involved, and that’s a bottleneck here. Greece has yet to develop sensible, game-changer governmental support regarding justified legislation lessening bureaucracy.
Secondly, it takes a community of educated therapists who:
- Have an understanding of the art and science of aromatherapy;
- Chose to work with aromatic extracts based on a multi-factor evaluation in their decision-making rather than sheer fashion;
- Keep a balanced inventory of so-called local and imported material;
- Acknowledge that accessibility is a complex matrix;
- Consider contributing to the worldwide aromatherapy community by their choice of material and by looking at new oils as part of their own continued education;
- Have readiness to support emerging countries with their purchases;
- Deal with cases that call for opportunities towards well-informed and conscious therapeutic explorations;
- Feed their therapeutic results back to the source: farmers, distillers, an aromatherapy organisations.
Essential oil therapeutics
As listed in the chemical component before, based on the conclusions of numerous tests throughout multiple studies, the most important constituents of the essential oil of Dittany are carvacrol (and its isomeric compound thymol), g-terpinene, p-cymene, linalool, and caryophyllene. All of these studies indicated that the major component is carvacrol, which is known for its antioxidant qualities and, as such, is comparable to ascorbic acid and vitamin E. In the same line of importance, carvacrol displays remarkable antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects are attributed to the reduced synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins, enzymes, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and cytokines.
Another significant component of Dittany essential oil is p-cymene, a precursor of carvacrol. It has a hydroxyl group that displays antinociceptive activity and antimicrobial effects. Let’s open the ‘antinociception’ folder. We will find that it is the body’s response to potentially toxic stimuli, like harmful chemicals, mechanical injury (e.g., foreign objects, cutting, crushing), or adverse temperatures (heat and cold) by the sensory nervous system. Adding to the primary properties, this explains Dittany essential oil possessing cytotoxic, anti-spasmodic, wound-healing, digestive, anti-ulcer and other gastrointestinal characteristics.
Carvacrol also inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis, two key properties for cancer therapeutics. Researchers investigated the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of O. dictamnus essential oil against tumor cells and showed that when used as a chemopreventive agent, Dittany could prevent cancer. (See also ethnopharmacological uses listed earlier.)
As for respiratory diseases, influenza and viruses, the antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effect will be supported by the antispasmodic ability, to lower fever and alleviate headaches. Linalool’s calming, sedative and analgesic effects will complement all of these.
At the crossroads of gastrointestinal and dermal infections, Dittany essential oil can be useful for treating related bacteria, yeast and also fungi as it is proved to inhibit several strains at a relatively low concentration of 250-400 microg/mL (Daferera et al., 2000 and Daferera et al., 2002).
For the same reason, because the essential oil of Dittany is potent, we need to mention precautions, such as if used undiluted, it may cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal disorders when ingested, and eye irritation if inhaled neat. With the right dosage, in addition to the above mentioned areas, skilled aromatherapists may attribute the properties of Dittany essential oil to carefully formulated blends. These blends can be to treat a wide range of conditions from skin issues to musculoskeletal problems, various conditions of the reproductive system, and as a general tonic to the immune system. It is up to future research and clinical practice to prove that Hippocrates was right and translate his suggestions for current issues with the digestive system, spleen, rheumatism and so on. Using Dittany with an aromatherapy approach could also benefit clients concerned with gynecological problems, heal the uterus, induce menstruation and partake to accelerate childbirth.
Distilling Dittany
As you can understand by now, Dittany of Crete is a unique and precious essential oil-bearing plant whose oil is extracted by distillation of the aerial parts – stems, leaves and flowers that are collected during the flowering stage, which is mainly summer until early autumn. I also mentioned earlier that growing Dittany and the production of its genuine essential oil is currently rather small and limited to a very few producers – that is to say a few of us.
Yes, as it happens I am one of them! It’s because my plant-pal and life-partner, Yiannis Psillos, planted some hundreds of Dittany plants almost a decade ago. Actually, thousands altogether, in different locations (some fields reach higher altitudes up in the mountains). As I entered his life and the life of these plants, it all felt as a daring, peaceful warrior conquering chaos. A pleasant chaos also means biodiversity. It is through developing a symbiotic partnership with plants, nature and the Universe, so we conquer and tame each other. Knowledge, trust and open heart will keep us going as one mission unfolds after the other.
