Looking for an aromatic homemade herbal tea? This simple Oregano Tea recipe provides a soothing sip any time of day. Learn how to make this easy-to-brew beverage with fresh or dried oregano leaves in just a few simple steps.
You’ve likely used oregano in savory dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and salad dressings.
Today, however, we’re shifting our attention to an oregano-infused, health-boosting beverage: introducing oregano tea!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are three reasons to brew a cup of oregano tea:
- Super simple. You can brew a comforting beverage in about 5 minutes with just water and oregano.
- Budget-friendly and versatile. Whether you have fresh oregano from your garden or dried oregano in your pantry, this recipe works with what you have on hand.
- Wellness boost. Who would have thought a simple spice boasts so many potential health benefits? Read more about why you should be drinking oregano tea here.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s take a closer look at the two simple ingredients you’ll need for this herbal tea:
- Fresh or dried oregano leaves – Fresh oregano leaves provide a vibrant, aromatic flavor. On the other hand, dried oregano leaves offer a more concentrated flavor—experiment with both to see which you prefer.
- Boiling water – Extracts the essential oils and flavors from the oregano for a flavorful tea. If possible, use filtered or distilled water to ensure the natural flavors of the oregano shine through without any flavor impurities.
How to Make Oregano Tea From Fresh Leaves
Brewing oregano tea from fresh leaves is a lovely way to enjoy its vibrant, herbaceous flavor. Follow these simple steps to make a comforting cup:
- Prepare the oregano: Place a few sprigs of fresh oregano in a cup. You can also roughly chop the fresh leaves and place them in a tea infuser. Remember, chopped fresh oregano will release more flavor, so you might need less.
- Add boiling water and steep: Fill a teacup with boiling water, ensuring the oregano (or tea infuser) is fully submerged. Cover the cup and let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the oregano sprigs or the tea infuser, and enjoy!
How to Make Oregano Tea with Dried Oregano
If fresh oregano isn’t available, brewing this tea with dried oregano leaves (NOT ground oregano) is a convenient option. Here are the simple steps:
- Prepare the oregano: Add a tablespoon of dried oregano leaves to a tea infuser or a tea bag for loose tea.
- Steep: Place the infuser or tea bag in a teacup and pour boiling water over it. Cover the cup and let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea infuser or tea bag, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Brewing the perfect cup of herbal tea is an art. Here are my top tips to help you brew a pristine cup every time:
- Water temperature – For the best results, use water just off the boil, around 200°F (93°C). Boiling water can sometimes scorch the delicate oregano leaves and throw off the flavor.
- Brewing time – Steeping the herbs for about 3 to 5 minutes is ideal. To intensify the peppery, herbaceous flavor, steep for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to oversteep, as it can make the tea bitter.
- Cover while steeping – Always cover your teacup during steeping. This helps retain the essential oils and aromas, giving you a more concentrated flavor.
Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Lemon and honey are delightful, but don’t hesitate to jazz up your oregano tea! Mix and match these tasty add-ins to create your perfect blend:
- Fresh ginger – For a refreshing, spicy kick.
- Whole cloves – For warm, slightly sweet, and pungent notes.
- Cardamom pods – Add a sweet, spicy complexity.
- Rosemary or thyme – Adds a pine-like, savory taste.
- Lavender – Adds a floral note, making it more aromatic and relaxing.
- Chamomile – Creates a calming tea, perfect for winding down in the evening.
- Fresh mint – Introduces a refreshing, cooling element.
- Cinnamon stick – Adds sweetness and warmth that complements the oregano nicely.
- Lemon or orange peel – Adds a slightly bitter, pleasantly citrusy flavor.
FAQs
More Homemade Tea Recipes
If you enjoy a soothing cup of tea, check out these recipes:
How to Make Oregano Tea
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Equipment
- Glass Teapot optional
- Tea Infuser optional
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup boiling water
For the Tea with Fresh Oregano
- 3 sprigs fresh oregano (about 3 inches long stems with leaves)
For the Tea with Dried Oregano
- ½ Tbsp dried oregano
Instructions
Oregano Tea with Fresh Herbs
- Place the oregano sprigs into a tea cup and fill it with boiling water. Cover and let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can chop the fresh oregano and place it into a tea infuser. You might need less fresh oregano if you chop it because it will release more flavor.
- Remove the sprigs and enjoy. Add a lemon slice and honey if desired.
Oregano Tea with Dried Herbs
- Add the dried oregano to a tea infuser or a tea bag for loose tea. Place it in a teacup and pour boiling water over it. Cover and let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the infuser or tea bag and enjoy. Add a lemon slice and honey if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Use water slightly off the boil, around 200°F (93°C). Boiling water can scorch the delicate oregano leaves and affect the flavor.
- Do not oversteep as it can make the tea bitter.
Add-ins for More Flavor
- Fresh ginger
- Whole cloves
- Cardamom pods
- Rosemary or thyme
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Fresh mint
- Cinnamon stick
- Lemon or orange peel
Storing
- If you have leftover oregano tea, allow it to cool completely, then pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays and freeze solid. Transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag and use them to chill future beverages!
The nutrition facts are an estimate. Variations in ingredient brands, portion sizes, or substitutions can affect the final nutritional values. For the most accurate information, please use a nutrition calculator or consult with a healthcare provider. Always ensure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.
Meet Maria
Maria Ushakova is a holistic nutritionist and food blogger. She focuses on developing easy recipes using real food ingredients. She believes that healthy food is delicious and anyone can learn how to cook it. Maria’s work has appeared on numerous popular websites as well as in print.
