11 Amazing Oregano Tea Benefits You Should Know for a Healthier You

Did you know that a simple cup of oregano tea can do more than refresh you? Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, oregano tea supports immunity, aids digestion, and may even help with weight management. Used for centuries as a natural remedy, it offers countless health perks, from soothing sore throats to improving skin health. In this article, you’ll explore all the powerful oregano tea benefits and discover why it deserves a regular spot in your wellness routine.

10 Amazing Oregano Tea Benefits for Your Health 

Known for its potent healing power, oregano tea can offer various health benefits: 

1. Improves Digestive Health

• Oregano tea can stimulate the release of digestive juices that help the body break down food more effectively.

• Moreover, it has carminative effects, which means it might relieve gas and bloating and reduce indigestion. 

2. Boosts Immune System

• Antioxidants in oregano tea help fight off oxidative stress by balancing free radicals and promoting white blood cell count, which helps protect against infection.

• Moreover, it consists of around 85% thymol and carvacrol, which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses, causing infection or diseases. 

3. Relieves Respiratory Issues

• The carvacrol compound in oregano helps loosen the mucus and phlegm accumulated in the respiratory tract, making breathing easier.

• Its antimicrobial properties can fight certain pathogens in the respiratory tract, fighting off flu, colds, and other infections. 

4. Helps with Weight Loss

• Oregano has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that might help reduce inflammation associated with the accumulation of body fat.

• It also aids in improving metabolism, enhancing digestion, and reducing appetite; all these factors assist in losing weight.

5. Promotes Hormonal Balance

• The mild estrogenic effects of this herbal beverage can regulate menstrual cycles (periods) and lower the PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

• In addition, its emmenagogue effects can stimulate or boost menstrual flow, helping with delayed or irregular periods, especially when stress is the cause.

6. Treats Yeast Infections

• Thymol and carvacrol in oregano tea can destroy the cell membranes and walls of Candida yeast, which prevents the yeast from growing and multiplying.

• Moreover, these compounds also impact the energy production of yeast, further weakening it and restricting its ability to grow. 

7. Manages Stress

• The neurological effects of oregano tea help increase mood-regulating brain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal tea reduce stress-related inflammation and fight off oxidative stress, managing chronic stress. 

8. Supports Skin Health

• Rosmarinic acid and flavonoids in this herbal tea can neutralize free radicals, reducing inflammation and irritation and tightening skin pores, and improving skin tone.

• Its antimicrobial effects, especially from compounds like carvacrol, can fight off bacteria linked to acne, making it a natural remedy for treating blemishes. 

9. Lower Cholesterol Levels

• The antioxidants such as carvacrol, flavonoids, and thymol in oregano fight off oxidative stress, which is responsible for increasing bad cholesterol levels.

• Taking this herbal beverage along with healthy lifestyle habits can increase HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels, in people struggling with high cholesterol levels. 

10. Promote Hormonal Balance

• The benefits of drinking oregano tea is the balanced levels of hormones, such as progestrogen and estrogen, as oregano helps the liver excrete toxins and get rid of excess hormones from the body.

• Also, it reduces high levels of androgens, which are associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which lead to symptoms, such as acne, irregular periods, and excess hair growth.

11. Can Help Fight Off Cancer

• A test-tube study showed that oregano extract suppressed the growth of colon cancer cells and helped kill them in humans.

• Another test-tube study also reported that an oregano component called "carvacrol" helped reduce the growth as well as spread of colon cancer cells.

• However, these were only test-tube studies. Human studies are needed to determine the proper effectiveness of oregano and its compounds in fighting off cancer. 

Important Note:

Although oregano tea offers several health benefits, which we have mentioned above, there are no scientifically-proven studies to support these claims. The most available research is laboratory studies (not humans). 

However, this again does not mean oregano tea is not effective. As it has antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, it may support digestive health, prevent respiratory issues, fight off infection, and promote overall health.

Though trying oregano tea does not cause any harm, if you're looking for treatment for a specific issue, seek medical help.

Nutritional Facts

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one teaspoon (about 1 gram) of oregano leaves contains:

It also consists of many more nutrients, which make brewed oregano a healthy addition to your routine. 

How To Make Oregano Tea?

To enjoy the benefits of oregano tea, you can prepare it in the following manner:

• Boil one cup of water

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of organic oregano tea leaves to the boiling water.

