Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat’s in Oregano Tea?Possible BenefitsWho Should Avoid It?How to Brew Oregano Tea
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What’s in Oregano Tea?
Possible Benefits
Who Should Avoid It?
How to Brew Oregano Tea
Oregano is an herb used widely in cooking, but it is also sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Some reasons people drink oregano tea include a cold, indigestion, or a cough.
Oregano does have compounds that may be anti-inflammatory or antibacterial, but the health benefits are not proven.
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Oreganois an herb commonly used in cooking, either fresh or dried.Its flavor is described as pungent, earthy, spicy, or peppery, with undertones of mint or hay. It is often used to complementMediterranean dishesthat include pasta, tomato sauces, poultry, meats, and fish.
The leaves of the oregano plant are used in cooking and making tea. Herbs contain various compounds that may affect the body. These effects can be subtle, so the amount of an herb used in food may not have any dramatic effects.
Some active compounds in oregano include phenolic monoterpenes,flavonoids(apigenin, eriodictyol,dihydroquercetin, dihydrokaempferol, thymol), and phenolic acids.
Antioxidant compounds found in oregano include caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid,rosmarinic acid, caffeoyl derivatives, and cavacrol.
Possible Benefits and What Research Says
Oregano has been studied as an herbal remedy. However, there’s not enough evidence to recommend it specifically for any particular condition. There is not enough research on using oregano as a tea to say that it would be beneficial for health purposes.
It’s thought that oregano may have properties that include:
Research on oregano has largely been done on extract of oregano, or oregano essential oil, leaving a lack of evidence about the use of the dried herb.Oregano extract ororegano oilhas the largest concentration of carvacrol and thymol phenols, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Studies were often not done on humans but in the lab or on research animals, which is information that doesn’t always relate to use in humans.All of this makes it challenging to understand how oregano may affect the body.
Antibacterial Effects
Some of the substances in oregano, including flavonoids andpolyphenols, may have antibacterial effects. This means they are active against bacteria and may help disrupt their ability to grow in the body. However, there’s not much evidence to show a direct relationship between oregano and fighting bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Flavonoids and phenolic acids are compounds found in oregano and other plants which can reduceinflammation. Inflammation in the body can be an appropriate response, such as to a cold virus. But when inflammation is unchecked, it may lead to the development of disease and even cancer.Oregano does contain flavonoids, but their effects are poorly studied in humans.
Antioxidant Effects
Free radicalsare unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage in the body. The damage they cause is thought to be related to the development of cancer and other diseases.An antioxidant can interfere with free radicals and possibly prevent this damage.
Oregano contains antioxidants, so it’s thought to have antioxidant effects. However, it’s not known how effective it is at neutralizing free radicals.
Antispasmodic Effects
Antispasmotics are compounds that act upon the smooth muscles in the digestive system. Certain conditions, such asirritable bowel syndrome (IBS), might cause those muscles to contract, causing pain,diarrhea, or other effects.
Oregano contains phytochemicals that may have antispasmodic effects. However, it is not well studied, and oregano isn’t recommended as an antispasmodic.
Should Anyone Not Drink Oregano Tea?
While small amounts may be acceptable, large amounts of oregano tea or extract are not recommended for pregnant people.Oregano may have a stimulant effect on theuterus. This is not desirable in pregnancy.
People with diabetes should be careful when drinking oregano tea because it could lower blood sugar levels.Oregano may also work like ablood thinner, so people who are at risk for bleeding may also want to avoid large amounts of oregano tea.
It’s best to approach any supplement with careful consideration and discuss it with a healthcare professional before trying it.
How to Brew Oregano Tea
The oregano can be from the same spice jar used for cooking or a pre-made tea bag. Some people also grow an oregano plant and use the leaves in food or tea.
The taste of oregano tea might be strong, so some people may want to add flavoring to make it more palatable. Honey or stevia are popular tea additives. Because there can be adverse effects, drinking oregano tea in moderation, such as 2 or 3 cups per day, is prudent.
Some people may apply oregano tea to theirskin for antibacterial properties. However, it should be cooled thoroughly before doing so.
Summary
Oregano is an herb that is used widely to flavor food. Its uses as a medicinal herb are less well understood and studied, though it does appear to contain beneficial compounds.
