It has small, hairy leaves on the bottom and extends the head between 20 and 40 cm. It's known as Bulgarian Viagra, Scarid Sideritis. It's a blue-like plant, because its hair gives it a bluish color. It lives in the rocky spots of the high mountains and everyone who has lived in those mountains knows the severe burns that the sun can produce at those heights. Hair protects the leaf and stem: it gives them shade and relieves the loss of deadly water from excessive sweating. Spanish fans of bulls’ murders say that “where there is hair there is joy”, to express the joy of the bull that has in hand the cut ear to the dying. The expression jumped from the bullring to the ordinary plazas and is used with a clear sexual meaning. Taurine or not, the need for viagra is also widespread.

Not long ago, a friend gave me the floor, and I'm delighted; thanks to Fernando to Belanbro de Bedaio. It is extraordinarily elegant and, as always happens when I meet a new friendly plant, I do not feel good until I know their circumstances. The story begins in Bulgaria, in the Rhodope Mountains. It has a wider origin, but that is where today comes from. This plant, which does not reach half a meter, flourishes in summer, in yellow color and with smell between honey and lemon (or both). In these mountains there is one called Mursalitsa, which has become a famous excuse.

Mursalski tea or tea is the water of this plant of the genus Sideritis. Its components include magnesium, potassium, selenium, copper, iron, zinc, cobalt, calcium and sodium. They say it's a remedy for many pains. They sell as follows: “It’s an antioxidant, that is, it purifies the body. In addition to the toning effect, it is opposed to anemia, microbes and inflammation. It reduces the risk of a heart attack by lowering blood pressure. It prevents the development of cancer cells and atherosclerosis. It contains a lot of flavonoids, tannins and essential oils. Doctors recommend treating the respiratory system (cough, bronchitis) and the urinary tract. Especially effective for the healing of urinary tract and prostatitis, liver and kidney diseases”. Who doesn't want this plant at home with a presentation of this kind?

Urologist Anatoli Alikovski, who has studied the virtues of this plant over the years, states that "incites and stimulates the male sexual system, stimulates libido and improves reproductive capacity, and that is why it is a natural remedy against sterility". What we do not know is whether he has done it himself or whether he has done it with other friends.

In the Basque Country we have at least six species and subspecies of the same genus, and one of them, water, Sideritis hyssopifolia, is something more known as mountain tea. Does it have effects similar to Bulgarian? Anybody take it? We will have to ask Zakilixut. A hint that can be revealing: I have not found any name in Basque for anyone of this kind...