21-DAY OF HEALING: A JOURNEY THROUGH MOROCCO’S MEDICINAL & AROMATIC PLANTS

Upon your arrival in the city of Marrakesh, your exploration begins in a city rich with colors and scents, especially its markets that are famous for herbs and spices, which play a significant role in daily life. Marrakesh, the starting point of your journey, boasts a rich biodiversity due to its unique geographic location between the plains and plateaus. The most famous aromatic and medicinal plants in Marrakesh are mint, which is grown in many home gardens and small farms around the city. Mint is an essential herb in Moroccan tea culture and is used to treat digestive disorders, as well as to calm the nerves and reduce stress. Mint is a key part of daily life for many Moroccans, added to traditional tea served at social gatherings. It is also used in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of colds and sore throats.

Alongside mint, thyme is another commonly used herb in the region. Known for its multiple benefits, thyme is a powerful antibacterial and is used to treat respiratory ailments. It is often added to Moroccan dishes, enhancing flavour and health benefits. In Marrakesh markets, you'll find various other spices and herbs, such as cloves, which are also used to prepare tea and are considered effective for treating toothaches. Among the bustling alleys of the city, natural perfumes containing rose, one of the most refined aromatic plants, are displayed. It is said that rose helps improve mental health and is used to relieve stress.

On the second day, you will have the opportunity to explore the local markets in Marrakesh, reflecting a long history of using medicinal and aromatic herbs. At the souk or traditional markets, you can discover new types of herbs that stand out in Moroccan culture. Among the notable plants you will find is lavender, a plant widely used in the perfume and cosmetics industries. Lavender not only has a distinct fragrance, but also has calming properties that help treat insomnia and stress. Lavender flowers are a key ingredient in the traditional Moroccan bath, where they are added to the water to soothe both body and mind.

As you wander through the market, you may also encounter basil, which has many health benefits, from improving digestion to strengthening immunity. Basil is traditionally used to treat fevers and is added to Moroccan dishes to provide a delicious aromatic flavour. There’s also turmeric, a popular spice known for its numerous health benefits. Turmeric is used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and muscle pain. It is also used in preparing some types of fragrant soaps that help brighten the skin.

The markets are the perfect place to discover these herbs and more, and you will notice how these aromatic plants are not just decorative elements, but an integral part of daily life and traditional customs. You will also find cloves, which are used in traditional medicine to treat pain and are a key ingredient in Moroccan tea.

Day three involves a journey to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, where you can discover the plants that grow in the dry, desert-like areas. The region between Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate is home to a unique biodiversity despite the harsh climatic conditions. One of the famous plants in this area is the argan tree, which is one of the essential medicinal plants in Morocco. Argan oil is one of the most expensive oils in the world and is used in cosmetics and natural therapies. It is rich in essential fatty acids that enhance skin and hair health. Additionally, argan is an antioxidant and has calming properties that can help treat skin inflammations.
In this region, absinthe is also grown, a traditional medicinal herb widely used. Absinthe is effective in detoxifying the body and treating digestive disorders. In this area, you will also find wild thyme, a plant with a strong fragrance used in many folk remedies for respiratory diseases, such as coughs and colds.

During your visit to Skoura, you will see how the desert nature has inspired locals to use natural plants for treating various ailments. Many medicinal herbs are used here, such as saffron, one of the most expensive herbs in the world. Saffron not only enhances flavor in foods, but is also used in folk medicine to treat digestive issues and colon problems. It is also believed to help improve mood and reduce depression.

Day four is dedicated to exploring Skoura and Ouarzazate up close. In these areas, there is a great diversity of aromatic and medicinal plants. Skoura is known for cultivating the argan tree, which produces the famous oil used in cosmetic treatments. You will also find mint in many local gardens, where it is used in Moroccan tea, a daily staple for many. Other plants found here include rosemary (azir), which is used as an antiviral and antibacterial. Rosemary is also added to many Moroccan dishes and is used in folk medicine to reduce stress and improve digestion.

In Ouarzazate, cactus is another plant used for treating sunburn and caring for dry skin. Cactus has remarkable healing properties, helping to hydrate the skin and is found in many skincare products for sensitive skin.

