Greek Mountain Tea

Greek mountain tea is made up of plants related to the family of sideritis. Therefore, it is also called sideritis. The name comes from the greek word “sideros” which actually indicates iron. Greek mountain tea is mostly found in the mediterranean region. [1]

Overview

Mountain tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from a single range of the sideritis plant. Likewise known as “shepherd’s tea” or “greek mountain tea,” it is referred to in greece as tsai tou vounou, translating straight to “tea of the mountain.” it is brewed using the dried flowers, leaves, and stems of the sideritis plant, discovered in the mediterranean mountain areas of greece, which is the largest customer of mountain tea, along with in albania, bulgaria, and macedonia.

Sideritis, typically known as ironwort, got its name from the greek word for iron, sideros. In ancient times, the herb was utilized to heal injuries caused by iron weapons during battles.

The sideritis plant grows wild at high elevations over 3,200 feet and flourishes with the sun in partially-arid temperature levels. Essentially, this indicates it does not need much soil, water, or care to endure. Due to the fact that it is primarily discovered on the rockiest cliffs of the mountain sides, it is collected in little sums. For centuries, greek shepherds in the mountains have actually brewed sideritis for tea while tending to their sheep, providing it the label “greek shepherd’s tea.” [2]

Ancient greece

A few of these plants were known to ancient greece and writers pedanius dioscorides and theophrastus explained 3 types of high mountain tea. They said the herbs were capable of recovery wounds triggered by the iron weapons ancient greek fighters experienced during battle. The shape of the stem of the plant also resembled a spear, long and slender with a spear head due to its distinct sepal (the bits at the base of the flower), design (the bit in the middle of the flower that sticks up) and stigma (completion of the style). [3]

Cultivation

Sideritis is typically planted in late autumn or early spring and gathered in summer, when its yellow flowers are in full bloom. It’s then dried before being utilized as one of the very best greek natural teas; mountain tea.

Grek mountain tea is produced morally and sustainably; it is 100% natural and natural, there is no use of chemicals or pesticides. Discarding stalks and leaves was the masterstroke that makes grek greek mountain tea unique, only the purist of entire flowers are used.

The plants are gathered by hand for grek in the early hours of the early morning when it is cool, then only the most beautiful flowers are dried by hanging in well-ventilated barns. This is more labor extensive however well worth it for the lighter, more flower infusion and fragrant flavour found in grek greek mountain tea. Vibrant woody and fruity flavours make this greek herbal tea perfect to pair with honey or beverage on its own as a calming, healthy drink anytime of the day. [4]

Description

This difficult, dry spell and heat-tolerant plant is native to the mountains surrounding the mediterranean sea, specifically the peloponnese. It forms an attractive-looking, low, dense mound of slim, fragrant, greyish foliage, covered in white fuzz, bold you to touch it, and bearing in mid summertime, pretty, upright stems of little, light yellow flowers in remarkable disturbed clusters. It is utilized in greece for colds, breathing health maintenance, digestion, torn nerves and the immune system and it is apparently anti-oxidant too! This could be among the most considerable mediterranean herbs because rosemary. It will do best with hot, dry summers, preferring full sun and really quick draining pipes soil, however is drought tolerant as soon as established, or perhaps life in a big pot! It makes a relaxing tea with salubrious medicinal applications, frequently being used for dealing with colds and uneasy sleeping disorders. [5]

Kinds of sideritis tea

Sideritis is available in several kinds, however the ones grown for tea usage tend to be simply one of a few various varieties. These are all identified as “greek mountain tea” and they are all extremely helpful, so the variety is not something you must issue yourself with. There are some taste differences and you’ll pay basically for certain varieties, but the structure of most kinds of sideritis is the same and provides the same advantages as a result.

There does appear to be more of a focus on a kind of sideritis referred to as “scardica”, simply since this was the variety that was at the leading edge of a major scientific trial carried out by a german university (we’ll get to that soon). However comparable tests have been done on other ranges with similarly favorable outcomes.

