Listen to the earth, cultivate it, love and respect it, these are the mantras that we should repeat each day. Caring for Ibiza’s special environment, making the most of nature’s bounty, while at the same time ensuring that we maintain a harmonious balance, is essential to protect an island valued for the amazing heritage that is its land and coastal flora and fauna, making sure that it endures. In addition, if we listen well, and become aware of what Ibiza has to offer us, we can find a real treasure trove with gifts that can even improve our health.
Did you know that the island has a huge wealth of plants that have been used for centuries to cure disease and alleviate pain or digestive problems?
Many are within the reach of us all, growing wild and in abundance. They can be used in recipes, as ointments, oils or infusions, and, used correctly, they can improve the state of our skin and our bodies. The fertile clay soil of Ibiza is ideal for those who decide to create their own little medicinal garden at home, and use the plants to treat and prevent common ailments or flavour the delicious dishes, typical of the island.
Rosemary
One clear example of Mediterranean flora is rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis, or romaní in the local Ibizan language) which has numerous anti-inflammatory properties and which, moreover, improves circulation. This plant can be consumed in infusions, decoctions, or used as a rub if distilled with alcohol. It is the ideal aromatic in the kitchen for flavouring vegetables, fish, or to give a special aroma to the delicious olive oils produced on the island.
Thyme
An herb garden essential is thyme (thymus vulgaris, or frigola in the local Ibizan language), a native species of the island, which is an ideal remedy for mild asthma or early bronchitis. It is usually mixed with honey to combat a cough, and its flavour is greatly improved with the addition of liquorice. It is also known for its digestive and antiseptic properties. It can be consumed as an infusion, in desserts and has given its name to one of the most well-known drinks in Ibiza.
Fennel
Another plant that can be found in the countryside or in any green spaces, is fennel (foeniculum vulgare, fonoll in the local Ibizan language) the seeds of which are recommended for nursing mothers, as they say it increases milk flow, and has calming and diuretic properties. It is an excellent remedy for bad breath too and is used widely in soups and stews as it assists digestion.
Aloe Vera
Another plant that grows extensively throughout Ibiza, although it originated in North Africa, is aloe vera. This plant has a number of curative properties, and can also be used as a beauty product, or even to boost the immunological system, and as a remedy for gastrointestinal problems. Aloe vera has healing properties for scar tissue and can calm sunburn (applied directly to the skin).
It can be used in the kitchen to make fresh lemonade which, combined with lime and ginger, makes for a healthy and delicious drink.
Lavender
We finish our list of healing herbs with the peace and calm afforded by the lavender plant (tomaní in the local Ibizan language), where the species lavandula dentata and lavandula stoechas grow wild. It can be taken as an infusion to relax, used as an essential calming oil, to alleviate stress, or even as a remedy for headaches or sinusitis as inhalations. Some people use it as a disinfectant and for healing minor cuts, burns or insect bites.