Drinking oregano tea may not be your first choice for a healthy beverage, but this antioxidant-packed drink can have some serious health benefits.
What is Oregano Tea?
Oregano tea, as the name implies, is a tea that is brewed with the leaves of the oregano herb, either dry or fresh. Oregano is primarily used as an herb in cooking, while oregano essential oil is an important part of traditional medicine, but oregano tea doesn’t have the same level of popularity. This herb has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere for thousands of years and is widely available in any grocery store, market or health food store. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds present in these leaves, there may be an impressive range of health benefits that a simple cup of this tea can provide. In terms of its medicinal effects, they can be enjoyed both by drinking, inhaling, and even topically applying this tea to the skin. [1]
Benefits of Oregano Tea
The most notable health benefits of oregano tea may include its ability to clear up respiratory issues, prevent cancer, protect heart health, boost immunity, and aid in weight loss, just to name a few.
May Improve Respiratory Conditions
Drinking a glass or two of this tea may help relieve inflammation in the sinuses and respiratory tracts, and also treat any bacterial or fungal infection that may be causing your symptoms. Oregano tea can also be known to reduce symptoms of asthma.
May Aid In Skin Care
This herb might be rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds, all of which are powerful antioxidants, and can possibly capable in neutralizing free radicals in the skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, as well as blemishes and scars. This may also help improve skin elasticity to help you look younger for longer! [2]
May Help Prevent/Manage Cancer
Oregano tea is the perfect way to get the medicinal dose of oregano. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
A variety of studies have found that the active ingredients in oregano might have anti-cancer abilities, particularly for colon cancer. The research showed that regular use of oregano tea may cause slowed growth in cancer cells, as well as apoptosis (cell death). A study in the Nutrition and Cancer journal reveals that oregano may be able to exert proapoptotic effects which help lower the risk of colon cancer. One more research from the Anticancer Drugs journal exhibits that the essential oils of oregano and thyme may have antitumor properties as the compound carvacrol in them might possess therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer. [3] [4]
May Boost Immunity
With vitamin A, vitamin C, and a range of antioxidants, this tea might be ideal for boosting your immune system, as it can relieve strain and stress, while also stimulating the production of white blood vessels, the first line of defense for the body against pathogens and infections. Oregano may also be known to have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. [5]
May Improve Heart Health
Unlike many common teas, there may be omega-3 fatty acids in oregano tea, which may help balance your cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health, reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. [6]
May Help In Weight Loss
Oregano tea may have metabolism-stimulating properties, which can increase your calorie-burning potential, helping you lose more weight more quickly. [7]
May Act As A Good Healing Agent
Due to the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of oregano tea, it may be often allowed to cool and is then applied to wounds or inflammation, speeding the healing process. [8]
How to Make Oregano Tea?
Many people choose to make their own oregano tea since dried oregano can be found in almost any spice rack. Fresh oregano leaves will create a slightly different taste but provide many of the same health benefits. For cold infusion or topical application, simply allow this tea to cool before use. So, let’s take a look at the recipe below.
Homemade Oregano Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz water
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves (or)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano leaves
Instructions
- To make oregano tea, first, decide if you wish to use fresh or dried leaves. If using fresh oregano leaves, bruise or cut them to release additional active ingredients. In case, you're using dried leaves, simply add a tablespoon of it as an infusion.
- Meanwhile, boil a pot of water. At the same time, add the fresh or dried oregano leaves to a teapot or teacup.
- Once the water is boiled, allow it to cool down a bit and then pour it over the leaves and allow the beverage to steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Add honey or other natural sweeteners to counter the rather strong flavor of the tea. Your oregano tea is ready to be consumed. Enjoy this fresh infusion with your friends and family!
Oregano Tea Side Effects
While there are many well-known benefits of this herbal tea, there might also be some side effects that should be considered, such as risks to pregnancy and gastrointestinal distress, among others.
Pregnancy Risks: One of the side effects of oregano tea may be its stimulation within the body and its impact on hormonal levels. In some cases, oregano tea may have been reported to stimulate menstruation, which can be very dangerous for pregnant women, particularly in the first and final trimesters of their pregnancy.
Stomach Issues: Consuming too much oregano tea, as with any food or beverage, can cause stomach distress and constipation. Additionally, too much oregano tea may result in dizziness, nausea or vomiting, although this is quite rare. Use this tea in moderation, and always speak to your doctor before adding a new herbal remedy to your health routine.
