Which aromatic plant would you describe yourself as, why?

The aromatic plant that describes me best is oregano, because it is wild and grows in the nature. It also makes most of the dishes very tasty!

Saggou Natassa

The "MINT" is an aromatic plant that is refreshing and smells wonderful, like me :)

Saimir Allkja

l am romantic like a rose.

Marina Hoxha

If I were an aromatic plant i would be lavender because it smells really good and it is a beautiful plant.

Nasia Tsiala

If i were an aromatic plant i would be chamomile.

Melina Totai

If i were an aromatic plant i would definitely be rose . Roses are beautiful flowers and as known im beautiful ;)

Evi Kamperi

Melina Totai - EPAL KASSANDRAS

Citronella

Citronella aka Andreea is a genus of trees and shrubs in the family Cardiopteridaceae described as a genus in 1832. It is native to tropical regions of South and Central America, insular Southeast Asia, Queensland, and islands of the western Pacific. The genus was formerly treated as belonging to the family Icacinaceae.

Few species have been cultivated. Citronella mucronata, from Chile, is remarkable for its hardiness compared to other members of this genus. It is one of the most well-known of the species and has been introduced to Europe.

Citronella oil is an essential oil that’s made from the distillation of the Asian grass plant in the Cymbopogon genus. This fragrant grass got its name from the French word meaning “lemon balm,” due to its floral, citrus-like aroma.

Like many essential oils, citronella oil has certain benefits, and has been used in China and Indonesia for centuries to treat rashes, infections, and other health conditions.

Today, citronella oil is probably best known as a natural insect repellant, but its uses and benefits extend beyond keeping bugs at bay.

In this article we’ll explore the benefits of citronella oil, how you can use it, and what to look for when you shop for the oil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citronella_(genus)

What are the benefits of citronella oil?

For centuries, citronella has been used for a variety of purposes, including:

as an insect repellent

as an antifungal agent

to treat parasitic infections

Nasia Tsiala – EPAL KASSANDRAS

Laudanum

Laudanum is a tincture of opium containing approximately 10% powdered opium by weight (the equivalent of 1% morphine).Reddish-brown and extremely bitter, laudanum contains almost all of the opium alkaloids, including morphine and codeine. Laudanum was historically used to treat a variety of conditions, but its principal use was as a pain medication and cough suppressant. Until the early 20th century, laudanum was sold without a prescription and was a constituent of many patent medicines. Today, laudanum is recognized as addictive and is strictly regulated and controlled as such throughout most of the world. The United States Uniform Controlled Substances Act, for one example, lists it on Schedule II.Laudanum is known as a "whole opium" preparation since it historically contained all the opium alkaloids. Today, however, the drug is often processed to remove all or most of the noscapine present as this is a strong emetic and does not add appreciably to the analgesic or antipropulsive properties of opium; the resulting solution is called Denarcotized Tincture of Opium or Deodorized Tincture of Opium .Laudanum remains available by prescription in the United States and theoretically in the United Kingdom, although today the drug's therapeutic indications are generally confined to controlling diarrhea, alleviating pain, and easing withdrawal symptoms in infants born to mothers addicted to heroin or other opioids. Recent enforcement action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration against manufacturers of paregoric and opium tincture suggests that opium tincture's availability in the U.S. may be in jeopardy. The terms laudanum and tincture of opium are generally interchangeable, but in contemporary medical practice the latter is used almost exclusively.

Medical uses

Diarrhea

Opium tincture is indicated for the treatment of severe fulminant (intense, prolific) diarrhea that does not respond to standard therapy (e.g., Imodium or Lomotil). The usual starting dose is 0.3 mL to 0.6 mL (about six to 12 drops) in a glass of water or juice four times a day. Refractory cases (such as diarrhea resulting from the complications of HIV/AIDS) may require higher than normal dosing, for example, 1 to 2 mL every 3 hours, for a total daily dose of up to 16mL a day. In terminal diseases, there is no ceiling dose for opium tincture; the dose is increased slowly until diarrhea is controlled.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Opium tincture is used to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) when diluted 1:25 (one part opium tincture to 25 parts water). The recommended dose is 0.2 mL of the diluted solution under the tongue every three hours, which may be increased by 0.05 mL every three hours until no objective signs of withdrawal are observed. In no event, however, should the dose exceed 0.7 mL every three hours. The opium tincture is gradually tapered over a 3- to 5-week period, at which point the newborn should be completely free of withdrawal symptoms.

Pain

Given its high concentration of morphine, opium tincture is useful for treating moderate to severe pain. The amount of codeine in the tincture is negligible and does not have any appreciable analgesic effect. The dose of tincture is generally the same as that of morphine in opioid-naïve patients, titrated upward as needed. The usual starting dose in adults is 1.5 mL by mouth every 3 to 4 hours, representing the equivalent of 15 mg—approximately ​1⁄4 grain—of morphine per dose .Opioid-tolerant patients may require higher than normal dosing. For the opioid tolerant patient, doses in the range of 3–6 mL every 3–4 hours would be usual. This would represent an equivalent daily dose of between 180 mg and 480 mg of morphine.Today, morphine and codeine are available in various forms as single formulation products, which are easier to dose and are much cheaper than opium tincture. Thus, opium is rarely prescribed to treat pain in contemporary medicine. Further, opium tincture contains 17–19% alcohol, by volume, which may complicate its use as an analgesic in patients for whom alcohol is contraindicated.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laudanum

Marina Xohxa – EPAL KASSANDRAS

Saffron

1. A Powerful Antioxidant

Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments and responsible for saffron’s red color. Both compounds may have antidepressant properties, protect brain cells against progressive damage, improve inflammation, reduce appetite, and aid weight loss.

Safranal gives saffron its distinct taste and aroma. Research shows that it may help improve your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect your brain cells against oxidative stress.

Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anticancer properties, and antidepressant activity.

SUMMARY Saffron is rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative stress.

2. May Improve Mood and Treat Depressive Symptoms

Saffron is nicknamed the “sunshine spice.”

That’s not just due to its distinct color, but also because it may help brighten your mood.

In a review of five studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos at treating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.

Other studies found that taking 30 mg of saffron daily was just as effective as Fluoxetine, Imipramine, and Citalopram — conventional treatments for depression. Additionally, fewer people experienced side effects from saffron compared to other treatments.

What’s more, both the saffron petals and thread-like stigma appear to be effective against mild-to-moderate depression.

While these findings are promising, longer human studies with more participants are needed before saffron can be recommended as a treatment for depression.

SUMMARY Saffron may help treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, but more studies are needed before definite recommendations can be made.

3. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer.

In test-tube studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, while leaving normal cells unharmed.

This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other cancer cells.

What’s more, test-tube studies have found that crocin — the main antioxidant in saffron — may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.

While these findings from test-tube studies are promising, the anticancer effects of saffron are poorly studied in humans, and more research is needed.

SUMMARY Saffron is high in antioxidants, which may help kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, more human research is needed.

4. May Reduce PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period.

Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms.

In women 20–45 years of age, taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo at treating PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain.

Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms like anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

SUMMARY Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain, and anxiety.

5. May Act as an Aphrodisiac

Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido.

Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties — especially in people taking antidepressants.

For instance, taking 30 mg of saffron daily over four weeks significantly improved erectile function over a placebo in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction.

Additionally, an analysis of six studies showed that taking saffron significantly improved erectile function, libido, and overall satisfaction but not semen characteristics.

In women with low sexual desire due to taking antidepressants, 30 mg of saffron daily over four weeks reduced sex-related pain and increased sexual desire and lubrication, compared to a placebo.

SUMMARY Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women and may especially help those taking antidepressants.

6. May Reduce Appetite and Aid Weight Loss

Snacking is a common habit that may put you at risk of gaining unwanted weight.

According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite.

In one eight-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly more full, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group.

In another eight-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass.

However, scientists are unsure how saffron curbs appetite and aids weight loss. One theory is that saffron elevates your mood, which in turn reduces your desire to snack.

SUMMARY Saffron has been shown to reduce snacking and curb your appetite. In turn, these behaviors may help you lose weight.

7–10. Other Potential Health Benefits

Saffron has been linked to other health benefits that have not yet been extensively studied:

• May reduce heart disease risk factors: Animal and test-tube studies indicate that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging.

• May lower blood sugar levels: Saffron may lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity — as seen in test-tube studies and mice with diabetes.

• May improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Saffron appears to improve eyesight in adults with AMD and protect against free radical damage, which is linked to AMD.

• May improve memory in adults with Alzheimer’s disease: Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer's disease.

has been linked to several other potential health benefits, such as improved heart disease risk, blood sugar levels, eyesight, and memory. However, more studies are needed to draw stronger conclusions.

11. Easy to Add to Your Diet

In small doses, saffron has a subtle taste and aroma and pairs well with savory dishes, such as paella, risottos, and other rice dishes.

The best way to draw out saffron’s unique flavor is to soak the threads in hot — but not boiling — water. Add the threads and the liquid to your recipe to achieve a deeper, richer flavor.

Saffron is readily available at most specialty markets and can be purchased as threads or in powdered form. However, it’s best to buy the threads, as they give you more versatility and are less likely to be adulterated.

Though saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, a small amount goes a long way, and you often won’t need more than a pinch in your recipes. In fact, using too much saffron can give your recipes an overpowering medicinal taste.

In addition, saffron is available in supplement form.

SUMMARY Saffron has a subtle taste and aroma, which makes it easy to add to your diet. It pairs well with savory dishes and should be soaked in hot water to give a deeper flavor. Alternatively, you can purchase saffron in supplement form to reap its benefits.

Risks, Precautions, and Dosage

Saffron is generally safe with little to no side effects.

In standard cooking amounts, saffron does not appear to cause adverse effects in humans.

As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day. However, only 30 mg of saffron per day have been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits.

On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more can have toxic effects. Pregnant women should avoid high doses, as it may cause miscarriage.

As with any supplement, speak to your doctor before taking saffron in supplement form.

Another issue with saffron — especially saffron powder — is that it may be adulterated with other ingredients, such as beet, red-dyed silk fibers, turmeric, and paprika. Adulteration cuts cost for manufacturers, as real saffron is expensive to harvest.

Therefore, it’s important to purchase saffron from a reputable brand to ensure you get an authentic product. If the saffron appears too cheap, its best to avoid it.

SUMMARY In normal doses, saffron is generally safe with little to no side effects. Make sure to purchase saffron from a reputable brand or store to avoid an adulterated product.

The Bottom Line

Saffron is a powerful spice high in antioxidants.

It has been linked to health benefits, such as improved mood, libido, and sexual function, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss.

Best of all, it’s generally safe for most people and easy to add to your diet. Try incorporating saffron into your favorite dishes to take advantage of its potential health benefits or purchase a supplement online.

Saffron Tea: 5 Benefits and How to Make It

Homegrown Herbal

Saimir Allkja – EPAL KASSANDRAS

MINT

Mint is one of the most popular herbs in the world. It is cultivated everywhere and is used to make tasty almost anything. Originating from Asia and the wider Mediterranean region.

It is very easy to grow and maintain, as the mint propagates very quickly through underground roots. However, in order to control the plant, you can plant it in pots. Mint likes rich, moist soil, plenty of sun or dotted shade in warm areas.

Mint can thrive in a variety of climates and soils. Excellent growing temperature for peppermint is 17 ° C and, when irrigated regularly, can withstand high summer temperatures. Mint is very demanding in water and in very hot weather, so cultivation may require up to three waterings per week.

Peppermint has up to 2% of essential oil (containing menthol, menthol and jasmine), tannins and bitter. Contains Vitamin A, C, B12, B3 and folic acid, magnesium and iron, calcium and manganese. Mint is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium. 100 grams of fresh mint provides 569 mg of potassium

There are about 26 species of mint which are used in:

Confectionery

Distillery

Medicine

Foods are flavore

https://enallaktikidrasi.com/2016/06/menta/

Peppermint oil contains a compound called menthol, which is thought to help alleviate IBS symptoms through its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract

Mint may also be effective at relieving other digestive problems such as upset stomach and indigestion.

