How to Use Mangosteen Peel as Tea for Health Benefits

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, mangosteen peel is an abundant source of powerful antioxidants, including xanthones. This guide shows you how to use mangosteen peel as tea, turning a commonly discarded part of the fruit into a healthful and flavorful herbal infusion.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the process of preparing mangosteen peel tea, from cleaning and drying the rind to brewing the perfect cup. Learn different methods, understand potential benefits, and discover precautions for consumption.

Key Points

Dry the rind: Mangosteen peel must be thoroughly dried before brewing to make it safe for consumption and to concentrate its compounds.
Boil or steep: Prepare the tea by either simmering the dried rinds in boiling water or steeping them in hot water.
Add sweetener: The brew has an earthy, slightly bitter taste, so adding honey or sugar is recommended for flavor.
Rich in antioxidants: The peel contains powerful xanthones, which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Caution for some: Individuals with bleeding disorders or those facing surgery should avoid mangosteen due to its potential effect on blood clotting.
Staining risk: The purple juice from the fresh rind can stain your hands and surfaces, so use gloves during preparation.
Alternative uses: Beyond tea, mangosteen peel extract is used in skincare products for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The mangosteen, often called the “Queen of Fruits,” is known for its delicious flesh and its rind, which is rich in bioactive compounds. Traditionally, mangosteen peel has been used for its potential therapeutic properties and is still popular in herbal preparations. Making a tea is a simple way to extract these compounds. Proper preparation is key, as the raw peel is bitter. Drying the rind makes it suitable for brewing.

Step 1: Preparing the Mangosteen Peel

Proper preparation is crucial for safe and enjoyable tea. You'll need a ripe mangosteen, a knife, a spoon, and a drying method.

Cleaning and Scoring the Fruit

Wash the mangosteen thoroughly.
Score the rind around the center, being careful not to cut the fruit inside.
Gently separate the rind halves.
Scrape out the soft inner whitish layer with a spoon. The purple juice can stain.

Drying the Rind

Sun-drying: Place rinds in direct sunlight for 2-3 days until brittle.
Microwave method: Heat rinds on a microwave-safe plate in short bursts until hard and dry.
Storage: Store dried rinds in an airtight container away from sun and moisture.

Step 2: Brewing Your Mangosteen Peel Tea

Dried rinds can be brewed into a tea with a deep purple color and earthy flavor.

Brewing Method 1: On the Stove

Boil 4 cups of water.
Add about a half cup of dried rinds.
Simmer for 5-10 minutes until deep purple, then steep for 5 more minutes.
Strain, sweeten to taste, and serve hot.

Brewing Method 2: In a Cup

Boil water, then let it cool slightly to around 200°F (93°C).
Place a few pieces of dried rind in a mug.
Pour hot water over the rind and steep for 5-10 minutes.
Add lemon or honey for flavor.

Comparing Mangosteen Peel Tea vs. Other Herbal Teas

This table compares mangosteen peel tea to other popular herbal infusions.


Feature	Mangosteen Peel Tea	Green Tea	Hibiscus Tea	Ginger Tea
Primary Ingredient	Dried mangosteen rind	Camellia sinensis leaves	Dried hibiscus flowers	Fresh or dried ginger root
Antioxidant Compounds	Xanthones, flavonoids, tannins	Catechins (EGCG)	Anthocyanins	Gingerols, shogaols
Preparation	Requires drying the peel; can be simmered or steeped	Brewed by steeping processed leaves; avoid boiling	Steeped in hot water	Simmered with water for stronger flavor
Flavor Profile	Earthy and slightly bitter, but can be sweetened	Grassy and fresh; can become bitter if over-steeped	Tart and cranberry-like; often sweetened	Spicy and pungent; can be balanced with honey
Potential Side Effects	May slow blood clotting in high doses	Contains caffeine; may cause insomnia in some	Can lower blood pressure; should be avoided by some	May thin blood; not for those with bleeding disorders

Conclusion

Making mangosteen peel tea at home is a simple way to utilize a discarded part of the fruit for a beverage rich in antioxidants like xanthones. Proper preparation and drying are essential for brewing this herbal tea with its unique flavor and potential benefits. It's advisable to consume in moderation and consult a healthcare professional, especially with existing conditions or medications. Using the entire fruit, including the rind, offers a sustainable approach to natural wellness.

Mangosteen Peel for Skin

Mangosteen peel has applications beyond tea. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can benefit skincare. Extracts have shown promise in reducing acne and promoting skin health. Topical products with mangosteen extract are used to soothe inflammation and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Some research suggests it might also help reduce hyperpigmentation.

Precautions and Safety

While generally safe, precautions are needed for certain individuals. High doses might slow blood clotting, so those with bleeding disorders or undergoing surgery should avoid it. There's also insufficient safety information for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who should avoid it. Consulting a doctor before use is recommended. For further research on mangosteen peel extract applications, you can explore resources like the National Institutes of Health(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6272065/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the mangosteen peel is edible, but it must be properly prepared first, typically by drying it. It is not recommended to eat the raw peel due to its high tannin content and bitter taste.

Mangosteen peel tea has an earthy and slightly bitter flavor profile. For a more pleasant drinking experience, it is often sweetened with honey or sugar.

Sun-drying the mangosteen peel typically takes about two to three days, while using a microwave can speed up the process to just a few minutes.

While some recipes suggest boiling fresh peel, it is generally recommended to use dried rind. Drying concentrates the beneficial compounds and reduces the high tannin content that makes fresh peel unpalatable.

Xanthones are a class of potent antioxidant compounds found abundantly in mangosteen peel. They are believed to provide various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Possible side effects include mild gastrointestinal issues like constipation, bloating, and nausea, though these are typically associated with larger or supplemental doses. In high amounts, it may also slow blood clotting.

After drying, store the mangosteen peel in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its potency.

There is not enough reliable information on the safety of mangosteen for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to avoid it during this period to be safe.