Looking for a tea that packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits? Then oregano tea may be just what you need. As a medicinal herb, oregano has been valued for centuries for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Drinking a cup of this aromatic, flavorful tea can provide you with nutrients like vitamins A and C while also acting as a natural remedy for common ailments. In this article, you’ll learn about 15 science-backed ways oregano tea could be a boon for your health.
In This Article:
- Health Benefits of Oregano Tea
- How to Make Delicious Oregano Tea at Home?
- Potential Side Effects and Precautions of Drinking Oregano Tea
Health Benefits of Oregano Tea
Improves Digestion
Oregano tea contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol that have antimicrobial effects and can help balance gut bacteria. This may help relieve digestive issues like bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea and optimise nutrient absorption. Oregano tea also stimulates bile production, which helps break down fats during digestion.
Aids Weight Loss
This herbal beverage can help boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite, making it easier to stick with a healthy diet. It can also help flush out toxins that are preventing the body from functioning properly, ultimately aiding in weight-loss efforts.
Acts As An Antioxidant
Oregano tea is high in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body that can lead to disease over time. By drinking oregano tea regularly, you’ll load up on antioxidants to help slow the ageing process and reduce disease risk.
Fights Inflammation
Oregano tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body. The compounds carvacrol and thymol have been shown to inhibit the production of compounds that trigger inflammation. Drinking oregano tea may help relieve chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or injury.
Boosts Immunity
Oregano tea is rich in antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and quercetin, which can help support your immune system. Oregano tea also has antibacterial properties and contains compounds that can help fight viruses and other pathogens that can make you sick.
Relieves Menstrual Cramps
The anti-spasmodic effects of oregano tea may help relieve painful menstrual cramps. Oregano tea contains compounds that can help relax the muscles of the uterus and stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area. This may help ease cramping and reduce pain during your period.
Improves Heart Health
Oregano tea contains antioxidants that can help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Oregano tea may also help improve circulation and blood flow, which are important for heart health. Research shows oregano may help inhibit the production of compounds that can lead to the hardening of the arteries.
Improves Respiratory Health
Oregano tea acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes. Oregano contains carvacrol, a compound with antibacterial effects that can help fight infections in the respiratory tract. Drinking oregano tea daily may help reduce inflammation and open up the airways for easier breathing.
Relieves Coughs and Colds
Oregano tea’s antibacterial properties may also help fight infections that lead to coughs and colds. Oregano tea contains rosmarinic acid, a compound with antihistamine effects that can help relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Soothes Sore Throats
The warmth from oregano tea alone can help relax your throat muscles and provide relief from irritation. The essential oils in oregano also have antiseptic effects, which may help reduce inflammation and fight infection in the throat. The mild sedative effects of oregano tea can even help with numb throat pain.
Promotes Skin Health
The antioxidants in oregano tea help prevent free radical damage to skin cells, which can accelerate ageing and skin conditions. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties can also help treat skin infections and conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis when consumed or applied to the skin.
Calms Redness
If your skin is prone to redness, irritation, or rashes, oregano tea may provide a calming effect. Oregano contains compounds like beta-caryophyllene that can decrease skin redness. Drink a cup of oregano tea as soon as you notice your skin becoming red or irritated for the most relief.
Slows Down Skin Ageing
Oregano tea is rich in antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, which accelerate skin aging. Regular consumption of oregano tea may help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C found in oregano also boosts collagen production, which gives skin its elasticity and strength.
Creates a Soothing and Comforting Effect
Oregano tea has a pleasant aroma and mildly bitter taste that people find soothing and comforting. The warmth of this tea helps to ease anxiety and calm the nerves. Oregano contains compounds that have soothing and anti-anxiety effects.
Promotes Healing
Oregano oil and tea have natural antiseptic properties that can speed up the healing of the skin. The carvacrol in oregano helps fight infection and promotes the growth of new skin cells. Have a cup of oregano tea with a meal or just before bed to maximise these healing effects.
How to Make Delicious Oregano Tea at Home?
To make oregano tea, you will need oregano leaves. Add the dry leaves to a steeping container. If you are using fresh leaves, gently crush or bruise them first to release their oils and flavors. Pour boiling hot water over the oregano leaves and cover with a lid. Steep the leaves in the hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer the leaves steep, the stronger the flavour will be. Strain out the oregano leaves using a mesh strainer. Your tea is ready to drink.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions of Drinking Oregano Tea
May Cause Stomach Issues
Oregano tea contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which, in high amounts, can irritate the stomach lining. Drinking too much oregano tea may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in some people. Oregano tea may also worsen symptoms in people with ulcers or acid reflux.
Can Be Unsafe for Pregnant or Nursing Women
Oregano tea contains certain essential oils and compounds that may be unsafe for pregnant or nursing women. The strong compounds in oregano tea may adversely affect the baby or interfere with lactation. As a precaution, pregnant or nursing women should avoid drinking oregano tea.
May Interact with Certain Medications
The compounds in oregano tea may interact with certain medications, like lithium, diabetes medications, and blood thinners. Oregano can alter the effectiveness and side effects of these drugs. Talk to your doctor before drinking oregano tea if you are on any regular medications.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, aid digestion, improve heart health, or relieve cold symptoms, oregano tea has something to offer. While oregano tea may have certain health benefits when consumed in moderation, you need to exercise caution and talk to your doctor before drinking it, especially if you are on any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have certain medical conditions. Moderation is key to gaining benefits from oregano tea while reducing risks.
Sources:
2. https://greatist.com/health/oregano-tea
