From the mountains of Greece: a healthy herbal tea

"Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food" — Hippocrates.

I had my first sip of Greek mountain tea at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. We were sitting on the terrace looking up at the Acropolis and discussing why the Brits do not return the Elgin Marbles to so beautiful a home as the Greeks have built for their ancient treasures. I had my second glass of Greek mountain tea in the charming Peloponnesian town of Napflio after our GPS lost its mind and directed us to turn onto what proved to be a pedestrian zone, from which, once entered, there was no escape until we reached the end of it, ditched the car and staggered into the nearest bar.

Each time, of course, the setting could have added immeasurably to the pleasure of a cup of tea: in the first, underscoring profound inspiration; in the second restoring wits. The mountain herbs brewed into a tea that had a fresh, clean, savory quality, mountains in a tea cup.

I had wondered what it would taste like back home — would it be like that great wine you have in Italy that never quite tastes the same if you are not in Italy? I got my answer a few weeks ago when a box of herbal teas arrived from a new Santa Barbara-based company, Klio, which this year has begun importing herbal teas from Greece.

The short answer is yes, Greek mountain tea is flavorful, refreshing and restorative when sipped in the trailer that is our current newsroom at the Register (since the August earthquake), and looking at a view of the parking lot and recycling bin.

It was also the occasion to learn more about the tea. According to Steve Raftopoulos, founder of Klio, Greek mountain tea is also known as Shepherd's Tea, because Greek shepherds would use the herb to make tea while tending their flocks high in the mountains.

It is made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Sideritis plant, which grows throughout the mountains of Greece at high elevations, typically more than 3,000 feet. Sideritis, one of the some 800 herbs that are native to Greece, has high levels of antioxidants and contains large amounts of essential oils and a broad range of other phyto-nutrients.

The Greeks have been collecting this and other herbs for centuries. Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, apparently praised the Greek mountain tea for its benefits to the immune and respiratory systems. "Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, ancient wisdom says it has a positive effect on colds, respiratory problems, digestion, the immune system and mild anxiety," the press information from Klio notes. "Modern science is now finding many of those stories to be true: recent studies indicate that it assists in the prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's and even cancer and has a positive effect on a myriad of different ailments including colds, fevers, respiratory problems, digestion problems, and anxiety."

Raftopoulos, who grew up as the son of Greek immigrants in Louisiana and Mississippi, said that his parents, used to a Mediterranean diet, recoiled at the notion of processed foods and beverages because they were not 'real' food.

"I remember my parents excitedly pulling over to the side of the road when they spotted dandelions — their favorite greens. They would jump out and pick them while my sister and I dove into the floorboard to avoid being seen," he said. "I think normal people were spraying them with weed killer, while we enjoyed them with olive oil, lemon and salt." Mortified as they may have been, Raftopoulos notes, they learned from their parents the tenants of healthy eating that serve them well today.

"I recall my dear mom talking about Greek Mountain Tea. When I finally managed to get my hands on some, it was love at first taste! When I learned more and discovered its myriad health properties, I became hooked and my idea was born. Here was a natural herb, full of beneficial qualities whose consumption dated back 3,000 years, to a time when we knew a lot less, yet a lot more; when the natural alternative was the only real alternative — and who knows, perhaps it still is.

"The more I explored, the more I discovered about the qualities of Greek herbs, their health properties and historical significance, which fueled my desire to introduce them to markets outside of Greece. I partnered with my cousin, Angelos, based in northern Greece, who tirelessly sources the highest-quality herbs and manages our supply chain of independent growers and producers throughout Greece."

Klio teas are 100 percent organic, hand-picked and unrefined, he said, "without any added ingredients, colorings or flavorings. Truly natural, they are hand-packed with all of their natural oils, extracts and antioxidants that are typically degraded with mechanical processing. They are shipped from Greece to Los Angeles and packed at the Santa Barbara facility. They plan to begin shipping the teas in the European Union this year. (They are certified organic both by the USDA and the European Union).

Should anyone require more proof of the health benefits of Greek Mountain Tea, Raftopoulos included a photo of his dad, Jerry, now a fit and handsome 83 years old. The elder Raftopoulos drinks four to six cups of Greek mountain tea and other Greek herbal teas "as one part of his very health and active lifestyle, which includes a predominantly Mediterranean diet, walking, gardening, landscaping, woodworking and walking."

"Sipping our healthy, delicious and wonderfully soothing teas will transport you to the beautiful Greek countryside and remind you why these teas have been enjoyed through the ages," he said.

For more information on Klio's tea, visit KlioTea.com.

Source: From the mountains of Greece: a healthy herbal tea