Greek Mountain Tea: The Mediterranean Anti-Aging Secret

By Alexander Panossian, PhD, and Terry Lemerond

Greek mountain tea (Sideritis), also known as ironwort, is not only an aromatic and flavorful beverage but also a potent herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and brain-boosting benefits. 

 Found primarily in the mountainous regions of Greece, Greek mountain tea (GMT) has adapted to the challenging conditions of its natural habitat. It grows in rocky and arid environments, often at altitudes above 3,200 feet, where it can withstand extreme temperatures and limited water availability. The plant’s wild growth at high altitudes contributes to the richness of its flavor and the concentration of beneficial compounds, making it a truly exceptional herbal infusion.

Nickname: Ironwort

Greek mountain tea has its roots in the Greek word “sideros,” meaning “iron.” The plant earned its nickname in ancient Greece because it was believed to possess healing properties that could treat wounds caused by iron weapons in battles. 

Over time, the term “ironwort” has become a common English name for Greek mountain tea, highlighting its historical significance and traditional usage.

Greek Mountain Tea Research

Studies investigating Greek mountain tea have shown promising results regarding its potential benefits for brain health. Research has revealed that this medicinal plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been linked to neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease).

Specifically, preliminary studies have indicated that Greek mountain tea may enhance memory and cognitive function, improving attention, focus, and overall mental performance. A 2018 British clinical trial of older adults found that in just twenty-eight days, study subjects given standardized tests for depression, anxiety, and cognitive function significantly reduced all three markers.

Compared to the group given a placebo and another group given Ginkgo biloba, the subjects that received 950 mg of GMT observed the following improvements:

• Improved blood flow to the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain associated with cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision-making, and appropriate social behavior
• Greater ability to remain focused and access working memory
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved mood
• Greater ability to recognize pictures
• Enhanced information processing
• Increased reaction speed
• Improved overall cognitive performance
• Increased transport of blood oxygen from the lungs to all other body tissues, including the brain

In animal research examining the role of GMT in cognitive health, a 2016 joint German-Norwegian study confirmed highly enhanced cognitive function in elderly lab animals, suggesting that GMT “might be a potent, well-tolerated option for treating symptoms of cognitive impairment in older populations…” Specifically, this German study confirmed GMT’s ability to slow or stop the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which is one of the major characteristics of Alzheimer’s. 

The brain power improvement gets even better when Greek mountain tea and bacopa (Bacopa monnieriare) are combined. German clinical research published in Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease confirmed that in human subjects with mild cognitive impairment, a combination of bacopa and GMT was shown to increase beta wave activity in the brain, associated with improved memory and focus. Those taking the GMT-Bacopa combination also scored better in memory, math, and attention tests.

Blood-Brain Barrier

“The brain is precious, and evolution has gone to great lengths to protect it from damage.”

—Queensland (Australia) Brain Institute

Greek mountain tea is one of the rare substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB)—an exceptionally tight-knit network of blood vessels that activates the body’s immune system to protect the brain from harm. I think of it as the security checkpoint between the brain and the rest of the body. Only water, certain gases (eg, oxygen), amino acids, and fat-soluble substances can readily pass from the blood into the brain. 

Other essential nutrients such as glucose (blood sugar) enter the brain indirectly by “hitchhiking” on specific proteins. The BBB prevents bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, and other toxins that may be circulating in the bloodstream from entering the brain and causing life-threatening infections. It’s one of Mother Nature’s most powerful ways of protecting us from serious illness and even death from infections such as meningitis, some pneumonia-causing bacteria, Streptococcus, and E. coli pathogens that can be present in your bloodstream.

Certain chronic diseases can weaken the BBB making it more easily penetrated by pathogens. People who have multiple sclerosis, stroke, or traumatic brain injury can have a compromised BBB, meaning that they are vulnerable to all types of infections. Plus, inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, inflammation-causing obesity, and Alzheimer’s also weaken the BBB.

Greek mountain tea, along with a number of other botanicals, including rosemary, ashwagandha, and quercetin (a potent compound found in onions and garlic) can cross the BBB and help reduce inflammation in the brain.

Banish Test Anxiety

Have you ever had test anxiety? It could be the history test in eleventh grade or your driver’s license exam. You know the feeling: tightness in the belly and chest, jitters, possible gastrointestinal upset, and scattered thoughts.

GMT was shown to relieve those symptoms and help subjects focus clearly and calmly on the task at hand. Better yet, those same individuals first took a test without any assistance from botanicals or prescription drugs, and on their second try, with the help of a single dose of GMT, they improved their scores dramatically. The human subjects in this study:

• Improved test scores
• Increased focus and concentration
• Optimized scores on high-pressure, rapid-fire visual challenges
• Relieved ADHD
• Created a sense of calm alertness
• Relieved stress and anxiety

While most adults don’t take exams daily, we are tested on a daily basis—whether behind the wheel or at work—and handling the pressure and being able to concentrate and remain focused is an asset. 

Depression and Anxiety

Serotonin and dopamine are chemical messengers (also called neurotransmitters) that govern a broad range of brain signals, such as pleasurable sensations, attention span, concentration, cognition, memory, mood, and alertness. Noradrenaline (sometimes called norepinephrine) plays dual roles as both a brain messenger and a stress hormone, meaning it has broad effects throughout the entire body. 

