Oregano Stuffy Nose Tea

Oregano’s antimicrobial activity may help reduce the viral and bacterial invaders that can cause a runny nose.  Plus, the strong aroma could help break up some of the congestion.  Coupled with honey, which has shown in human studies to break up coughing and congestion, this Oregano Stuffy Nose Tea could be helpful for various respiratory complaints.  Here are a few studies.

• Eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, and rosemary were among the essential oils reviewed.  They were found to be useful in treating various respiratory ailments (1).
• In a study of 105 children ages 2-18 years with nighttime cough, parents rated honey favorably.  It helped reduce the cough associated with respiratory infections (2).
• In a double blind study of 300 children ages 1-5 years, three different types of honey were tested.  They all helped reduce nocturnal coughing (3).
• The multiple antimicrobial activities of honey were reviewed in this study (4).
• Sixty-five bacteria were tested against 13 essential oils.  Cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaf, oregano, thyme, ajowan, and clove showed the strong antibacterial activity (5).
• In a mega-analysis of over 500 studies on essential oil antimicrobial activity, thyme, oregano, mint, cinnamon, sage, and clove had the strongest antimicrobial properties (6).
• Oregano oils possessed anti-influenza virus activities.  However, it was determined excessive amounts could cause toxicity of lung epithelial cells (7).

Here is how to make Oregano Stuffy Nose Tea.

Oregano Stuffy Nose Tea: Ingredients

• 10 fresh oregano leaves, or 1/4 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 10 ounces of hot water.

Oregano Stuffy Nose Tea: Instructions

• Pour hot water over leaves.  Then, steep for 10 minutes.
• Next, strain the leaves.  Finally, add honey, and drink as a tea.

Adults, do not exceed one cup a day.  Avoid with children and certain medical conditions.  Further, do not drink for a prolonged period exceeding two weeks.

Possible Contraindications

• May increase bleeding in those with bleeding disorders.  Further, avoid up to two weeks before surgery (8).
• Might lower blood sugar levels and affect medications related to diabetes (8).
• May interfere with the drug, Lithium (8).
• Do not use beyond normal food spice amounts with certain health conditions.  Avoid large and prolonged amounts with pregnant women, during lactation, with young children, and with certain health conditions.
• In addition, oregano can be toxic to organs in excess.

Oregano Stuffy Nose Tea: Research

1. Rakover, Y., Ben-Arye, E., & Goldstein, L. H. (2008). The treatment of respiratory ailments with essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants. Harefuah, 147(10), 783-8.
2. Paul, I. M., Beiler, J., McMonagle, A., Shaffer, M. L., Duda, L., & Berlin, C. M. (2007). Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(12), 1140-1146.
3. Cohen, H. A., Rozen, J., Kristal, H., Laks, Y., Berkovitch, M., Uziel, Y., … & Efrat, H. (2012). Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Pediatrics, 130(3), 465-471.
4. Molan, P. C. (1997). Honey as an antimicrobial agent. In Bee products (pp. 27-37). Springer, Boston, MA.
5. Mayaud, L., Carricajo, A., Zhiri, A., & Aubert, G. (2008). Comparison of bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of 13 essential oils against strains with varying sensitivity to antibiotics. Letters in applied microbiology, 47(3), 167-173.
6. Kalemba, D., & Kunicka, A. (2003). Antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils. Current medicinal chemistry, 10(10), 813-829.
7. Vimalanathan, S., & Hudson, J. (2012). Anti-Influenza virus activities of commercial oregano oils and their carriers. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2(7), 214.
8. WebMD. (n.d.).  Oregano.  Retrieved in March, 2016.  Retrieved from www.webmd.com

Oregano is very easy to grow in the garden.  In freezing months, it can also be grown in a pot by a sunny windowsill indoors.  Pictured below is my oregano, grown in the Eastern side of my backyard, in a pot buried in the ground.

It is good to harvest oregano leaves before the plant has flowered.   Leaves can be frozen or dried.  Click here to read more about harvesting oregano: How to Harvest Oregano.

Post by: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), Professional NAHA and AIA Member, LMT

Post Updated: 12/11/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.