Oregano made into tea is probably not harmful to most people, but those who are pregnant or live with a chronic condition will want to take care before trying it. The dosage of oregano tea that is needed to have an effect on health is not known.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Oregano.Kmail A.Mitigating digestive disorders: action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds.Open Life Sci. 2024;19:20220857. doi:10.1515/biol-2022-0857Embuscado ME.Spices and herbs: natural sources of antioxidants – a mini review.Journal of Functional Foods. 2015;18:811-819. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2015.03.005.Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Picos-Salas MA, Leyva-López N, et al.Flavonoids and phenolic acids from oregano: occurrence, biological activity and health benefits.Plants (Basel).2017;7:2. doi:10.3390/plants7010002.Marino A, Battaglini M, Moles N, Ciofani G.Natural antioxidant compounds as potential pharmaceutical tools against neurodegenerative diseases.ACS Omega.2022;7:25974-25990. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c03291Piotrowski I, Kulcenty K, Suchorska W.Interplay between inflammation and cancer.Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2020;25(3):422-427. doi:10.1016/j.rpor.2020.04.004Michigan State University.What you need to know about antioxidants.Additional ReadingLeyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB.Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties.Molecules.2017;22:989. doi:10.3390/molecules22060989Martins N, Barros L, Santos-Buelga C, Henriques M, Silva S, Ferreira IC.Decoction, infusion and hydroalcoholic extract of Origanum vulgare L.: different performances regarding bioactivity and phenolic compounds.Food Chem. 2014;158:73-80. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.099
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Oregano.Kmail A.Mitigating digestive disorders: action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds.Open Life Sci. 2024;19:20220857. doi:10.1515/biol-2022-0857Embuscado ME.Spices and herbs: natural sources of antioxidants – a mini review.Journal of Functional Foods. 2015;18:811-819. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2015.03.005.Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Picos-Salas MA, Leyva-López N, et al.Flavonoids and phenolic acids from oregano: occurrence, biological activity and health benefits.Plants (Basel).2017;7:2. doi:10.3390/plants7010002.Marino A, Battaglini M, Moles N, Ciofani G.Natural antioxidant compounds as potential pharmaceutical tools against neurodegenerative diseases.ACS Omega.2022;7:25974-25990. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c03291Piotrowski I, Kulcenty K, Suchorska W.Interplay between inflammation and cancer.Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2020;25(3):422-427. doi:10.1016/j.rpor.2020.04.004Michigan State University.What you need to know about antioxidants.Additional ReadingLeyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB.Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties.Molecules.2017;22:989. doi:10.3390/molecules22060989Martins N, Barros L, Santos-Buelga C, Henriques M, Silva S, Ferreira IC.Decoction, infusion and hydroalcoholic extract of Origanum vulgare L.: different performances regarding bioactivity and phenolic compounds.Food Chem. 2014;158:73-80. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.099
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Oregano.Kmail A.Mitigating digestive disorders: action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds.Open Life Sci. 2024;19:20220857. doi:10.1515/biol-2022-0857Embuscado ME.Spices and herbs: natural sources of antioxidants – a mini review.Journal of Functional Foods. 2015;18:811-819. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2015.03.005.Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Picos-Salas MA, Leyva-López N, et al.Flavonoids and phenolic acids from oregano: occurrence, biological activity and health benefits.Plants (Basel).2017;7:2. doi:10.3390/plants7010002.Marino A, Battaglini M, Moles N, Ciofani G.Natural antioxidant compounds as potential pharmaceutical tools against neurodegenerative diseases.ACS Omega.2022;7:25974-25990. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c03291Piotrowski I, Kulcenty K, Suchorska W.Interplay between inflammation and cancer.Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2020;25(3):422-427. doi:10.1016/j.rpor.2020.04.004Michigan State University.What you need to know about antioxidants.
MedlinePlus.Oregano.
Kmail A.Mitigating digestive disorders: action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds.Open Life Sci. 2024;19:20220857. doi:10.1515/biol-2022-0857
Embuscado ME.Spices and herbs: natural sources of antioxidants – a mini review.Journal of Functional Foods. 2015;18:811-819. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2015.03.005.
Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Picos-Salas MA, Leyva-López N, et al.Flavonoids and phenolic acids from oregano: occurrence, biological activity and health benefits.Plants (Basel).2017;7:2. doi:10.3390/plants7010002.
Marino A, Battaglini M, Moles N, Ciofani G.Natural antioxidant compounds as potential pharmaceutical tools against neurodegenerative diseases.ACS Omega.2022;7:25974-25990. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c03291
Piotrowski I, Kulcenty K, Suchorska W.Interplay between inflammation and cancer.Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2020;25(3):422-427. doi:10.1016/j.rpor.2020.04.004
Michigan State University.What you need to know about antioxidants.
Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB.Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties.Molecules.2017;22:989. doi:10.3390/molecules22060989Martins N, Barros L, Santos-Buelga C, Henriques M, Silva S, Ferreira IC.Decoction, infusion and hydroalcoholic extract of Origanum vulgare L.: different performances regarding bioactivity and phenolic compounds.Food Chem. 2014;158:73-80. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.099
Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB.Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties.Molecules.2017;22:989. doi:10.3390/molecules22060989
Martins N, Barros L, Santos-Buelga C, Henriques M, Silva S, Ferreira IC.Decoction, infusion and hydroalcoholic extract of Origanum vulgare L.: different performances regarding bioactivity and phenolic compounds.Food Chem. 2014;158:73-80. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.099
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