Greek mountain tea, also known as Shepherd’s Tea and Ironwort, is a herbal tea made from the Sideritis plant. Its healing powers were discovered thousands of years ago, and the ancient Greeks used it as an herbal medicine for many purposes.
The health benefits of Greek mountain tea have been later confirmed by scientific research.
Read this guide and learn more about why Sideritis tea is so healthy!
Check price on Amazon: Valley of Tea Greek Mountain Tea (Organic, Handpicked)
How I Found Greek Mountain Tea
I first tried Greek mountain tea several years ago when visiting Santorini island. I’m a big herbal tea enthusiast but I had not heard about this tea before.
The first time I tasted Greek mountain tea, I fell in love with its sweet floral flavor and decided to buy some to bring back home.
Later I started studying this herb more and found out about its many health benefits. I developed a habit of drinking it frequently, and when I ran out of stock, I immediately ordered more online.
Continue reading this guide to learn more about the Sideritis plant, its health benefits, and how to use it to prepare Greek mountain tea.
Sideritis Plant
Sideritis is a genus of flowering plants that typically grow in the Mediterranean countries.
There are hundreds of different species of Sideritis plants, but it has been difficult to name and classify them due to the faint differences between some of the species.
Common species include Sideritis scardica (native in Pirin and Mount Olympus), Sideritis syriaca (found in Crete), Sideritis cypria (Cyprus), and Sideritis hyssopifolia (Iberian Peninsula).
This plant grows in high altitudes, usually over 3000 feet (1000 meters), and is a hardy plant that does well in harsh conditions with little water and soil. The Sideritis plants are perennial and grow as short shrub less than 2 feet high.
Sideritis is a Greek word that means “made of iron”, and that’s why it is also called Ironwort. The plant is very popular in Greece, Turkey, and the Balkan area, and is commonly used for brewing tea and adding herbal aroma to local dishes.
5 Amazing Greek Mountain Tea Health Benefits
The health benefits of Greek mountain tea have been known for thousands of years and it has been used as a remedy for many illnesses.
This herb has a high concentration of antioxidants, flavonoids, sterols, and essential oils. It’s most commonly used to treat the common cold, aches and pains, indigestion, and respiratory problems.
1. Contains Antioxidants and Flavonoids
Greek mountain tea contains several beneficial flavonoids and has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, and antioxidant capabilities.
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, consuming ironwort tea increases antioxidant defense. In addition, it’s rich in iron so drinking it may help with avoiding anemia.
If you drink Greek mountain tea frequently, it can help you avoid oxidative stress and help maintain skin health, reduce wrinkles, and improve your overall vitality.
2. Boosts Immunity
Thanks to its anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, Shepherd’s Tea can help your body fight against the common cold and prevent fever. This tea also strengthens and stimulates our immune systems, which further protects us from pathogens.
A study from 2007 indicates that Greek mountain tea has significant anti-inflammatory properties as well as antimicrobial qualities against several common bacteria, including Escherichia coli.
3. Aids Digestion
Greek mountain tea is often enjoyed after a meal and used as an aid for digestion because it stimulates gastric secretions. It also supports a healthy gut microbiome and alleviates issues like gastritis and indigestion.
The antimicrobial effects of Ironwort help avoid and get rid of pathogens that might cause diarrhea and stomach pain. It can also help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.
4. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Greek mountain tea is known to improve cardiovascular function due to its anti-thrombotic effects.
According to a study from 2012, Sideritis can help with lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Research indicates that Greek mountain tea can be beneficial to heart health and may help prevent cardiovascular problems.
5. Helps with Anxiety
The mood-lifting effect of the mountain tea was described by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, already thousands of years ago.
Science agrees with this, as a study from 2013 indicates that drinking Greek mountain tea prevents anxiety-related behavior. It can also protect our brain against depression as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Other Possible Benefits
Libido: Some older sources state that Greek mountain tea has a positive effect on libido. This has not been scientifically proven, but it contains potassium and zinc, which are beneficial for sexual health.
