Is it okay to drink oregano tea every day?

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, moderate consumption of oregano tea is generally safe for most healthy adults, with some suggesting up to two or three cups daily. However, the key question remains: is it okay to drink oregano tea every day, and what are the potential long-term implications for your health and wellness?.

Quick Summary

The daily consumption of oregano tea is generally considered safe in moderation, but heavy intake can lead to potential side effects like stomach upset. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those on certain medications, and people with specific medical conditions should avoid it. While offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, concentration and dosage are crucial for safe use.

Key Points

Moderate is Key: Drinking 1-3 cups of oregano tea daily is generally safe for most healthy adults, but high doses can cause stomach upset.
Avoid If Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Medicinal amounts of oregano may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the risk of uterine stimulation.
Watch for Drug Interactions: Oregano can interfere with blood-thinning and diabetes medications, so consult a doctor if you take these.
Not the Same as Oil: Oregano tea is much milder than oregano essential oil; the oil is far more concentrated and carries a higher risk of toxicity.
Know Your Allergies: Individuals with allergies to mint-family plants (like basil and sage) may also be allergic to oregano.
Pre-Surgery Caution: Stop consuming large doses of oregano at least two weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of increased bleeding.

Understanding the Safety and Benefits of Oregano Tea

Oregano, a staple culinary herb, is also known for its potential medicinal properties when consumed as a tea. The daily habit of drinking oregano tea is a common practice for many seeking its health benefits, which include rich antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory effects. However, like many potent herbal remedies, understanding the safe dosage and potential risks is crucial for making an informed choice about daily consumption. While culinary amounts are generally harmless, the concentration of compounds in tea requires careful consideration.

Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Oregano Tea

Rich in Antioxidants: Oregano is a powerful source of antioxidants like carvacrol and thymol, which combat free radicals and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The phenolic acids in oregano tea are believed to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially easing symptoms of conditions like muscle and joint pain.
Digestive Aid: Historically, oregano tea has been used to support digestion by stimulating gastric juices and reducing muscle spasms, which can relieve bloating, gas, and cramps.
Antimicrobial Effects: Test-tube studies suggest that the compounds in oregano, especially carvacrol, possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, though more human research is needed.
Respiratory Support: As a traditional remedy, oregano tea may help with cold and flu symptoms by acting as an expectorant, loosening phlegm, and soothing a sore throat.

Risks and Side Effects of Daily Oregano Tea

While moderate intake is well-tolerated, excessive daily consumption of oregano tea can lead to side effects. The most common is a mild upset stomach if more than four cups are consumed daily. Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur in individuals sensitive to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint, basil, and lavender.

Furthermore, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid oregano tea entirely:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Medicinal amounts of oregano can stimulate uterine contractions and are possibly unsafe during pregnancy, potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage. Insufficient data exists to confirm safety during breastfeeding.
Individuals on Blood Thinners: Oregano may slow blood clotting, so those taking anticoagulant medication should consult a healthcare provider to avoid increased bleeding risk.
People with Diabetes: Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics taking medication should monitor their glucose closely, as the combination could cause levels to drop too low.
Upcoming Surgery: Due to its blood-thinning potential, it is recommended to stop drinking oregano tea at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Oregano Tea vs. Oregano Oil: A Crucial Distinction

It is vital to differentiate between oregano tea and the highly concentrated essential oil. The oil is much more potent and carries a higher risk of side effects and toxicity, especially in large doses. The concentration of active compounds like carvacrol is significantly lower in tea, making it a safer option for general wellness, but still requiring moderation.


Feature	Oregano Tea	Oregano Essential Oil
Potency	Mild concentration of active compounds, diluted in water.	Highly concentrated and significantly more potent.
Consumption	Typically consumed by drinking steeped leaves.	Ingested by adding a few drops to water or juice, or as capsules. Never ingest pure essential oil directly.
Toxicity Risk	Low risk for most people when consumed in moderation.	Higher risk of toxicity, especially in large doses.
Side Effects	Mild stomach upset, potential allergic reactions.	Can cause more severe side effects like nausea, gastric distress, and skin irritation if used improperly.
Application	Safe for internal consumption in measured amounts.	Not safe for direct internal use in high concentrations. Can be applied topically when heavily diluted, but caution is needed.

How to Safely Incorporate Oregano Tea into Your Routine

For those considering daily oregano tea, the safest approach is to start with a low, moderate dose and observe your body's reaction. A standard recommendation is up to two or three cups per day, made with dried or fresh leaves. Listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on medication. By exercising caution and maintaining moderation, oregano tea can be a beneficial addition to your wellness plan.

Conclusion

While the culinary use of oregano is undoubtedly safe, drinking oregano tea daily requires a more cautious approach. Moderate daily consumption of 1–3 cups is generally considered acceptable for most healthy adults and can provide numerous benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. However, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to mint-family plants, on blood thinners, or managing diabetes should avoid it. The high potency of oregano essential oil must not be confused with the milder tea, as concentrated forms carry greater risks. As with any dietary change involving herbal compounds, professional medical advice is recommended before making daily oregano tea a regular practice. Responsible consumption ensures you can reap potential rewards without compromising your health.

Visit the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials page for more on oregano's potential benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy people, drinking up to two or three cups of oregano tea per day is generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause significant side effects. However, excessive consumption, such as more than four cups daily, may lead to stomach upset.

Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have bleeding disorders, or are allergic to mint-family plants should avoid oregano tea. It should also be avoided by those on blood thinners or diabetes medication without first consulting a doctor.

No, oregano tea is significantly less potent than oregano essential oil. The active compounds are highly diluted in the tea, whereas the oil is a highly concentrated form with a much higher risk of toxicity and side effects.

Traditionally, oregano tea has been used to help relieve cold and flu symptoms by acting as an expectorant, helping to clear lung secretions. It is believed to have antimicrobial properties, though more human studies are needed.

Oregano contains phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, and studies suggest it may help reduce inflammation. However, most research has been conducted in labs, and more human studies are needed to confirm the effects of drinking the tea.

To make oregano tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried oregano leaves in a cup of boiling water for about 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves before drinking. Some people add honey or lemon for flavor.

Moderate, daily consumption of oregano tea may aid digestion by stimulating gastric juices and relieving bloating and gas. It is a traditional remedy for digestive issues, but high doses should be avoided.