Sideritis (Mountain Tea)
Greek mountain tea is a popular naturally un-caffeinated Eastern European beverage derived from Sideritis scardica (ironwort), a hardy perennial which is renowned for flourishing at high altitude. Caffeine-free Greek mountain tea appear to be rich in phenolic acids, principally ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid and the flavone compound apigenin.
Siderites possesses anti-inflammatory properties
Evidence stems from Ancient Greece, indicating the use of siderites in the first century A.D. by Dioscorides. Siderites was used for common cold and relief for the upper respiratory tract dues to its anti-inflammatory activity (3).In a recent review, Todorova and Trendafilova reported gastro-protective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitussive, and antimicrobial effects (1).
Sideritis for the digestive system
Sideritis is a known treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, such as abdominal pain, stomach-ache, diarrhoea, gallstones and dyspepsia (3).
Siderites consumption benefits brain health
Sideritis has demonstrated activities related to the central nervous system and for the treatments of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases (4). Behrendt et al. for observed cognitive improvements in healthy males and females (25–60 years) following six-week supplementation of 330 mg/daily Sideritis scardica, including during stressful scenarios such as the presence of noise and incongruent stimuli (2).
4. Latté KP. Sideritis scardica Griseb. – Die Griechische Bergtee. Z Phytother. 2016;37:85–91.