Osteoporosis: Research also indicates that this tea can increase bone mineral density, which helps in avoiding osteoporosis.
In addition to all the health benefits mentioned earlier, this tea may also help with detoxing vital organs and healing wounds.
Greek mountain tea is naturally free of caffeine, so you can drink it in the evening without worrying about sleeping difficulties.
Possible Side Effects of Greek Mountain Tea
There are no reported side effects related to Greek mountain tea.
As mentioned earlier, humans have consumed it since ancient times, and have found it beneficial and safe. Also, numerous studies related to Sideritis indicate no adverse effects.
How about my personal experience?
During many years of drinking ironwort tea, sometimes as much as one liter per day, I have never experienced any negative effects. The same goes for my wife and brother who got excited about drinking it as well.
Yet, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any kind of medication, I recommend consulting your doctor before drinking Greek mountain tea.
How to Make Greek Mountain Tea
There are many ways to brew Greek mountain tea, and after experimenting a little bit, I found out that it’s best to let it simmer for a while. This ensures that a maximum amount of the flavors and beneficial compounds will be dissolved into the tea.
All you need to make a cup of tasty mountain tea is some dried Sideritis plant, a stove, a kettle or saucepan with a lid, and clean water (I prefer spring water).
This is how I prepare my Greek mountain tea:
- Pour the desired amount of water into a kettle or a saucepan and add some dried Sideritis. I think you can’t really make it too strong, so you can put as much as you want. I prefer cutting the dried plant into about 4-inch (10 cm) long pieces and adding 4 to 6 of those in the kettle.
- Cover with a lid and bring water to a low boil. Reduce the heat and leave to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour the tea into glasses. You can use a strainer or remove the pieces of the plant from the kettle before pouring it.
- Enjoy your tea! I prefer adding a bit of organic raw honey to my Sideritis tea.
Want to make your tea super healthy?
Wait for it to cool down for a few minutes and then add a spoonful of high-quality Manuka Honey from New Zealand Honey Co.
Here is also an excellent video instructing how to brew Greek mountain tea:
One of the easiest options for brewing this herbal tea is to buy an electric kettle with a tea infuser. This allows you to keep the water hot for long enough and then just pour it into mugs.
You can also prepare it in a French press, but I found that it’s hard to get the full potential out of it without simmering it for a while. If you want to try preparing this tea with a French press, I think it is better to crush the dried plant first so that the dissolving process will be more efficient.
Iced Greek Mountain Tea
You can also make refreshing iced Greek mountain tea to sip on hot summer days.
After brewing, add some lemon and honey, and let the tea cool down. Then just pour it into a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Where to Buy Greek Mountain Tea
If you visit Greece or some other country where dried Sideritis is commonly available, just buy a bunch of it and bring it back home with you. It usually comes as whole dried stalks with flowers and leaves.
However, if you are not planning on a trip to the Mediterranean anytime soon, you can also buy it online. Luckily, there is high-quality Greek mountain tea available on Amazon for a reasonable price.
Check price on Amazon: Valley of Tea Greek Mountain Tea (Organic, Handpicked)
Sideritis Tea FAQ
How does Greek mountain tea taste?
The mountain tea has a mild and slightly sweet floral taste. Most people find its taste and aroma pleasant.
How to make Greek mountain tea?
Add pieces of dried Sideritis plant to boiling water and steep it on low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. Strain into cups and enjoy!
Where can I buy Greek mountain tea?
You can buy Greek mountain tea if you visit Greece or other Mediterranian countries. It is also often available in Mediterranian food markets. One great option is to order it from Amazon.
Does Greek mountain tea have caffeine?
Greek mountain tea is free of caffeine so you can drink it in the evening without worries.
Is Greek mountain tea good for colds?
Ironwort tea has anti-viral and anti-microbial properties that help your body fight against the common cold. The mountain tea can also strengthen your immune system to prevent you from getting sick.
