Greek mountain tea is popular throughout the Mediterranean and southeastern Europe. It’s made from the Sideritis scardica plant, which is a stout shrub that grows at high altitudes in rocky soil.The scientific name, Sideritis, comes from the Greek word sideros. It means iron.
In ancient times, this herb was used on battle wounds inflicted by iron and “cold” metallic weapons. That’s where the name comes from.
That’s why the herb is commonly called ironwort.
Shepherd’s tea is another common name.
The leaves, stems, and flowers are boiled to make a hot tea. It’s drunk for pleasure and traditional medicine. It’s believed to boost the immune system, help the common cold, act as an expectorant in bronchitis and asthma, soothe heartburn and peptic ulcers, reduce stress, promote sleep, and increase energy even though it’s caffeine-free.
Mountain tea does not have a particularly strong flavor, which makes it acceptable to most palates. It tastes like a mild chamomile, crossed with peppermint and lemon.
The smell is a lemony-herbal aroma. It’s quite pleasant.