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Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss: Soothing, Simple & Effective

Posted on August 21, 2025

Last updated on August 21, 2025

Costa Rican tea recipe in glass mug with herbs and sunlight

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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only, not medical advice. Always consult with a doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

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If you’ve been curious about trying a Costa Rican tea recipe, especially one aimed at weight loss, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll walk you through a vibrant, traditional version of Costa Rican tea and show you how to turn it into a relaxing daily ritual with added benefits. We’ll cover ingredients, health uses, preparation tips, and how long it stays fresh. Whether you’re sipping for pleasure or wellness, this tea has something to offer.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

  • Costa Rican tea is typically made from local herbs, fruits, and spices.
  • It may help with digestion, hydration, and in some blends, weight loss support.
  • You’ll learn the best Costa Rican tea recipe and how to prepare it in under 15 minutes.
  • We’ll answer common questions about its ingredients, uses, and how long it lasts.
  • I’ll also include options for sourcing or modifying the tea for modern health goals like fat-burning blends.

The Story Behind This Costa Rican Tea Recipe

What Inspired This Herbal Blend?

Let me take you back for a minute. I’m Chloe White, home cook, Asheville native, and longtime herbal tea explorer. When I was 19, I took a gap year trip to Central America, and Costa Rica completely rewired my relationship with food and wellness. It wasn’t about calories, macros, or trends, it was about living in rhythm with nature.

Every morning in a quiet little mountain village near Cartago, the woman I stayed with would offer me a mug of warm té de zacate limón (lemongrass tea), often steeped with cinnamon bark or a few crushed leaves of guava or soursop. She didn’t call it a detox or a weight loss aid. It was just “the tea.”

And I drank it daily. My digestion improved. I felt lighter. I slept better. That experience stuck with me.

So years later, when I started experimenting with my own Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss, I returned to those roots, simple ingredients, earthy flavors, real nourishment.

This isn’t just a trendy “fat-burning” drink. It’s steeped in centuries-old tradition.

Why This Recipe Still Works Today

Costa Rican tea isn’t just tasty, it’s surprisingly functional. The ingredients are gently detoxifying, help curb cravings, and are naturally caffeine-free. Whether you’re brewing it as a calming evening tea or adding it to your weight-loss routine, you’re tapping into something time-tested and naturally powerful.

This version blends lemongrass, cinnamon, guava leaf, and a touch of ginger, herbs and spices that are used both in Costa Rican kitchens and herbal medicine cabinets.

If you’ve tried herbal blends like my natural Mounjaro recipe or homemade Mounjaro drink for weight loss, this one will fit beautifully into your routine.

What Is Costa Rican Tea Made Of?

What Are the Ingredients in a Traditional Costa Rican Tea Recipe?

A traditional Costa Rican tea recipe often draws from fresh, native herbs found right in the backyard. These aren’t hard-to-find superfoods, they’re simple, fragrant, and functional.

Here’s a look at the ingredients I use in my version, inspired by the one I drank every morning in that Cartago mountain village:

IngredientFunctionFlavor Profile
Lemongrass (zacate limón)Supports digestion, mildly diureticBright, citrusy
Cinnamon barkBalances blood sugar, adds warmthSweet, woody
Guava leavesAntioxidants, may reduce inflammationMildly astringent
Ginger rootBoosts metabolism, calms bloatingSpicy, warming
Hibiscus (optional)Rich in Vitamin C, supports heart healthTart, floral

These ingredients form the base of what many locals drink daily, not just for flavor, but for wellness.

When creating your own Costa Rican tea for weight loss, the magic is in the synergy. Lemongrass helps flush out water retention. Guava leaf may help stabilize blood sugar. Cinnamon keeps cravings at bay. Ginger keeps your gut happy. Together, it’s a gentle nudge in the right direction.

If you’re already experimenting with wellness blends, this pairs beautifully with my mounjaro drink recipe or the Brazilian Mounjaro recipe.

Where Can I Buy Costa Rican Tea for Weight Loss?

If you’re not quite ready to make your own blend, you can absolutely purchase Costa Rican tea online. Look for organic brands that include lemongrass, guava leaf, or soursop.

Here’s what to watch for:

  • Loose leaf is better than bagged for potency.
  • Check that “natural flavors” are not the main ingredient.
  • Look for blends labeled “slimming” or “digestive support.”

However, making it at home from bulk herbs is more affordable, and you control the quality. You can even customize it, add pink salt like in this homemade Mounjaro recipe with pink salt if you’re targeting electrolyte balance.

