Greek Mountain Tea

Greek mountain tea is made up of plants associated with the family of sideritis. For that reason, it is also called sideritis. The name originates from the greek word “sideros” which really means iron. Greek mountain tea is primarily found in the mediterranean area. [1]

Overview

Mountain tea is a naturally caffeine-free organic tea made from a single range of the sideritis plant. Also referred to as “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 utilizing the dried flowers, leaves, and stems of the sideritis plant, found in the mediterranean mountain areas of greece, which is the biggest consumer of mountain tea, as well as 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 utilized to recover wounds 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 require much soil, water, or care to survive. Because it is mostly found on the rockiest cliffs of the mountain sides, it is gathered in small sums. For centuries, greek shepherds in the mountains have actually brewed sideritis for tea while tending to their sheep, giving it the label “greek shepherd’s tea.” [2]

Ancient greece

Some of these plants were known to ancient greece and writers pedanius dioscorides and theophrastus described 3 types of high mountain tea. They said the herbs can recovery wounds triggered by the iron weapons ancient greek fighters encountered during fight. The shape of the stem of the plant also looked like a spear, long and slender with a spear head due to its special sepal (the bits at the base of the flower), style (the bit in the middle of the flower that holds up) and stigma (completion of the style). [3]

Cultivation

Sideritis is normally planted in late fall or early spring and harvested in summertime, when its yellow flowers remain in maturity. It’s then dried before being utilized as one of the 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. Disposing of stalks and leaves was the masterstroke that makes grek greek mountain tea unique, just the perfectionist of whole flowers are utilized.

The plants are harvested 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 awaiting well-ventilated barns. This is more labor extensive but well worth it for the lighter, more floral infusion and aromatic flavour found in grek greek mountain tea. Dynamic woody and fruity flavours make this greek herbal tea ideal to couple with honey or beverage on its own as a soothing, healthy beverage anytime of the day. [4]

Description

This hard, dry spell and heat-tolerant plant is belonging to the mountains surrounding the mediterranean sea, particularly the peloponnese. It forms an attractive-looking, low, dense mound of slim, aromatic, greyish foliage, covered in white fuzz, bold you to touch it, and bearing in mid summertime, quite, upright stems of little, light yellow flowers in fascinating interrupted clusters. It is utilized in greece for colds, breathing health care, digestion, frayed nerves and the body immune system and it is obviously anti-oxidant too! This could be one of the most substantial mediterranean herbs because rosemary. It will do best with hot, dry summers, preferring complete sun and extremely fast draining pipes soil, however is dry spell tolerant once established, and even life in a big pot! It makes a relaxing tea with salubrious medical applications, typically being used for dealing with colds and restless sleeping disorders. [5]

Types of sideritis tea

Sideritis can be found in a number of types, however the ones grown for tea consumption tend to be simply one of a couple of various ranges. These are all identified as “greek mountain tea” and they are all extremely advantageous, so the variety is not something you need to concern yourself with. There are some taste distinctions and you’ll pay more or less for certain ranges, but the structure of the majority of types of sideritis is the same and provides the very same advantages as a result.

There does appear to be more of an emphasis on a kind of sideritis known as “scardica”, purely due to the fact that this was the range that was at the leading edge of a major scientific trial carried out by a german university (we’ll get to that soon). But similar tests have actually been done on other ranges with equally favorable outcomes.

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

Medicinal usages for greek mountain tea

Mountain tea is immensely popular in greece and is brewed frequently in winter season when levels of physical activity reduction and colds, pains, and discomforts increase. It is said to have a positive effect on practically anything that ails you, however mostly it is used to fight colds, respiratory issues, indigestion, and moderate anxiety. It is said to reinforce the body immune system and is valued for its anti-oxidants, as an anti-inflammatory and to decrease 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 found on rocky slopes at very high elevations (over 1000 meters). According to the scientists, sideritis genus consists of over 150 readily available types. Not to be confused with regular tea rich in polyphenols, caffeine and a smoky, bitter flavour due to its tannic profile; this simple tea has a sweet, floral and earthy flavour and is caffeine-free. [8]

How to make greek mountain tea?