Put simply, as long as it’s sideritis it’s all good. [6]

Medical uses for greek mountain tea

Mountain tea is tremendously popular in greece and is brewed usually in winter when levels of physical activity decrease and colds, aches, and pains increase. It is said to have a positive effect on almost anything that ails you, however primarily it is used to combat colds, respiratory problems, indigestion, and mild stress and anxiety. It is said to reinforce the immune system and is valued for its antioxidants, as an anti-inflammatory and to lower fever. [7]

Does greek mountain tea have caffeine?

This tea includes select handpicked dried flowers, leaves and stems of the native sideritis plant which grow wild throughout the mountainous regions of greece. The specific plant is found on rocky slopes at extremely high elevations (over 1000 meters). According to the researchers, sideritis genus consists of over 150 offered species. Not to be puzzled with regular tea abundant in polyphenols, caffeine and a smoky, bitter flavour due to its tannic profile; this humble tea has a sweet, floral and earthy flavour and is caffeine-free. [8]

How to make greek mountain tea?

Active ingredients

• Greek mountain tea
• 1 cup water
• Sugar/honey, optional

Guidelines

1. Gather 1-2 stems of the tea leaves and break them into thirds
2. Fill your briki (or a pot) with the water; turn heat to medium-high
3. Position your tea leaves in the water and let boil
4. When boiling, eliminate briki from heat and allow tea to steep for about 7 mins
5. Put tea into cup while thoroughly using a strainer to capture the tea leaves
6. Sweeten with sugar or honey (optional) and take pleasure in [9]

The taste of greek mountain tea

The taste of the greek mountain tea is light, aromatic, spicy with a small sweetness. Mountain tea is best to consume with a big pinch of lemon, as the vitamin c in citrus fruits helps the body soak up iron.

Active ingredients of greek mountain tea

Sideritis scardica includes, to name a few things:.

• Minerals such as zinc and potassium,
• Bitter and tannins,
• Flavonoids,
• Antioxidants,
• Necessary oils such as myristicin, menthol, thymol, carvacrol. [10]

Greek mountain tea within the scope of science

Today, the outcomes of many investigates provide the clinical basis that its use is suggested for lots of so-called civilization diseases. In particular, it deserves discussing the appealing outcomes of the alzheimer’s researcher prof. Dr. Jens pahnke, initially accomplished with experiments on mice impacted by alzheimer’s illness. Many favorable feedbacks from his clients suggest that the active ingredients of the sideritis plant produce comparable favorable impacts in people.

At the same time, the greek mountain tea is not just utilized in the top widespread illness, alzheimer’s. In 2010, a private research study institute in germany signed up a patent for extracts of the sideritis plant as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of anxiety, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive conditions, panic attacks, consuming, attention and hyperactivity conditions.

To sum up, according to existing scientific knowledge, the treatment with sideritis extracts is indicated for.

• Alzheimer’s illness
• Anxieties
• Sleep conditions
• Adhd

As a safety measure, or for treatment functions, it is normally suggested to acquire one litre of tasty tea from the sideritis plant. The ibam research institute refers to an alcoholic extract of the plant; it is not pointed out if pure tea achieves the same result.

However attention! Of the more than 100 subspecies, only the types sideritis scardica has actually come into the focus of science and has revealed positive results. For numerous teas, it is not clear which subspecies is offered, however the right choice is vital for effective treatment. The so-called wild collections can likewise be thought about crucial as the pureness of the tea might potentially suffer and wild resources could be damaged. [11]

Advantage of greek mountain tree

Recently, based upon lab analysis, there is a connection between the usage of the plant extract of sideritis (mountain tea) with our main nervous system (cns), which implies that regular drinking of it may prevent or fight the disorders brought on by anxiety, anxiety and degeneration of brain cells (alzheimer’s illness).

It is likewise one of the few herbs that have no contradictions nor side-effects due to over usage, making it an exceptional option to take pleasure in safely be it cold or hot to warm or refreshing our body and protecting our health.

Greek mountain tea has been part of the mediterranean diet for centuries, they are popular in greece, turkey, albania, kosovo, bulgaria and the republic of macedonia.

