Dried Herb & Tea

Oregano

Origanum onites, Origanum vulgare

B Limited clinical evidence

Oregano (Origanum) is traditionally used as a tea for indigestion and coughs; clinical evidence is limited. Avoid more than food amounts in pregnancy.

DigestionSkin & HairRespiratory, Throat & Mouth
Oregano
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
BreastfeedingCaution
ChildrenUnknown
Drug interactionsInteraction reported
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On this page

At a glance

Turkish oregano (Origanum onites) and wild marjoram (O. vulgare) are the herbs most often sold as “kekik” in Türkiye and known as pizza seasoning. They are traditionally used as a tea for indigestion and coughs. There are few clinical studies of these uses. Garden thyme (Thymus) is a different plant.

Parts used: herb (leaves and flowering tops)
Key constituents: Essential oil (carvacrol, thymol), Rosmarinic acid, Flavonoids

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    An infusion of oregano herb has traditionally been used for upset stomach and indigestion, as a digestive stimulant and to relieve wind. No clinical trials support this use. [1]

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    The infusion has traditionally been suggested for coughs and other respiratory complaints. This has not been confirmed in clinical trials. [1]

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    In a small randomized trial in 40 adults having skin surgery, a 3% oregano extract ointment without essential oil, compared with petrolatum, reduced Staphylococcus aureus in the wound and the need for infection treatment and improved scar appearance. This applies only to that ointment, not to homemade mixtures. [1]

How is it used?

Food

Used as a culinary spice; the US FDA classes it as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food. There is no verified therapeutic dose.

[1]

Safety & interactions

  • Avoid more than food amounts in pregnancy; safety has not been shown, and serious poisonings have been reported with herbal abortion mixtures containing oregano.
  • There are no safety data for more than food amounts during breastfeeding.
  • Cross-allergy is possible in people allergic to basil, mint, sage or other mint-family plants; rare severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported.
  • Single-ingredient oregano supplements appeared in US liver injury registries; stop and see a doctor if jaundice, dark urine or abdominal pain occur while taking a supplement.
  • Do not take oregano essential oil by mouth undiluted or without medical advice.
  • In Türkiye, Origanum, Thymus and Thymbra species are all sold as “kekik”; check the Latin name on the label.
[1]

Drug interactions

Drug interactions
Medicine / substanceEffectSeverity
Progestin-containing hormone medicinesOregano contains plant progestins and could, in theory, increase the side effects of progestins. No interaction is well documented. [1]Minor

Side effects

  • Allergic contact dermatitis on the skin
  • Eczema-like rash after oral intake
  • Rarely anaphylaxis

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Is oregano the same as thyme?

No. Turkish oregano is Origanum onites, while the garden thyme assessed by EMA is Thymus vulgaris. Both are sold as “kekik” in Türkiye, so check the Latin name on the label.

Is oregano tea good for the stomach?

Oregano tea is traditionally used for indigestion and upset stomach. No clinical trials confirm this.

Can I drink oregano tea while pregnant?

Apart from spice amounts in food, oregano should not be used in pregnancy. Safety has not been shown, and serious poisonings have been reported with herbal mixtures containing oregano.

Can you drink oil of oregano?

Safety data for oral use of the essential oil are insufficient. Small studies used special emulsified products; do not drink the oil undiluted or without medical advice.

Does oregano lower cholesterol?

One study in patients with mild high cholesterol used a Turkish oregano distillate, but its design and size are unclear. The evidence is not enough to recommend it for this.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. OreganoDrugs.com — Natural Products (Wolters Kluwer) · 2026 · Reference bookSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Oregano (Origanum onites, Origanum vulgare). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/oregano/

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