25 Amazing Health Benefits of Oregano Tea (Plus Recipe)

ByCarrie Fernandez, CHNC

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Last Updated on June 22, 2023

If you are a tea drinker, you may already be familiar with herbal tea and how it can help support your health. There are many health benefits of oregano tea. So, if you are not already familiar with oregano as a tea you might want to learn why you should consider adding it to your daily routine.

health benefits of oregano tea

Health Benefits of Oregano Tea

Oregano (origanum vulgare) is a perennial herb that is probably in your spice rack right now. But, did you know that it has medicinal properties and it’s not just for culinary use? That’s right! Oregano has a ton of health benefits, and one way you can get the most out of this common herb is to drink it as a tea.

Ready to learn more about the health benefits of oregano?

What is oregano?

Oregano is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is used as a culinary herb for flavoring dishes, but it has some amazing health benefits that make it a popular herb for medicinal use as well.

It can be used as a dried herb or taken as a tincture, oregano extract, capsule, and used topically as oil of oregano. Many people drink oregano tea for its health benefits. Read on to learn more!

Why do people drink oregano tea?

People have been using oregano in various forms as a medicine for thousands of years. This delicious herb is know for the way it flavors food in delectable ways, but drinking oregano tea is a great way to get the nutritional and medicinal benefits from it.

What are the benefits of drinking oregano tea?

You might be wondering if drinking oregano tea has any potential health benefits. The answer is a resounding yes!

Drinking oregano tea can support a healthy immune system, kick viral and bacterial infections to the curb, and even ease menstural symptoms. Oregano is also great to add to your arsenal as a natural remedy for Candida.

Oregano makes a great tea to fight inflammation. Some studies have shown that oregano has cancer-fighting and antimicrobial properties and can even help aid in weight loss and lower cholesterol.

But wait – there’s more! Read on to learn about the health benefits of drinking oregano tea.

fresh oregano

Health Benefits Of Oregano Tea

Oregano has been my go-to for all-the-things for the past several years. It’s rich in rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and full of vitamin C as well as A, E, K and B6. Here are some of the top health benefits of oregano.

1.) Oregano is Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight against cell damage and reduce oxidative stress and free radicals. They play an important role in disease prevention, can help reduce inflammation, and even improve cognitive function. Some powerful antioxidants play a big role in supporting the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems.

Oregano has been found to have the most antioxidant properties when compared to thyme, rosemary, sweet basil, mint, and sage.

2.) Oregano May Decrease Inflammation

Studies have shown that oregano has anti-inflammatory properties when taken orally or even topically. Since chronic inflammation is at the core of most autoimmune diseases, this is an important health benefit.

3.) Oregano Has Antibacterial Properties

Oregano has been found to have antibacterial properties, even against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. I can attest to this medicinal herb since I have used oregano personally instead of antibiotics for various illnesses over the last ten years.

Carvacrol and thymol are two phenols found in oregano that contribute mainly to the antimicrobial properties.

4.) Oregano May Help Reduce Viral Infection

It’s pretty well-known that antibiotics don’t help viral infections. But, if you are fighting a virus, oregano tea may help you kick it sooner.

5.) Oregano May Help Fungal Infections

Due to the high levels of thymol in oregano, it has been used as a potent antifungal against staph infections, candida, as well as others fungi. As a natural antifungal, oregano can help protect your body from toxins and also support your immune system.

Terpenoid phenols, including carvacrol, are components of oregano and other plant essential oils that exhibit potent antifungal activity against a wide range of pathogens, including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” – Mechanism of Antifungal Activity of Terpenoid Phenols Resembles Calcium Stress and Inhibition of the TOR Pathway

6.) Oregano May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

If you have a high risk of cancer because it runs in your family, adding oregano to your diet on a regular basis may help you to ward it off. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences did a study that showed oregano to be an herb that contains an anti-cancer compound that can help prevent the growth of tumors and cancer cells.

One study shows how “oregano extract induced oxidative stress and inhibited melanogenesis and tumor cell proliferation.”

7.) Oregano Benefits the Digestion System

Oregano has been shown to be beneficial in treating various issues of the digestive tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome. This is thought to be due to bacteria that can make digestive symptoms worse. Since oregano has antibacterial properties, it makes sense that it could help improve stomach issues.

