Greek Mountain Tea

Greek mountain tea is composed of plants associated with the household of sideritis. Therefore, it is also called sideritis. The name originates from the greek word “sideros” which in fact indicates iron. Greek mountain tea is mostly discovered in the mediterranean region. [1]

Summary

Mountain tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from a single range of the sideritis plant. Also known as “shepherd’s tea” or “greek mountain tea,” it is described in greece as tsai tou vounou, equating directly 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, in addition to in albania, bulgaria, and macedonia.

Sideritis, typically called ironwort, got its name from the greek word for iron, sideros. In ancient times, the herb was used to recover injuries brought on by iron weapons throughout battles.

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

Ancient greece

Some of these plants were understood to ancient greece and authors pedanius dioscorides and theophrastus described 3 types of high mountain tea. They stated the herbs can recovery injuries caused by the iron weapons ancient greek fighters experienced during battle. The shape of the stem of the plant likewise resembled a spear, long and slim with a spear head due to its unique sepal (the bits at the base of the flower), design (the bit in the middle of the flower that holds up) and preconception (completion of the design). [3]

Cultivation

Sideritis is typically planted in late fall or early spring and gathered in summer, when its yellow flowers are in maturity. 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 perfectionist of entire flowers are utilized.

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

Description

This hard, dry spell and heat-tolerant plant is native to the mountains surrounding the mediterranean sea, especially the peloponnese. It forms an attractive-looking, low, thick 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 disrupted clusters. It is used in greece for colds, breathing health maintenance, digestion, frayed nerves and the immune system and it is obviously anti-oxidant too! This could be one of the most substantial mediterranean herbs since rosemary. It will do finest with hot, dry summers, preferring full sun and extremely quick draining soil, however is dry spell tolerant as soon as developed, or even life in a large pot! It makes a relaxing tea with salubrious medical applications, often being used for dealing with colds and uneasy sleeping disorders. [5]

Types of sideritis tea

Sideritis can be found in several types, however the ones grown for tea intake tend to be simply among a few various varieties. These are all identified as “greek mountain tea” and they are all hugely helpful, so the range is not something you should concern yourself with. There are some taste distinctions and you’ll pay basically for certain varieties, however the composition of many forms of sideritis is the same and offers the exact same advantages as a result.

There does seem to be more of a focus on a kind of sideritis called “scardica”, simply since this was the variety that was at the forefront of a major clinical trial undertaken by a german university (we’ll get to that soon). But comparable tests have actually been done on other ranges with equally favorable results.

In other words, as long as it’s sideritis it’s all excellent. [6]

Medicinal usages for greek mountain tea

Mountain tea is enormously popular in greece and is brewed most often in winter season when levels of physical activity reduction and colds, aches, and discomforts increase. It is said to have a positive result on practically anything that ails you, however mainly it is used to fight colds, breathing problems, indigestion, and moderate stress and anxiety. It is said to boost the body 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 consists of select handpicked dried flowers, leaves and stems of the native sideritis plant which grow wild throughout the mountainous areas of greece. The particular plant is discovered on rocky slopes at extremely high elevations (over 1000 meters). According to the scientists, sideritis genus consists of over 150 offered types. Not to be puzzled with routine tea rich in polyphenols, caffeine and a smoky, bitter flavour due to its tannic profile; this simple tea has a sweet, flower and earthy flavour and is caffeine-free. [8]

How to make greek mountain tea?

Components

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

Instructions

1. Collect 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. Put your tea leaves in the water and let boil
4. As soon as boiling, get rid of briki from heat and enable tea to high for about 7 mins
5. Put tea into cup while thoroughly using a strainer to catch 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, fragrant, hot with a minor sweetness. Mountain tea is best to drink with a large pinch of lemon, as the vitamin c in citrus fruits assists the body absorb iron.

Active ingredients of greek mountain tea

Sideritis scardica consists of, to name a few things:.

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

Greek mountain tea within the scope of science

Today, the results of many investigates provide the clinical basis that its usage is suggested for many so-called civilization illness. In particular, it deserves mentioning the appealing results of the alzheimer’s researcher prof. Dr. Jens pahnke, initially achieved with experiments on mice impacted by alzheimer’s disease. Various favorable feedbacks from his clients recommend that the active components of the sideritis plant produce comparable favorable results in human beings.

