Gorse: 10 Health Benefits & How to Make a Tea

Gorse, scientifically known as Baccharis trimera, is a medicinal plant commonly used to help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels while also strengthening the immune system. Because of its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, gorse tea is also believed to support digestion, reduce bloating, and promote weight loss.

The most popular way to consume gorse is as an herbal tea made from its stems, which can be found in health food stores and some compounding pharmacies. Gorse is also available in capsule form.

Although gorse has several potential health benefits, it can also cause side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts. It is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and should be used only as recommended by a doctor or herbal medicine specialist.

Health benefits

Gorse offers several medicinal properties that may be beneficial for health, including:

1. Helping control blood sugar levels

Some studies suggest that gorse may help manage diabetes due to its flavonoid content, including apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. These compounds help regulate glucose metabolism and reduce insulin resistance, making it easier to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

2. Lowering blood pressure

Gorse may help lower blood pressure thanks to its diuretic action, which promotes the elimination of excess fluids through the urine. This helps reduce blood volume and the workload on the heart, contributing to a natural decrease in blood pressure.

Read about other natural remedies for high blood pressure.

3. Reducing fluid retention

Because gorse contains high amounts of flavonoids like quercetin and apigenin, as well as phenolic acids such as caffeic and chlorogenic acids, it acts as a natural diuretic. This helps the body eliminate excess fluids, reducing swelling and fluid retention.

4. Strengthening the immune system

Gorse is rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and rutin, which help stimulate the production of white blood cells. These are essential immune cells that protect the body against infections, making gorse helpful for preventing or managing colds and flu.

5. Supporting liver health

The flavonoids found in gorse have strong antioxidant effects that help protect liver cells from damage caused by free radicals and promote the regeneration of healthy liver tissue. Because of these antioxidant properties, gorse may also help prevent fat buildup in the liver and protect against fatty liver disease.

6. Lowering bad cholesterol

Saponins present in gorse may help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the gut and increasing its elimination through stool, contributing to better heart health.

7. Fighting inflammation

Flavonoids found in gorse, such as rutin, luteolin, and apigenin, act as powerful anti-inflammatory compounds by reducing the production of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins and cytokines.

As a result, gorse may help relieve inflammation in the throat (such as tonsillitis), stomach (such as gastritis or ulcers), and intestines (such as gastroenteritis).

8. Relieving gastritis symptoms

The flavonoids in gorse help control stomach acid production and protect stomach cells from damage. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, gorse tea may help relieve gastritis, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.

9. Supporting weight loss

Gorse contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, which have antioxidant and diuretic effects that help eliminate excess fluid and support metabolism. Caffeic acid, in particular, has thermogenic properties that can boost metabolism and fat burning, supporting weight loss when used in tincture form.

10. Acting against intestinal worms

The essential oil extracted from gorse contains compounds that can paralyze and kill certain intestinal parasites, including Schistosoma mansoni, the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis. It may also inhibit egg production, helping prevent the spread of the disease.

How to make tea

Gorse tea is simple to prepare and can offer several health benefits.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp of gorse stems;

• 1 quart (1 L) of boiling water.

Directions
Add the gorse stems to the boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day.

Gorse can also be taken in capsule form, typically 300 mg, one to three times daily. However, there is no standardized or FDA-approved dosage for gorse supplements. The concentration and formulation can vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to follow the product’s instructions or consult a healthcare provider before use.

Side effects

The most common side effects occur when gorse is consumed in excessive amounts, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. In these cases, it may interfere with blood pressure regulation or lower blood sugar too much, leading to hypoglycemia.

Gorse may also cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid using gorse without medical supervision.

Contraindications for use

Gorse should not be used by:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cause uterine contractions or pass into breast milk;

• Children, due to the lack of safety data;

• People who take medication for diabetes or hypertension, as it may intensify the effects of these drugs and cause side effects.

Gorse should always be used under the supervision of a doctor, herbal medicine specialist, or other qualified healthcare provider.