Components

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

Directions

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, get rid of briki from heat and permit tea to high for about 7 minutes
5. Put tea into cup while carefully 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, aromatic, hot with a slight sweetness. Mountain tea is best to drink with a big pinch of lemon, as the vitamin c in citrus fruits assists the body take in iron.

Ingredients of greek mountain tea

Sideritis scardica consists of, among other 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 numerous investigates provide the clinical basis that its use is suggested for numerous so-called civilization diseases. In particular, it deserves discussing the promising outcomes of the alzheimer’s researcher prof. Dr. Jens pahnke, initially achieved with experiments on mice impacted by alzheimer’s disease. Many positive feedbacks from his patients suggest that the active components of the sideritis plant produce similar positive effects in human beings.

At the same time, the greek mountain tea is not only utilized in the primary extensive disease, alzheimer’s. In 2010, a personal research institute in germany signed up a patent for extracts of the sideritis plant as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of anxiety, 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 suggested for.

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

As a safety measure, or for treatment functions, it is generally suggested to acquire one litre of yummy tea from the sideritis plant. The ibam research institute describes 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 entered into the focus of science and has actually revealed favorable results. For many teas, it is unclear which subspecies is supplied, however the ideal choice is vital for effective treatment. The so-called wild collections can also be considered vital as the pureness of the tea could possibly 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 between the consumption of the plant extract of sideritis (mountain tea) with our main nervous system (cns), which indicates that routine drinking of it may prevent or combat the disorders triggered by anxiety, anxiety and degeneration of brain cells (alzheimer’s illness).

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

Greek mountain tea has belonged to the mediterranean diet plan for centuries, they are 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 necessary 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 thought to be able to inhibit a specific receptor in the human brain.

Boost body immune system

This herb has actually shown to have powerful anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant qualities. It helps to enhance the body immune system. It is belive that drinking 2 to 3 cups of mountain tea every day is believed to help prevent or combat influenza signs and stress-related disorders such as chest infections, a foggy head, gastrointestinal grievances, 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 solution to eliminate cold, pains, allergic reactions, respiratory problems and boost body immune system.

Help to improve gastrointestinal system

Phenols and anti-oxidants found naturally in the plant help in reducing swelling in food poisonings. It assists to minimize toxicity in the body over a time period and indirectly assist to enhance digestion health. Routine consumption of greek mountain tea help stomach and gastrointestinal problem such as stomach infection, stomach pain, heartburn and minor heartburns.

Help enhance brain health/ enhance memory

It has natural anti-microbial residential or commercial properties versus bacteria. It likewise helps enhance memory skills and help anxiety. It does prevent and even possibly decreasing the deposits of plague in the brain.

Decrease high blood pressure

Drinking mountain tea on regular basis helps lower high blood pressure and unwinded blood vessels. Dialation shown this in turn lowered tension on the heart muscle and pressure. This could also discuss the herbs incredibly relaxing properties.

Develop strong bones and prevent osteoporosis

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

Decrease tension, stress and anxiety, fight anxiety

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

Further more

Aids with sleep quality

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

It has a soothing effect that can help you drop off to sleep earlier and sleep through the night, which can support the treatment of different sleeping conditions. [13]

Increases sex drive

This last special advantage that you may benefit from sipping 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 routine intake of greek mountain tea might assist raise an individual’s desire and physical desire.

Decreased sex drive might be observed as one of the signs of anxiety, and given that greek mountain tea has healing effect on depression, it is perhaps rational to conclude that it will have the exact same result on reduced libido. [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 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 incredible advantages we have actually 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 suggested to be consumed against the risk of miscarriage as it can have a revitalizing impact on uterine contractions. Sideritis raeseri. It has a beautiful, moderate taste, is 100% natural and naturally caffeine free. [16]

Does greek mountain tea aid in weight reduction?

Traditionally, mountain tea in greece is mainly utilized for its beneficial effect against the cold and upper respiratory tract infections, as well as dealing with indigestion and other food poisonings, while it’s likewise considered an anticonvulsant, an analgesic, and a healing herb. It doesn’t consist of caffeine, but there’re traces of theobromine which is a diuretic and has a positive action on the breathing system.

