Mursalski tea is an herbal tea made from a plant called sideritis scardica. The name refers to its ability to heal wounds. It grows in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, usually at high altitudes (above 1000 meters above sea level), which is why the drink made from this herb is also called mountain tea or shepherd’s tea. The rare herb is protected. In folk medicine, it is used for high blood pressure, bronchial diseases, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
The tea has a pleasant sweet taste and aroma, which very distantly reminds me of linden tea. It is possible to sweeten it with honey, but for me, Mursalski tea is tasty on its own. One stem is intended for one cup of tea, which is prepared by boiling the whole stem in water. The herb does not contain theine, so it is possible to drink a larger amount of tea per day.
A 20-gram package in a paper box costs about 2.20 EUR when purchased in a Bulgarian store. If you are thinking about what to bring back from Bulgaria, I definitely recommend Mursalski tea. Personally, I will bring back much more than one package of tea during my next visit.
