The Greek Herbalist Hosts 2nd Annual Herbal Medicine Tour on Kythera, Honouring Juliette de Bairacli Levy
In the heart of Kythera, amidst the whispers of ancient herbs and the echoes of revered herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy's wisdom, a journey of herbal discovery awaits.
The Greek Herbalist is preparing to host the 2nd Annual Herbal Medicine Tour from June 23 to June 29, 2024 on the mesmerising Greek island of Kythera, a location known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, This 7-day tour promises an immersive experience delving into the ancient wisdom of Greek herbal medicine, with a special focus on honouring the legacy of Juliette de Bairacli Levy who called Kythera her home.
Kythera’s Herbal Treasures
Kythera, a picturesque island nestled between the Peloponnese and Crete, boasts a mystical charm and a rich botanical heritage. Revered as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, Kythera offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots, with its scenic mountains and crystal-clear beaches.
The island is steeped in herbal lore, with a myriad of medicinal plants flourishing in its soil. From aromatic herbs like oregano and sage to healing plants such as chamomile and thyme, Kythera's landscape is a haven for herbal enthusiasts seeking to connect with nature's pharmacy.
Meet Maria Christodoulou: The Greek Herbalist
Maria Christodoulou, also known as 'The Greek Herbalist,' is the brains behind this enchanting herbal medicine tour. With a passion for exploring the ancient herbal traditions of Greece, Maria brings her expertise as a clinical herbalist to further explore Greek botanicals.
Drawing from her Greek-American heritage and experiences in New York and Athens, Maria's journey is dedicated to reviving the age-old practices of herbal medicine and folklore passed down through generations.
Honouring Juliette de Bairacli Levy
At the heart of The Greek Herbalist’s tour lies the spirit of Juliette de Bairacli Levy (1912-2009), a legendary herbalist, traveller, and author whose influence resonates across the globe. Juliette's pioneering work in holistic medicine, coupled with her nomadic lifestyle, earned her widespread reverence within the herbal community.
Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.
Juliette de Bairacli Levy (1912-2009)
Juliette's intimate connection with Kythera, where she resided for a decade, serves as the inspiration for this herbal medicine tour. Her profound understanding of plants and their healing properties continues to inspire herbalists and holistic practitioners worldwide.
Special Guests: Rosemary Gladstar & Tish Streeten
Joining the tour as esteemed guests are renowned herbalist and educator Rosemary Gladstar, often hailed as the godmother of modern herbalism, and celebrated filmmaker Tish Streeten, director of the iconic documentary "Juliette of the Herbs" (1998).
Rosemary, a student of Juliette, brings her wealth of herbal knowledge and insights, while Tish offers her cinematic expertise and personal anecdotes from her time spent with Juliette on Kythera. Together, they enrich the tour with captivating stories and invaluable wisdom.
Kythera's Herbal Legacy
Inspired by the documentary ‘Juliette of the Herbs’ the Greek Herbalist Maria Christodoulou embarked on a journey to Kythera in July 2021 to immerse herself within Juliette's legacy. Meeting with locals who fondly remembered Juliette, Maria gained insight into the herbalist's life and her deep connection with the island.
When Maria Christodoulou inquired about Juliette, she immediately noticed the sparkle in her friends' eyes as they reminisced about her. Juliette was renowned as an eccentric figure on the island, residing in a quaint stone house on the outskirts of a small village, accompanied by her faithful Afghan dogs.
Skandeia Restaurant, a short stroll from her abode, became a cherished spot where Juliette would often be found, surrounded by her beloved canine companions under the shade of towering trees. Evanthia, the restaurant's owner, greeted Maria's interest in Juliette with excitement, affirming, 'She was an amazing woman. She was a pioneer.'
Evanthia recounted the tale of Juliette's arrival on the island, spurred by a vivid dream of residing in 'Thira.' After finding no solace in Santorini, Juliette sought refuge in Kythera. Upon her arrival, she encountered Skandeia, where she confided in Evanthia about the striking resemblance to her dream scenery. 'She was brilliant... [and] she had a wonderful sense of humour,' Evanthia fondly recalled.
Evanthia shared anecdotes of Juliette's collection of heart-shaped rocks, which she often gathered from the nearby beach, a symbolism that harmonises with the island's myth as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
Visiting Juliette's former residence, nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Kythera, Maria experienced first hand the remnants of Juliette's vibrant life.
Approaching the simple stone house, Maria noticed its weathered, green-painted exterior—a nod to its rustic charm. Inside, she found a serene atmosphere, with traces of Juliette's presence scattered throughout. Though the garden had faded with time, reminders of Juliette's herbal legacy lingered in every corner.
As Maria explored, she imagined Juliette's daily routines, caring for her Afghan dogs and crafting herbal remedies. The olive tree in the courtyard stood as a silent witness to Juliette's years of inspiration.
For Maria, the visit was both a journey into the past and a reaffirmation of Juliette's lasting influence as, despite the passage of time, Juliette's spirit lingers in the hearts of those who knew her, echoing through the stories shared by the locals.
A Tribute to Juliette's Wisdom
As the Herbal Medicine Tour on Kythera Honouring Juliette de Bairacli Levy unfolds, participants will immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Greek herbalism, guided by Maria and her special guests. From foraging medicinal plants to exploring ancient remedies and traditions, each day offers a unique opportunity to look deeper into the healing power of nature.
Through shared stories and immersive experiences, the tour pays homage to Juliette's timeless wisdom and her lifetime commitment to the well-being of both humans and animals.
In the spirit of Juliette's mantra, "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food," participants are invited to rediscover the profound connection between plants and holistic health.
Join the tour and embark on a journey of herbal discovery:
NOW SOLD OUT.
Herbal Medicine Tour on Kythera Honouring Juliette de Bairacli Levy - with special guests Rosemary Gladstar and Tish Streeten!
June 23-29, 2024
Photos thanks to Maria Christodoulou www.thegreekherbalist.com
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