Greek Mountain Tea, otherwise known as Sideritis, Ironwart, or Shepard’s Tea, is a herbal tea that is popular in Greece, Central Europe, and the Mediterranean. The name Shepard’s tea is said to come from being popular with Greek shepherds.
Ancient Greek biologist, Theophrastus, considered the father of botany, wrote that Sideritis was good for healing wounds from iron objects in 372 to 287 BC. It was also popular amongst Spartan warriors during the Peloponnesian War. It is often drank without milk. It remains a popular drink, for both taste and health, in the region.