Greek mountain tea, or tsai vounitsio, is obtained from plants of the genus Sideritis, a term that comes from the Greek word sideros, meaning iron. In fact, in ancient times, remedies considered useful for treating wounds caused by iron weapons were obtained from these plants. Sideritis grows spontaneously in the Greek mountains between 1300 and 2000 metres, especially in the Epirus region, but, nowadays, you don't need to go on holiday to Greece to stock up on it. In fact, herbalists and online shops are abundantly stocked with this precious plant in dried form, which has long stems, small, oval-shaped leaves and yellow-green flowers. The fame of mountain tea has crossed the borders of Greece and has rapidly spread due to the fact that the tea obtained from the infusion of this plant, in addition to having a very pleasant aroma, is also beneficial for health. In recent years, various scientific research has demonstrated the healthy properties of mountain tea, which however tradition has already known since ancient times...
Mountain tea against free radicals and inflammation
This precious tea is rich in antioxidants, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which help counteract aging processes and free radical damage (Zyzelewicz et al, Molecules, 2020). Not only that, mountain tea also shows an important anti-inflammatory action (Menghini et al, J Med Food, 2005).
Mountain tea and stomach
Mountain tea is used to soothe gastrointestinal disorders and the gastric mucosa and stimulate digestion (Lytra et al, Front Pharmacol, 2020). In addition, mountain tea counteracts gastric ulcers (Zyzelewicz et al, Molecules, 2020).
Mountain tea for the brain and mood
Mountain tea is useful for counteracting aging and its consequences on the brain. In fact, this remedy has a proven action against cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's, improving memory and reducing both the number and size of neurotoxic aggregates of beta amyloid proteins (Hofrichter et al, J Alzheimers Dis, 2016). Mountain tea is also considered an ally of good mood, since it acts by strengthening and toning the body and counteracting anxieties and sadness. These properties can be traced back to the anti-inflammatory action on the brain and the stimulation of the activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone (Wightman et al, Nutrients, 2018 - Knoerle et al, J Neural Transm, 2012).
Mountain tea, other important properties
Mountain tea has an analgesic action, therefore useful for soothing pain (Menghini et al, J Med Food, 2005). Due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant action, also useful to boost the immune system, mountain tea can also help in case of colds and coughs (Lytra et al, Front Pharmacol, 2020 - Bourgou et al, Biology, 2021). Mountain tea is purifying, helps reduce blood pressure, helps combat headaches and, if applied externally, acts as a healing and antimicrobial agent in case of wounds (Obon et al, Front Pharmacol, 2021 - Zyzelewicz et al, Molecules, 2020).
Mountain tea, preparation and warnings
Bring a cup of water to the boil, remove from the heat and infuse about 5 centimeters of the plant, both stems, leaves and flowers. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then filter and enjoy. In case of wounds you can use this same infusion for topical applications, soak a gauze and pass it over the area to be treated. As for internal use, like any other herbal remedy, do not exaggerate with the quantity but drink mountain tea in moderation. The properties of tea have, in fact, been observed already at low doses and without noteworthy side effects (Hofrichter et al, J Alzheimers Dis, 2016).