A German study confirmed that GMT has balancing effects on all three neurotransmitters, acting as a powerful way to address anxiety and depression. What’s more, GMT falls into a new category of substances that treat depression and anxiety called triple monoamine reuptake inhibitors (TRIs). They work precisely on serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

A joint study from Loma Linda University in California, and Korean researchers, concluded that the abundant phenolic compounds in GMT are safe and effective for ADHD. GMT works naturally to help rebalance serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels and regulate mood. 

In terms of safety, GMT is effective in controlling ADHD with no side effects and is safe even for children.

Researchers credit volatile organic compounds, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories in GMT for calming misfiring neurons and brain chemicals. Some researchers theorize that a potent concentration of the polyphenol acteoside may be the trigger for restoring brain health and help in the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)—another neurotransmitter that helps elevate mood and a greater sense of well-being.

Apigenin, another mind-calming flavonoid found in GMT, is a well-researched botanical for reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, and promoting healthy sleep.

Additional Benefits: Relieves Joint Pain, Increases Stamina

GMT’s anti-inflammatory actions are key to the way it supports physical resilience and relieves muscle and joint pain. Shepherding is hard work, so this tea was (and still is) a favorite in the Mediterranean among people who have physically demanding jobs, as well as those working in less strenuous, but still potentially draining and stressful office work.

The energizing effects of GMT make it an excellent herbal adaptogen—promoting physical stamina without causing jitteriness. It is not caffeinated, and unlike green tea, it hasn’t been shown to interfere with iron absorption. That may be another reason why the plant is commonly referred to as “ironwort.” 

Digestive Health and Detox

Extracts of Greek mountain tea protect the gastrointestinal system and reduce inflammation. Serbian research shows that GMT is as effective as the recently banned Zantac in preventing inflammation in the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, Greek mountain tea has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help combat harmful bacteria in the gut and promote a healthy balance of gut flora. 

The herb’s natural compounds can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Overall, Greek mountain tea can play a supportive role in maintaining digestive wellness and promoting a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Cancer

Like so many botanicals that have a long history of use, GMT is a powerful antioxidant that can stop free radical damage at a cellular level. As mentioned earlier, GMT is rich in the compound acteoside, which promotes a variety of healing responses in the body. This compound on its own, and various extracts of botanicals that contain it, have been found to inhibit a wide range of cancer types, including prostate, brain, and melanoma cancers.

The phenolic compounds in GMT may prevent potential cancer development without harming beneficial immune cells. In fact, while GMT is a powerful antioxidant that protects healthy cells, it appears to induce oxidative stress in tumor cells, as well as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Osteoporosis

Greek mountain tea holds potential benefits for individuals with osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Research published in the journal Menopause confirms that GMT added to the drinking water of female lab animals who had their ovaries removed (mimicking the hormone profile of post-menopausal women) resulted in impressively increased bone mineral density in just six months. The study authors concluded: 

Taken altogether, the results of the present study demonstrate a clear protective effect of Sideritis extract administered orally for six months on the decrease in bone density and strength of mature ovariectomized rats, without uterine stimulation. Thus, this extract might be considered as a selective estrogen receptor modulator that prevents bone loss without unwanted uterine proliferation. Its evident osteoprotective effect could be considered to be added to its list of beneficial properties, for which the local population has been consuming it as a mountain tea. The long duration of the administration in comparison to other studies adds value to its potential long-term use and safety.

Supplementation

Greek mountain tea is typically consumed as a loose dried herb that can be prepared as a tea infusion, or for convenience, GMT can also be found in pre-packaged tea bags. For a concentrated and easy-to-take form, capsules are available with powdered extract. Dosages can vary depending on the concentration of the extract, typically ranging from 300 to 600 mg per capsule.

Here are two ways I suggest using Greek mountain tea:

• Greek mountain tea, 500 mg capsules, one or two capsules daily.
• A combination of Greek mountain tea, 450 mg, with Bacopa, 200 mg per capsule, one or two capsules daily.

While more research is needed to understand the full medicinal properties of Greek mountain tea, it offers a range of health benefits that contribute to a holistic approach to well-being. Ultimately, tea brewed from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Sideritis plant or a simple extract in a capsule offers impressive benefits to the human body.

—

Alexander Panossian, Ph.D., DrSc, has multiple advanced degrees in bioorganic chemistry and the chemistry of natural and physiologically active compounds. He was the editor-in-chief of Phytomedicine, International Journal of Phytopharmacology and Phytotherapy (Elsevier, Germany) from 2014 to 2017. He has authored or co-authored about 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His main research interest is focused on plant adaptogens—anti-stress compounds that are involved in the regulation of the neuroendocrine and immune systems. 

Terry Lemerond is a natural health expert with over fifty years of experience helping people live healthier, happier lives. Terry shares his nutrition and health knowledge through his newsletters, podcasts, webinars, radio program, and his website TerryTalksNutrition.com

Well Being Journal adapted the above passage with permission from The Mediterranean Anti-Aging Secret, copyright 2023 by Terry Talks Nutrition Books, Green Bay, WI. 

References

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