And what a journey we have with Dittany. The plant is soft and solid, with a jewel on its crown, and collecting it is very gentle and grounding. The distillation has different dynamics, intense, strong and stimulating with the gorgeous and groovy distillate. The essential oil is amazing in its sparkling orangy-red colour. If you asked me about the scent of the oil, whether it is softer than how powerful it is? I would say, compared to the scent of our carvacrol-rich Thyme essential oil – which is more harshly strong like a crude vinegar, but fiery – the essential oil of Dittany echoes the soil, the grey-blue velvety leaves, its earthy, smokey character for the first approach. When you keep inhaling, it will show the deeper layers of true power and warn you: handle with care. The character of the hydrosol is in the range of thyme and oregano, rather the latter, in terms of its aroma and capacities, and it is always an excellent tonic diluted in water for changing seasons, strengthening heart and immunity as needed.
Unblock Thyself
How can I possibly conclude the virtues of Dittany more than that? The plant that is famed for having the magic spell to expel objects, unblock situations and give birth to new life? We need to step into another level and understand that expanding our awareness is riding the wheel of Fortune and taking classes in the circular nature of existence. Understanding the characteristics of harmonising opposites is essential in mastering the dynamics of omnipotent cycles. If you will, it is both a motivation and a driving force for conciliation in peace talks within the self.
We are given not only free will but perhaps one of the greatest gifts of all times: creative expression. Working with plants like Dittany of Crete is a beautiful journey of authenticity, navigating through learning new abilities and practicing them in all sorts of areas of life beyond aromatherapy. Blocking the flow of life comes perfectly unnoticed in a bunch of ways. When we are on the edge and the warrior in us often feels like losing ground on a mission, unblocking takes place and leads to breakthroughs. I believe Dittany conveys its message to comfort and nourish us through these breakthroughs. It helps to activate and reactivate the inner Alchemist. It encourages us to claim our place in the world and create the space we need to live our creativity and best selves groundedly. In a way that best matches our chemistry.
Dittany of Crete graciously offered me her essence. Gently tamed as a ‘wild’ cultivated plant, it can be ethically harvested piece by piece, carefully distilled slowly and artisanal, in a truly authentic way. Born, developed and carefully maintained inside me is the love and passion that never cease to fade away in serving the evolution, healing and awakening of human beings. Another wild summer has passed, and Dittany keeps musing about the inspiring nature of living and working with plants. We keep continue dancing and our story is being written…
The article was originally written for and published in the Winter issue 2024/11.4 of Aromatika Magazin, an online publication to support holistic living, the practice and professional education of aromatherapy, phytotherapy, naturopathy and related subjects. My special thanks and gratitude goes to Gergely Hollódi, editor-in-chief of this beautifully constructed aromatherapy periodical, and for his always encouraging support. Hope you would enjoy this post here. The original copy of the electronic magazine is available for download from the website of Aromatika Magazin.
PS: If you are on this journey of self-discovery, healing and empowerment and feel the call of the magical power of the plant world, you may want to check out what else I have for offer on my aromatic retreats page. With love, Ildiko
References:
Daferera, D. J., Ziogas, B. N., & Polissiou, M. G. (2000). GC-MS Analysis of Essential Oils from Some Greek Aromatic Plants and Their Fungitoxicity on Penicillium digitatum. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 48(6), 2576– 2581. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf990835x
Daferera, D. J., Ziogas, B. N., & Polissiou, M. G. (2002). The effectiveness of plant essential oils on the growth of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium sp. and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Crop Protection, 22(1), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0261- 2194(02)00095-9
Hanlidou, E., Karousou, R., Kleftoyanni, V., & Kokkini, S. (2004). The herbal market of Thessaloniki (N Greece) and its relation to the ethnobotanical tradition. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 91(2–3), 281–299. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.01.007
Mitropoulou, G., Fitsiou, E., Stavropoulou, E., Papavassilopoulou, E., Vamvakias, M., Pappa, A., Oreopoulou, A., & Kourkoutas, Y. (2015). Composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activity of Origanum dictamnus (dittany) essential oil. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 26(0). https://doi. org/10.3402/mehd.v26.26543
Solomou, A. D., Fountouli, A., Molla, A., Petrakis, M., Manolikaki, I., & Skoufogianni, E. (2024). Ecology, Cultivation, and Utilization of the Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus L.) from Ancient Times to the Present: A Short Review. Agronomy, 14(5), 1066. https://doi. org/10.3390/agronomy14051066
