Visitors arriving by plane are welcomed with a vibrant nosegay; fragrant wild oregano, thyme and lemon balm grow in abundance in the fields that surround the airport.  That these and many other herbs will become a daily part of their stay on the island is no coincidence.  Even the simplest Greek dishes include a generous handful or two, of Mediterranean greenery!

Herbs form just a few classifications making up some 6,000 species of wild Greek plants.  Spring and early summer are a delight to the senses as a myriad of flowers put on a magnificent carnival of colour and fragrance.  Parades of flowers find their way to every field, olive grove and rocky outcrop.  By mid May, the flower festival is coming to an end and the seeds are in mass production before the heat of summer bakes the soil.

Many tourists miss the islands colourful springtide extravaganza though the floral party is far from over – a plethora of wild herbs can always be found toughing out high summer.  Most herbs have a protective aromatic oil to limit moisture loss, hence the release of perfume when their leaves are crushed.

Herbs are a trusted part of Greek life, chronicled in mythology and catalogued in ancient medicine.  Here is a brief guide to some of the island favourites.

THYME – a low growing woody shrub with small dark green leaves.  Establish plants form a dome and are covered in tiny pink/purple flowers May to July, found on short turf hillsides		The smell of thyme meant both grace and courage to the Greeks.  Used in ancient religious ceremonies its perfume and antiseptic properties were highly valued.  On Zakynthos, thyme is influential in the distinct taste of Zakynthian honey; in the old mountain villages thyme honey is still used for treating wounds
FENNEL – grows to 150cm or more, yellow/green delicate feathery leaves, clusters of bright yellow flowers borne on long stems flowering June to July.  Grows in fertile soils across the island		Over centuries fennel has been accredited with curing blindness in serpents, inducing courage, increasing the flow of mother’s milk and thought to be an early slimming fix “making large folk grow gaunt and lank...”  Greek mythology tells that Prometheus brought to earth the first ‘fire’ concealed inside a giant fennel stalk
MINT – shiny green leaves, clusters of small lilac flowers during May to June, found in partial shade		In ancient times, the smell of this herb was associated with strength, men would rub themselves with mint leaves – very possibly the first male deodorant with the added benefit, and it was thought, of frightening mice!
ROSEMARY – needle shaped leaves that are green and grey underneath, tiny blue-ish flowers, grows in light, loose soil, often found around coastal areas		Mythology says this herb was a gift to mankind from Aphrodite.  Its Latin name translates ‘dew of the sea’.  Its uses have been ritual – reserved for solemn occasions, medicinal and as a disinfectant as well as culinary.  It was believed to stimulate the memory and scholars would wear a sprig behind the ear to improve memory retention when studying
SAGE - growing to roughly 150cm in height with soft velvety green/grey leaves.  Pale pink/purple lobed flowers from March to May, found in rocky area		There is nothing that sage cannot do that is, if you accept all the claims that have been made about it over the centuries.  Long life, fortify the memory, strengthen sinews, reverse baldness and rejuvenate grey hair!  This ‘cure all’ status may have lead to its Latin name ‘Salvia’ deriving from the word salvation.  Sage tea can readily be found on the island and is supped to ease cough and colds
OREGANO - small leaves and pale pink flowers, growing 60cm in height, found on loose stony ground.		A medicinal herb as well as being a vital ingredient in all tasty Greek dishes.  Proven to contain significant levels of anti oxidants, which neutralise the free radical molecules in our bodies believed to trigger a host of diseases, does give substance to its claims.  It can also be an effective gargle for sore throats
LEMON BALM – oval lemon scented leaves and small white flowers during June to September, found in shady areas		Its’ no surprise that bees are attracted to this plant, it’s family name ‘Melissa’ is a Greek word for bee.  In antiquity, it was labelled the “elixir of life” and physicians of old prescribed it as an anti depressant due to its calming and uplifting properties.  Considered sacred, it was used in the worship of the goddess Artimis