Mexican Oregano Tea

Slofoodgroup Team May 28, 2022

When you think of the uses for oregano, your mind probably begins to wander toward thoughts of sauces, soups, stews, herbed meats, pasta fillings, and a large variety of other savory dishes. I’m willing to bet, though, that the vast majority of the global population doesn’t immediately consider it for beverage applications. Still, there are many folks out there who have made a daily cup of Oregano Tea a part of their dietary routine—and for good reason.  

Why Drink Oregano Tea

So why has Oregano Tea become an addition to many folks' routines? It’s largely due to the long list of supposed health benefits of this earthy herb. While you aren’t likely going to find a certified medical doctor to prescribe oregano for all those pesky ailments, generations upon generations have been turning to oregano as an alternative remedy. 

Oregano has a large range of health benefits. It is said to aid in digestive issues, easing bloat, relieving nausea, and even lessening the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  As a member of the mint family, it is also said to be helpful in opening up airways and providing relief to those with asthma, COPD, coughs, or even sore throats. Additionally, oregano has been found to have powerful anti-bacterial, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that may help with a large range of ailments and assist in general wellness.

All that being the case, Oregano tea has become more popular with the ease of information spread. However, Mexican Oregano is not the same as Mediterranean Oregano, which is related to mint whereas Mexican Oregano is a member of the verbena family. Still, they possess many of the same properties and supposed health benefits. However, the benefits of Mexican Oregano, may exceed those of it's Mediterranean cousin—even being studied as a potential inhibitor of COVID-19.

We choose to make our Oregano tea with Mexican Oregano, even though it is not “true” oregano, because we love the woodsy, citrusy elements it incorporates into our beverage. 

While the studies of the health benefits of drinking Mexican Oregano Tea are minimal, there’s nothing wrong with incorporating a healthy, herbal beverage into your daily routine! Since oregano tea on its own might be a bit intense for most people, we have added hibiscus, cardamom, lemon, and honey to ours to produce a tasty treat that can be served hot or over ice. 

How to Make Mexican Oregano Tea with Hibiscus and Cardamom

Yields 2 8 ounce cups of tea

Ingredients

• 16 ounces water
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican Oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried hibiscus leaves
• 2 crushed cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Procedure 

1. Bring your water to a boil in a small pot
2. Once the water has reached a boil, turn the heating element off and add your oregano, hibiscus, and cardamom pods
3. Let the ingredients steep for about 5 minutes and strain.
4. Serve your tea hot with a wedge of lemon, or pour it over ice for a refreshing summertime treat.

You can find high-quality, dried Mexican Oregano right here.