A growing body of research published in a new report by bioanalytical testing firm, Brunswick Laboratories, reveals that Greek mountain tea has significant beneficial health properties. Prominent in the Mediterranean diet and a staple amongst Greeks for thousands of years, this herbal infusion is scientifically shown to provide numerous health benefits, including antioxidant benefits comparable to green tea, which researchers have lauded in recent years for its health advantages.
Greek mountain tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea infusion made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Sideritis plant, which flourishes throughout high elevations in the mountains of Greece. Consumption of Greek mountain tea dates back to ancient civilization, when the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, hailed its benefits for the immune and respiratory systems.
The new Brunswick Labs report highlights the biological activity and functional properties associated with Greek mountain tea based on a substantial body of research and based on its own laboratory analysis.
“This report examines the biological effects of Greek mountain tea from various research studies, both in-vitro and in-vivo,” comments Dr. Jin Ji, executive vice president of Brunswick Laboratories. “Its findings indicate the antioxidant and oxidative stress reduction capabilities, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and gastro-protective properties of the Sideritis plant as consumed in Greek mountain tea.”
In particular, one study from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture1 has found that Greek mountain tea is as potent as green tea (Camellia sinensis) at inducing cellular antioxidant defenses and preventing oxidative stress. Although the mountain tea extract had a lower phenolic concentration and total antioxidant capacity than green tea in the study, their cellular antioxidant effects were similar due to comparable bioavailability.
The Brunswick Labs report also references research published in the leading international journal Planta Medica that observed significant anti-inflammatory effects as well as anti-microbial activity against five strains of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans and E. coli.
Analysis of brewed Greek mountain tea at Brunswick Labs also demonstrates its high natural phenol and bioflavonoid content, which have been shown to have beneficial antioxidant properties.
A 2012 publication of the “Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology” found that extracts made from Sideritis helped lower blood pressure levels while helping blood vessels to relax. The animal study measured arterial blood pressure and found that a dose of Sideritis extract led to blood vessel dilation, which helped lower blood pressure levels and reduced stress on the heart muscle. While the studies helped support the use of Sideritis for its heart health benefits, further research is needed before Greek mountain tea can be considered a treatment for cardiovascular conditions.
Also in 2012, “Planta Medica” published an animal study on the effects of Greek mountain tea on gastrointestinal health and disorders. Researchers found that taking an oral dose of Greek mountain tea led to less inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
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6 comments
I didn’t knew that Greek mountain tea has a lot of benefits to our body. Thanks for this heads up!
Greek mountain tea makes me sleep well.
I grew-up on this Greek Mountain Tea, aka “Shepherd’s Tea” It was my Greek father’s staple for tummy problems, colds, flu, and simply an everyday preventative. A cuppa-cuppa or two every day. Unlike bitter green tea, the flavor is delicious, plus it’s naturally decaffeinated with so many “proven health benefits”. A little honey is an added treat. Greek Mountain Tea is also a soothing bedtime drink. I love that the entire plant (buds. leaves and stems) are useable.
are this kind of tea plant only live in Greece?
I found out about Greek mountain tea several years ago, and am never without some in the house. A delicious tea that does you good, what more can you ask for?
Not only in greece. Albania is full of this tea. It’s décaféinated and delicious. Protects all winter long from virus and gastric problems. Its a powerful antioxidant