• Allow it to steep for around 5-10 minutes

• Strain the tea leaves and enjoy every sip

To enhance the benefits of the tea, you can:

• Add lemon for more flavor

• Mix some edible organic oregano essential oil

• Mix and sip

Note: As oregano essential oil is highly concentrated, do not use it every day. Limit its use to 2 weeks only.

Tips for Best Results

To enhance the benefits of the tea, you can:

• Use organic oregano to avoid the risk of pesticides.

• Take fresh oregano if using leaves for a milder flavor, as dried leaves are more concentrated.

• Start with a smaller amount of oregano if you are using it for the first time.

• Blend it with complementary herbs, such as ginger, chamomile, or mint.

• Drink 1 to 3 cups of oregano tea every day for maximum benefits.

• Add lemon to enhance flavor.

• Mix some edible organic oregano essential oil into tea and sip.

When to Drink Oregano Tea?

Here's how you can have it:

• In the Morning: Start the day with a perfect oregano tea to boost your immunity and ease digestion.

• After Meals: Helps improve digestion and alleviate the chances of bloating.

• At Evening: Aids relaxation and improves sleep quality.

• During Illness: Support the natural defenses of the body in fighting off infection.

How to Choose Quality Oregano?

To ensure maximum health benefits and the best flavor, you need high-quality oregano. Here are the factors to consider when choosing the best oregano:

1. Choose Organic Oregano Whenever Possible:

• Pick organic oregano to avoid pesticides and chemicals and ensure the presence of natural nutrients and oils.

2. Check for Freshness:

• When purchasing dried oregano, look for the one with a deep green color and strong, earthy aroma. Avoid pale or brownish colored and little-scented oregano, as they may be old and less potent. For fresh oregano, choose leaves with vibrant green color and firm stems. Avoid those that look mouldy, yellow, or wilted.

3. Choose Whole Leaves, not Powder:

• Whole oregano leaves retain essential oils. aroma and flavor compared to fine powder, which quickly loses aroma and flavor.

4. Purchase from Reputable Brands or Herb Stores:

• Buy from trusted brands and herb stores, as they guarantee effective and safe products. Always check the origin and packaging date of the product if possible.

5. Consider Mediterranean Varieties:

• Oregano cultivated in regions such as Italy, Turkey, or Greece is more aromatic and flavorful because of its ideal growing conditions.

6. Store Dried Oregano Properly:

• Store dried oregano in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to preserve its potency for about 6 months. 

Precautions To Consider

When planning to give a try to an oregano tea, consider the following precautions:

• Allergies: If you are allergic to oregano or other plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as lavender, mint, basil, or sage, avoid them. Always do a patch test first.

• Pregnancy: Avoid its use in large amounts at the time of pregnancy as it can induce uterine contractions. Always seek help from your gynecologist before trying it.

• Medication Interactions: If you are using anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners, avoid this beverage as they might interact with oregano. So, always consult the healthcare providers.

• Health Conditions: If you have diabetes, do not drink oregano tea as it may increase blood sugar levels. Additionally, avoid it in case of a bleeding disorder, as it might increase bleeding risk.

• Surgery: A Large quantity of oregano may boost the risk of bleeding. So, avoid taking it 2 weeks before surgery.

Note: Even if you do not fall into any of the above-mentioned categories, consuming oregano tea in high amounts is not recommended. Excessive intake can lead to upset stomach or other digestive problems.

Potential Side Effects of Oregano Tea

Most people do not develop or experience any side effects. However, if you consume oregano tea in large amounts (4 cups per day), it can lead to certain side effects:

• Upset stomach

• Allergic reactions

• Risks of bleeding

• Skin irritation

• Low blood sugar levels in diabetics

Summing Up

Oregano tea benefits range from improving digestive health and reducing inflammation to boosting the immune system and addressing respiratory issues. This herbal tea is an amazing solution to your fitness regimen. However, before trying the oregano tea, always consult a doctor, especially if you have medical conditions like bleeding disorders and diabetes. In addition, if you are allergic to oregano and are pregnant, avoid it completely.

Ready to unlock these benefits? Try organic oregano tea and experience its incredible benefits in every sip!

Also Read 10 Amazing Spearmint Tea Benefits You Should Know

Disclaimer: This article is for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any new herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health issues, or are taking medications.