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.
FG Trade / Getty Images
FG Trade / Getty Images
Whats in Oregano Tea?
The leaves of the oregano plant are used in cooking and making tea.
Herbs contain various compounds that may affect the body.
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.
In addition, the compounds may be altered by how the oregano is processed and/or cooked.
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.
Antioxidant Effects
Free radicalsare unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage in the body.
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.
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?
This is not desirable in pregnancy.
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.
Honey or stevia are popular tea additives.
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.
The dosage of oregano tea that is needed to have an effect on health is not known.
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.
2020;25(3):422-427. doi:10.1016/j.rpor.2020.04.004
Michigan State University.What it’s crucial that you know about antioxidants.
