Rock tea: properties, contraindications and how to prepare it

What is rock tea?

Is he rock tea, mountain tea or Aragon tea (Jasonia glutinosa)a plant of the Compositae family, which only found in the Western Mediterranean, from Provence to Morocco. It grows in the fissures of the rocks or next to them, in mountainous areas.

it’s a plant barely 60 cm tall, with a woody stem at its base, slimy. Has the small leaveslanceolate, glandular, arranged alternately on the stems.

The flowers are tubular, golden yellow., appearing in heads, wrapped in glandular outer bracts. Blooms from the month of May.

The flowering tops are collected at the beginning of flowering, and with them an infusion is prepared, with a pleasant camphor aroma and a somewhat bitter tastehighly appreciated in many areas of the eastern half of the Iberian Peninsula.

Rock tea medicinal properties

Although it has not been studied very thoroughly, the presence of a essential oilsesquiterpene lactones, heterosides, bitter principles and tannins.

Rock tea has been taken instead of common tea as a daily infusion. Sample a mild invigorating action on the nervous systemand although its taste is more bitter, it has the advantage of not present the exciting effect attributed to tea. Rock tea infusions have had a great tradition in Levante, Aragon and Catalonia, as aperitif and digestive remedies, to awaken the appetite and to combat stomach ailments and digestive disorders, the typical intoxications. They facilitate a comfortable digestion, They prevent heartburn and relieve abdominal swelling and gas formation.It is also considered antidiarrheal, laxative (fasting), antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and slightly hypotensive.has been used against flu, seasonal colds and coughing attacks. Externallythe remedies with rock tea They have been indicated to clean wounds, without bleeding, and to reduce inflammation in blows and bruises.

How is rock tea prepared?

Rock tea is basically taken in the form of infusion for internal use, or for washing, baths and compresses. It can be combined with other plants in herbal formulas:

Rock tea for gases

Very effective in case of intestinal spasms and flatulence is the herbal tea that combines rock tea with white savory (Satureja fruticosa), lemon verbena and lemon balm in equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil the water, add the previously mixed herbs, and infuse for 10 minutes. It is ideal after strong or copious meals, with the possibility of the appearance of typical stomach cramps.

Infusion to avoid bad breath and bad taste in the mouth

You can try the formula that combines 20 g of rock tea, mint and green anise, plus half of parsley.

How to prepare it: Pour a level tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water and infuse for 10 minutes.

To ease bruises

A valid recipe is one that combines the rock tea with marigold, thyme and cattail.

How to prepare it: Four tablespoons of the mixture are poured per half liter of water. Boil for 5 minutes and strain. It is about watering the affected area three times a day with the infusion. This can be kept in the fridge, but it is preferable to renew it daily.

Rock tea infusion for colds and coughs

You can drink a simple infusion of rock tea or, even better, mixed equal parts thyme and marshmallow, plus a few drops of lemon juice. Up to three very hot glasses are taken, away from the main meals.

Precautions and contraindications

At the popular level it is considered potentially abortiveso it is recommended avoid it during pregnancy.

should be avoided high dosesas they could cause vomiting.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”