Essence studies local plant during a recent trip to Santorini, Greece connecting with the island’s rich herbal traditions.

While in Greece, I laid eyes on a caper plant for the very first time and something in me shifted.

My journey took me through the breathtaking islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but it was Santorini that rooted itself deeply in my spirit.

There, I had the honor of visiting SantOrganics, the last working farm on the island, where I met Maria a woman whose warmth and sweetness I’ll never forget. She greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and one of those hugs that feels like it wraps around your heart. There was an immediate sense of belonging.

Together, we walked her land ancient caves, wild herbs, and a spirit of reverence you could feel in the soil. Maria shared her wisdom generously, teaching me about her unique method of using ferments instead of tinctures to craft plant medicine an old-world practice that felt deeply alive and aligned.

She offered me fresh caper leaves, their taste bitter at first, followed by a pungent, electrifying aftertaste that danced on my tongue. I tried her local thyme, the most ethereal prickly pear seed oil extracted from fruit grown right there, and even sipped on a sweet black raisin spirit crafted with sun-dried raisins from their vines.

I also experienced a volcanic clay mask sourced from the island’s rich, mineral-heavy earth cool, grounding, and filled with the energy of the land that has weathered so much. As I learned of the 700 earthquakes that shook the island in February 2025, I was reminded of the resilience pulsing beneath our feet.

After our tour, Maria and her husband served traditional pastries as we overlooked the hills. It was one of those moments that imprints on your soul—simple, sacred, and unforgettable. I ended the herbal experience watching the beautiful sunset.

This experience was more than a visit it was a reminder that plants carry stories, and when we slow down to listen, they offer so much more than medicine.