Panta rei,  "everything flows." - Philosophy attributed to pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus 

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. - Unknown. 

What happens when a philosophy of life becomes the newest capitalist thing in wellness and travel.

This year, I saw a number of posts on the internet, as well as a poignant newsletter from the famous relationship psychologist Esther Perel, of people lamenting their inability to enjoy vacations. The combination of feeling addicted to work and social media, as well as a haunting awareness of everything wrong in the world (notably rampant fires throughout southern Europe), loomed like a specter over their beach days. For Perel, said revelation came about while on a boat in Greece. One could write these off as first-world, shallow issues. But we know how seriously Greeks take their time off, or “diakopes,” a word whose etymology implies a “cutting” from our normal routines.

But what if we cannot cut off anymore? The cult show The White Lotus explores in depth just how wrong things can go on vacation, and of course, even pre-internet, things weren’t always perfect. But we were simply just THERE, no emails allowed. I’m left wondering: In the era of cell phones, e-sims, and pressure to show off our precious diakopes on vacation, can we truly cut off? If we’ve lost our ability to relax, perhaps we’ve simply lost it. 

In my brand and project Yia Mas, I create wellness retreats and espouse a philosophy of slow living. As someone who’s lived primarily in New York City for the past decade and attended a hyper-competitive East Coast university prior to that, the slow-living ethos became something of a balm for my capitalism-crusted soul. Our content is often intended to have an ASMR-like effect, and I write a lot on our Instagram about practical tools for wellbeing, as well as the necessity to practice them rather than simply read them on the internet. We can mistake consuming content for living it - and that’s scary. The Greek word Gnosis, which may be translated as “knowledge based on personal experience or perception,” reminds us that we must practice things. The pursuit of well-being ought to be experiential; commenting “wow, vibes” on a post of Greek taverna is not the same as putting your phone away and enjoying one of those slow meals where the plates and wine are never-ending, and it takes a half hour to get your check (another great reminder to slow down). 

“Just as early industrial capitalism moved the focus of existence from being to having, post-industrial culture has moved that focus from having to appearing.”

― Guy Debord, The Society of the Spectacle

Enter slow living. In the era of Instagram, it’s become branded. In this safe space that is the page, i’ll admit that I fear this, and often fear that by participating in internet culture, I’m part of the problem. Someone may create the most soothing content, but in person, perhaps they’re a nervous wreck, unable to enjoy said taverna meal because they’re so hell-bent on capturing it to garner views. If slow living is now marketing fodder to sell bracelets, what’s left? 

Yia Mas creates workshops and retreats that cultivate curiosity by celebrating how well-being is embedded in the Greek land, culture, and ancient philosophy. Because we also work (hi!, normal human here), we know it can be hard to LIVE in moments of deep presence and bliss. Creating containers for deep presence is an art form - and comes in many forms, both planned and unplanned. On our retreats, I encourage participants not to get too heady about things. I firmly believe that in tandem with our movement classes and immersive cultural activities, some of the best healing is found in simply connecting with the Greek land and each other. Yes, it can be that simple. Slowing down doesn’t mean dumbing down. In fact, it enhances a deep presence that makes it more or less impossible for us to numb out to life - and yes, I think falling into a content wormhole is one of the worst, most prevalent ways we all (self included) numb out. 

Let us return to some universal truths. All good things come to an end. Impermanence is the one certainty in this life, a truth found in the tenets of ancient Hellenic philosophies and Buddhism alike. As a diaspora Greek, I’m well-acquainted with the borderline obsessive approach we take to Greek summer. And now that life is online, Greek summer has become a yearlong narrative. In many cases, it’s become branded, packaged, sold, and recreated in reels and posts celebrating this supposedly joyous time of year when life is perfect. The comedian Gus Constantellis has a bit that captures this perfectly: a Greek American is in Greece, explaining how much better everything is there. From the 4D water to the fact that you can eat a perfect Greek salad, Constantellis’ bit encapsulates many of the hallmarks that keep many a diaspora Greek putting our time in Greece on a pedestal. And you know what, I do believe it’s sacred. For most diaspora Greeks, our families left the country under traumatic, difficult circumstances. Our grandparents or parents endured “xenitia,” and we ourselves have never felt fully Greek or fully American. We exist in an (often beautiful) otherness that’s taken on a life of its own. I like to call it “Greek America.” And so it is. 

