Greek Mountain Tea

Greek mountain tea is made up of plants connected to the family of sideritis. Therefore, it is also called sideritis. The name originates from the greek word “sideros” which really implies iron. Greek mountain tea is primarily found in the mediterranean area. [1]

Overview

Mountain tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from a single variety of the sideritis plant. Likewise called “shepherd’s tea” or “greek mountain tea,” it is referred to in greece as tsai tou vounou, translating 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, frequently referred to 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 throughout 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 doesn’t require much soil, water, or care to make it through. Because it is primarily discovered on the rockiest cliffs of the mountain sides, it is collected in little amounts. For centuries, greek shepherds in the mountains have brewed sideritis for tea while tending to their sheep, giving it the nickname “greek shepherd’s tea.” [2]

Ancient greece

Some of these plants were known to ancient greece and authors pedanius dioscorides and theophrastus described 3 types of high mountain tea. They stated the herbs were capable of healing injuries brought on by the iron weapons ancient greek fighters experienced during battle. The shape of the stem of the plant likewise looked like a spear, long and slender with a spear head due to its distinct sepal (the bits at the base of the flower), style (the bit in the middle of the flower that sticks up) and preconception (the end of the design). [3]

Cultivation

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

Grek mountain tea is produced ethically 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 special, just the perfectionist of entire flowers are utilized.

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

Description

This tough, dry spell and heat-tolerant plant is belonging 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 small, light yellow flowers in remarkable disrupted clusters. It is used in greece for colds, respiratory health maintenance, digestion, torn nerves and the body immune system and it is apparently anti-oxidant too! This could be one of the most substantial mediterranean herbs given that rosemary. It will do finest with hot, dry summertimes, preferring full sun and extremely fast draining soil, however is dry spell tolerant when developed, and even life in a large pot! It makes a soothing tea with salubrious medical applications, typically being utilized for dealing with colds and restless insomnia. [5]

Kinds of sideritis tea

Sideritis can be found in several kinds, however the ones grown for tea usage tend to be simply among a couple of different varieties. These are all identified as “greek mountain tea” and they are all hugely helpful, so the range is not something you need to issue yourself with. There are some taste distinctions and you’ll pay basically for certain ranges, but the structure of the majority of types of sideritis is the same and supplies the exact same benefits as a result.

There does seem to be more of a focus on a type of sideritis referred to as “scardica”, simply due to the fact that this was the variety that was at the leading edge of a significant clinical trial undertaken by a german university (we’ll get to that soon). However comparable tests have been done on other ranges with similarly positive outcomes.

Simply put, as long as it’s sideritis it’s all good. [6]

Medicinal uses for greek mountain tea

Mountain tea is enormously popular in greece and is brewed usually in winter when levels of physical activity decrease and colds, aches, and discomforts increase. It is stated to have a favorable result on practically anything that ails you, however mostly it is utilized to fight colds, respiratory issues, indigestion, and mild anxiety. It is stated to boost the body immune system and is valued for its anti-oxidants, 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 regions of greece. The specific plant is discovered on rocky slopes at really high elevations (over 1000 meters). According to the scientists, sideritis genus includes over 150 readily available species. Not to be puzzled with routine tea rich in polyphenols, caffeine and a smoky, bitter flavour due to its tannic profile; this modest tea has a sweet, floral and earthy flavour and is caffeine-free. [8]

How to make greek mountain tea?

Ingredients

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

Guidelines

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, eliminate briki from heat and enable tea to steep 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 enjoy [9]

The taste of greek mountain tea

The taste of the greek mountain tea is light, fragrant, spicy with a minor sweetness. Mountain tea is best to consume with a large pinch of lemon, as the vitamin c in citrus fruits assists the body take in iron.

Active ingredients of greek mountain tea

Sideritis scardica includes, among other things:.

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

Greek mountain tea within the scope of science

Today, the outcomes of numerous investigates supply the clinical basis that its use is suggested for numerous so-called civilization diseases. In particular, it is worth pointing out the promising outcomes of the alzheimer’s researcher prof. Dr. Jens pahnke, at first accomplished with experiments on mice affected by alzheimer’s illness. Many positive feedbacks from his clients suggest that the active ingredients of the sideritis plant produce similar positive impacts in human beings.

At the same time, the greek mountain tea is not only utilized in the top prevalent disease, alzheimer’s. In 2010, a personal research study 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 disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, consuming, attention and hyperactivity conditions.