Other benefits of greek mountain tea

Anti-oxidants

The flower is rich in important oil which gives its natural anti-oxidants homes that help to fight free-radicals. Other anti-oxidants homes consist of flavonoids, aglycones, chlorogenic acid (cancer preventing compound), verbascoside (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial) and many others. The flavonoids is thought to be able to hinder a specific receptor in the human brain.

Increase body immune system

This herb has actually revealed to have potent anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant qualities. It helps to improve the body immune system. It is belive that drinking two to three cups of mountain tea every day is thought to help prevent or combat flu symptoms and stress-related ailments such as chest infections, a foggy head, gastrointestinal complaints, tiredness and stress and anxiety. It is likewise known that the tea is a mild pain medication and with its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a treatment to eliminate cold, aches, allergies, breathing problems and enhance immune system.

Help to improve digestive system

Phenols and anti-oxidants found naturally in the plant help in reducing swelling in gastrointestinal disorders. It assists to decrease toxicity in the body over a period of time and indirectly assist to improve digestion health. Routine usage of greek mountain tea help stomach and gastrointestinal issue such as stomach infection, stomach pain, acid reflux and small heartburns.

Help improve brain health/ enhance memory

It has natural anti-microbial homes against germs. It also helps enhance memory skills and assist stress and anxiety. It does prevent and even potentially decreasing the deposits of pester in the brain.

Lower blood pressure

Consuming mountain tea on regular basis assists lower blood pressure and unwinded blood vessels. Dialation shown this in turn reduced tension on the heart muscle and pressure. This could likewise describe the herbs incredibly relaxing residential or commercial properties.

Develop strong bones and avoid osteoporosis

It is high in iron that helps to eliminate anemia, strengthening bones, develop new bone cells, keep excellent bone health and prevent bone loss occur when we age.

Reduce tension, anxiety, battle depression

The tea has a high concentration of serotonin, noradrenalin and dopamine which are understood to help battle stress and anxiety, depression. [12]

Further more

Helps with sleep quality

Unlike some other teas, greek mountain tea is free from caffeine, which means you can consume it at any time of the day, consisting of in the afternoons and evenings.

It has a soothing impact that can help you fall asleep earlier and sleep through the night, which can support the treatment of various sleeping disorders. [13]

Improves sex drive

This last special advantage that you may take advantage of from drinking greek mountain tea is probably worth attempting if you are facing a sexual concern in your relationship life. According to the classic belief and resources, the routine consumption of greek mountain tea may help raise a person’s desire and physical desire.

Reduced sex drive might be observed as one of the indications of depression, and given that greek mountain tea has healing result on depression, it is probably logical to conclude that it will have the same impact on decreased libido. [14]

When to drink?

Brew a cup on a warm sunny day or the coldest winter night, when you feel 100% or when you are feeling a cold or flu coming. Greek mountain tea can be intoxicated at any time of the day, first thing in the morning to prior to bed. With all the amazing benefits we have been consuming at least 2 cups a day! [15]

Is sideritis tea safe during pregnancy?

For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, this tea is not suggested to be consumed versus the threat of miscarriage as it can have a revitalizing effect on uterine contractions. Sideritis raeseri. It has a beautiful, mild taste, is 100% organic and naturally caffeine totally free. [16]

Does greek mountain tea help in weight-loss?

Generally, mountain tea in greece is mainly used for its beneficial impact against the cold and upper respiratory system infections, as well as dealing with indigestion and other food poisonings, while it’s also considered an anticonvulsant, an analgesic, and a healing herb. It does not contain caffeine, but there’re traces of theobromine which is a diuretic and has a favorable action on the breathing system.

Its fresh leaves are rich in vitamin c. The infusion made with this herb is utilized as a digestion aid, a diuretic in digestion conditions, and a stimulant of the brain and the muscles– it’s accelerating the breathing. Long term use of the tea, though, can trigger disorders related to sleeping disorders, weight loss, loss of appetite, and issues of the nervous system. [17]

Greek mountain tea vs green tea. Exaggerated after all?

If we compare the greek mountain tea to the popular and extremely publicized green tea, specific points require to be stressed:.

Green tea is a plant which is abundant in caffeine, for that reason extremely addictive and harmful, when consumed in large amounts. Caffeine is typically related to coffee, but 4- 5 cups of green tea each day could result in various illness such as anxiety, diabetes, diarrhea, irregularity, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular heart beat etc

. Catechins in the green tea, decrease the absorption of iron by our bodies and this can ultimately result in anemia. Its usage in addition to meals ought to be avoided as our body might not be able to utilize all the nutrients from the foods we consume. This might somehow be diminished, if the foods we eat are rich in iron and vitamin c.

Green tea is known to connect with various drugs and must be avoided in particular cases, such as consuming it with stimulant drugs that speed up the performance of the nervous system. Dizziness, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate could be a few of the adverse effects.

Green tea supplements are commercially available. Although, the viewpoint of a well-equipped medical professional need to be taken, before their usage, especially due to the high danger of undesirable adverse effects in the liver from the polyphenols, found in this tea. Certainly, green tea is a healthy item and consists of a number of advantageous components, but it ought to be taken in wisely by particular groups of individuals.

After all, let’s not forget that the international promotional and marketing maker is in constant patrol for the “sanctification” of just another product. [18]

Current facts

Mountain tea is a perennial herb that grows between 15-40 centimeters in height and belongs to the genus sideritis, botanically a part of the lamiaceae or mint family. Growing wild along rocky mountainsides of southern europe at elevations over nine-huned meters, mountain tea is gathered by hand and has actually been used as a traditional organic solution considering that ancient times. Likewise called ironwort, shepherd’s tea, tea of the gods, tea of the titans, tsai tou vou nou, tea of the mountain, malotira, olympos tea, and parnassos tea, there are over seventeen various varieties of mountain tea that are commonly collected from the wild and sideritis raeseri is the only variety also to be cultivated on a little scale. Preferred for its earthy, sweet taste and high nutritional properties, mountain tea is predominately utilized in tea, and the leaves, flowers, and stems can be utilized fresh or dried to brew the medicinal infusion. [19]

Cognitive and blood circulation results of mountain tea

Two doses (475 mg and 950 mg) of sideritis scardica (ss or ‘mountain tea’) are examined for cognitive, state of mind, blood pressure and cerebral blood circulation results in a healthy group of 50-70 yr olds, both acutely and following 28 days of consumption.

The presence of polyphenols such as ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and apigenin in sideritis scardica (ss or ‘mountain tea’) are most likely responsible for the cognitive and state of mind impacts of its usage and this could be underpinned by the ability of such polyphenols to prevent monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake and to increase cerebral blood flow (cbf).

The present randomised, placebo managed, parallel groups study extends on the abovementioned percentage of literature; examining both cognitive and state of mind outcomes in a sample of older (50-70 years) adults, as well as blood pressure (bp) and cbf, in a sub-sample, utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy (nirs). The above will be assessed acutely (pre-dose and 90- and 310-mins post dosage) on day 1 and following 28 day usage of either a placebo control, and active control of 240 mg ginkgo biloba, 475 mg ss or 950 mg ss. [20]

How to add flavor to your tea?

Mountain tea has a really pleasant taste and flavor, which makes it appropriate to most palates. It has lemony– organic scent with enjoyable taste, mild-sweet, earthy with flower notes crossed with peppermint.

The developing procedure is rather simple: boil water in a pot, position a small handful of the leaves, stems and flowers for full fragrant advantages, let it boil in low temperature level for 5 minutes. Turn heat off and let it high for 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Outstanding with a spoonful of honey, it is also beautiful with lemon or cinnamon. Considering that it’s naturally caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed whenever of the day. Fresh, fragrant and tasty– can be enjoyed either hot or iced. [21]

Greek mountain tea face water

Advantages

Greek mountain tea infused water to hydrate and safeguard the skin against premature aging.