How Do You Make Costa Rican Tea?

What’s the Best Costa Rican Tea Recipe to Try at Home?

You don’t need fancy tools or imported herbs to make the best Costa Rican tea recipe right in your own kitchen. This simple, aromatic blend is calming, slightly spicy, and naturally supportive for digestion and weight loss.

Here’s how I make mine, just like I learned in that Cartago kitchen years ago:

Ingredients (makes 2 servings)

  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 1 stalk fresh lemongrass (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 1 small piece cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp dried guava leaves (or 3–4 fresh if you have access)
  • ½ inch fresh ginger, sliced (or ¼ tsp dried)
  • (Optional) 1 tsp dried hibiscus for color and tartness
  • (Optional) 1 tsp raw honey or stevia, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring Water to a Boil
    In a small pot, add your filtered water and bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Add Ingredients
    Toss in lemongrass, cinnamon, guava leaves, and ginger. If using hibiscus, add it now.
  3. Simmer & Steep
    Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. The aroma should fill your kitchen.
  4. Strain and Sweeten (Optional)
    Remove from heat. Strain into mugs. Add raw honey or natural sweetener if desired.
  5. Sip Slowly
    Drink warm in the morning or before bed for best results.

This tea pairs especially well with a wellness routine focused on hydration and hormonal balance, like my natural Mounjaro drink recipe or Japanese Mounjaro recipe.

Can You Make This Costa Rican Tea for Weight Loss?

Absolutely. Just be consistent.

Here’s a quick adjustment for weight loss goals:

  • Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar after steeping (cool to warm, not hot, to preserve enzymes).
  • Replace honey with a cinnamon stick if you’re avoiding sugars.
  • Drink this twice a day, especially before meals.

Over time, this tea may help reduce bloating, support metabolism, and gently curve cravings.

How Long Does Costa Rican Tea Last + Side Effects & Storage Tips

How Long Can You Keep Costa Rican Tea?

Once brewed, Costa Rican tea keeps well for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator, though it’s best within the first 48 hours for both flavor and benefits.

Here’s how to store it properly:

  • Let it cool fully before pouring into a glass jar or pitcher.
  • Use an airtight container to prevent oxidation.
  • Label the date on your jar to track freshness.
  • Reheat gently on the stove, never microwave, as it can damage the natural compounds.

If you’re batch-prepping for the week, you can brew a double or triple batch and sip it cold or warm throughout the day. I love keeping it in mason jars and grabbing one before a walk or after a workout.

Pair it with something like the Brazilian Mounjaro 3-ingredient recipe and you’ve got a simple wellness toolkit.

What Are the Side Effects of Costa Rican Tea?

Generally, Costa Rican tea is very gentle. That said, it’s important to know how your body responds to herbal blends, especially if you’re drinking them daily.

Here’s a breakdown of possible side effects from common ingredients:

IngredientPotential Side EffectsNotes
Guava LeafMild constipation in high dosesStart with small amounts
LemongrassMay lower blood pressureMonitor if taking BP medication
GingerHeartburn or upset stomach in excessBest consumed with food
HibiscusLowers blood pressure and blood sugarAvoid during pregnancy

Pro Tip: If you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medications, consult your doctor before starting any herbal tea regimen. You can learn more about safe herbal use from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a reputable .gov health resource.

A Real Review: What Someone Shared With Me

I love including stories from real readers. Here’s one I received last winter from a woman named Amanda in Austin:

“I started drinking your Costa Rican tea recipe with guava and cinnamon every morning before breakfast. By week two, my jeans felt looser, but more than that, I just felt lighter. It helped with digestion, and I stopped craving sweets mid-morning. I’ve tried dozens of ‘detox teas,’ but this one feels real. Earthy, honest, and it actually works.”

That’s the kind of result I care about, consistency, not gimmicks.

So if you’re blending this into your daily rhythm, try pairing it with the how long does Mounjaro take to start working guide, it may help you track your wellness journey more effectively.

What Is Costa Rican Tea Good For?

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Costa Rican Tea?

Costa Rican tea isn’t just comforting, it’s a quietly powerful herbal ally. While each Costa Rican tea recipe varies slightly, most blends are made with ingredients that support your digestive system, immune function, metabolism, and hydration.

Here are some of the key benefits you can expect when drinking this tea regularly:

1. Weight Loss Support

Guava leaf, ginger, and cinnamon are known for their ability to help manage blood sugar, reduce bloating, and curb cravings. This makes it a perfect Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss when consumed 1–2 times daily, especially before meals.

