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DITTANY OF CRETE ORIGANUM DICTAMNUS It is an excellent wound herb and in much reputation among the ancients. A pretty plant, Dittany of Crete grows six or eight inches (15 to 2o cm) high with square stalks and short round leaves covered with a white downy matter. The flowers are small and purple. Where to find it: It grows in gardens and is cultivated as an ornamental plant for the window sill. It originally grew wild in Crete.Flowering time: Mid to late summer. Astrology: It is an herb of Venus. Medicinal virtues: Made as a decoction in wine, it procures a speedy and easy delivery, or can be used together with Vervain, Hyssop and Pennyroyal. The decoction made by boiling the herb in ale is more effectual. Dittany and milk are good for spitting of blood. The roots are cordial and cephalic, resist putrefaction and poison, and are useful in malignant and pestilential distempers. The whole herb is good for diseases of the head, and to open all manner of obstructions. Modern uses: This herb has given way to Sweet Madoram (Origanum marjorana) and Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare). They are members of the Labiatae family of plants, and are described later in this book. |