Greek Mountain Tea Crete

The plant and flowers that form Greek Mountain Tea, grow wild on the Greek Island of Crete, and the tea is drunk as part of the world renowned Cretan Diet, promoting good health and long life. The plant grows wild on the mountainside throughout Crete, including the White Mountains area in Chania.

Greek Mountain Tea is known as Tsai Tou Vounou or Malotira and is made using the dried leaves and flowers of the Sideritis syriaca plant. The beverage derived from this plant is also known as Shepherd's Tea because Greek shepherds would use the plants to make a brewed tea while tending their flocks high in the hills.

The tea is a pure and natural product, and the wild-grown plants are harvested by hand. It is free of any artificial ingredients, colourings or flavourings, and is NOT subject to any forced or inorganic farming techniques.

MALOTIRA GREEK MOUNTAIN TEA

Generations of Greeks attest to the health benefits of this 100% organic and natural tea. It is reputed by many to be generally good for health and well-being. Ask any Greek Grandma the secret to good health and she’ll claim the magical tea as a "cure all."

Science backs the Yiayias on a few traditional uses only. The European Medicines Agency’s herbal committee accepts, on the basis of long-standing traditional use, that ironwort (Sideritis) herbal teas, including Sideritis syriaca, can be used to relieve a cough associated with a cold and mild stomach and gut discomfort. The same committee found no clinical studies on ironwort, so claims that the tea prevents osteoporosis or cancer remain unproven.

Traditionally, it is used in combating colds and flu, respiratory problems, aiding digestion, strengthening the immune system, and calming mild anxiety. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce fever.

It is also traditionally drunk as a mild diuretic and as a digestive after meals.

Either drink as is, or add a slice of lemon and/or cinnamon to make an interesting variation.