Some studies show that smelling the aroma of peppermint oil may improve memory and alertness, while other studies show no effect. More research is needed to further understand the effects of mint on brain function.

Applying mint essential oils in various forms appears to be effective in preventing and treating nipple cracks and pain typically associated with breastfeeding.

Although menthol does not function as a nasal decongestant, it can provide some relief to cold and flu symptoms by subjectively improving breathing through the nose.

Breath mints and chewing gum can mask foul smells for a couple hours but aren’t an optimal long-term solution for bad breath. Peppermint tea and chewing on mint leaves may be more beneficial in reducing bacteria that cause bad breath.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits#section9

EVI KAMPERI – EPAL KASSANDRAS

VERBENA

Cooks prepared with aromatic herbs and as a common work

PUMPKIN SOUP

Ingredients

• 500 gr pumpkin

• 3 potatoes

• 2 karrots

• 1 leek

• 1 onion

• 1 tomato

• 1 garlic clove

• 100 gr cream

• 50 gr butter

• marjoram

• ginger

• rosemary

• salt

• pepper

• sweet red pepper

• olive oil

Directions

For the soup

1. Clean and slice the vegetables in cubes. Keep some cubes of pumkin for the garnishment. Remove the seeds from the tomato.

2. In a big pot pur the vegetables and add a small portion of olive oil. Sauté the vegetables for some minutes. Then pour water until vegetables are covered and add salt, pepper, marjoram, ginger and rosemary. Boil for 20 minutes until all vegetables become soft.

3. Strain the vegetables, keeping the water in an bowl.

4. Put the vegetables in doses in the blender together with some broth and mush it up until they become a smooth cream.

5. Put the mixture in a pot and boil slowly on law temperature for 3-4 minutes adding the butter and the cream. If we prefer it more wishy washy we can add more broth.

For the garnishment

1. In a pan put some olive oil and the rosemary. When it is hot add the pumpkin cubes and sauté for 5 minutes adding salt.

2. Serve the soup in a deep plate with a spoon of yogurt in the centre and the pumpkin cubes.

Tsanlated by Stefanidou Anna from the following greek site

https://akispetretzikis.com/el/categories/soypes/kolokythosoypa-veloyte-me-giaoyrti-kai-kroyton

In my opinion i think the pot should be clay because the plastic does not help the plant and pollutes the environment... It should also have holes so as to leave the water and not stay inside the plant because rot.​​​​​​​

Evi Kamperi, EPAL Kassandras

Basic tips to ensure health and vitality for every indoor plant! 1Move the plants closer to the windows, but leave at least 20 cm away from the glass. This should give you the light you need, without being affected by the outside temperature! 2Changed also the plants that had near the radiator but also those that had windows near the mountains since with the change of season, these windows will get little light. 3Most indoor plants love the environment with 45% humidity. However, can this percentage increase dangerously? Use a dehumidifier to keep the levels where you want them. 4Close the windows next to the plants as air currents and temperature changes can be harmful. 5Useful thermostat to keep house temperature constant. Ideal are 21-23 degrees Celsius.

Nasia Tsiala, EPAL Kassandras

I learnt that aromatic plants need care to develop strong.

Anna Stefanidou, EPAL Kassandras, Teacher: Ioulia Magkou

I learnt that aromatic plants need good conditions, like adequate sun light, moisture and good soil to be healthy and have this beautiful smell.

Nasia Tsiala, EPAL Kassandras, Teacher: Ioulia Magkou

I really love to smell aromatic plants when my mum uses them in the kitchen. I love this program because it shared ides to have our aromatic plants healthy and strong.

Melina Totai, EPAL Kassandras, Teacher: Ioulia Magkou

Unfortunately dew to COVID-19 our school since 11th of March 2020 was never open again with students.

As a school we had planned most of the activities during Spring, since it is a convenient season for visiting gardens, planting herbs, etc and also for sisseminating our project. We never expected that students would never be back to school for this year. We tried our best to work from distance during this period.