Sideritis scardica
“Greek Mountain Tea”

A great herb to add to your medicine chest and it’s pretty in the garden too! Sideritis scardica forms a lovely silver, fuzzy-leaved mat about 9” tall and 12” wide. The yellow flowers bloom on long stems and are surrounded by attractive green bracts. Blooms throughout Summer. Native to mountainous areas of Bulgaria, Albania and Greece. In Bulgaria it is know as Pirinski tea. The tea is great for treating coughs and asthma and has possible applications in reducing heart disease. In addition, it is known as the “Bulgarian Viagra”. To fix a cup of tea, boil one flower stalk in 1 cup water, steep for 5 minutes and strain. Sweeten as desired. Said to have a nice aroma. The flowers on this plant are also great for attracting bees.