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

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

As a preventative measure, or for treatment purposes, it is generally suggested to get one litre of delicious tea from the sideritis plant. The ibam research institute refers to an alcoholic extract of the plant; it is not discussed if pure tea attains the very same result.

But attention! Of the more than 100 subspecies, only the types sideritis scardica has actually entered the focus of science and has actually showed positive results. For lots of teas, it is not clear which subspecies is offered, but the right option is important for effective treatment. The so-called wild collections can also be considered important as the purity of the tea could possibly suffer and wild resources could be damaged. [11]

Benefit of greek mountain tree

In the last few years, based on laboratory analysis, there is a connection in between the intake of the plant extract of sideritis (mountain tea) with our central nervous system (cns), which implies that regular drinking of it may avoid or combat the conditions caused by anxiety, anxiety and degeneration of brain cells (alzheimer’s illness).

It is likewise among the few herbs that have no contradictions nor side-effects due to over consumption, making it an exceptional option to enjoy securely be it cold or hot to warm or rejuvenating our body and shielding our health.

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

Other advantages of greek mountain tea

Anti-oxidants

The flower is rich in important oil which offers its natural anti-oxidants residential or commercial properties that assist to eliminate free-radicals. Other anti-oxidants properties include flavonoids, aglycones, chlorogenic acid (cancer avoiding substance), verbascoside (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial) and numerous others. The flavonoids is believed to be able to prevent a particular receptor in the human brain.

Increase immune system

This herb has revealed to have potent anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant qualities. It assists 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 battle flu signs and stress-related ailments such as chest infections, a foggy head, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue and anxiety. It is likewise known that the tea is a mild pain reliever and with its anti-inflammatory residential or commercial properties, it is a solution to combat cold, aches, allergies, respiratory issues and improve immune system.

Assist to improve gastrointestinal system

Phenols and anti-oxidants found naturally in the plant help reduce swelling in food poisonings. It assists to lower toxicity in the body over a time period and indirectly help to improve digestive health. Regular intake of greek mountain tea aid stomach and gastrointestinal problem such as stomach infection, stomach discomfort, heartburn and small heartburns.

Help enhance brain health/ improve memory

It has natural anti-microbial residential or commercial properties against bacteria. It also assists enhance memory abilities and help anxiety. It does prevent and even possibly reducing the deposits of afflict in the brain.

Reduce high blood pressure

Drinking mountain tea on routine basis helps lower high blood pressure and unwinded capillary. Dialation revealed this in turn decreased tension on the heart muscle and pressure. This could also describe the herbs incredibly unwinding residential or commercial properties.

Construct strong bones and prevent osteoporosis

It is high in iron that helps to fight anemia, strengthening bones, construct brand-new bone cells, preserve excellent bone health and prevent bone loss take place when we age.

Minimize tension, stress and anxiety, fight depression

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

Further more

Aids with sleep quality

Unlike some other teas, greek mountain tea is free from caffeine, which suggests you can consume it whenever of the day, consisting of in the afternoons and nights.

It has a soothing result that can assist you fall asleep earlier and sleep through the night, which can support the treatment of different sleeping conditions. [13]

Boosts libido

This last special benefit that you may take advantage of from sipping greek mountain tea is most likely worth trying if you are dealing with a sexual issue in your relationship life. According to the timeless belief and resources, the routine intake of greek mountain tea may help raise an individual’s lust and physical desire.

Reduced sex drive may be observed as one of the signs of anxiety, and considering that greek mountain tea has healing effect on depression, it is perhaps logical to conclude that it will have the very same result on reduced sex drive. [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 any time of the day, first thing in the early morning to right before bed. With all the fantastic advantages 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 danger of miscarriage as it can have a revitalizing effect on uterine contractions. Sideritis raeseri. It has a lovely, mild taste, is 100% natural and naturally caffeine complimentary. [16]

Does greek mountain tea help in weight-loss?

Typically, mountain tea in greece is mainly utilized for its helpful result versus the cold and upper respiratory system infections, along with handling indigestion and other gastrointestinal disorders, while it’s also thought about an anticonvulsant, an analgesic, and a recovery herb. It doesn’t consist of caffeine, however there’re traces of theobromine which is a diuretic and has a positive action on the respiratory system.