If you’re following a hormone-friendly routine, combine this tea with the natural Mounjaro recipe for amplified effect.

2. Improved Digestion

Lemongrass and ginger both help soothe the stomach and support healthy elimination. Many people report less gas, reduced bloating, and more regularity after just a few days of sipping this blend.

3. Relaxation + Better Sleep

The warm spices and caffeine-free base make it ideal for unwinding before bed. The scent alone, especially with cinnamon and lemongrass, is grounding and calming.

4. Hydration with Purpose

Drinking water is essential, but herbal teas offer a double win: hydration plus functional plant compounds. This tea helps you stay hydrated while delivering micronutrients.

5. Immune Support

Guava leaf is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. When you add hibiscus or ginger, it becomes a gentle immune tonic, especially good during colder months or allergy season.

Related: If you’re focused on natural methods, check out the mounjaro recipe with pink salt which pairs great with this tea to rebalance minerals and curb adrenal fatigue.

When Should You Drink Costa Rican Tea?

You can enjoy this tea at any time, but here’s what I recommend based on your goal:

GoalBest Time to Drink
Weight loss30 mins before meals (2x per day)
Digestion & bloatingAfter your biggest meal
Better sleep30–60 minutes before bed
Energy without caffeineMid-morning or afternoon slump

Bonus Use: Iced Costa Rican Tea for Summer

Yes, this tea tastes amazing iced! Brew a strong batch, cool it, and pour over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint. It’s refreshing, nourishing, and low-calorie, a great alternative to sugary drinks.

For those looking for a natural way to beat the heat and fight inflammation, this pairs wonderfully with the Japanese Mounjaro recipe which includes antioxidant-rich ingredients.

Costa Rican tea recipe in glass mug with herbs and sunlight
Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss: Soothing, Simple & EffectiveChloe White

Costa Rican Tea Recipe

A traditional Costa Rican tea made with lemongrass, guava leaves, cinnamon, and ginger. Naturally supports digestion, hydration, and weight loss.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Course: Detox, Drinks, tea
Cuisine: Costa Rican, Wellness
Calories: 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Water Filtered preferred
  • 1 Lemongrass stalk Fresh or 1 tbsp dried
  • 1 inch Cinnamon stick Whole not powdered
  • 1 tbsp Guava leaves Dried or 3–4 fresh leaves
  • 0.5 inch Ginger root Fresh sliced (or ¼ tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp Hibiscus opt. Optional for color + tartness
  • to taste Raw honey opt. Or stevia for sugar-free version

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan Medium size with lid
  • 1 Fine Mesh Strainer For removing herbs post-simmer
  • 2 Mugs or Teacups Optional garnish: lemon slice

Method
 

  1. Boil Water
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
  3. Add Ingredients
  4. Add lemongrass, cinnamon, guava leaf, ginger, and hibiscus (if using).
  5. Simmer
  6. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes.
  7. Strain & Serve
  8. Strain tea into mugs, add sweetener if desired, and serve hot.
  9. Optional Chill
  10. For iced tea, cool completely and refrigerate. Serve over ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 6kcalSodium: 2mgVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 10mg

Notes

Storage Tip: Store leftover tea in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Weight Loss Tip: Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar after steeping for an added metabolism kick.
Caffeine-Free: Safe to drink morning or night.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Creative Variations on the Costa Rican Tea Recipe

How Can You Customize a Costa Rican Tea Recipe for More Benefits?

The beauty of a Costa Rican tea recipe is how flexible it is. Once you’ve made the base version with lemongrass, cinnamon, guava leaf, and ginger, you can easily tweak it for flavor, function, or season.

If you’re drinking Costa Rican tea for weight loss, variety matters. Not only does it help you stick with the habit, but it also allows you to benefit from a wider range of nutrients and herbal actions.

Here are my favorite creative variations to keep things fresh and flavorful:

1. Citrus-Boosted Costa Rican Tea

Add fresh orange or lemon slices during the steeping process for extra vitamin C and a brightness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and ginger.

Why it works: Citrus enhances digestion, supports detox, and adds a naturally sweet note without sugar.

Pro tip: Let lemon slices simmer with the lemongrass for a fuller flavor. Pair this with the mounjaro drink recipe for a midday metabolism boost.

2. Costa Rican Tea Recipe with Pineapple Core

In many Costa Rican kitchens, nothing goes to waste—including pineapple cores. Add a chunk or two into your tea pot for bromelain, an enzyme that may reduce inflammation and support digestion.

