Greek Mountain Tea

Greek mountain tea is made up of plants connected to the household of sideritis. Therefore, it is likewise referred to as sideritis. The name originates from the greek word “sideros” which actually implies iron. Greek mountain tea is mainly found in the mediterranean area. [1]

Introduction

Mountain tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from a single range 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, found in the mediterranean mountain regions of greece, which is the biggest customer of mountain tea, as well as in albania, bulgaria, and macedonia.

Sideritis, commonly called ironwort, got its name from the greek word for iron, sideros. In ancient times, the herb was utilized to recover injuries caused by iron weapons during fights.

The sideritis plant grows wild at high elevations over 3,200 feet and flourishes with the sun in partially-arid temperatures. Basically, this means it does not need much soil, water, or care to endure. Because it is mostly found on the rockiest cliffs of the mountain sides, it is collected in little amounts. For centuries, greek shepherds in the mountains have actually 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 species of high mountain tea. They stated the herbs can healing injuries triggered by the iron weapons ancient greek fighters come across 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), design (the bit in the middle of the flower that sticks up) and preconception (the end of the design). [3]

Growing

Sideritis is usually planted in late fall or early spring and collected in summer season, when its yellow flowers are in full bloom. It’s then dried before being used as one of the best greek natural 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. Disposing of stalks and leaves was the masterstroke that makes grek greek mountain tea special, 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 pristine flowers are dried by hanging in well-ventilated barns. This is more labor intensive however well worth it for the lighter, more flower infusion and fragrant flavour found in grek greek mountain tea. Dynamic woody and fruity flavours make this greek organic tea ideal to pair with honey or beverage on its own as a calming, healthy beverage anytime of the day. [4]

Description

This difficult, drought and heat-tolerant plant is native to the mountains surrounding the mediterranean sea, particularly 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 summer season, quite, upright stems of small, light yellow flowers in fascinating disrupted clusters. It is utilized in greece for colds, breathing health care, digestion, torn nerves and the immune system and it is obviously anti-oxidant too! This could be among the most significant mediterranean herbs because rosemary. It will do finest with hot, dry summer seasons, preferring complete sun and extremely quick draining pipes soil, but is drought tolerant once developed, and even life in a large pot! It makes a relaxing tea with salubrious medicinal applications, frequently being utilized for dealing with colds and agitated insomnia. [5]

Types of sideritis tea

Sideritis is available in several kinds, however the ones grown for tea usage tend to be just among a couple of different ranges. These are all identified as “greek mountain tea” and they are all hugely advantageous, so the variety is not something you must concern yourself with. There are some taste distinctions and you’ll pay basically for certain varieties, however the structure of many types of sideritis is the same and offers the exact same advantages as a result.

There does appear to be more of a focus on a type of sideritis known as “scardica”, purely due to the fact that this was the variety that was at the forefront of a significant scientific trial carried out by a german university (we’ll get to that quickly). However similar tests have actually been done on other ranges with similarly positive results.

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

Medical uses for greek mountain tea

Mountain tea is enormously popular in greece and is brewed most often in winter when levels of exercise decrease and colds, pains, and pains increase. It is stated to have a positive effect on nearly anything that ails you, but mostly it is used to combat colds, breathing problems, indigestion, and mild stress and anxiety. It is stated to bolster the body immune system and is valued for its antioxidants, as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce fever. [7]

Does greek mountain tea have caffeine?

This tea includes choose 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 very high elevations (over 1000 meters). According to the scientists, sideritis genus consists of over 150 readily available species. Not to be confused with regular tea abundant 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

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. Put your tea leaves in the water and let boil
4. When boiling, get rid of briki from heat and permit tea to steep for about 7 minutes
5. Pour tea into cup while carefully utilizing a strainer to catch the tea leaves
6. Sweeten with sugar or honey (optional) and delight in [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 helps the body absorb iron.

Ingredients of greek mountain tea

Sideritis scardica includes, to name a few things:.

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

Greek mountain tea within the scope of science

Today, the outcomes of numerous looks into offer the clinical basis that its use is indicated for lots of so-called civilization diseases. In particular, it is worth discussing the appealing results of the alzheimer’s scientist prof. Dr. Jens pahnke, initially attained with experiments on mice affected by alzheimer’s illness. Many positive feedbacks from his clients recommend that the active components of the sideritis plant produce comparable favorable impacts in human beings.