“Siga siga…” -Slowly, slowly, or “take it slow,” Greek saying

So I’m left to ponder:  can we reclaim our ability to slow down and unplug enough to let things flow? Can we experience the inner spaciousness that emerges when we temper the noise that keeps our nervous systems in a constant state of technology-addicted hypervigilance? And what if some of the most perfect moments on our retreats and vacations, which are inherently orchestrated experiences, are the unplanned ones? For Yia Mas retreats, I work hard to create the architecture of an experience but also leave space for synchronicities, like when the retreat group happens upon live music at a taverna and stays late into the night, holding hands and dancing the dances we learned that day in a circle. Or we spontaneously walk to Chora on the loveliest evening with perfect golden hour light. Those stairs are really all the workout you need. The happy accidents, if you will. 

Our cups overfloweth after last night’s sold-out event on ancient Greek wisdom for modern wellbeing. Having done this workshop in several forms over the last 4 years is such a joy, keep an eye out for more offerings! There’s so much more, but save this post for some key takeaways.

🏺Sophrosyne derives from the word sophron, meaning sound of mind or prudent. It connotes having a balanced, healthy state of mind and living in moderation and equilibrium. We love how this connects to the axion “pan metro ariston,” nothing in excess/everything in moderation, which we interwove into our discussion throughout the night as a reminder not to take things TOO far, even our self-examination :)
🏺In the Republic, Plato suggests that it is achieved by creating a cohesive relationship between the three parts of the soul. For us at Yia Mas, we loved learning that Hippocrates and Plato used the concept to stress how mental and physical health are linked. Plato argued that the physician's ultimate goal was to foster sophrosyne in the patient, as their physical ailments would not improve otherwise. We now have heaps of science showing the links between mental health and physical health.

🏺Eudaimonia ~From Aristotle’s Nicomean Ethics to philosophers such as Kant and modern positive psychology, this concept is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. While its definition continues to evolve, we love that eudaimonia is about ACTIONS taken in pursuit of living well. Rather than seeing happiness as a goal we have to attain, something that often sets us up for disappointment, we think more about actionable steps we can take to become more self-actualized - like a recipe for joy.

🏺Know Thyself - inscribed at the temple of Apollo at Delphi, this principle, to us, underlies all of it. If you aren’t willing to look at yourself, examine your patterns, and come off auto-pilot, how can you make change in the first place? Sometimes looking at ourselves causes discomfort. Get comfortable with the discomfort. Some great, healthy ways to “know thyself” include meditation/observation of thoughts, journaling, taking time for retreats, and generally living more mindfully.

The view from Sorokos, one of our favorite spots for day AND night.

BEING THERE: Koufonisi. This tiny, laid-back island captured our hearts years ago. It’s gotten almost *too* much attention for our taste and thus has been built up a lot, but do we still recommend it? Absolutely. Save this mini-curated guide for your visit.

🏺 Eat: Upon arrival, we love to have our first meal beachside at Foinikas, then hit one of the next sandy beaches or coves.

-Sorokos is a favorite for breakfast AND nighttime cocktails.

-Kalofego at Pori always lands.

-For meat, go to Mixalios (the Keros goat 😋).

-For fish, we like Capetan Nicholas on the edge of Chora - always at golden hour. This is one of our favorite psarotavernas (fish taverns) in the Cyclades.

🏺Beach. Yes, beach a la Barbie can be your full-time job here, and we suggest you walk to all of them to experience the island’s natural beauty. There are also easy-peasy water taxis. Don’t overthink this: there are 3 sandy beaches, Finikas, Fanos, and Italida, one after the other. If you want to walk about 45 minutes, stop for a (necessary) dip and epic photo session at the Piscina, and then push on to Pori Bay, where you’ll find Gala “beach” (more of a spectacle), and the gorgeous cliffs of Koufonisi. This area can be intense when windy, but when conditions are nice, enjoy some cliff jumping!