At the same time, the greek mountain tea is not just used in the number one prevalent illness, alzheimer’s. In 2010, a personal research institute in germany registered a patent for extracts of the sideritis plant as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of depression, stress and anxiety conditions, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety attack, eating, attention and hyperactivity disorders.

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

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Anxieties
• Sleep disorders
• Adhd

As a precaution, or for treatment purposes, it is normally advised to obtain 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 attains the same outcome.

But attention! Of the more than 100 subspecies, only the types sideritis scardica has actually come into the focus of science and has actually showed favorable results. For many teas, it is not clear which subspecies is supplied, however the right choice is crucial for effective treatment. The so-called wild collections can also be considered vital as the purity of the tea could perhaps suffer and wild resources could be damaged. [11]

Benefit of greek mountain tree

Over the last few years, based on lab analysis, there is a connection in between the consumption of the plant extract of sideritis (mountain tea) with our main nerve system (cns), which indicates that regular drinking of it might avoid or combat the disorders caused by anxiety, depression and degeneration of brain cells (alzheimer’s disease).

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

Greek mountain tea has actually belonged to the mediterranean diet plan for centuries, they are preferred in greece, turkey, albania, kosovo, bulgaria and the republic of macedonia.

Other benefits of greek mountain tea

Anti-oxidants

The flower is rich in necessary oil which provides its natural anti-oxidants residential or commercial properties that help to combat free-radicals. Other anti-oxidants residential or commercial properties include flavonoids, aglycones, chlorogenic acid (cancer preventing substance), verbascoside (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial) and many others. The flavonoids is believed to be able to inhibit a specific receptor in the human brain.

Boost immune system

This herb has shown to have potent anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant qualities. It helps to improve the immune system. It is belive that consuming two to three cups of mountain tea every day is thought to assist prevent or fight flu signs and stress-related ailments such as chest infections, a foggy head, gastrointestinal grievances, tiredness and stress and anxiety. It is likewise understood that the tea is a moderate pain killer and with its anti-inflammatory residential or commercial properties, it is a treatment to eliminate cold, aches, allergic reactions, breathing issues and boost body immune system.

Help to enhance digestion system

Phenols and anti-oxidants discovered naturally in the plant help reduce inflammation in gastrointestinal disorders. It helps to lower toxicity in the body over a period of time and indirectly help to enhance digestive health. Regular intake of greek mountain tea aid stomach and gastrointestinal problem such as stomach infection, stomach pain, heartburn and minor heartburns.

Help improve brain health/ enhance memory

It has natural anti-microbial homes versus germs. It also assists enhance memory abilities and assist anxiety. It does avoid and even possibly reducing the deposits of pester in the brain.

Reduce blood pressure

Consuming mountain tea on routine basis helps lower high blood pressure and unwinded capillary. Dialation revealed this in turn reduced tension on the heart muscle and pressure. This might likewise explain the herbs extremely unwinding residential or commercial properties.

Develop strong bones and avoid osteoporosis

It is high in iron that helps to fight anemia, reinforcing bones, build new bone cells, preserve good bone health and avoid bone loss take place when we age.

Reduce tension, stress and anxiety, fight anxiety

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

Further more

Aids with sleep quality

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

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

Boosts libido

This last special advantage that you may benefit from drinking greek mountain tea is most likely worth trying if you are facing a sexual problem in your relationship life. According to the timeless belief and resources, the routine intake of greek mountain tea might help raise a person’s lust and physical desire.

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

When to drink?

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

Is sideritis tea safe during pregnancy?

For pregnant and breastfeeding moms, this tea is not advised to be consumed against the risk of miscarriage as it can have a stimulating impact on uterine contractions. Sideritis raeseri. It has a lovely, moderate taste, is 100% organic and naturally caffeine free. [16]

Does greek mountain tea aid in weight reduction?

Typically, mountain tea in greece is primarily used for its beneficial effect against the cold and upper respiratory tract infections, along with dealing with indigestion and other gastrointestinal disorders, while it’s also considered an anticonvulsant, an analgesic, and a recovery herb. It does not consist of 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 used as a digestion aid, a diuretic in digestion disorders, and a stimulant of the brain and the muscles– it’s speeding up the breathing. Long term use of the tea, though, can trigger conditions related to insomnia, weight-loss, anorexia nervosa, 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 advertised green tea, specific points need to be stressed:.

