Chamomili (Chamomile tea)

Chamomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. These plants are best known for their ability to be made into an infusion which is commonly used to help with sleep and is often served with either honey or lemon.  The best-known variety of chamomile is Chamomilla Recutita .

The name means Apple from Greek chamaimilon ("earth apple"). They are herbaceous plants and live for one year.

Chamomile beverage is produced from the flowers of chamomile. Also, extracts of chamomile are used in various cosmetics or shampoos .Greeks believe that the sweet, gentle aroma of chamomile calms the nerves, soothes the stomach and helps against constipation. We also use it as a cleanser for eye infections, and give it to colicky babies.

Chamomile is made the same way as mint tea -by boiling 1 teaspoon per cup of water, then straining.

More Infusions

Greeks often make an infusion out of dried oregano, much the same as they do with marjoram and sage. It is prepared in the same way -infused, not boiled.

Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean area, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.

The plant has a strong aromatic odor, a long history of medicinal and culinary use, and is even used in modern times as an ornamental garden plant. The common name "sage" is also used for a number of related and unrelated species.

In antiquity it was used in the manufacture of myrrh and for medicinal purposes. Dioscorides, Hippocrates and Pliny have mentioned often diosmos as a plant with great medicinal value and lovely fragrance.

Greek Mountain Tea is made using the dried leaves and flowers of Sideritis plants (ironwort). The tea is aptly named: the plant is found on rocky slopes at elevations over 3,200 feet (1000 meters).