Greek Mountain Tea (Tsai tou Vounou)

Greek mountain tea (Sideritis), known in Greece as tsai tou vounou, is not a trend or a discovery. It has been part of everyday Greek life for centuries, especially in rural and mountainous regions, where it was traditionally gathered by hand and dried for year-round use.

Unlike black or green tea, Greek mountain tea contains no caffeine. It is made from the stems, leaves, and small yellow flowers of the Sideritis plant, which grows at high altitudes and has long been valued for its resilience and medicinal properties. Historically, it was brewed not for pleasure alone, but for support — during colds, fatigue, digestive discomfort, or simply at the end of the day.

It’s something people here drink not to fix anything, but simply because it’s part of daily life.

In Greek homes, this tea is most often served in the evening or after meals. It is offered without ceremony and without explanation. There is no sense of dosage or performance. It is simply understood as something good for the body, gentle enough for daily use, and comforting in a way that does not need justification.

Why Greeks Drink It

Greek mountain tea has traditionally been used to:

• support the immune system

• ease digestion

• reduce inflammation

• calm the nervous system

• promote restful sleep

Modern research has confirmed many of these benefits, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its role in supporting overall wellness without stimulation or strain.

What makes it especially appealing is its gentleness. It does not overstimulate. It does not override the body. It works quietly, over time — which aligns closely with the Greek understanding of health as balance rather than intervention.

How to Prepare Greek Mountain Tea

Preparation is simple and forgiving — another reason it has remained so widely used.

1. Bring water to a boil.

2. Add one small bundle (or 1–2 teaspoons of dried stems) per cup of water.

3. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, or steep off heat if you prefer a lighter infusion.

4. Strain and serve warm.

Many Greeks drink it plain. Others add a slice of lemon or a small amount of honey, especially during colder months.

Where to Find It

In Greece, Greek mountain tea is sold in:

• local markets

• herbal shops

• village groceries

• roadside stands in mountain regions

Outside Greece, it can often be found in:

• Greek or Mediterranean specialty stores

• health food shops

• reputable online retailers (look for whole stems, not powdered tea bags)

When purchasing, whole dried stems with flowers are preferred — they indicate minimal processing and better preservation of flavor and properties.

A Daily, Practical Ritual

I remember my grandparents drinking it on cold evenings, and later my father doing the same. Today, it has quietly become part of our own household routine as well. Its role in Greek life reflects a broader approach to health: simple, consistent habits integrated into daily living rather than isolated interventions.