What is Sideritis Scardica?
Sideritis scardica(S. scardica) is an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula traditionally used as herbal tea for inflammation and gastric disorders. Aqueous herbal extracts may affect the activity of Phase I and II enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism.
What is Sideritis tea good for?
A recent study showed extracts from the sideritis plant can help prevent and treat Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, consuming mountain tea has a positive impact on existing mental and cognitive conditions.
Is Sideritis sage?
The plant comes from the Sideritis family, and in Greece is called tsai tou vou nou. The leaves of the plant resemble sage—and smell like it as well. Before preparing yourself a cup of this tea, I suggest taking in the aromas of the dried plant.
How do you grow Sideritis?
Plant prefers full sun. In the spring or anytime in warm soils, scarify seed on medium grit sandpaper, then sow in pots or flats. Barely cover, tamp well and keep warm, evenly moist and in the light until germination, which occurs in about 10 days.
What is tea called in Greece?
sideritis
Greek mountain tea, also called sideritis, translates to “who consists of iron” or “contains iron”. In Greece the tea is known as “Τσάι του βουνού” and is pronounced Tsai tu vunu, which literally means “tea of the mountain”.
Does Sideritis have caffeine?
According to the researchers, Sideritis genus includes over 150 available species. Not to be confused with regular tea rich in polyphenols, caffeine and a smoky, bitter flavour due to its tannic profile; this humble tea has a sweet, floral and earthy flavour and is caffeine-free.
Is Greek mountain tea a stimulant?
Greek mountain tea is rich in caffeine, which acts as a stimulant for the nervous system, but there are traces of theobromine, a diuretic, which acts on the respiratory system, in it too. Its fresh leaves are also quite rich in vitamin C.
Can I grow sideritis?
Sideritis species are subshrubs and herbs that typically feature silvery leaves. The plants typically grow on rocky soil in full sun. A well drained slope, rock garden, or raised bed would be the ideal place to grow Sideritis in your garden.
Can I grow Greek mountain tea?
Woody perennial growing to 18 inches, native to the mountains surrounding the Mediterranean sea, especially the Peloponnese. Plant prefers full sun and very fast draining soil, being drought tolerant once established. Space plants 18 inches apart.
Is chamomile a tea?
Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. In the U.S., chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea.
What tea do they drink in Greece?
Most often, chamomile is the tea people in Greece when you order a “Greek tea” or just a “tea” in a restaurant in Greece. Referred to as “camomila” in the Greek language, this tea is as popular as it is common. Chamomile, with its daisy like flowers, grows prolifically throughout the Greek countryside.
How often should you drink Greek mountain tea?
Medicinal Uses for Greek Mountain Tea It is said to bolster the immune system and is valued for its antioxidants, as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce fever. Greek grandmother’s rule: At least one cup a day.
What is the genus of Sideritis?
Genus of plants. Sideritis (Gr: σιδηρίτις), also known as ironwort, mountain tea and shepherd’s tea, is a genus of flowering plants well known for their use as herbal medicine, commonly as an herbal tea.
What is Sideritis scardica used for?
Very popular in Greece, Turkey, Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Sideritis scardica is used as a herb either for the preparation of herbal teas, or for its aromatic properties in local cuisines.
Can Sideritis survive in other areas?
Although it may survive in other areas, it is doubtful that this herb would express its full potential in rich soils, low elevations and with summer water. Other common varieties of Sideritis that are cultivated in Greece and commercially available are Rasaeri and Scardica.
What is Sideritis tea made from?
Other common varieties of Sideritis that are cultivated in Greece and commercially available are Rasaeri and Scardica. As an herbal tea (herbal infusion technically) it is known for its antioxidants, which come in the form of polyphenols and flavonoids.