Description
Latin Name : Sideritis Syriaca
Origin Country: Greece
Sideritis syriaca, also known as mountain tea is a very popular herb, native only to the mountain ranges of Western Crete. It can be recognised by its fluffy leaves and its yellow flowers. The lemon notes of the tea make it really enjoyable in taste and the health benefits that it provides are remarkable. Cretan mountain tea (Malotira) of the Sideritis (ironwort) genus, is “Malotira” in Latin means “to drive away diseases” demonstrating its potency, while “Sideritis” in ancient Greek means “iron” from its use to treat wounds caused by iron objects.
The tea is widely known for the health beneficial properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, diaphoretic, tonic, anti-irritant and antianaemic. The part of the Malotira plant that holds the most benefit is the dried flower stems, which are used in healing teas. Not only is Malotira said to heal those suffering from heart issues and digestion problems, but it is also used to fight common colds, and even heal wounds.
Malotira also may lower blood pressure since it helps blood vessels to relax. Another possible benefit is the fact that sideritis may reduce anxiety and depression.