• Protects against anti-oxidants and improves the skin’s capability to defend itself against external triggers of oxidative tension (uv radiation, environmental pollution).
• Rejuvenates and tones skin.
• Soothes and uses an experience of freshness

Utilizes

• Spray straight on the skin from a 30 cm range:
• Before cosmetics or after eliminating cosmetics for skin revitalization.
• Prior to and throughout sun direct exposure for antioxidant and photo protective impact, before using sunscreen.
• After sun direct exposure for freshness, renewal and recovery from damage triggered by solar radiation.
• Throughout the day for rejuvenation and freshness.
• On face and body after shower or exercise. [22]

Negative effects

In rodent models, no toxicity of sideritis scardica was discovered, even at high dosages of 2,000 mg per kg of body weight, offered for 14 successive days. On the cellular level, genotoxicity and mutagenicity have actually not been observed, either.

Allergies to greek mountain tea made with sideritis leaves, flowers, and stems have not been recorded in published medical literature. That stated, beware with pre-made blends since there’s a good chance they may consist of known allergens.

You need to not drink traditional medicinals brand name if you are allergic to plants in the parsley (apiaceae) family, such as fennel, coriander, or caraway. They add some of those to the sideritis herb.

According to a 2016 report by the european medicines agency:.

” no reproductive and developmental toxicity research studies performed on mountain tea herb was found in the scientific literature.”.

There isn’t information to recommend that drinking greek mountain tea while pregnant or breastfeeding threatens, though on the flip-side, there isn’t data to show it’s safe. Because of that, avoidance during pregnancy and lactation is advised.

In spite of being a widely consumed hot beverage throughout the balkan peninsula, the european medications firm reports that data on adverse reactions from ironwort plant have actually not been documented in medical or scientific literature. There might be side effects of mountain tea, yet they remain to be recognized. [23]

Advised dose

Like all other teas we recommend for daily usage, 3-5 cups a day is often adequate to offer the required health advantages. Greek mountain tea is caffeine totally free, so it’s likewise excellent during later hours. It also has a naturally sweet, flower flavor with a note of lemon, and it would make an excellent iced tea while keeping all the specified advantages. Incorporating greek mountain tea is a great method to enhance your health. [24]

Conclusions

Mountain tea drinking avoids anxiety-related habits and confers antioxidant security to rodent’s tissues in a region-specific, dose-dependent manner, and its phytochemical constituents are revealed for the very first time. [25]

References

1. Https://tofillo.com/herbs/greek-mountain-tea-benefits/
2. Https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-mountain-tea-sideritis/
3. Https://teapro.co.uk/greek-mountain-tea/
4. Https://grektea.com/blogs/news/wonderful-greek-mountain-tea-the-key-facts-and-benefits-of-this-delightful-healthy-drink
5. Https://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/4238
6. Https://you-reviews.com/greek-mountain-tea/
7. Https://www.thespruceeats.com/greek-mountain-tea-1706000
8. Https://oliveology.co.uk/greek-mountain-tea-ironwort-or-sideritis/
9. Https://www.lemonandolives.com/greek-tea-what-it-is-and-how-to-make-it/
10. Https://www.greekflavours.com/en/blog/greek-mountain-tea
11. Https://en.sideritis.info/greek-mountain-tea/
12. Https://botanatea.com/pages/greek-mountain-tea_benefits
13. Https://theteathief.co/blogs/news/organic-greek-mountain-tea-health-benefits
14. Https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/beverages/tea/health-benefits-of-greek-mountain-tea
15. Https://pappaspost.com/five-reasons-to-try-greek-mountain-tea/
16. Https://www.assemblymade.com/2021/05/is-sideritis-tea-safe-during-pregnancy/
17. Https://www.greektasteonline.co.uk/blogs/health-nutrition/mountain-tea-the-amazing-properties-of-the-greek-herb
18. Https://www.kardamas.com/blog/the-greek-mountain-tea
19. Https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/mountain_tea_17585.php
20. Https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/nct03475823
21. Https://activitea.shop/blogs/recipes/how-to-prepare-mountain-tea
22. Https://www.apivita.com/en/greek-mountain-tea-face-water-10-22-00-535.html
23. Https://www.superfoodly.com/greek-mountain-tea-ironwort-sideritis/#side_effects
24. Https://www.thewhistlingkettle.com/a/info/blog/mountain-tea-benefits
25. Https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22202940/