Sideritis syriaca (seeds)

Sideritis syriaca is an endemic plant of Crete. It is a very popular medicinal tea and is considered to have many beneficial properties for many issues . It is also called in Hellas as “Malotiras” (Μαλοτήρας), and its genus’s name, “Sideritis” comes from Hellenic word “Sidiros” which means iron. It is commonly known as "The Cretan Mountain Tea"

Malotiras can be found self-sowing at an altitude of 1200-2000 m.

S. syriaca is perennial herb that reaches a height of 70 cm.

It is a plant erect, branched, with plush lanceolate greenish leaves and yellow colored flowers.

The dried flowering stems used for preparing beverages and teas , usually being collected the flowering season (June to July).