Day 5 includes a journey to Ait Benhaddou and Telouat, where you can learn about the aromatic and medicinal plants grown in these distinctive mountainous regions. Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco's most prominent historical sites, enjoys a special climate that allows for the cultivation of many plants used in traditional medicine. Some of the most notable plants found in this area are Basil, considered a calming herb that helps relieve insomnia and anxiety. Additionally, Basil is antibacterial and is used to treat food poisoning.

Thyme is abundant in this mountainous region, often used to prepare herbal tea, which aids digestion and boosts immunity. Thyme is a key component in traditional Moroccan medicine, used for treating coughs and respiratory issues.

While in Telouat, you can also discover Artemisia, which naturally grows in the mountainous areas. Artemisia is used to treat skin inflammations and is a natural disinfectant against various infectious diseases. Dried Artemisia leaves are used to prepare a decoction, which is considered an effective treatment for respiratory ailments such as chronic cough and asthma.

Day 6 focuses on the Dades Oasis and M'Goun, where you can explore the rich biodiversity of this mountainous region. The Dades and M'Goun Oases are known for the Argan tree, which is widely grown here. The oil extracted from this tree is used in skin and hair care. In this region, Argan oil is an essential ingredient in traditional healing, improving skin elasticity and combating wrinkles.

While visiting these oases, you can also interact with the local people who work in the production of natural perfumes using Rose and Jasmine. Rose is one of the most widely used aromatic plants in the region, used in the production of traditional perfumes, which represent part of the local heritage. Furthermore, Jasmine is used to prepare natural skincare products that improve skin softness. Jasmine is also used to treat skin inflammations and respiratory issues.

Additionally, Basil is grown in some areas surrounding the Dades Oasis, and it is an important herb used in preparing herbal drinks that help calm nerves and improve digestion.

Day 7 offers the opportunity to get a closer look at the medicinal and aromatic plants in the villages surrounding the Dades and M'Goun Oases. The residents of these villages follow ancient traditions of using herbs in medical treatments. In these areas, you can discover Fenugreek, a well-known medicinal herb in the region, used to stimulate digestion and increase physical strength. Fenugreek is often prepared as a warm drink to boost energy and treat anemia.

In these villages, you can also find Wild Thyme, which is used to treat respiratory issues such as cough and asthma. Wild Thyme is added to hot water decoctions for great medicinal benefits, and it is considered one of the herbs that help strengthen the immune system.

Regarding folk remedies, Hakeem, a blend of natural herbs such as Sage and Thyme, is used as a holistic treatment for digestive problems and as a respiratory disinfectant. Sage in particular has strong healing properties, believed to help improve memory and relieve muscle pain.

Day 8 includes a visit to Ikniwen Village, located in the heart of the Anti-Atlas, where you can discover some rare medicinal and aromatic plant species. In this region, Thyme and Artemisia are the most famous plants, used in traditional medicine to alleviate stomach pain and improve breathing.

In these villages, many women specialize in producing Argan oil and other herbal extracts such as Rose and Jasmine. In Ikniwen, you can visit women’s cooperatives dedicated to planting these herbs and making natural products. The women in this area are well aware of the benefits of Mint, Basil, and Thyme, most of which are used in making natural balms and shampoos. Mint is an effective remedy for digestive disorders, while Basil is used to improve mood and reduce stress.

On the ninth day of the journey, the trip will head to Nkoub and Tazarin, where you can explore the medicinal and aromatic plants that characterize these desert and mountainous areas. Nkoub and Tazarin are located in a desert region, famous for the cultivation of henna and rosemary, both of which are used by the locals in various medical and cosmetic applications.

Henna, grown in these areas, is one of the most famous plants in Moroccan culture, primarily used for colouring hair and hands. However, it also has significant medicinal benefits, as henna leaves are used to treat skin inflammations and wounds. Henna is also an effective remedy for headaches and is used as a natural skin disinfectant.

Another prominent plant in these regions is rosemary, which is used to treat respiratory issues, such as asthma and the common cold. Rosemary also has strong antioxidant properties and helps improve circulation. In traditional medicine, this plant is considered an effective treatment for various health conditions, such as muscle pain, where rosemary oil is used for massage.

Wormwood is another common herb in these desert areas. It is used to treat many respiratory ailments, such as cough and asthma, and is widely used in folk medicine to eliminate intestinal worms and improve digestion. In these regions, wormwood is considered one of the herbs that improves liver function and boosts the immune system.