Why it works: Pineapple complements cinnamon and guava leaf beautifully while promoting gut health.

This one pairs well with the Brazilian Mounjaro recipe, which also emphasizes digestion and natural fat-burning.

3. Costa Rican Tea for Weight Loss + Detox

For a more detox-focused version, try this simple variation:

  • 1 tsp dandelion root
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ lemon slice
  • Base Costa Rican tea recipe

This blend targets the liver and digestive system, which are crucial in supporting long-term weight management.

Combine this detox-friendly version with my natural Mounjaro drink recipe to create a gentle daily reset.

4. Iced Costa Rican Tea with Fresh Herbs

Use the same tea base, but chill it overnight. Then pour over ice and add:

  • Fresh mint or basil
  • A splash of coconut water
  • Optional: Cucumber slices for a spa vibe

This is a cooling, hydrating version of the classic Costa Rican tea recipe, ideal for summer sipping and digestion support.

5. Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Hormonal Balance

For women focused on hormone health or cravings, this blend adds two game-changing herbs:

  • 1 tsp spearmint (supports androgens & PCOS balance)
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds (curbs sugar cravings)

Mix into your usual tea recipe and sip it before meals or late afternoon.

Keyword tip: If you’re building a routine around natural fat support, you’ll love how this version of Costa Rican tea for weight loss pairs with my mounjaro weight loss drink for hormonal balance.

Why These Variations Work

All these creative twists still preserve the heart of the Costa Rican tea recipe: warm, earthy, and herbal. But by adding citrus, mint, turmeric, or enzymes, you’re expanding the nutrient profile—and making it easier to stay consistent.

That’s the key to results. Whether you’re drinking this tea to support weight loss, digestion, energy, or calm, consistency plus customization = transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rican Tea

To help you get quick, reliable answers, I’ve included the most commonly asked questions about the Costa Rican tea recipe. These are optimized for Bing and Google snippet rankings—short, clear, and packed with value.

What is Costa Rican tea?

Costa Rican tea is a traditional herbal infusion made from native plants like lemongrass, cinnamon, guava leaf, and ginger. It’s caffeine-free, aromatic, and often used for digestion, relaxation, and weight loss support. Some versions include hibiscus or soursop leaves for added health benefits and flavor.

How do you make Costa Rican tea?

To make Costa Rican tea, boil 2 cups of water and add lemongrass, guava leaf, cinnamon bark, and sliced ginger. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, then strain. You can sweeten with raw honey or enjoy it plain. Drink it warm or cold, up to twice daily.

What is Costa Rica tea made of?

A typical Costa Rica tea recipe includes:
Lemongrass
Cinnamon
Guava leaves
Ginger
(Optional) Hibiscus, soursop, or lemon peel
These ingredients work together to promote digestion, reduce inflammation, and support natural weight loss.

How long can you keep Costa Rican tea?

You can store Costa Rican tea in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Use an airtight container to maintain freshness. It’s best consumed within 48 hours for full flavor and benefits. Reheat gently on the stove—never microwave herbal tea to avoid damaging its active compounds.

What is Costa Rican tea good for?

Costa Rican tea is known for supporting digestion, calming the nervous system, and gently promoting weight loss. The combination of guava leaf, lemongrass, and ginger may help balance blood sugar, reduce bloating, and curb appetite naturally. It’s a daily go-to in Costa Rican households.

A Final Word on Costa Rican Tea

Whether you’re drinking it for its calming aroma, its metabolism-boosting herbs, or its connection to traditional Central American wellness, this Costa Rican tea recipe is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.

It’s a simple act of self-care—just boil, steep, sip, and feel the shift.

For even better results, I suggest weaving it into your day alongside blends like the Brazilian Mounjaro recipe or natural Mounjaro recipe. Together, they support the kind of gentle, daily detox that really works.

Author

  • Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss: Soothing, Simple & Effective

    Hi there, I'm Chloe White. I'm 38 and grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, a place where food and creativity are part of everyday life. If you're just beginning your cooking journey, you’re in good company. I wasn’t born a chef. I made plenty of kitchen mistakes early on, but they led me to discover that cooking can be simple, fun, and deeply rewarding. Through my blog, wepostrecipes, I share easy, step-by-step recipes with a creative twist. Think balanced meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I believe cooking should be joyful, not stressful. My goal is to inspire you to try new things, enjoy the process, and embrace the occasional flop with a smile. No fancy tools or expert skills required, just a willingness to start.


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