Its fresh leaves are abundant in vitamin c. The infusion made with this herb is used as a gastrointestinal aid, a diuretic in gastrointestinal 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 disorders related to sleeping disorders, weight-loss, loss of appetite, and problems 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 very advertised green tea, particular points need to be stressed:.

Green tea is a plant which is abundant in caffeine, for that reason highly addictive and damaging, when consumed in big amounts. Caffeine is normally related to coffee, but 4- 5 cups of green tea daily could result in different health issue such as stress and anxiety, diabetes, diarrhea, constipation, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular heart beat etc

. Catechins in the green tea, reduce the absorption of iron by our bodies and this can ultimately cause anemia. Its intake together with meals must be prevented as our body may not have the ability to use all the nutrients from the foods we eat. This could in some way be lessened, if the foods we eat are rich in iron and vitamin c.

Green tea is known to connect with numerous drugs and need to be avoided in certain cases, such as consuming it with stimulant drugs that accelerate the performance of the nervous system. Dizziness, increased high blood pressure and increased heart rate could be a few of the adverse effects.

Green tea supplements are commercially available. Although, the opinion of a well-equipped medical professional need to be taken, before their intake, particularly due to the high danger of undesirable negative effects in the liver from the polyphenols, found in this tea. Definitely, green tea is a healthy product and includes a number of useful components, but it must be consumed carefully by specific groups of people.

After all, let’s not forget that the worldwide 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 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 gathered by hand and has actually been used as a conventional organic treatment since 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 different varieties of mountain tea that are typically collected from the wild and sideritis raeseri is the only range also to be cultivated on a little scale. Favored for its earthy, sweet taste and high dietary properties, mountain tea is predominately utilized in tea, and the leaves, flowers, and stems can be used fresh or dried to brew the medical 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, state of mind, high blood pressure and cerebral blood circulation effects in a healthy group of 50-70 yr 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 effects 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 existing randomised, placebo controlled, parallel groups research study extends on the abovementioned small amount of literature; evaluating both cognitive and mood results in a sample of older (50-70 yrs) grownups, 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 dosage) 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 taste to your tea?

Mountain tea has a really enjoyable taste and flavor, that makes it acceptable to a lot of tastes buds. It has lemony– herbal fragrance with enjoyable taste, mild-sweet, earthy with flower notes crossed with peppermint.

The developing procedure is rather simple: boil water in a pot, place a small handful of the leaves, stems and flowers for full fragrant benefits, let it boil in low temperature level for 5 minutes. Turn heat off and let it steep for 5 minutes. Pressure and take pleasure in.

Exceptional with a spoonful of honey, it is also charming with lemon or cinnamon. Considering that it’s naturally caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Fresh, aromatic and tasty– can be delighted in either hot or iced. [21]

Greek mountain tea face water

Advantages

Greek mountain tea infused water to moisturize and protect the skin against premature aging.

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

Uses

• Spray straight on the skin from a 30 cm range:
• Prior to cosmetics or after eliminating make-up for skin revitalization.
• Prior to and during sun exposure for antioxidant and photo protective effect, prior to using sunscreen.
• After sun direct exposure for freshness, restoration and healing from damage triggered by solar radiation.
• Throughout the day for restoration and freshness.
• On face and body after shower or exercise. [22]

Negative effects

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

Allergies to greek mountain tea made with sideritis leaves, flowers, and stems have not been recorded in released medical literature. That stated, be careful with pre-made blends because there’s a likelihood they may consist of known allergens.

You ought to not consume standard medicinals brand if you are allergic to plants in the parsley (apiaceae) family, such as fennel, coriander, or caraway. They include some of those to the sideritis herb.

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

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

There isn’t data to recommend 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.

Despite being a commonly taken in hot drink throughout the balkan peninsula, the european medicines firm reports that information on negative reactions from ironwort plant have not been recorded in medical or clinical literature. There might be side effects of mountain tea, yet they stay to be recognized. [23]

Advised dose

Like all other teas we suggest for daily usage, 3-5 cups a day is frequently adequate to supply the required health benefits. Greek mountain tea is caffeine free, so it’s likewise excellent throughout later hours. It likewise has a naturally sweet, floral taste with a note of lemon, and it would make an exceptional iced tea while retaining all the mentioned benefits. Integrating greek mountain tea is an excellent way 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]

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/