🏺Shop: this island went from hippies selling handmade bracelets to having oh so many higher end, cute “concept” shops in the last decade. Not an exhaustive list, but we love: Mylos Koufonisia, an adorable shop inside an old windmill, Sirene, Elegant Handmade (favorite for clothes and accessories), and Galleria Spigolo for gifts. 

🏺Enjoy a rakomelo and people watching (if you can get a spot) at Astrolouloudo. We also love Mylos, yes, the one with the shop in the windmill, for sunset cocktails. 

Note that this post refers to “Pano” or upper Koufonisi. When you hear Koufonisia, it’s because there are 2 islands! More on “Kato” another day. 

We get asked all the time for Greek island recommendations. There are thousands of islands, hundreds you can travel to, and yet, many opt for Mykonos os Santorini. No shade there, as these locations are iconic for a reason. Mykonos and Santorini are the two most world-famous Greek islands, and in our era of low attention span, Instagram-driven life, they deliver. They’ve become emblematic, on a global scale, with Greece itself, right alongside images of the Parthenon. Of course, those islands have their charm and are stunningly beautiful, but when it comes to natural beauty, authentic culture, and, dare we say it, places that feel like Greece rather than Disney World, these are our choices. At Yia Mas, we’re more interested in places that favor a slower pace and remind us of ‘old” Greece before mass tourism.

Below are a few spots to consider adding to your itinerary;

Alonissos ~ Alonissos is the third and most remote island of the Northern Sporades, along with Skiathos and Skopelos. It was also one of the first inhabited islands in the Aegean Sea, human presence having been detected there as early as the 9th century BC. Its unique attractions include Gioura, an abandoned island to the north of Alonissos which sheltered Homer’s Cyclops, and the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, at which dolphins, seals and seabirds find their home.

Paxos/Antipaxos ~ Despite being a stone’s throw from Corfu, these Ionian gems have their own distinct feel. The world-famous beaches, many of which are only accessible or best experienced by boat, are the main attraction; outside the Caribbean, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the sea’s crystalline blue. ✅

Amorgos ~ Amorgos’ main claim to faim is that the 1988 film ‘Le Grand Bleu’ was filmed there, though nowadays, its vibe is far from commercial. The easternmost island in the Cyclades, Amorgos is unique to the others in the group. As it has been untouched by mass tourism until recent years, it feels, on docking in Katapola, almost as though you are stepping back in time. During your stay, be sure to visit the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, which is the second oldest monastery in Greece and is spectacularly built into the cliffs facing the Aegean Sea.

Donoussa ~ Part of the Mikres Kyklades or “Small Cyclades” complex near Naxos. Some say Donoussa is what Koufonisia used to be like before “everyone” discovered it. It’s laid back, charming, and oh so chill. It’s a great island to tack onto a greater tour of the Small Cyclades.

Serifos

the spectacular view from Serifos’ chora is one of the most underrated in the Cyclades

Koufonisia ~ It’s funny, because Koufonisia is still considered relatively undiscovered by many diaspora Greeks, but for those who know, it’s already almost over; the island now knows a certain level of Instagram fame and is already well-known to the hippie-chic crowd. Don’t let that put you off, though! Koufonisia is a firm favourite of ours and we consider it a must-visit for those who haven’t yet. If you want a truly off-the-beaten-track experience, camp out on Kato Koufonisi, where there are no permanent residents and there is far less built-up infrastructure than Ano Koufonisi.

Symi ~ Symi’s picturesque, unique, neoclassical architecture has garnered it some attention over the years; you may even recognise the view of its port, Yialos, from Instagram. A historically prosperous island as a result of its sponge trade, it’s also one of the easternmost Greek islands and is most accessible by ferry from Rhodes.

If you’ve had a summer salad in Greece, you’ve likely been served something green and seaweed-like on occasion. Enter Kritamo! This plant has been known and heralded since ancient times for its healing properties and unique taste. Kritamo or krithamo name derives from its seeds’ similarity to those of barley. Thus, the ancient Greeks called it "krythmon.” The similarities stop there. Interestingly, it only grows by the sea. Kritamo is also known as sea fennel, sea bean, sea pickle and/or crest marine.

