Can Oregano Cause Heart Palpitations?

Oregano is a member of the mint family and indigenous to temperate regions of Asia and the Mediterranean. It’s a perennial herb that produces small purple flowers, although its leaves are the parts used for cooking and medicinally. Oregano leaves contain various compounds that display antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, which is why they have been used for centuries to treat infections and cardiovascular problems. Oregano is sometimes recommended to treat vascular problems, although increased blood pressure and heart rate may be an initial side effect. Talk with your doctor before supplementing with oregano products.

Oregano

Properties

Oregano leaves and oil contain many flavonoids and phenolic acids that display strong antioxidant and antimicrobial behavior, especially against bacteria and fungi, according to Michael Castleman’s “The New Healing Herbs.” Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals, which cause damage and deterioration to your blood vessels and other tissues 2. Oregano leaves and flowering stems also have antispasmodic and expectorant properties and can act as mild stimulants. However, the medical community does not consider oregano a cure or treatment for any disease or condition.

Heart Palpitations

A palpitation is an abnormal heartbeat of which you are aware. Heart palpitations can be too slow, too fast or irregular compared to normal heartbeats and rhythms 3. According to the Mayo Clinic website, palpitations can be temporary or chronic and have numerous causes such as overexertion; stress and anxiety; excessive pain; lack of oxygen; consumption of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine; drug use; heart disease; clogged blood vessels; and thyroid dysfunction 3. Heart palpitations often occur with other symptoms including sweating, dizziness, headaches and chest pain 3.

Oregano and Palpitations

; 2010'). Oregano is not nearly as strong as caffeine, so even large doses of oregano oil probably wouldn’t have the effects of a cup of coffee, but some users may be more sensitive to the herb than others. Further, if you have clogged arteries or chronic infections, then large doses of oregano oil over many days or weeks may cause changes that increase blood flow and the strength of your heartbeat temporarily, which may be perceived as palpitations. Consult with your doctor about the complications of palpitations and whether oregano products are appropriate to consume.