Ikarian mountain tea studied for cognitive and anxiety benefits

On the Greek island of Ikaria, known for the longevity of its residents, mountain tea made from Sideritis sipylea is a traditional daily beverage. The tea is prepared using dried flowers, leaves, and stems, typically steeped in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. While traditionally associated with digestive health, it is considered just one component of a broader Mediterranean lifestyle.

A 2018 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of Sideritis scardica extract on 155 healthy men and women aged 50 to 70. Participants received either 475 mg or 950 mg of the extract daily for 28 days. At the higher dosage, researchers reported fewer errors in visual information tests and lower acute anxiety compared to the placebo group. The study suggested that acute cognitive effects might be linked to changes in cerebral blood flow, while longer-term effects may relate to reduced anxiety, though some results were noted as trends rather than definitive conclusions.