In ancient Greece, famous doctors such as Dioscorides (who we talk about a lot around these parts) and the famous botanist Plinios wrote about this plant and its valuable properties. They greatly highlighted kritamo for its essential oils, minerals, iodine, vitamins, appetizing ingredients, tonics; what else could you ask for from a nice green?!

It contains vitamins E, C, K, as well as minerals, and is rich in high-quality antioxidants and omega-3 fats. It is beneficial for liver and kidney dysfunction and also stimulates skin renewal. Moreover, it has aphrodisiac properties. I’ve seen people pick this out of their salads in confusion… don’t dismiss it! Your skin (and apparently libido) beg you not to.

Want to try it? Below are some recipes.

Kritamo Salad

Boil water in a pot and put the kritamo in it. Leave it for 5 minutes. If you want to keep the green color of it, put it immediately in a bowl of ice. After two minutes, drain it and put it on a plate. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Be careful with the salt because it is salty by itself. The taste will fascinate you! It is an ideal meze for ouzo and makes for an excellent combination along with fish and seafood. 

Kritamo Salt

You have to dry kritamo in the sun until it is completely dry.  After, beat the dried crumbs in the mortar and place the powder in a jar. The powder is salty, exactly as kritamo is, with an extra interesting flavour. Substitute this powder for salt in salads and in various recipes.

Kritamo pickles 

Boil ½ liter of water and 1 cup of vinegar (good quality) as soon as it boils, add 250 gr. kritamo for 1 (strictly) minute. After that drain it but keep the vinegar and leave it to cool. Combine the kritamo with the vinegar water in a glass jar together with 2 tablespoons of sea ​​salt.  Close them and keep them in the refrigerator. This is a delicate product.

A special note on Kritamo:

 At an exhibition held in Plauen, Germany, Greek Kritamos was honored with the first natural product award. Who knew!

The classic horiatiki is an incredible gluten free Greek dish

On a gluten-free diet and unsure of which Greek dishes you can eat? Then you’ve come to the right place! Your diet won’t stop you from savoring the rich and varied flavors of Greece; you just need an idea of what incredible foods you can eat. Most of the dishes listed below will not only be available at practically any Greek restaurant around the world but are also fairly easy and accessible to make at home if you want to expand your recipe repertoire. We will warn you, though: don’t read the rest of this post on an empty stomach...

Mains

Gemista (v)

Gemista, literally meaning ‘filled’ in Greek, are hollowed-out cooked tomatoes and peppers stuffed with tomato-flavored rice. If you’re both veggie and gluten-free, gemista is the dish for you.

Souvlaki

Though we’re sure it needs no introduction, souvlaki, plural souvlakia, is a simple but very effective grilled meat skewer. We’d argue it’s best enjoyed when grabbed from a streetside souvlatzidiko on the way back home after spending a day at the beach... 

Kleftiko

Kleftiko is a lamb leg or shoulder which is roasted in a parcel with potatoes, lemon, and herbs. This is one to cook when you need to impress your family on a special occasion. 

Lavraki

What would a list of Greek mains be without mentioning fresh fish? Lavraki, meaning seabass, is a go-to for Greek fish lovers and is served at any psarotaverna across Greece.

Sides

Gigantes (v)

Even thinking about gigantes makes us feel warm inside! Gigantes are giant baked beans in a thick, herby tomato sauce. They’re more commonly served in winter because of their rich, hearty taste. 

Xoriatiki salata (v)

Xoriatiki salata is an absolute classic in Greek cuisine and, if you’re anything like us, the ingredients to it will be staples in your fridge. Constructed with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, peppers, olives, feta and a mountain of oregano, the flavour of xoriatiki salata is emblematic of Greek summer. 

Spanakorizo

This is one of our all-time favorite side dishes. It’s quite filling and sometimes I eat it on its own as a main course. This combo of spinach, rice, onions, garlic, dill, and tomatoes (and tomato paste!) is one that many cooks give their own spin. Thanks to the spinach, it’s an excellent way to get your iron.

