Oregano Tea Benefits

Origanum vulgare – the name is derived from Greek words that mean “joy of the mountains” – is the familiar oregano you may use in Italian dishes. This perennial plant belongs to the mint family and is used for herbal remedies as well as a culinary spice. Since all herbs can have unexpected effects, consult a health-care professional before using oregano as an herbal medicine.

Oregano

Oregano is a Mediterranean plant. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it to crown the bride and groom, as it has been associated with joy and happiness. Oregano contains a number of chemicals, including two phenolic compounds, carvacrol and thymol, which have antimicrobial effects. Oregano has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for intestinal and urinary parasites.

Oregano in Herbal Medicine

“The Herb Quarterly” notes that oregano has been used for painful neuralgia, abscesses and toothache. A form of oregano tea, used for asthma, slow digestion and rheumatism, is made by bringing three tablespoons dried oregano leaves and flowers to a boil in four cups of water. Boil 10 minutes, strain, sweeten with honey and sip as needed. “The Herb Quarterly" also reports oregano tea is useful for menstrual pains, seasickness and nasal inflammation. Other forms of oregano such as tinctures have been used for general aches and pains or as an appetite stimulant.

Oregano, Malaria and Breast Cancer

An article in the April 2011 “Journal of Food Science” reports that oregano may be effective against malaria and breast cancer. Researchers studied the effects of both oregano essential oil and its individual components against human breast cancer cells and malaria germs. Essential oil of oregano and an ethyl acetate extract showed the best results against malaria, and some of the other extracts showed effects against breast cancer cells.

Oregano, Bacteria and Fungi

Research reported in the April 2011 issue of “Anaerobe” noted that oregano was effective against a bacterium that is responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium implicated when patients develop infections while in the hospital and that has begun to show signs of becoming resistant to antibiotics. All but one strain tested were sensitive to the oil’s effects. Oregano has also been found effective against several strains of candida. An article in the January/March 2010 “Brazilian Journal of Microbiology” reported all forms of yeast tested were susceptible to oregano oil.

Considerations and Warnings

Although the research is promising in some areas, oregano as a tea or in any other form should not be used for medicinal purposes except under the supervision of a health-care professional. Herbal medications may have unexpected side effects and can interact with prescription medications. Consult a health-care professional if you have questions or concerns.