Sideritis

The Plant

In Greece, Sideritis Syriaca is known as "Τσάι του βουνού (tsai tou vounou)" or “mountain tea.” The plant is sometimes referred to as Ironwort, but the type that grows in the Eastern Mediterranean is of the Sideritis Syriaca variety.

These plants are wild, hardy flowering perennials that have adapted to survive with little water and little soil. This species of Sideritis thrives on rocky slopes at elevations over 3,200 feet. The plant grows in abundance at the foot of Mount Olympus in Greece, where it was traditionally harvested by shepherds.

The Tea

Very popular in Greece, the plant is used to prepare tea (or more accurately a Tisane) most often in winter to alleviate aches and pains, as well as, the common cold. A very aromoatic variant of the tea includes combining the Sideritis plant with spices common to Mediterranean cuisine.

Historical References

This plant has been referenced in the Materia Medica written in the 1st Century A.D. This book was written by Dioscorides, a doctor who lived in Rome during the time of Nero. Dioscorides traveled the Mediterranean with the Roman legions, where he studied the medicinal benefits of the plants he would encounter.

Health Benefits

Scientists recently suggested that Greek grandmothers who promote mountain tea as a panacea for most illnesses are remarkably close to the truth. Modern tests have indicted that the tea helps in the prevention of osteoporosis while its anti-oxidant properties aid in the prevention of cancer. The studies also indicate Greek Mountain Tea has a positive effect on almost anything that ails. Traditionally, it is used in combating colds and flu, respiratory problems, aiding digestion, strengthening the immune system, and calming mild anxiety. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce fever.

Name Variants

Greek Mountain Tea
Mediterranean Mountain Tea
Tsai Dou Vounou
Ironwort
Shepherds Tea

Links

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/canada/healthinformation/encyclopedias/GreekMountainShepherd%60sTea.asp

http://maillists.uci.edu/mailman/public/mgsa-l/2006-April/006901.html

http://greekfood.about.com/od/mezethesdrinks/a/tsaitouvounou.htm

http://gogreece.about.com/od/eatinganddrinking/g/greektea.htm