Dolmades (v)

Dolmades are parcels of rice wrapped in vine leaves. They have a distinctive taste which may be off putting to some, though delicious to others. 

Kalamari tis Skaras

Kalamari tis skaras, or grilled squid, is another staple of a Greek summer. Though you can’t enjoy kalamarakia tiganita (fried squid) on a gluten-free diet, we’d argue that meaty, flavoursome kalamari tis skaras is just as good, if not better. 

Dips

Fava (v)

Fava is a unique dish to Greece as the yellow split beans that it is made from are grown exclusively on the Cycladic islands of Anafi and Santorini. It has a subtle yet comforting taste that pairs well with xtapodi psito (grilled octopus) or, more simply, with a slice of grilled bread. 

Tzatziki (v)

Tzatziki is made primarily from Greek yoghurt, garlic and mint leaves and has an incredibly refreshing, moreish flavour. It’s particularly tasty with hot, meaty dishes, for example when smeared on a gyro. 

Skordalia (v)

If you don’t like garlic, skip this one! The main components of skordalia are potatoes and garlic which make for a very strong, but delicious, taste. It’s traditional to eat skordalia with battered cod on Greek Independence Day, which is, conveniently, just around the corner - maybe this is a sign to change your menu for Thursday...

Melitzanosalata (v)

Aubergines are a key part of many dishes in Greek cuisine, of which melitzanosalata is one. It’s often served at Greek restaurants alongside the complimentary bread basket and is a light, refreshing alternative to more common dips. 

Desserts

Rizogalo (v)

Onto the good stuff! Rizogalo is the Greek version of rice pudding. It’s milky, creamy, sweet and satisfying - what more could you want from a dessert? 

Amygdalota/ergolavi (v)

Amygdalota or ergolavi are very often ‘keraseid’ (given for free) at the end of your meal at restaurants in Greece. Their main ingredient is almond flour, which lends them their nutty, sweet flavour. 

Pasteli (v) 

Pasteli can be eaten as a dessert or as the Greek answer to an energy bar. It’s made using sesame seeds and honey - and that’s all! If you don’t want a heavy dessert but still want something sweet, then try pasteli. 

Yiaourti me Meli (v)

We’re rounding the post off with another classic: yiaourti me meli, or Greek yoghurt with honey. We love to enjoy this for breakfast with some fresh fruit but its sweetness makes it great as a dessert, too. 

As you can see, eating varied, delicious gluten-free foods in Greece is not hard. If you want to bring the taste of Greece to your home, you can make any of these dishes with fairly simple ingredients! And, if nothing on this list quite hits the spot, you can always search for gluten-free remakes of your favourite Greek dishes 

Strategies for healthy, glowing skin – the Greek way!

 Have you ever wondered whether the ancient Greeks knew or cared about skincare? The answer to this question is a resounding ‘yes’ – and many of their hacks for healthy skin are still valuable today. Whether you’re suffering from dry skin, acne-prone skin, or premature ageing, the Greeks of either the ancient or modern worlds have probably thought of an effective skin strategy for you. Read on to find out how you can achieve great skin – the Greek way! 

1. Greek honey - reduces dryness, scarring and inflammation

If you’ve read our blog about honey, you’ll already know about its many superfood properties. Did you know that it can be used topically for a whole host of skin conditions, too? Hippocrates himself prescribed honey over 2000 years ago to treat wounds and scarring! Its high vitamin and amino acid content helps to nourish dry skin and improve skin elasticity. As it is a natural anti-inflammatory, honey can also combat inflammation and acne. 

How to use: For a hydrated, glowing complexion, spread a thin layer of Greek honey onto your skin. After 10 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.

2. Greek yoghurt – hydrates the skin, masks signs of aging and reverses sun damage

Greek yoghurt is rich in probiotics which not only promote gut health, but also balance the skin’s pH and trap moisture in the skin. This makes it the perfect treatment for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dry skin as well as for UV-induced skin damage. It also acts as an incredible sunburn relief – if you don’t have aloe vera on hand, slap some Greek yoghurt on your skin and it will work just as well!

