Oregano & Thyme Cold Fighter Tea
Antimicrobial sip-and-steam for cold and flu
Moderate evidenceHerbs in this remedy
About this remedy
Combines two of the strongest culinary antimicrobials — carvacrol from oregano and thymol from thyme — into a hot, steamy tea that both soothes the throat and delivers volatile oils as vapour to the airways. Both compounds have shown activity against common respiratory pathogens in laboratory studies, and the warm steam itself thins mucus and opens the sinuses. Best used at the first tickle of a sore throat or stuffy nose, when shortening the duration matters most.
Preparation
Steep 1 tsp dried oregano + 1 tsp dried thyme in 1 cup just-boiled water for 10 minutes, covered so the volatile oils don't escape. Lean over the cup and inhale the steam as it cools. Add honey and a squeeze of lemon to taste.
Dosage
2–3 cups daily during the first 3–5 days of illness
Cautions
Avoid medicinal-strength oregano during pregnancy (culinary amounts in food are fine). May interact with blood-thinning medications. Cover the cup while steeping to preserve the antimicrobial volatile oils.
Research
Sienkiewicz et al., Mol Med Rep, 2011 — Thyme and oregano essential oils against respiratory pathogens
Frequently asked questions
What is Oregano & Thyme Cold Fighter Tea used for?
Antimicrobial sip-and-steam for cold and flu. Combines two of the strongest culinary antimicrobials — carvacrol from oregano and thymol from thyme — into a hot, steamy tea that both soothes the throat and delivers volatile oils as vapour to the airways. It falls under Flu Support.
How do you make Oregano & Thyme Cold Fighter Tea?
Steep 1 tsp dried oregano + 1 tsp dried thyme in 1 cup just-boiled water for 10 minutes, covered so the volatile oils don't escape. Lean over the cup and inhale the steam as it cools. Add honey and a squeeze of lemon to taste.
What is the recommended dosage for Oregano & Thyme Cold Fighter Tea?
2–3 cups daily during the first 3–5 days of illness
Is Oregano & Thyme Cold Fighter Tea safe? Are there any cautions?
Avoid medicinal-strength oregano during pregnancy (culinary amounts in food are fine). May interact with blood-thinning medications. Cover the cup while steeping to preserve the antimicrobial volatile oils.
What is the evidence behind Oregano & Thyme Cold Fighter Tea?
Moderate evidence. Sienkiewicz et al., Mol Med Rep, 2011 — Thyme and oregano essential oils against respiratory pathogens