Is Greek mountain tea good for weight loss?
Greek mountain tea seems to be good for gastrointestinal health which may aid with weight loss. However, there is no direct evidence to support its effectiveness in losing weight or burning fat.
Does Greek mountain tea have any side effects?
Sideritis tea has been consumed for thousands of years and there are no reported side effects. Yet, if you are pregnant or on any medication, it is recommended to consult your doctor before consuming it.
I like to drink Greek mountain tea frequently and have found it especially useful for strengthening the immune system and suppressing the common cold.
If I feel like I’m about to get sick, I immediately start drinking Sideritis tea three times a day, and often I have been able to avoid getting sick this way.
I really like the relatively mild and sweet floral taste of this tea, so drinking it is always enjoyable. And why not add some other herbal ingredients like ginger or fresh mint leaves?
If you have any questions or want to share your experience related to Greek Mountain tea and its health benefits, please post a comment below!
Enjoy your Ironwort tea and stay healthy!
-Joonas
Thank you for sharing this information. Never tried greek mountain tea before but after reading this I am more eager then ever to try it. I love the fact it has so many positive effects on human body, I especially like that it can actually work as an antioxidant.
That is something else.
Lovely website by the way.
Thanks for your comment Strahinja! Go ahead and try the mountain tea, I’m sure you will love it. And great to hear that you like my site.
Regards,
Joonas
Thank you for this informative article. I have never tried this type of tea before nor have I ever heard of it. I’m a big herbal fan and I am definitely going to buy some. They way you describe it and the benefits it provides even makes me want it that much more.
Thank you!
Hi Sonja,
Great to hear that my article provided you with some new information and inspired you to try the mountain tea.
-Joonas
Awesome, you convinced me to try this tea! I love drinking tea but I don’t know much about it so I just drink every tea that I have access to. Since this one really has some nice health characteristics, I feel it could be a very nice idea to add in my bunch of teas. Thank you for sharing this information 😀
Hi Audrey,
Great to hear that my article encouraged you to try the Greek mountain tea. Enjoy your tea and stay healthy!
-Joonas
Any idea how long does it take to start feeling anti inflammatory effects from drinking mountain tea? Also does the iron in this tea build up in body or is it safe to drink every day or several times daily. Thanks for great article
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for your comment and questions, nice to hear that you like my article!
If you have for example colds with a sore throat or digestive problems, you can start feeling the healing effects of Greek mountain tea on the same day that you start consuming it.
According to my understanding the build-up of excessive iron, also called hemochromatosis, is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. If you are suffering from this condition, it might be a good idea to limit consumption of any foods rich in iron, including Greek mountain tea. If you don’t have hemochromatosis, getting some extra iron is actually good, and you don’t have to worry about it!
-Joonas
I just looked this up because a local I’m renting from recommended. I mixed it with coffee which is how I normally brew my tea and it’s pretty dope.
Hi,
Nice to hear that you like the Greek mountain tea. I have never tried mixing it with coffee, but that sounds interesting!
-Joonas
Can I give this tea to my 3 year old to help with her col-cough?
Hi Maki,
I let my son drink it when he was 3 years old and had colds. It should be safe for kids since there are no adverse effects reported for Greek mountain tea. Best to start with a small amount first, just to be safe.
-Joonas
Nice article! I have been drinking this tea for several years now – I love it! It really does work! If I feel a cold coming on, especially in winter months, I brew some with crystalized or fresh ginger then add some honey and lemon to the mug. I haven’t been really ill since I started drinking it. I found it does help with digestion, joint stiffness, and mood on its own. It’s good hot or cold. I notice I just feel better after drinking it. I did notice right away that it’s much better after steeping for a long time >10-15 minutes. Sometimes I let it sit overnight. You have really nothing to lose by trying this tea and a lot to gain!
Hi Sylver!
I also have similar experiences with Greek mountain tea. It seems to be a great immunity booster!
-Joonas