How to use: If you suffer from dry, dehydrated skin, apply Greek yoghurt directly on your skin as a mask and wash it off after 10 minutes.

3. Olive oil – moisturises the skin, combats premature aging and reverses sun damage

Olive oil has been well-known as a superfood in Greece for centuries. It’s not only beneficial as part of your diet; it could also be the next addition to your skincare routine! It’s rich in Vitamin K, D and E which fight against premature aging and its high antioxidant levels mean that it can also treat sun damage.

How to use: After cleansing your skin, drip a few drops of olive oil directly onto the skin. In this case, less is more – applying too much to your skin may clog your pores and cause acne.  

4. Sea salt – calms irritation and exfoliates the skin  

It may interest you to know that the Ancient Greeks touted the health benefits of thalassotherapy, or sea bathing, as many as 2000 years ago; it was prescribed to treat various skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. Today, this advice is just as valid. Swimming in the sea can soothe inflamed skin as well as relieve stress.

How to use: Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the beach – use a sea salt scrub to exfoliate your skin or prepare yourself a sea salt bath at home instead.

5. Oregano oil – treats skin disorders and infections

Oregano oil was a firm favourite of Hippocrates, who prescribed it to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. It can also help to treat bacterial and fungal infections and reduce inflammation in the skin.

How to use: So that your skin can reap the full benefits of oregano oil, add a few drops of its pure essential form to a bowl of hot water, then mix this with another oil, like coconut oil. Apply a few drops of this mixture to your skin after cleansing.

6. Vitamin D – boosts your immune system and calms acne

Does your skin look extra radiant after spending a summer in Greece? This may not just be down to your glowing tan – a healthy dose of Vitamin D promotes your immune function, which protects your skin and helps it to recover from damage. This is particularly beneficial to those with acne-prone skin, so if you suffer from acne, make sure your skin is seeing enough sun rays. The Ancient Greeks knew about this health tip, too; they used to prescribe heliosis, or sun therapy, to boost both physical and mental wellbeing.

Be careful, though – you should always apply SPF before exposing your skin to UV rays. As it gets darker in the winter months, you can exchange your daily dose of sun-worshipping for Vitamin D supplements. 

7. Take things siga siga to reduce stress

Stress isn’t good for any part of your body, and your skin is no exception. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol which reduces your immune function and makes your skin vulnerable to potential damage. This can cause breakouts, premature aging and flare-ups of existing skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. So, take notes from the Ikarians and take things siga siga – slowly slowly – to destress.

8. Exercise – not too little, but not too much

Galen argued that ‘when the body is in need of motion, exercise is healthy and rest morbid; when it is in need of a break, rest is healthy and exercise morbid’. Read this as the Ancient Greek way of saying listen to your body! Your skin will thank you – by encouraging more efficient blood circulation, engaging in moderate exercise regularly promotes the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

9. Get enough sleep

Throughout time, the Greeks have known the restorative power of sleep. We all know how much siestas are worshipped there! It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason – new collagen is produced in your sleep, preventing premature aging and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Your cortisol level also drops in your sleep, allowing your immune system to repair skin damage.

We love traditions that carry meaning, especially as connected to nature and seasonal changes. The pomegranate, technically classified as a berry, carries heavy symbolism in many cultures, including Greek. Beyond its connection to health and prosperity, the pomegranate is also deeply connected to one of the most significant Greek myths. Beyond its symbolism, pomegranate arils (the juicy part that contains the seed) and the seeds themselves are highly nutritious, notably packing a punch of immune-boosting antioxidants.

Greek traditions

In Greece, pomegranates are commonly gifted and used as decor. They start appearing in the late fall, typically around the presentation of the Virgin Mary on November 21. Throughout the holidays and leading up to the new year, pomegranates are used as decor in many Greek homes. It all culminates with a fun, albeit potentially messy tradition on New Year’s Day when many Greeks smash a pomegranate open for good luck. (Aside: what is it with us Greeks and smashing things). Less messy is the oft-gifted ρόδι, a pomegranate made of glass, metal, or sculpted, as a gift. This is supposed to bring good luck, γούρι, in the new year.