At the same time, the greek mountain tea is not just used in the number one widespread disease, 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 disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, eating, attention and hyperactivity disorders.

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

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

As a safety measure, or for treatment functions, it is generally suggested to obtain one litre of tasty tea from the sideritis plant. The ibam research institute describes an alcoholic extract of the plant; it is not discussed if pure tea achieves the exact same outcome.

But attention! Of the more than 100 subspecies, just the types sideritis scardica has actually entered the focus of science and has actually showed positive outcomes. For lots of teas, it is unclear which subspecies is offered, however the best choice is crucial for successful treatment. The so-called wild collections can likewise be considered vital as the purity of the tea might possibly suffer and wild resources could be damaged. [11]

Advantage of greek mountain tree

Recently, based upon lab analysis, there is a connection in 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 combat the disorders caused by stress and anxiety, depression 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 choice to delight in safely be it cold or hot to warm or rejuvenating our body and protecting our health.

Greek mountain tea has actually become 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 vital oil which gives its natural anti-oxidants properties that help to fight free-radicals. Other anti-oxidants homes include flavonoids, aglycones, chlorogenic acid (cancer preventing substance), verbascoside (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial) and lots of others. The flavonoids is believed to be able to inhibit a particular receptor in the human brain.

Increase immune system

This herb has revealed to have powerful anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant qualities. It helps to enhance the immune system. It is belive that consuming 2 to 3 cups of mountain tea every day is believed to assist prevent or combat flu signs and stress-related ailments such as chest infections, a foggy head, digestion problems, fatigue and anxiety. It is likewise understood that the tea is a moderate pain medication and with its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a remedy to fight cold, aches, allergic reactions, respiratory problems and improve body immune system.

Help to improve digestion system

Phenols and anti-oxidants found naturally in the plant help reduce inflammation in gastrointestinal disorders. It assists to minimize toxicity in the body over a time period and indirectly assist to enhance digestive health. Routine consumption of greek mountain tea help stomach and gastrointestinal problem such as stomach infection, stomach discomfort, acid reflux and small heartburns.

Help enhance brain health/ improve memory

It has natural anti-microbial residential or commercial properties against germs. It also assists improve memory skills and assist stress and anxiety. It does prevent and even possibly reducing the deposits of plague in the brain.

Decrease blood pressure

Drinking mountain tea on routine basis assists lower high blood pressure and relaxed blood vessels. Dialation shown this in turn decreased tension on the heart muscle and pressure. This might likewise describe the herbs incredibly relaxing properties.

Construct strong bones and prevent osteoporosis

It is high in iron that assists to combat anemia, enhancing bones, construct brand-new bone cells, preserve great bone health and avoid bone loss occur when we age.

Reduce stress, stress and anxiety, fight anxiety

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

Further more

Helps with sleep quality

Unlike some other teas, greek mountain tea is devoid of caffeine, which implies you can drink it any time of the day, consisting of in the afternoons and evenings.

It has a calming result that can assist you go to sleep earlier and sleep through the night, which can support the treatment of various sleeping disorders. [13]

Enhances sex drive

This last unique advantage that you might make the most of from drinking greek mountain tea is most likely worth attempting if you are dealing with a sexual concern in your relationship life. According to the timeless belief and resources, the regular consumption of greek mountain tea may help raise an individual’s desire and physical desire.

Decreased sex drive might be observed as one of the signs of anxiety, and because greek mountain tea has recovery result on anxiety, it is arguably logical to conclude that it will have the very same result on decreased sex drive. [14]

When to consume?

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 influenza coming. Greek mountain tea can be intoxicated any time of the day, first thing in the early morning to just before bed. With all the amazing benefits we have been consuming a minimum of 2 cups a day! [15]

Is sideritis tea safe during pregnancy?

For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, this tea is not recommended to be consumed versus the risk of miscarriage as it can have a revitalizing result on uterine contractions. Sideritis raeseri. It has a charming, moderate taste, is 100% natural and naturally caffeine totally free. [16]

Does greek mountain tea aid in weight reduction?

