Greek Micromeria (Micromeria graeca)

Greek Micromeria (Micromeria graeca) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Greece, Turkey, and Balkans. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, carminative, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in mediterranean herbal traditions, european herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Greek Micromeria (Micromeria graeca) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Greek Micromeria (Micromeria graeca) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Greek Micromeria
Scientific Name	Micromeria graeca
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Micromeria
Species	graeca
Native Range	Greece, Turkey, Balkans
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Carminative, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Micromeria graeca
Common Name: Greek Micromeria
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Greek Micromeria, Micromeria Of Greece, Greek Fumitory
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Micromeria

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 20 to 50 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface whitish, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small, white to pale blue flowers arranged in dense clusters, actinomorphic, with five petals and five stamens, each petal narrowly elliptic with a slightly hooded base.
Stems: Terrestrial, erect growth habit, opposite branching pattern, glabrous surface, cylindrical cross-section, nodes with slight protuberances.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Commonly referenced as a soothing bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a gentle carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a mild anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate astringent, for surface-level applications.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Specific general precautions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.