Connection to the myth of Persephone:

As we explored in a past workshop on the Persephone myth, the pomegranate plays a pivotal role in one of the most important myths from Greek mythology, the abduction of Persephone and her binding to the underwood. It also explains how we may have found our association of the pomegranate with life, regeneration, and even marriage. 

If you’re not familiar with the myth of Persephone, we’ll share a shortened version. Essentially, Persephone, aka the Kore, was out in the meadows one day. When she innocently bent to look at a flower, Hades abducted her to the underworld. As the daughter of the Goddess of Harvest Demeter, Persephone’s absence wreaked havoc on Earth, as Demeter’s mourning and tears meant that earth ceased the blossom. Realizing that something had to give for the mortals, Hades agreed to give Persephone back, but he had a sneaky plan up his sleeves. When Demeter came to rescue her miserable daughter, Hades had just given her a pomegranate to eat. By eating from his fruit, she bound herself to him in marriage and told Demeter she had to stay forever.

The gods intervened, and according to a popular version of the myth, that’s why Hades agreed to keep Persephone in the underworld for part of the year, given that she didn’t eat the entire fruit. An agreement was made that Persephone would spend part of the year on earth, during which her mother would allow the plants to create life, notably for the people’s harvest. While she descends to the underwood, the myth holds that we mortals experience winter. 

 The myth is tied not only to how we have our seasons and harvests, but also the loss of innocence and symbolic “underworld” of our own psyches. The compromise for Persephone to spend part of the year with Hades meant she was no longer the “kore,” or virginal maiden, now that she was married to him. The pomegranate sealed her fate as a wife. 

It’s worth noting that Persephone and Demeter’s story is one of the most significant in terms of the rites and ceremonies it inspired. Notably, the myth inspired the Mysteries at Eleusis, initiation rites that were some of the most sacred and important of all of antiquity. Many famous Greeks were initiated at Eleusis, including Plato. 

Health benefits of pomegranates 

More than just a festival symbol of good fortune and prosperity, pomegranates also pack a punch of antioxidants. We love them for what’s inside just as much as their pretty exterior. 

You’ll want to open up that pomegranate to access all the goodness inside: pomegranate juice has been found to have more antioxidant activity than red wine and green tea. You can thank unique plant compounds known as punicalagins for that. One cup of pomegranate seeds also boasts 7 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, potassium, and over 30% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamins C and K. 

In summary…

We hope that this holiday season, whether you’re gifting a ρόδι or making a cocktail with pomegranate seeds, you’ll enjoy ordering the mythical meaning and significance of this sacred fruit.

Have you tried rakomelo? This wintry Greek libation warms the heart and the spirits. It also has a rich tradition as a homeopathic remedy, making it something of a “triple threat.” We started drinking this years ago in Greece to warm ourselves on windy nights on the islands (it’s not just for winter!). Since then, it’s become a tradition to make some over Thanksgiving, at which time half of the family is very excited, and the other half braes themselves as they can’t quite stand the stuff.

Whether you love it or hate it, you may want to try rakomelo if you have a sore throat. As always, we never mean to condone unhealthy drinking habits, and this DOES contain alcohol. Consume in moderation, or whatever works for you, really.

What IS rakomelo?

A blend of honey, raki/tsikoudia (think of this as Greek moonshine, but really it’s a grape-based liquor of Cretan origin), cinnamon sticks, and cloves, rakomelo is a libation. Its name tells its story: raki (ρακή) + meli/honey (μέλι). We love it served warm, but you’ll see it served both warm and cool. It originates in Crete and is generally drunk as an aperitif. It’s now popular throughout much of Greece. The recipe can be altered to your liking, and some modern distillers have begun adding other flavors to it. We’ll tell it to you straight: we prefer the original recipe.