Traditionally, mountain tea in greece is mainly utilized for its useful result versus the cold and upper respiratory tract infections, along with handling indigestion and other food poisonings, while it’s likewise considered an anticonvulsant, an analgesic, and a healing herb. It does not include caffeine, but there’re traces of theobromine which is a diuretic and has a favorable action on the breathing system.

Its fresh leaves are abundant in vitamin c. The infusion made with this herb is utilized as a gastrointestinal help, 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, though, can trigger conditions related to sleeping disorders, weight loss, anorexia nervosa, and issues of the nerve system. [17]

Greek mountain tea vs green tea. Overvalued 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, therefore extremely addicting and damaging, when consumed in large amounts. Caffeine is normally associated with coffee, but 4- 5 cups of green tea each day might cause different health problems such as stress and anxiety, diabetes, diarrhea, constipation, sleeping disorders, 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 in addition to meals need to be avoided as our body might not be able to use all the nutrients from the foods we eat. This might somehow be decreased, if the foods we eat are rich in iron and vitamin c.

Green tea is known to interact with numerous drugs and need to be avoided in specific cases, such as consuming it with stimulant drugs that accelerate the functioning of the nerve system. Dizziness, increased high blood pressure and increased heart rate could be some of the negative effects.

Green tea supplements are commercially offered. Although, the viewpoint of a well-appointed physician should be taken, before their consumption, particularly due to the high threat of undesirable side effects in the liver from the polyphenols, found in this tea. Certainly, green tea is a healthy product and contains numerous beneficial active ingredients, but it ought to be taken in sensibly by particular groups of individuals.

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

Current realities

Mountain tea is a perennial 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 harvested by hand and has been used as a conventional herbal remedy since ancient times. Also 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 varieties of mountain tea that are commonly harvested from the wild and sideritis raeseri is the only variety likewise to be cultivated on a small scale. Preferred for its earthy, sweet flavor and high dietary residential or commercial 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 flow impacts of mountain tea

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

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

The current randomised, placebo managed, parallel groups research study extends on the abovementioned percentage of literature; examining both cognitive and state of mind outcomes in a sample of older (50-70 yrs) adults, as well as high blood pressure (bp) and cbf, in a sub-sample, utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy (nirs). The above will be evaluated 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 include flavor to your tea?

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

The developing process is rather easy: boil water in a pot, place 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 high for 5 minutes. Pressure and take pleasure in.

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

Greek mountain tea face water

Benefits

Greek mountain tea infused water to hydrate and secure the skin versus premature aging.

• Protects versus anti-oxidants and improves the skin’s ability to safeguard itself versus external triggers of oxidative stress (uv radiation, environmental pollution).
• Rejuvenates and tones skin.
• Soothes and uses a feeling of freshness

Uses

• Spray straight on the skin from a 30 cm distance:
• Prior to makeup or after eliminating make-up for skin revitalization.
• Before and throughout sun direct exposure for antioxidant and photo protective impact, before using sunscreen.
• After sun direct 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 physical activity. [22]

Negative effects

In rodent designs, no toxicity of sideritis scardica was spotted, 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 not been documented in released medical literature. That said, take care with pre-made blends due to the fact that there’s a great chance they might contain known allergens.

You ought to not consume traditional medicinals brand 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 medicines company:.

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

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

Despite being an extensively taken in hot beverage throughout the balkan peninsula, the european medications company reports that data on negative reactions from ironwort plant have not been recorded in medical or scientific literature. There might be adverse effects of mountain tea, yet they stay to be identified. [23]

Suggested dose

Like all other teas we recommend for everyday usage, 3-5 cups a day is typically sufficient to supply the needed health advantages. Greek mountain tea is caffeine free, so it’s likewise good throughout later hours. It also has a naturally sweet, flower taste with a note of lemon, and it would make an outstanding iced tea while retaining all the stated benefits. Incorporating greek mountain tea is a fantastic method to improve your health. [24]

Conclusions

Mountain tea drinking prevents anxiety-related habits and confers antioxidant defense to rodent’s tissues in a region-specific, dose-dependent way, and its phytochemical constituents are revealed for the very 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/