8.) Oregano Helps Reduce Gas and Bloating

Because oregano has high levels of carvacrol, it is helpful in reducing stomach discomfort, such as gas and bloating. Oregano helps to cleanse the intestines and can irradicate bacterial infections and overgrowth, whch can lead to diegestive issues. In addition, the diuretic properties of oregano can help to lessen indegestion and prevent gas and bloating.

9.) May Improve Lung Function

Oregano has natural expectorant properties and can aid in expelling mucus and bacteria from the respiratory tract.

10.) Oregano Benefits Skin

Since oregano can protect against bacterial infection, it’s often used as a topical application to treat wounds. It has also been shown to be helpful in improving acne by reducing blemishes, most likely due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

oregano tea

Benefits of Drinking Oregano Tea

There are still even MORE health benefits to drinking oregano tea. Keep reading to learn how oregano tea can help aid in weight loss, improve cholesterol levels, kick infections to the curb, and more! Add some crushed lemon seeds for extra nutrition.

11.) Help with Weight Loss

The carvacrol found in oregano helps to reduce visceral fat and can aid in weight loss. So, drinking oregano tea can help you shed pounds!

12.) May Help Lower Cholesterol

Do you need to reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL)? Studies have shown that oregano helps to reduce cholesterol levels! Having high cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries, so reducing your cholesterol can help improve heart health, which leads us to the next benefit of oregano tea.

13.) May Improve Heart Health

Since we know that reducing your cholesterol can help improve heart health, drinking oregano tea is great for prevention of heart disease. The cholesterol-reducing effects of oregano make it a great preventative of various cardiovascular diseases.

14.) May Help Improve Yeast Infections

Yeast is a common fungus that can cause vaginal infections, in addition, it can also cause overgrowth in the gut and urinary tract. Due to the antifungal properties of oregano, it can be used to help yeast infections and other fungal infections like Candida Albicans.

15.) May Help UTIs

The strong bacteria-fighting properties of oregano can help kill off E. coli, which is the common bacteria that causes unrinary tract and bladder infections.

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16.) May Improve Respiratory Conditions

The expectorant qualities of oregano help expel excess mucus and any bacteria that might be causing an illness. Oregano has been used to help respiratory conditions and treat sinus infections.

17.) Oregano Tea for Acid Reflux

Oregano is alkaline and it makes a great soothing tea for acid reflux. There are many different types of tea that can help ease a sore throat from acid reflux, and drinking a hot cup of oregano tea brings about so many other health benefits too!

Ginger tea is great for acid reflux too, and is our prefered tea for soothing it the symptoms.

18.) Oregano May Boost Immunity

The phenol found in oregano can help stop the growth of various bacteria. Additionally, thymol, since it’s a natural antifungal, contributes to the immune-boosting properties of oregano.

19.) Oregano Tea Promotes Rest and Relaxation

Studies show that thymol, a chemical found in oregano can help fight free radicals and aid in relaxation. Many perfer to drink oregano tea in the evening or prior to bed to promote rest.

20.) Drinking Oregano Tea May Benefit Your Menstural Cycle

Oregano is an emmenagogue, which means it helps stimulate menstrual flow. It has been shown to help reduce menstrual dysfunction and symptoms, and can even help regulate your period.

21.) May Help Improve Allergies

Oregano has been shown to reduce reactions to pollen and mold due to the compound carvacrol. It can help relieve allergy symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes, making it one of the best teas for sinuses.

22.) Drink Oregano Tea to Soothe a Sore Throat

Oregano contains pain-relieving properties and provides anti-virus and anti-bacterial support that can help ease a sore throat.

23.) Oregano May Help Relieve Nausea & Stomach Upset

Experts have discovered that the compound carvacrol found in oregano can fight disease-causing pathogens and kill types of bacteria that cause upset stomach and digestive discomfort.

24.) May Help Ease Insect Bites

Surprisingly, oregano can also help treat insect bites and stings! It helps neutralize the venom from an insect bite and may even ward of an allergic reaction if applied topically right away. You can dilute oregano essential oil with a carrier oil and apply directly on the insect bite or sting for relief.

25.) May Help Arthritis

One of the antioxidants that oregano is rich in is rosmarinic acid. That’s what makes oregano such a powerful anti-inflammatory herb. It can help combat arthritis, ashma, and even atopic dermatitis.

Different Types of Oregano

The different varieties of oregano will all vary a bit in flavor. When oregano is grown in a hot and dry climate, it tends to produce more bold flavors.

Common Oregano

Common oregano is native to Europe and Africa. Many of the over-the-counter herbal remedies that contain oregano use common oregano.

