Oregano tea is a natural remedy that may help improve digestion, reduce excess gas, relieve menstrual cramps, and support the treatment of colds and flu.
These potential benefits are related to the presence of carvacrol and flavonoids in oregano. These are phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Read more about oregano and how it can be used.
Although oregano tea may offer several health benefits, it should not replace medical treatments. To support its effects, oregano tea should be part of a healthy, balanced diet along with regular physical activity.
Health benefits
The main benefits of oregano tea include:
1. Supporting digestion
Oregano tea may help stimulate gastric juices and reduce muscle spasms. This can improve digestion, ease bloating, and relieve intestinal cramps.
2. Easing menstrual cramps
Oregano tea contains high amounts of carvacrol, a natural compound with pain-relieving properties. This makes it helpful for reducing menstrual cramps. It may also help relieve headaches, muscle pain, and toothaches.
Also recommended: Top 12 Teas for Cramps for Quick Period Pain Relief tuasaude.com/en/natural-remedies-for-menstrual-cramps3. Fighting infections
Due to its carvacrol content, oregano tea may help fight infections such as herpes, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Carvacrol is a phenolic compound with natural antimicrobial activity.
4. Relieving cold and flu symptoms
Oregano tea may act as an expectorant by stimulating the production of lung secretions. It is often used as a home remedy to help relieve conditions such as colds, flu, bronchitis, dry cough, sinusitis, and laryngitis.
5. Lowering cholesterol
Oregano tea may help reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. This is due to the presence of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, thymol, and carvacrol, which prevent the oxidation of fat cells and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
6. Supporting weight loss
Carvacrol in oregano tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help decrease body fat and inflammation, contributing to weight loss. However, it should be used as part of a healthy diet combined with regular exercise.
7. Supporting blood sugar control
Oregano tea may help block certain enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. It may be useful as a complementary aid for managing diabetes or prediabetes. However, it should never replace medical treatment.
Does oregano tea help regulate menstruation?
Oregano tea is traditionally used to help regulate menstruation because it may increase blood flow and stimulate uterine contractions. However, more human studies are needed to confirm this potential benefit.
How to make oregano tea
Oregano tea can be made using fresh or dried oregano leaves.
Ingredients:
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2 teaspoons of dried oregano
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1 liter (about 4 cups) of water
Instructions:
Bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat, add the oregano leaves, cover the pot, and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink. Up to 2 to 3 cups per day can be consumed, preferably after meals.
Possible side effects
Although rare, oregano tea may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms may include facial swelling, skin itching, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
Who should not consume it
Oregano tea is not recommended for pregnant women, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage. It is also not advised for breastfeeding women, as there are no studies confirming its safety during this stage.
People who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family, such as basil, lavender, marjoram, mint, or sage, should avoid oregano tea.
It is also recommended to stop drinking oregano tea at least 2 weeks before surgery, as large amounts of oregano may increase the risk of bleeding.
Anyone taking medications, herbal products, or supplements with anticoagulant effects or used to manage diabetes should consult a healthcare provider before using oregano tea, as it may interfere with certain treatments.