Its fresh leaves are rich in vitamin c. The infusion made with this herb is utilized as a gastrointestinal aid, a diuretic in digestive conditions, and a stimulant of the brain and the muscles– it’s speeding up the breathing. Long term use of the tea, however, can cause conditions related to insomnia, weight reduction, loss of appetite, and issues of the nerve system. [17]

Greek mountain tea vs green tea. Overrated 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 rich in caffeine, therefore extremely addictive and harmful, when consumed in large amounts. Caffeine is usually related to coffee, but 4- 5 cups of green tea each day might cause numerous health problems such as stress and anxiety, diabetes, diarrhea, constipation, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular heartbeat etc

. Catechins in the green tea, reduce the absorption of iron by our bodies and this can ultimately lead to anemia. Its consumption together with meals must be avoided as our body might not be able to utilize all the nutrients from the foods we consume. This might in some way be reduced, if the foods we eat are rich in iron and vitamin c.

Green tea is known to connect with numerous drugs and should be prevented 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 some of the side effects.

Green tea supplements are commercially offered. Although, the viewpoint of a well-appointed doctor need to be taken, prior to their usage, specifically due to the high risk of unwanted adverse effects in the liver from the polyphenols, found in this tea. Definitely, green tea is a healthy product and includes a number of helpful active ingredients, but it needs to be consumed wisely by specific groups of people.

After all, let’s not forget that the international promotional and marketing maker remains in continuous patrol for the “sanctification” of simply another item. [18]

Current truths

Mountain tea is a seasonal herb that grows between 15-40 centimeters in height and comes from 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 gathered by hand and has actually been used as a standard organic treatment since ancient times. Likewise referred to as 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 ranges of mountain tea that are frequently collected from the wild and sideritis raeseri is the only range also to be cultivated on a small scale. Favored for its earthy, sweet flavor and high dietary properties, mountain tea is predominately used in tea, and the leaves, flowers, and stems can be utilized fresh or dried to brew the medicinal infusion. [19]

Cognitive and blood flow effects of mountain tea

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

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 impacts of its consumption and this could be underpinned by the capability of such polyphenols to prevent monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake and to increase cerebral blood circulation (cbf).

The present randomised, placebo managed, parallel groups research study extends on the abovementioned percentage of literature; evaluating both cognitive and state of mind results in a sample of older (50-70 yrs) adults, along with high blood pressure (bp) and cbf, in a sub-sample, using 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 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 an extremely pleasant taste and taste, that makes it appropriate to many palates. It has lemony– natural fragrance with pleasant taste, mild-sweet, earthy with floral notes crossed with peppermint.

The developing process is rather basic: boil water in a pot, position a small handful of the leaves, stems and flowers for complete aromatic benefits, let it boil in low temperature level for 5 minutes. Turn heat off and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and delight in.

Exceptional with a spoonful of honey, it is likewise charming with lemon or cinnamon. Because it’s naturally caffeine-free, it can be taken pleasure in any time of the day. Fresh, fragrant and tasty– can be delighted in either hot or iced. [21]

Greek mountain tea face water

Advantages

Greek mountain tea instilled water to moisturize and secure the skin against early aging.

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

Utilizes

• Spray straight on the skin from a 30 cm range:
• Before make-up or after eliminating cosmetics for skin revitalization.
• Prior to and during sun direct exposure for antioxidant and photo protective result, prior to utilizing sun block.
• After sun direct exposure for freshness, restoration and recovery from damage brought on by solar radiation.
• During the day for rejuvenation and freshness.
• On face and body after shower or physical activity. [22]

Adverse effects

In rodent models, no toxicity of sideritis scardica was identified, even at high does of 2,000 mg per kg of body weight, given 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 actually not been documented in released medical literature. That stated, be careful with pre-made blends due to the fact that there’s a good chance they might consist of known irritants.

You need to not consume traditional medicinals brand name if you dislike 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 medications firm:.

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

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

Regardless of being an extensively taken in hot drink throughout the balkan peninsula, the european medications agency reports that data on adverse responses from ironwort plant have not been documented in medical or scientific literature. There might be side effects of mountain tea, yet they remain to be identified. [23]

Suggested dose

Like all other teas we recommend for daily usage, 3-5 cups a day is typically adequate to provide the needed health advantages. Greek mountain tea is caffeine complimentary, so it’s likewise great throughout later hours. It also has a naturally sweet, floral flavor with a note of lemon, and it would make an exceptional iced tea while retaining all the specified benefits. Incorporating greek mountain tea is a terrific way to enhance your health. [24]

Conclusions

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

Referrals

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/