Family: Lamiaceae

Scientific name: Sideritis scardica

Authority: Griseb.

Trade names: mountain tea, shepherd’s tea, pirinski tea, mursalski tea, olympus tea, alibotushki tea

Plant description

Sideritis scardica is a flowering herb adapted to grow with little water and soil. It is endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, a region in southeastern Europe with about ten countries. In various Balkan Peninsula countries, the herb is used to make a popular caffeine-free beverage and or herbal tea. The genus name “Sideritis” translates to “he who is made of iron” and in ancient Greek medicine Sideritis plants were used to treat wounds caused by iron weapons during battles. Hence, tea made from “Sideritis” is known as “Ironwort”.

In the Mursalitsa region (Bulgaria), the tea is known as “Mursalski tea”. In the Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria), the tea is considered sacred and called “the tea of longevity & viability” as people living in the mountains that drink the tea tend to have long lives. In the Pirin Mountains (Bulgaria), the tea is called “Pirin tea”. In the Alibotush area (Bulgaria), the tea is named “Alibotushki tea”. In Greece, the tea is known as “Greek Mountain tea” and “Olympus tea”. In the Shar Mountains (Macedonia) the tea is called “Sharplaninsi chaj” and “Planinski chaj”. In Germany, the tea is known as Griechischer Bergtee, ironwort, and Shepherd’s tea.

Seventeen different types of Sideritis species are indigenous to Greece and grow in the wild. In Bulgaria, S. scardica is grown as a cash crop in plantations, with a total land area of about 30 kilometers. In Pirin, a village in Bulgaria, S. scardica is protected making it illegal to collect for personal and industrial use in the wild due to the limited national reserve. Despite being considered rare, S. scardica is readily available in drugstores and pharmacies throughout Bulgaria.

Medicinal activities

S. scardica tea reportedly contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-anemic, anti-ulcer, anti-glioma (anti-tumor), anti-asthma, analgesic (pain relieving), vulnerary (wound healing), and cytotoxic activities. It also has compounds that lower blood pressures and the risk of stroke and heart attack. Additionally, the tea has immune strengthening and soothing activities.

Preparation

S. scardica tea can be prepared using the traditional plant parts (such as fresh or dried aromatic leaves, flowers, and twigs) or tea bags made of sachet containing dried and pounded aromatic leaves, flowers, and twigs.

Traditionally, tea is prepared by making an infusion or decoction using dried plant parts. The following outlines how to prepare an infusion and a decoction.

S. scardica Tea Infusion

An infusion is prepared by soaking fresh or dried plant parts in water and simmering for 5 minutes. The mixture is strained and taken orally. The infusion can be sweetened with honey (or sugar) and lemon added for taste.
An infusion is also prepared by adding 2 – 4 (fresh or dried) blades (or heads) in 300 – 400 ml hot water and simmering for 5 minutes. The mixture is strained and taken orally. The infusion can be sweetened with honey (or sugar) and lemon added for taste.

S. scardica Tea Decoction

The decoction is made by boiling fresh or dried plant parts in water for 5 minutes. The mixture is strained and taken orally. The decoction can be sweetened with honey (or sugar) and lemon added for taste.
The decoction is made by boiling 2 – 4 (fresh or dried) blades in 300 – 400 ml water for 5 minutes. The mixture is strained and taken orally. The decoction can be sweetened with honey (or sugar) and lemon added for taste.

A Commercial tea brand in Bulgaria called Rhodope Longevity tea contains eight tea bags consisting of dried and pounded mint, oregano, pine needles, rose hips, S. scardica, and thyme. It is prepared in a number of ways, including the following:

A tea bag sachet is immersed in 300 – 400 ml hot water and sweetened with honey or sugar. Lemon is added for taste.
A teabag is boiled in 300 – 400 ml water for 5 minutes and sweetened with with honey or sugar. Lemon is added for taste.

Various blends of S. scardica tea can be made using different herbs and spices, such teas are known as masala.

Uses

S. scardica tea is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, ailments, and life-threatening diseases.

It is used to treat bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
It is used to treat common colds, coughs, and emphysema.
It is used to relieve mild gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach complaints.
It is used to treat inflammation such as rheumatism.
It is an active ingredient of dietary supplements for the prevention of anaemia.
It is used as a tonic as a detoxification agent.
It is used to soothe breathing difficulties and to relieve sinus congestion.
It is used to strengthen the immune system.

The Mursalski tea (22g) contains approximately 20 hand picked heads of S. scardica. makes the following claims:

It is used to treat respiratory problems such as colds and flu.
It is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as digestive issues.
It is used to boost immune systems.
It is used to treat urinary tract infection such as kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra issues.
It is used to treat mild anxiety.
It is used to enhance virility.

S. scardica tea is used to treat infertility in women and men, the tea is also known as “Viagra tea”. According to Bulgarian folklore couples trying to conceive are said to increase the chance of having twins. In Ancient Egypt, healers used the tea to treat infertility in men.

S. scardica tea is popular in the mountainous area in the Balkan Peninsula where it is often consumed during the autumn and winter months to treat colds and flus.

Besides making herbal tea and ice tea with therapeutic effects, S. scardica is also useful for making tablets, beer, and detoxifying tonics, essential oils, and weight loss and food supplements.

Learn about other teas from around the world by accessing Khat & Bushman’s tea, Chai tea, Hibiscus sabdariffa, & Mosukujane & Zumbani teas.

Safety precaution:

The use of traditional medicine in prescribed dosages will yield good results. Misuse and abuse may lead to complications. To learn about correct dosage, consult a traditional healer or a herbalist. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine.