Dittany of Crete Cut & Sifted Herb (Origanum Dictamnus)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Dittany of Crete Cut & Sifted Herb (Origanum Dictamnus) 1 Ounce HERB COMMON NAME :  Dittany of Crete HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Origanum Dictamnus OTHER NAMES :  Dittany, Cretan Dittany, Hop Marjoram, Crete Oregano FAMILY :  Lamiaceae Element: Water Planet: Venus Day: Monday Direction: West Zodiac Sign: Gemini Chakra: 6th Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) Energy: Yin Gender: Feminine Tarot: the Lovers, Two of Cups, the Magician Animal: Goat, Rabbit Sabbat or Holiday: Samhain (October 31 – November 1) ; Beltane / May Day / Walpurgis (April 30 – May 1) ; Full Hare Moon / Flower Moon (May) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Osiris, Diana, Kiktynna, Persephone, Pan, Venus, Aphrodite, Orris   Parts Used:  Herb Description:  In recent times, the collection of Dittany of Crete was a very dangerous endeavor for the men who risked life and limb to climb precarious rock faces where the plant grows wild in the mountains of Crete Greece. They were known as “Erondades” (love seekers) and were considered very passionate men to go to such dangerous lengths to collect the herb to offer as love tokens. In antiquity, Dittany of Crete was used to flavor wine, decorate temples and gardens, and as a medicinal panacea as well as an aphrodisiac. In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates considered Dittany of Crete useful for stomach aches and complaints of the digestive system and as a poultice for healing wounds, as well as inducing menstruation. The Greek philosopher Aristotle in his work The History of Animals wrote, “Wild goats in Crete are said, when wounded by arrow, to go in search of dittany, which is supposed to have the property of ejecting arrows in the body.” The Greek scholar and philosopher Theophrastus in his work Enquiry into Plants, also noted that dittany was peculiar to Crete, and that is was, “said to be true, that, if goats eat it when they have been shot, it rids them of the arrow.” In more modern times, Dittany of Crete is traditionally used as an herbal tea, believed to help relieve coughs associated with cold, for minor skin inflammations and bruises, and for mild digestive problems. Historical Uses:  aphrodisiac, sexual desire, wound healing, cough associated with cold, mild stomach upset, indigestion Mystical Attributes:  Dittany is known for its use as a ritual incense and is an excellent base for manifestations of spirits. When burned, a thick smoke rises from the censer in which the wraiths appear. This old European herb is used in Samhain celebrations because of its ability to manifest spirits, induce trance, and promote clairvoyance. Author Paul Huson and occultist Aleister Crowley both suggest using it for the visible manifestation of spirits, as well as increasing spirit sight and magical power in general. The Theosophical Society held it sacred to the Moon Goddess and valued it for its trance-inducing effects. The root was recommended by the oracle of Phthas. Dittany is also mixed with equal parts of vanilla, benzoin and sandalwood to make an astral projection incense. Burn a small amount prior to making the attempt. Dittany has a reputation for use in love magic, being fed to lovers to increase their passion. Feeding it to your intended is supposed to cause them to fall irretrievably in love with you. Sicilian women are said to use Dittany to work “sorcerous love magic”. Some spells with Dittany may have been passed down through the oral traditions of Italian folk magic. In Madeline Miller’s 2018 mythic fantasy novel Circe, the witch Circe finds dittany among other ingredients on Mount Dicte in order to create a binding charm that would reduce the insatiable hunger of the Minotaur to three months of the year. Dittany of Crete can be used as a wash for crystal balls and other divinatory tools. In the 2018 film Hereditary, Annie Graham is tricked into drinking a tea laced with dittany, which purportedly helps make one more susceptible to demonic possession. Dittany is associated with the goddess Venus by Virgil in The Aeneid, Book XII, which tells of Venus using the plant to heal the wounded hero Aeneas: “Not unknown is that herb to wild goats, when winged arrows have lodged in their flanks.”  This obscure connection to wild goats has led to the herb being used in incense blends to sylvan gods like Pan. When injured, wild goats were seen seeking out this mountain plant for its healing properties. Plutarch said that the women of Crete, noticing this behavior, learned to make use of the plant in childbirth (Folkard 1884, 165). The juice of the dittany is believed to drive away venomous beasts by smearing some onto your body before venturing out where they live. Mystical Intentions:  calling spirits, conjuring, summoning, necromancy, astral projection, astral travel, travel to the otherworld, manifestations, trance, clairvoyance, divination, psychic abilities, protection from venomous beasts, repelling venomous beasts, love spells, love magic, enchantment, passion, boosting magical power, demon possession Other Uses:  Dittany of Crete has always been highly prized. It is gathered while in bloom in the summer months, and is exported for use in pharmaceuticals, perfumery and to flavor drinks such as vermouth and absinthe. Taste & Smell:  Dittany of Crete has a distinct, fragrant, and slightly sweet aroma, often described as a blend of oregano, thyme, and a hint of lemon or lavender, with some savory undertones. The herb has a strong, sharp, and slightly bitter flavor, with a unique blend of oregano and thyme notes, often described as having a savory, herbal, and slightly astringent taste. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Dittany of Crete is a therapeutic and aromatic plant species of oregano that grows wildly only on the mountainous terrain of the Greek island of Crete. It is a tender perennial plant that grows 20-30 cm high. The small and wooly shrub is easily recognized by the distinctive soft covering of white-gray hair on its stems and round green leaves, giving it a velvety texture. Its tiny rose-pink flowers are surrounded by brighter purple-pink bracts in summer and autumn. CAUTIONS, Contraindications & Toxicity: WARNING! Do not handle or use if pregnant or nursing. Can induce menstruation and cause miscarriage. May cause allergic reaction. May cause gastrointestinal upset.   Constituents: Essential Oil : Carvacrol, β-phellandrene, p-cymene   Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. 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