Green tea is a plant which is abundant in caffeine, for that reason extremely addictive and harmful, when consumed in large quantities. Caffeine is normally associated with coffee, however 4- 5 cups of green tea per day could cause numerous health issue such as anxiety, diabetes, diarrhea, irregularity, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular heartbeat etc

. Catechins in the green tea, lower the absorption of iron by our bodies and this can eventually lead to anemia. Its usage along with meals need to be avoided as our body might not have the ability to utilize all the nutrients from the foods we consume. This could in some way be diminished, if the foods we eat are abundant in iron and vitamin c.

Green tea is understood to communicate with different drugs and must be avoided in certain cases, such as consuming it with stimulant drugs that accelerate the functioning of the nerve system. Dizziness, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate could be some of the adverse effects.

Green tea supplements are commercially available. Although, the viewpoint of a well-appointed medical professional should be taken, prior to their consumption, specifically due to the high danger of undesirable negative effects in the liver from the polyphenols, found in this tea. Certainly, green tea is a healthy product and includes a number of advantageous ingredients, however it should be consumed carefully by specific groups of individuals.

After all, let’s not forget that the international promotional and advertising machine remains in consistent patrol for the “sanctification” of just another product. [18]

Present realities

Mountain tea is a perennial herb that grows in between 15-40 centimeters in height and belongs to the genus sideritis, botanically a part of the lamiaceae or mint household. Growing wild along rocky mountainsides of southern europe at elevations over nine-huned meters, mountain tea is harvested by hand and has been used as a standard herbal solution considering that ancient times. Also 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. Favored for its earthy, sweet taste and high dietary residential or commercial properties, mountain tea is predominately used in tea, and the leaves, flowers, and stems can be used fresh or dried to brew the medicinal infusion. [19]

Cognitive and blood circulation effects of mountain tea

Two doses (475 mg and 950 mg) of sideritis scardica (ss or ‘mountain tea’) are investigated for cognitive, mood, high blood pressure and cerebral blood flow results in a healthy group of 50-70 year olds, both acutely and following 28 days of usage.

The existence 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 mood results of its usage and this could be underpinned by the capability of such polyphenols to prevent monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake and to increase cerebral blood flow (cbf).

The present randomised, placebo managed, parallel groups research study extends on the abovementioned percentage of literature; examining both cognitive and mood outcomes in a sample of older (50-70 years) adults, as well as high blood pressure (bp) and cbf, in a sub-sample, utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy (nirs). The above will be examined acutely (pre-dose and 90- and 310-mins post dose) on day 1 and following 28 day consumption 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 very enjoyable taste and flavor, which makes it acceptable to many palates. It has lemony– natural scent with pleasant taste, mild-sweet, earthy with floral notes crossed with peppermint.

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

Excellent 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, aromatic and flavorful– can be enjoyed either hot or iced. [21]

Greek mountain tea face water

Advantages

Greek mountain tea instilled water to hydrate and safeguard the skin versus premature aging.

• Safeguards against anti-oxidants and boosts the skin’s capability to protect itself versus external triggers of oxidative tension (uv radiation, environmental pollution).
• Rejuvenates and tones skin.
• Soothes and provides a sensation of freshness

Uses

• Spray directly on the skin from a 30 cm distance:
• Prior to cosmetics or after removing cosmetics for skin revitalization.
• Prior to and during sun direct exposure for antioxidant and photo protective result, prior to utilizing sun block.
• After sun exposure for freshness, rejuvenation and recovery from damage brought on by solar radiation.
• Throughout the day for rejuvenation and freshness.
• On face and body after shower or exercise. [22]

Negative effects

In rodent designs, no toxicity of sideritis scardica was identified, even at high does of 2,000 mg per kg of body weight, given for 14 consecutive 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 said, be careful with pre-made blends since there’s a likelihood they may include known irritants.

You need to not consume conventional medicinals brand name if you are allergic to plants in the parsley (apiaceae) household, such as fennel, coriander, or caraway. They include a few of those to the sideritis herb.

According to a 2016 report by the european medications company:.

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

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

Despite being an extensively consumed hot beverage throughout the balkan peninsula, the european medicines company reports that information on adverse reactions from ironwort plant have not been documented in medical or scientific literature. There might be side effects of mountain tea, yet they stay to be recognized. [23]

Suggested dose

Like all other teas we recommend for everyday usage, 3-5 cups a day is often sufficient to provide the needed health benefits. Greek mountain tea is caffeine totally free, so it’s also good 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 benefits. Incorporating greek mountain tea is an excellent method to improve your health. [24]

Conclusions

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

Recommendations

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/