24 Aug Gallura’s Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Gallura is well-known for its extremely rich Mediterranean vegetation, which includes many aromatic and medicinal plants. In addition to their coast and landscape preservation function within the Mediterranean scrub, medicinal plants and herbs in Gallura also play a prominent role in popular culture and are used for therapeutic purposes.

Helichrysum

Typical of the Mediterranean scrub, it grows copiously in the arid areas close to the sea. In Gallura, it blooms between April and May, and its fragrant flowers are of a golden yellow colour and very aromatic. Several preparations with Helichrysum can be used for respiratory and rheumatic disease, as well as to treat burns.

Wild Fennel

Wild fennel is a spontaneous herbaceous shrub belonging to the Mediterranean scrub. It adapts to arid lands exposed to the sun and protected from the wind. It can be used to season ragu sauce and cheese, and an excellent liqueur can be obtained from its leaves steeped in pure alcohol. Wild fennel has digestive, antiseptic, and antispasmodic phytotherapeutic properties.

Myrtle

Myrtle is probably Sardinia’s most famous and emblematic plant due to the renowned liqueur obtained from it. Myrtle bushes have extremely fragrant leaves and purple or black-bluish berries. In summer, the plant produces white flowers with five petals that are used to prepare honey with antibacterial properties.

Thyme

Thyme is a Mediterranean plant that grows spontaneously and blooms in spring and early summer. Thyme leaves and flowers contain an active substance with digestive, laxative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to season soups, meat, and sauces.

Rosemary

It is another symbol of the Mediterranean scrub. Rosemary has therapeutic properties connected with memory and brain activity stimuli. It is extremely aromatic, which is why it is used to season several dishes. Furthermore, it promotes an antioxidant action on food, thus contributing to its conservation. It has digestive and diuretic properties and is used against rheumatism and joint pain.

Bay Laurel

Bay laurel grows spontaneously in the countryside of Sardinia and Gallura. Its berries and leaves can be harvested all year round, but they offer beneficial properties especially if they are gathered in winter and early spring. Bay laurel is used mainly to cook and is rich in antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive, and antitumour properties.

 

Arbutus

Arbutus gives Mediterranean vegetation a recognisable splash of colour thanks to its small berries which, in autumn, are yellow or red depending on their level of maturation. Arbutus fruits are used in Sardinian and Gallura’s cuisine to produce honey, preserves, and desserts as well as digestifs, liqueurs, and wines.