Ancient Sumerian Dittany Tea Recipe
One example of an ancient Sumerian herbal remedy is the use of the plant “dittany” (Origanum syriacum) to treat chest pains. The Sumerians would crush the leaves and mix them with other herbs to create a poultice that was applied directly to the chest. In this example we will look at a tea recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried dittany leaves or 1 tablespoon of fresh dittany leaves.
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Honey (optional sweetener)
Instructions:
- Place the dried or fresh dittany leaves in a tea infuser or a small muslin bag.
- Pour boiling water over the dittany leaves and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids.
- Add honey to taste, if desired.
Medicinal Properties:
- Dittany (Origanum syriacum) has several medicinal properties that make it useful in treating chest pains:
- Anti-inflammatory: Dittany contains thujone, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain in the chest.
- Antispasmodic: The herb’s antispasmodic properties can help relax the muscles in the chest, reducing muscle spasms and discomfort.
- Expectorant: Dittany’s expectorant properties can help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Usefulness:
Dittany tea has been traditionally used to treat various respiratory issues.
- Chest pains: The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of dittany make it an effective treatment for chest pains, such as those caused by asthma or bronchitis.
- Coughs: The expectorant properties of dittany can help relieve dry, hacking coughs.
- Cold and flu: Dittany’s antimicrobial properties can help combat the underlying infection that causes cold and flu symptoms.
Contraindications
While dittany is generally considered safe, there are some contraindications to be aware of:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Dittany may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may stimulate the uterus or affect milk production.
- Allergies: Some people may be allergic to dittany, which can cause skin irritation, itching, or hives.
- Interactions with medications: Dittany may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and sedatives.
Precautions
When using dittany tea, it’s essential to follow these precautions:
- Start with a small dose: Begin with a small dose of 1/2 cup per day and gradually increase as needed.