Can I Drink Marjoram Tea Every Day? Safety, Benefits, and Risks

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

While marjoram is generally considered safe when used in culinary amounts, its status as a daily medicinal beverage, like tea, requires a more nuanced understanding of potential benefits versus risks. The potency of herbal teas means that the concentration of active compounds is higher than when the herb is used merely for seasoning.

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of marjoram tea is potentially safe for short periods, but long-term use in medicinal amounts is possibly unsafe, with concerns over liver and kidney health. It offers benefits like digestive support and hormonal regulation, but risks include interactions with certain medications, allergic reactions, and particular contraindications during pregnancy.

Key Points

Moderate, Short-Term Use: Drinking marjoram tea daily is likely safe for short periods, such as a month, but long-term daily use is potentially unsafe.
Avoid High Doses: The risk of negative side effects, particularly potential liver and kidney harm, increases with long-term, high-dose consumption.
Consult a Doctor for Daily Use: Due to potential health risks, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider before starting a long-term daily marjoram tea routine.
Not for Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal amounts of marjoram tea due to potential hormonal effects and lack of safety data.
Check for Drug Interactions: Marjoram tea can interfere with blood thinners, diabetes medication, and other drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Allergy Alert: Those allergic to other mint family herbs (basil, oregano, etc.) should be cautious, as they may also be allergic to marjoram.

Marjoram Tea Daily Consumption: Is it Safe?

For many, herbal tea offers a gentle and natural approach to wellness. Marjoram tea, known for its sweet, delicate flavor and historical use in traditional medicine, has become a popular choice. However, the question of whether it's safe to consume daily depends heavily on the quantity and duration of use, rather than a simple yes or no answer.

When marjoram is used in the small amounts found in culinary applications, it is considered likely safe for most people. The concentration of active compounds is much lower than in tea brewed for therapeutic purposes. It's when consumed in larger, medicinal amounts daily for a prolonged period that caution becomes necessary. Some sources raise concerns that long-term, high-dose usage could potentially harm the liver and kidneys or carry other long-term risks. As such, daily consumption is often recommended for short periods, and users should always exercise moderation and listen to their body's response.

Potential Benefits of Daily Marjoram Tea

Used responsibly, marjoram tea can provide a range of potential health benefits, supported by traditional use and some preliminary research.

Hormonal Balance: Studies have suggested that marjoram tea may aid women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by improving insulin sensitivity and balancing certain hormonal levels when consumed twice daily over a month.
Digestive Health: Historically, marjoram has been used to address various digestive issues. The tea can help soothe bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and stimulate the appetite.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Marjoram contains phenolic acids and flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Regular intake may help combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, benefiting heart health and immune function.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: The calming and relaxing effects of marjoram are well-documented in traditional use and aromatherapy. A warm cup of marjoram tea can be a soothing ritual to help relieve stress, anxiety, and even improve sleep.
Respiratory Support: For centuries, marjoram has been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments like colds, coughs, and congestion. Its antimicrobial and expectorant properties may help clear airways and alleviate discomfort.

Risks and Precautions of Daily Marjoram Tea

While the benefits are compelling, the risks of daily medicinal use should not be overlooked. It's crucial to consider individual health conditions and medication use.

Long-Term Use Concerns: As mentioned, extended daily use in high doses could potentially harm the liver or kidneys. For this reason, many herbalists suggest using a cycle—drinking it daily for a few weeks, then taking a break.
Allergic Reactions: Individuals with allergies to other mint family herbs, such as basil, hyssop, lavender, oregano, or sage, may experience allergic reactions to marjoram.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to its potential effect on reproductive hormones and stimulation of menstrual flow, marjoram tea is often advised against for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Drug Interactions: Marjoram can interact with certain medications. Key interactions include:
- Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): Marjoram might slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising when combined with blood-thinning medications.
- Diabetes Medications: It could potentially lower blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia in those taking diabetes medication.
- Cholinergic Drugs: Marjoram might increase certain brain chemicals, potentially causing adverse effects when taken with drugs for conditions like Alzheimer's or glaucoma.

How to Safely Consume Marjoram Tea

For those who wish to incorporate marjoram tea into their routine, safe consumption is paramount. The general recommendation for tea is to use a moderate amount, such as 1-2 teaspoons of dried marjoram leaves per cup of boiling water, steeped for 5-10 minutes.

It is always recommended to start with a smaller dose to assess your body's reaction. If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial before beginning daily intake. A healthcare provider can help you determine a safe amount and duration based on your personal health profile. For most, an occasional cup is a safe way to enjoy its flavor and mild benefits, while regular medicinal consumption should be carefully managed.

Marjoram Tea vs. Culinary Marjoram: A Comparison

To highlight the difference between occasional use and medicinal, daily tea consumption, consider the following comparison.


Feature	Marjoram Tea (Daily, Medicinal Use)	Culinary Marjoram (Occasional Use)
Potency	Higher concentration of active compounds due to steeping.	Lower concentration, intended for flavor enhancement.
Safety for Long-Term	Potentially unsafe; concerns about liver and kidney effects.	Considered likely safe for long-term use in food quantities.
Drug Interactions	Increased risk of interactions with blood thinners, diabetes meds, etc..	Negligible risk of interaction due to low dosage.
Special Populations	Avoid for pregnant or breastfeeding women; exercise caution with children.	Typically safe for consumption as part of a meal.
Health Focus	Therapeutic potential for digestion, hormones, inflammation.	Primarily for enhancing food flavor, with minimal systemic effects.

Conclusion

While marjoram tea offers an array of compelling health benefits, including digestive support, stress reduction, and antioxidant effects, drinking it every day should be approached with caution. The distinction between culinary use and medicinal, daily tea consumption is critical. Long-term, high-dose use carries potential risks to the liver and kidneys and could interact with certain medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid it in medicinal quantities. For most people, a short period of daily use or occasional consumption is likely safe and effective for enjoying its benefits. However, always consult a healthcare professional before making it a long-term daily habit, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take other medications.

To learn more about the active compounds in marjoram and their effects, explore reliable herbal medicine resources.

Marjoram information on WebMD

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking marjoram tea daily is considered possibly safe for most adults when used in medicinal amounts for short periods. However, it is considered possibly unsafe for long-term daily use due to concerns it could harm the liver and kidneys.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal amounts of marjoram tea. Individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, or allergies to the mint family should use caution. Anyone on blood-thinning, diabetes, or cholinergic medications should consult a doctor first.

Marjoram tea is known for several potential benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing stress and anxiety, offering anti-inflammatory properties, and supporting hormonal balance, especially for women with PCOS.

To make marjoram tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Covering the tea as it steeps can help prevent the evaporation of essential oils. You can sweeten it with honey if desired.

Yes, marjoram is traditionally used for its calming and relaxing effects. Drinking a warm cup of marjoram tea before bed can help soothe nerves and support restful sleep.

Excessive consumption can lead to nausea or stomach discomfort. Other potential side effects can include allergic reactions and, with long-term use, potential harm to the liver and kidneys.

Marjoram tea has shown some potential in regulating hormones, particularly in women. Some studies suggest it can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce adrenal androgen levels in women with PCOS when consumed twice daily for one month.