Q. Dear Terry, “I know you travel all over the world learning more about natural medicines. Are there any new ingredients you are really excited about? If so, what are they good for and how much should you take?” – Tia E., O’Fallon, MO

A. Dear Tia, One of my favorite new ingredients, well new to the United States, is called Greek Mountain tea (Sideritis scardica). In places of the world where people regularly exceed 100 years old, called “blue zones,” one of the common factors is the consumption of tea. This herb has been a prized beverage in the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean for generations and was a favorite of Hippocrates in ancient times.

While the name sounds similar to green tea, one of the things I love about Greek Mountain tea is that it’s caffeine-free. Even though Greek Mountain tea lacks caffeine, it has an invigorating effect on the mind and body, so it’s perfect for mental and physical endurance. Clinical research has found it helps support mental health (especially while under stress or pressure), reduces anxiety, and improves circulation to a key area of the brain involved in memory and learning. In addition to its cognitive benefits, Greek Mountain tea helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, inhibits various types of cancer, promotes detoxification, and many more activities that are associated with overall health and well-being.

I recommend 500 mg of Greek Mountain tea once or twice per day. For more of the cognitive benefits, I recommend 450 mg of Greek Mountain tea combined with 200 mg of bacopa (a well-known herb for supporting cognitive function).

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally