Sideritis is one of the oldest and most popular herbal teas in Europe. In Greece, it is not just an everyday beverage, but a piece of cultural history – traditionally harvested in high-altitude mountain regions and valued for centuries for its beneficial properties. Today, it is experiencing an international comeback, both in the B2C market for functional teas and as a raw material for dietary supplements.
Origin and Botany
Greek mountain tea comes from plants of the genus Sideritis, which grow in rocky, high-altitude locations in Southern Europe. Particularly well-known species include Sideritis scardica, Sideritis raeseri, and Sideritis syriaca.
The plants thrive at altitudes above 1,000 meters, where intense sunlight, mineral-rich soils, and significant temperature fluctuations promote the development of their secondary plant compounds. Traditionally, the tea is harvested by hand and dried as whole flower and stem parts.
Traditional Uses
In Greece, mountain tea has been used since antiquity. Its name, "Sideritis," is likely derived from the Greek word for iron—possibly because it was once used to treat injuries inflicted by iron weapons.
To this day, the tea is considered a classic home remedy for:
- Colds and coughs
- Indigestion
- General weakness or fatigue
It is often drunk pure or combined with honey and lemon.
Ingredients and Scientific Interest
Modern analyses show that Sideritis is rich in bioactive substances, including:
- Polyphenols and flavonoids
- Essential oils
- Phenylpropanoids
- Antioxidant compounds
Studies suggest that extracts from Sideritis may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Particularly exciting is the growing interest in potential effects on cognitive function and stress resistance—topics that are also increasingly relevant in the field of functional dietary supplements.
Studies:
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/8/955
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03475823
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/3/1840
Did you know?
In Greece, mountain tea is often affectionately called "shepherds' tea." The reason: Shepherds traditionally drank it daily in the mountains because it grows there so abundantly – and many Greeks are convinced that this very tea contributed to their exceptionally high life expectancy in mountainous regions.
Our Products
We offer Sideritis powder extracts in various forms. Feel free to browse our products and contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.