WHAT MAKES RAKOMELO A GREAT HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY:

HONEY

Did you know that the Ancient Greeks put honey on wounds as a salve? It’s very sacred… we love the word meli and the Melissae who were the goddesses of it. Honey is an excellent home remedy to almost immediately soothe a sore throat, and we now know that it has antibacterial and antimicrobial powers. How, you may ask? Marvelous bees deposit hydrogen peroxide into honey as they synthesize flower pollen. Because honey is naturally acidic, the result is antibacterial properties. I don’t fully understand the chemistry beyond that, but I’m here for it.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, such as polyphenols, that protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. While you may think of cinnamon as a perfect topping for sweets (it’s found in many Greek desserts), it also outranks superfoods like other Greek favorites, garlic and oregano in its prowess as an antioxidant. Cinnamon is so powerful that it can be used as a natural food preservative. Last but not least, we love how it pairs perfectly with honey and clove to round out the flavor of rakomelo.

HOW TO MAKE RAKOMELO (RECIPE)

Our Yia Mas recipe for rakomelo is easy to make. We suggest using a crockpot or cooking over your stove in a pot.
The recipe is flexible and can be altered according to how much you want to yield, as well as how boozy you want it to be.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4-6)

- 7-10 cloves

- 4 sticks of cinnamon

- 3ish cups raki

- 1 cup honey. the traditional Cretan recipe is with thyme honey

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the cloves and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan or pot over medium-high until toasted for about 4 minutes. Add raki and honey, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. If you can let it sit a bit before serving, that's ideal.

‘Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.’ - Hippocrates

We love this quote for many reasons - firstly, it may be the earliest and most articulate version of the mantra ‘you are what you eat’. Secondly, it’s evidence that the Greek tradition of natural healing is at least 2.5 thousand years old. This idea continues to heavily influence the Greek approach to health and wellness to this day; significantly, it may even play a role in the longevity shared by much of the population on Ikaria, one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones, where natural remedies are often sought out to treat physical ailments before going to a doctor. 

At this time of year, it’s all the more important to consider how what you consume could have a direct impact on your health. With any number of viruses (we’re looking at you, virus-which-will-not-be-named) making the rounds in our communities, our lifestyles and diets have the potential to make or break our immune system. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of natural remedies for flu season immunity; read on our tips on how to fight off a whole host of illnesses this winter. 

Oregano oil

You read that right - oregano isn’t just for adding that extra kick of flavour to your cooking! You can ingest oregano oil to make the most of its immune-boosting natural phenols, terpenes and terpenoids. Alternatively, if you can’t find any locally, you can brew oregano tea using the leaves to deliver similar health benefits. 

Thyme

Packed with Vitamin A and C, thyme is a natural immune-strengthener. If you need any more convincing, it also has mood-boosting properties; a 2013 study showed that carvacol, one of its active substances, can affect neuron activity so as to generate a feeling of wellbeing in the subject. 

Ginger

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in ginger have made it something of a poster child for immune-boosting foods. To really feel its benefits, we’d recommend drinking ginger tea in the morning on an empty stomach. 

Peppermint

Peppermint is not only full of potassium and vitamin B, it’s also a natural antibacterial and antiviral. In addition, it’s a muscle relaxant, helping you to destress and even to sleep. Take this to mean that we’ll be drinking peppermint tea by the gallon this winter. 

Tsai tou vounou

No Yia Mas list of natural remedies would be complete without a nod to tsai tou vounou, and with good reason; hailed by Hippocrates for its immune-boosting potential, it also acts as evaporant while alleviating inflamed mucous membranes, helping to soothe a cough. 

Lemons

We couldn’t not include lemons for their powerful immune-boosting potential. Their high Vitamin C content supports the cellular function of the immune system, and their high zinc levels help the immune system to fight off invading bacteria and viruses.

Honey

We’re sure that at some point in your life, you’ve had tea with honey and lemon when you’ve felt under the weather. Consider making this into a ritual this winter; honey is full of antioxidants, is antibacterial and is known to increase T and B lymphocytes and antibodies. 

Destress

Even if you’re avidly following your herbal regimes and always eating with your immune health in mind, if you’re constantly stressed out, then it’s only a matter of time before you get sick. If you need help with this, check out our workshops, where we practice meditation, journaling and Greek dancing - all proven ways to destress!