Mountain tea

English name: Purple betony

Persian name: Mountain tea چای کوهی

Scientific name: Stachys officinalis

Common name: Wood betony

English name: Purple betony

Arabic name: شاطرا

French name: Betoine officinale

German name: Zehrkraut

Synonymous name: Stachys betonica and Betonica officinalis

Family Name: Labiatae (Mint)

Description

Mountain tea (concrete) is a plant, a bushy and herbaceous plant with a height of up to 60 cm, which grows mostly in the heights and slopes of the mountains. One of its characteristics is the presence of many threads in all parts. The leaves are ovate, pointed and toothed, and grow symmetrically on the stem with almost long petioles. The leaves at the top of the stem have shorter petioles than the leaves at the bottom of the stem.

The length of these leaves is up to 7 and their width is up to 4 cm. The flowers of this plant are red, flowery or purple in color, which are placed in a complex at the end of the stem, like other plants of the mint family, all parts of this plant are fragrant. Most of the plants are flowers and leaves that are used medicinally. This type of plant does not grow in Iran and there is another type of this genus called (mountain tea) which is briefly introduced. This plant exists in most parts of Europe, including France and Mediterranean regions, and it has been used medicinally for many years.

The most important reported effects of mountain tea:

Anti-depressant, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, anti-flatulent, digestive, expectorant, liver tonic, blood pressure reducer, nerve tonic, pain reliever, sedative and choleretic.

Important ingredients:

The leaves and flowering branches of this plant, which are the part used, contain about 10% tannin and are therefore astringent. There are also a number of glucosidic flavonoids in them, which reduce high blood pressure. One of the important compounds of the alkaloid plant is stachydrine, which has systolic depressant properties. This body is also anti-rheumatism. Betaine is one of the other compounds of the plant, which is present in 0.5%. New glucosides from the phenylethane category have also been identified and reported in the aerial part of the plant.

  • Principle
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Energy
  • Calori
  • Fat
  • Value/100g
  • 3.8
  • Carbohydrates
  • Energy
  • Calori
  • Fat
  • Unit
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Energy
  • Calori
  • Fat
Pharmacological and important effects

Because there is a significant amount of tannin in the plant, it is useful for treating diarrhea; But consuming a large amount of it may have the opposite effect and become a laxative and nausea. Consuming Betoni orally is soothing and can reduce stress and anxiety. Concrete is still used to relieve some headaches and facial pain. This plant is also used in the form of gargle solutions, and it is useful for nosebleeds, inflammation of mucous tissues, sores in the mouth, gums, and throat. In folk and traditional uses, Betoni plant is used as an anti-cancer, cold treatment, kidney problems, kidney stone removal, anti-seizure, stomach pain relief, toothache relief, spleen pain and problems, as well as to stimulate digestion and stimulate the liver.

side effects

No side effects have been reported from this plant, however, its excessive consumption should be avoided; Because it can cause inflammation of the digestive system.

It is not recommended to use this plant during pregnancy.

Method and amount of consumption

Boil 1 to 2 grams of a teaspoon of the plant with a glass of water for five minutes, then strain and drink. This amount can be repeated up to three times a day. You can also prepare 2 to 4 grams of fresh plants with the same method and consume up to three times a day.

Alcoholic extract: The tincture can be taken daily up to 4 ml of the plant tincture in two or three times.

Important things

1- In Russia, some reports mentioned the effects of betony plant as a choleretic, anti-inflammatory, and especially reducing high blood pressure, but the source was not mentioned.

2- In Iran, another type of plant called mountain tea is used, which has similar properties to concrete. In Dr. Amin’s book, it is written like this: mountain tea is a plant with red flowers and sepals covered with long silver hairs and narrow and pointed leaves, which is also known as Tokalijeh and is available in Attari. This plant belongs to the mint family and is a one-year herbaceous plant. Long hairs in all parts of the plant, opposite leaves, narrow almost square stem and big flowers are the main characteristics of this plant.

Brewed mountain tea has been and still is traditionally used in Iran as a sedative to reduce stomach pains and aid in digestion.