--- title: "Oregano: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Oregano (Origanum) is traditionally used as a tea for indigestion and coughs; clinical evidence is limited. Avoid more than food amounts in pregnancy." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/oregano/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/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. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) ![](/illustrations/kuru-bitki.svg)O Oregano Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **Caution** Children **Unknown** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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 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 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 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 | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Progestin-containing hormone medicines | Oregano 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. [Oregano](https://www.drugs.com/npp/oregano.html) Drugs.com — Natural Products (Wolters Kluwer) · 2026 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Oregano (Origanum onites, Origanum vulgare). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/oregano/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) - [Same Name, Different Plants](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/same-name-different-plants/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Common Mallow](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/common-mallow/) B Limited clinical evidence Malva sylvestris L. Common mallow leaves and flowers are traditionally used for throat irritation and mild digestive discomfort; avoid medicinal use in pregnancy and under 12. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Chamomile](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chamomile/) T Traditional use Matricaria recutita A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) +2 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Sage](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sage/) T Traditional use Salvia officinalis Sage leaf is traditionally used as a gargle for mouth and throat inflammation, for mild indigestion and for excessive sweating. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Witch Hazel](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/witch-hazel/) T Traditional use Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel leaf is used on the skin for minor inflammation and dryness, for haemorrhoid itching and burning, and as a mouth gargle. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Anise](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/anise/) B Limited clinical evidence Pimpinella anisum Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-tea/) A Strong clinical evidence Camellia sinensis Its caffeine can increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Artichoke Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/artichoke-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus) Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.