Aromatic plants produce essential oil that are used as spices, condiments and other flavoring materials. These also are often used for their medicinal properties. In Ethiopia, due to the varied topography coupled with diversity of climate has resulted in many unique habitats that harbor unique and endemic species of plants. Of the 6000 species of vascular plants estimated to occur in Ethiopia 12% are endemic. Some of these plants are Known to produce essential oils, which are used for a variety of purposes: as spices and condiments to flavor variety of purposes: as spices and condiment food and drinks, as medicine and for other purpose

Damakessie (Ocimumlamiifolium)

Hochst ex Benth. is a member of the Mint Family, Lamiaceae It is an aromatic shrub up to 3 m tall. Leaves broader at the base, pointed at the tip and toothed at the margin. It is 1.5-6.5 cm long and 0.5-4 cm wide. Inflorescence lax with flowers arranged in whorls. The color of the corolla is varying from white, pink or dirty lilac and about 9-11 mm long. The species grows in the wild in clearings, edges of primary and secondary forests, between 1200 and 2900 m. It occurs in many parts of Ethiopia (Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern People Nations and Nationalities Regional States). It is also found in Eritrea and tropical East Africa from Kenya to Malawi, Zaire and Cameroon. The fresh leaves are squeezed and the juice sniffed to treat coughs and colds. The juice is also used as eye rinse to treat eye infections.

Tosign (Thymus schimperi)

Ronninger is a member of the Mint Family, amiaceae. It is a prostrate branching perennial herb, woody at the base, 5-40 cm long. Young branches greenish purple Leaves with glands and fragrant when crushed, Leaves variable, oval to cordate, with entire to slightly reflexed margin. It is 4-6 X 3-5 mm wide. Inflorescence with globes terminal flowers. Corolla pink. The plant is endemic to Ethiopia occurring in open grassland, between bare rocks, on slopes and tops of mountains, sometimes growing near ditches, in Afromontane and alpine regions at altitudes of 2250-3750 (-4000) m in Tigray. Amhara, Oromia and Southern People, Nations and Nationalities States. In Ethiopia, the dried leaves are used to flavor tea, coffee and different kinds of “Wet”. It is also used medicinally for headaches, cough, etc. The leaves are boiled as a tea substitute and said to be good for diabetic patients. Related species in the genus elsewhere is used to flavor chicken, fish, beef, vegetables and salads. Its active component, thymol is an effective ingredient in cough drops, colognes, soaps, nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, and canned soups.

Kesse (Lippla adoensis)

Hochst. ex Walp. is a member of the Vervain Family, Verbenaceae. The specific epithet ‘adoensis’ refers to the town Adwa (Adoa) in Tigray from where the original specimen (the type) associated with the name was collected. It is a shrub 1-3 m high. Leaves commonly three arranged in whorls on branches. Leaf blade oval to lance shaped pointed at the apex and rounded teeth at the margin. It is commonly 2.7-9.5 X 0.5-3.5 cm wide Inflorescence terminal or axillary, 3-12 at each node Flower corolla purple with white, yellow or purple center. It grows in disturbed areas and forest margins in the afromountane region between altitudes of 1600-2650 m. It is almost a near endemic and so far known in Tigray Amhara Oromia and Southern People, Nations and Nationalities Regional States. The fresh leaves of the wild plant are used for washing wooden and ceramic utensils to give fresh and clean smell. The dried leaves of a cultivated variety. Ladoensis var. koseret Sebsebe, known as Koseret used to flavor butter often added to flavor ‘kitfo (minced meat) dish. The dried leaves powdered together with barley eaten to get relief from stomach complaints.

Ariti (Artemisia absinthiuml)

Is a member of the Aster Family, Asteraceae. The Ethiopian collections have been known with another name, A. rehan Chiov. It is erect or spreading perennial herb to 50 cm high. Leaves white, silky, compound; lobes oblong. Inflorescence in heads; florets yellow. The plant is mainly known in vegetative stage and is seldom seen with flowers. The species grows between altitudes of 1700 and 2500. It is known only in cultivation from Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and Southern People, Nations and Nationalities Regional States. It grows between altitudes of 1700 and 2500 m. The fragrant leaves are used as a fumigant or spread together with grasses to give a pleasant odor during coffee ceremonies. The juice of the powdered leaves is taken with honey to treat stomachache. The leaves together with coffee leaves are boiled together and drunk.

Source: Sebsebe Demissew (pro.) A.A.U