On day ten, you will arrive in Merzouga, where the golden and orange sands meet in one of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world. This will be a chance to relax and explore the wildlife and plants that grow in this harsh desert environment. Among the notable plants that can be found in Merzouga and its surroundings are prickly pear and acacia.

Prickly pear, also known as cactus, is one of the most famous plants in desert regions. It is used to treat skin issues, as it has moisturizing and healing properties. Prickly pear juice can be used to treat sunburns and wounds, and it is rich in Vitamin C, making it beneficial for strengthening the immune system.

On the other hand, acacia is a plant that grows in arid regions like the desert. Acacia is used to make herbal remedies for sore throats and coughs. Acacia oil is also used in traditional medicine to improve skin and hair health. In Merzouga, you can experience these herbs through sand dune tours and directly discover their healing properties.

The eleventh day begins with a journey to Rissani, followed by Imilchil, where you can explore the biological diversity in these distinctive mountain regions. Rissani and Imilchil enjoy a mild climate and mountain atmosphere that allows for the growth of many medicinal and aromatic plants.

Among the plants that can be found in these areas is mint, which is considered one of the herbs used to prepare medicinal drinks to soothe the digestive system. You can also find thyme, which is used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases such as cough and congestion. Thyme is one of the key herbs in Moroccan folk medicine, often added to food or prepared as a tea, offering many health benefits.

In Imilchil, you can interact with locals who are very knowledgeable about the benefits of herbs such as sage and wormwood, which are used to treat respiratory issues and improve digestion. In these mountainous areas, these herbs are often added to food or consumed as hot beverages during the winter season.

Day 12 will be a special day to enjoy Asli Lake and Agdal in Imilchil, where you can explore the local plants grown in these stunning mountain areas. Asli Lake is one of the most beautiful natural places in the High Atlas, surrounded by unique medicinal and aromatic plants.

On this day, you can explore plants such as lavender and rose, which are cultivated near the lake. Lavender is used in traditional Moroccan medicine as a calming agent for nerves and a stress reliever, and it can be used to make tea or essential oils. Rose is used in the production of natural perfumes and has therapeutic properties for the skin. You can visit local farms that grow these plants and interact with the farmers who specialize in growing these herbs and using them in traditional medicine.

On this day, the journey takes us through majestic mountain terrain, showcasing a rich diversity of plants that shape the surrounding natural environment. Thyme plants, scattered across the area, are known for their resilience in harsh conditions. Thyme is not just an aromatic herb but also boasts multiple healing properties, such as antibacterial and antifungal effects, making it a key ingredient in local folk medicine. Alongside thyme, we encounter rosemary, widely used to stimulate blood circulation and improve memory functions. Rosemary thrives in the high-altitude, dry conditions around Dades Gorge. The local Amazigh people highly value these plants, using them to treat respiratory issues and joint pain. Artemisia, also known as wormwood, is another herb receiving special attention in the area. This plant is used to treat various ailments, including stomach aches and persistent coughs.

The region is also famous for the sidr tree, used to treat wounds and burns. In the villages surrounding Ait Sedrat, these plants are carefully harvested and stored in various forms, such as essential oils or dried herbs, for use in local traditional medicine. These herbs are integral to the cultural heritage of the region, with knowledge of their uses being passed down through generations, reflecting the close relationship between the Amazigh people and nature.

Between towering mountains and rugged rocky slopes, the journey continues to explore ancient agricultural traditions, particularly the use of thyme and rosemary. Thyme, a wild plant that grows in dry desert areas, is used by the local people to treat respiratory problems, as it is a natural remedy for coughs and throat inflammation. Rosemary oil is also used to treat muscle and joint issues, acting as an anti-inflammatory.

As the journey moves toward Ait Sedrat, we observe the dense growth of wormwood in the mountainous regions, a plant used to treat various respiratory diseases. The area is also rich in plants like oregano, a natural remedy for bacterial and infectious inflammations. The region is also known for the sidr plant, used to treat burns and wounds, and it thrives in the Dades oases.

With the presence of these aromatic and medicinal plants in the rugged mountainous terrain, the importance of the interaction between humans and nature becomes evident. The Amazigh inhabitants are among the best at integrating these herbs with traditional medical practices, helping preserve this rich natural heritage.