Golden Oregano

Golden oregano is not the preferred type of oregano for cooking as it has a less intense flavor.

Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano is really strong with a potent flavor that is reminiscent of licorice.

Italian Oregano

This type of oregano is a hybrid of common oregano and wild majoram. It has a more mild flavor and is often used in cooking.

Greek Oregano

Greek oregano is what you will most likely find at the grocery store. It is considered to be the “true” oregano and has a deep flavor with a hint of camphor.

Syrian Oregano

Syrian oregano has more of a mint flavor with a little spicy kick compared to common oregano.

Cuban Oregan

This type of oregano has been used to ward off insects by rubbing the leaves on skin. It’s also known as Spanish thyme and Mexican mint. Cuban oregano is not considered a true oregano, even though it imparts a flavor similar to common oregano.

drinking tea

How to Make Oregano Tea

Making oregano tea is super easy. You can either use a tea bag from the grocery store, use the dried oregano in your cabinet, or grab some fresh springs from your garden.

Ingredients for Oregano Tea

  • 2 sprigs of fresh leaves of oregano (about 6 inches each)
  • 3-4 cups boiling water (less water imparts a stronger flavor)
  • raw honey to taste

1.) Start by rinsing the fresh oregano leaves, then bring the water to a boil. There’s no need to pluck the leaves from the stems.

2.) Next, add the oregano leaves to the boiling water, remove from stove, and steep covered for 4-5 minutes.

3.) You can steep longer if you desire a stronger flavor. Add raw honey to your cup of oregano tea to taste.

If you prefer to use dry oregano, use 1 TBSP of dried leaves for every 2 C of water. You can use a loose-leaf tea bag or a fine-mesh infuser. Dried oregano tends to make a more intense tea.

Notes: You can add some stevia leaves to the water and oregano while it is steeping to naturally sweeten the tea. Stevia is an alkaline food, so if you struggle with acid reflux, drinking oregano tea with stevia may help soothe throat burn from stomach acid.

dried oregano

Best Time to Drink Oregano Tea

Studies show that thymol, a chemical found in oregano can help fight free radicals and aid in relaxation. Many perfer to drink oregano tea in the evening or prior to bed to promote rest.

Oregano Tea Side Effects

You might be wondering if oregano tea can cause any side effects. If you take too much oregano it may cause an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s always best to check withyour healthcare provider before using any herbs for medicinal reasons.

Is It Good to Drink Oregano Tea Everyday?

For most individuals, you can drink 1-2 cups of oregano tea a day. Oregano tea can provide a lot of health benefits, but drinking too much can cause gastrointenstial discomfort.

Is Oregano Tea Good for Your Immune System?

Thymol, found in oregano, also helps to support the immune system and provides protection against toxins, thus making it very beneficial for immune systemy support.

Does Oregano Tea Make You Sleepy?

Oregano is thought to aid in relaxation due to a compound called thymol. While it doesn’t treat insomnia, it can help you get into a more relaxed state.

Is Oregano a Natural Antibiotic?

Not only is oregano a natural antibiotic, it has been shown to be effective in treating some antibiotic-resistant infections.

Who Should Not Take Oregano?

  • You should not take oregano or drink oregano tea if you are allergic to the plant family Lamiaceae. This includes mint, basil, lavender, and sage.
  • If you have a bleeding disorder or will be having surgery within two weeks you should not consume oregano as it can encourage or increase bleeding.
  • Oregano may lower blood sugar, so use caution if you have diabetes.
  • Oregano interferes with the medication Lithium, so avoid oregano if you take that.
  • If you have any other medical condition, consult your healthcare provider.
  • If you are pregnant you should always consult your physician before drinking any type of tea.
  • Oregano works as a natural diuretic, so if you are already taking a diuretic, you should cousult your phsician before taking it in any form (other than as a spice).

Final Summary

Oregano extract has cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that make it a strong, natural antibiotic. This herb from the Lamiaceae family has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. It can come in may forms, such as fresh oregano leaves, dried leaves, tea, capsules, and even essential oil.

The health benefits of oregano are really quite astounding, ranging from natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial, to contributing to lowering cholesteral, improving skin disorders, improving lung function, and more.

Sources

I am a Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach (CHNC) who is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and nutrition. Through my own personal experience, I have successfully managed autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis by following a tailored whole foods diet. Over the years, I have discovered effective strategies that have significantly improved my health, and I am eager to share these insights with others.

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