Oregano tea is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Oregano plant, which is a member of the mint family. The flavour of oregano tea can be described as earthy and slightly bitter, with a pleasant aroma that has been likened to thyme or marjoram.
While this may sound unusual for those who are used to drinking more traditional teas like black or green tea, oregano tea offers many health benefits, making it a great choice for those looking for something different and healthy!
How to Make Oregano Tea
1. Boil fresh water in your kettle.
2. Once the water has come to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves to the pot or your infuser.
3. Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes before straining it into a cup.
4. You can sweeten your tea with honey or agave nectar if you prefer a sweeter flavour, or add lemon juice for an extra boost of vitamin C.
5. Enjoy! Oregano tea is best served hot but can also be enjoyed chilled over ice on warm days. Try adding some fresh herbs as a garnish for an even more flavorful experience!
History of Oregano
Believed to be a symbol of joy from the Goddess Aphrodite, oregano flourished in ancient Greece. Its name is derived from Greek words that allude to its origin in mountains – oros for ‘mountain’ and ganos for ‘joy’. A literal ‘Joy of the Mountains’, oregano continues to bring flavour and delight today as it did thousands of years ago.
Throughout history, the Romans have been known to recognize and embrace great taste. It was this appreciation that led them to adopt oregano in their culture, as it had a fantastic flavour profile and could easily be grown.
This love of oregano soon spread across Europe and North Africa during medieval times. People began using Oregano for medicinal purposes such as treating rheumatism, toothache, indigestion or coughing fits; while Chinese medicine used the herb to help with fever reduction vomiting management and stomach discomforts.
Oregano was a sought-after herb during the Elizabethan era, used to bring luck and health as well as evoke poetic inspiration. Worn while sleeping in particular it could purportedly induce psychic dreams – these mystic effects bolstered its reputation further amongst those of that time seeking good fortune or comfort from beyond normal means.
What is Oregano Tea Good For
Oregano tea can be a great choice for those looking to get some of the health benefits associated with oregano. Oregano is high in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E and K as well as folate and thiamin. It contains several beneficial compounds such as rosmarinic acid, luteolin, quercitrin and apigenin.
Some of these compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties which may help reduce inflammation or fight certain illnesses.
Drinking oregano tea may also help boost your immune system as it contains natural antibiotics such as carvacrol and thymol. Additionally, the antioxidants present in oregano tea can help protect your cells from damage due to free radicals.
Oregano can also be beneficial for digestion as it helps to stimulate the production of gastric juices, which aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
In conclusion, oregano tea is a great herbal drink option that may offer many health benefits. It has a unique flavour and aroma that will delight even the most seasoned tea drinkers, so why not give it a try today? Enjoy!