The transition from Ait Sedrat to Ighil n Imogen is a journey through scenic landscapes, hiding many botanical secrets. Rosemary remains a key plant, used as a remedy for respiratory inflammation. Alongside it, juniper, considered an important plant in Amazigh herbal medicine, is used to treat stress, enhance immunity, and address digestive issues. These plants are not only beneficial for medicinal purposes but also part of daily Amazigh life, where they are used to prepare calming herbal teas that counter fatigue.

The mountainous region surrounding Ighil n Imogen boasts extraordinary environmental diversity, making it an ideal habitat for medicinal herbs. Cactus is one of the plants that distinguish this area, used for reducing swelling and treating burns. Citrus plants are also grown here and serve as an important source of vitamin C, boosting the immune system. Basil, another aromatic plant, is prominent in the region, used in home remedies and cooking.

On this day, we journey deep into nature in Ighil n Imogen, where the region reveals a world of plants used in traditional medicine. Wild thyme spreads across the mountains and rocky areas of the biosphere reserve, considered one of the most important medicinal herbs in the region. This plant is used to treat respiratory inflammation and promotes digestive health. Thyme is also known for its strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to resist common illnesses among the mountain inhabitants.

Rosemary is regarded as the ideal remedy for muscle and bone problems, used topically to stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the nerves. In this area, traditional practices are dedicated to extracting herbal oils, which are sold in local markets and used for various treatments. Similarly, oregano, known for its therapeutic properties in combating inflammation, thrives in this mountainous environment and is considered a fundamental herb in the culture of folk medicine.

The Ait Bougemmaz region is distinguished by its towering elevations and unique botanical diversity. Thyme is one of the most important aromatic plants that grow in this mountainous area. It can be used not only for medicinal purposes but also in cooking as a wonderful addition to local dishes. Rosemary is abundant in these highlands and is mainly used to prepare aromatic oils, which are among the most popular folk remedies in the area. It is said that rosemary improves memory and stimulates thought.

In addition to these aromatic plants, basil is found and used to prepare natural, calming drinks. These plants are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the local communities, grown and harvested using traditional techniques that preserve the quality and effectiveness of the herbs in treatment.

On this day, we travel to Lake Izoughar, known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural scenery filled with a variety of aromatic and medicinal plants. This region is a meeting point between the mountains and the plains, allowing for significant ecological diversity. One of the prominent plants here is rosemary, which thrives in the high mountainous areas. Rosemary is an important herb in traditional medicine, used to improve memory, stimulate circulation, and soothe the nerves. It is also used to relieve muscle and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Wild thyme also thrives in the mountainous areas around Lake Izoughar. Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, thyme is an effective natural remedy for coughs and respiratory ailments. Additionally, thyme is used to stimulate digestion, helping reduce stomach issues such as gas and bloating. Locals believe that thyme is more than just a medicinal herb—it is part of the identity and culture of the place.

On this day, we head toward the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of Morocco's natural wonders. This region is another center of biological diversity, with many medicinal and aromatic plants, especially on the surrounding mountain slopes. One of the most common plants here is mint, which grows abundantly in the valleys and waterways around the falls. Mint is used to prepare traditional Moroccan tea, a popular drink in the area. In addition to cooking, mint is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach problems, as it helps soothe the stomach and reduce bloating.

Also found here is wormwood, which grows abundantly in the dry lands surrounding the valleys. Wormwood is used in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, stomach aches, and respiratory disorders. It is often prepared as a topical ointment for treating skin infections or used in steam baths to cleanse the airways.

On the final day, we return to Marrakech, where the journey concludes in the heart of the old city. Even on this day, we can enjoy the aromatic and medicinal plants that characterize the region. The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech features a rich collection of tropical and aromatic plants, such as jasmine, basil, and lavender. These plants blend culture and art in one place.

Jasmine, in particular, holds special significance, widely cultivated in Marrakech for perfume making. Jasmine flowers are a symbol of beauty and love in Moroccan culture, and jasmine oil is used in traditional medicine to relieve stress and improve sleep. Lavender, also used in aromatic treatments, stimulates the spirit and renews energy.

The final day in Marrakech offers an opportunity to reflect on the diversity of aromatic and medicinal plants encountered during the journey. In Marrakech's traditional markets, one can find a wide array of herbs and spices, such as saffron, cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin, all of which are integral to Moroccan cuisine and medicine. These herbs have been part of daily life for centuries, shaping the culture and identity of the Moroccan people.