Oregano Oil: 9 Benefits

Medically reviewed by Roxana Ehsani, RD

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a culinary herb known for adding aromatic flavoring to many Mediterranean dishes. Beyond the herb's familiar flavor, oregano oil is packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain relieving) properties that make it a powerful herbal remedy.

Widely available in capsule and liquid forms, oregano oil may benefit respiratory, gut, and skin health and support the immune system.

This article explores the health benefits of oregano oil, how to source and use it, and discusses important considerations before integrating this herbal supplement into your wellness routine.

Oregano Oil: Uses and Benefits

The medicinal use of oregano oil dates back to ancient Greece, when physicians would use the herb to treat colds, digestive problems, and toothaches. Modern research confirms that oregano oil is rich in health-promoting compounds that may make it a powerful complementary treatment with a wide range of therapeutic uses. 

Antimicrobial for Infection

Oregano oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial infections. Though more research is needed, in vitro (test tube) studies suggest oregano oil may protect against some bacteria strains that cause respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and dental cavities. However, more human research is needed.

Oregano oil also effectively inhibits the growth of food-borne bacteria associated with food poisoning, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella. It also has significant activity against several antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.

Anti-inflammatory for Pain Relief

Early studies suggest that oregano oil's anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural option for pain relief from inflammatory conditions like arthritis and for reducing muscle soreness and stiffness after exercise. However, more research is needed.

Antifungal for Skin and Nail Infections

Oregano oil may be an effective tool for preventing the growth and spread of fungal infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, onychomycosis (nail infection), or Candida yeast infections.

In vitro studies suggest that compounds within oregano oil demonstrate potent antifungal properties. These properties may inhibit the growth and spread of fungal infections and weaken the strength of fungi, helping support the antifungal effects of more conventional treatments.

Promotes Wound Healing

Oregano oil may promote wound healing, helping reduce inflammation and sweating and enhancing the growth of healthy cells to promote tissue regeneration. The antimicrobial effects of oregano oil may also prevent bacteria from entering the wound, reducing the risk of bacterial infection while your wound heals.

Forms of Oregano Oil

Extracted from the leaves of the oregano (Origanum vulgare) plant in the mint family, oregano oil is available as a dietary supplement in liquid tincture and capsule (soft gel) forms.

Tinctures

Oregano oil liquid tinctures are made by soaking the fresh or dried herb in alcohol and water to retain the herb's active compounds. Oregano oil tinctures are taken orally (by mouth) and may come in different strengths, depending on the ratio of herb to alcohol during production.

Capsules (Softgel)

Oregano oil soft gel capsules contain the oil in a gelatin shell, offering a mess-free, taste-free way to enjoy the benefits of oregano oil. Each capsule comes sealed in premeasured, consistent doses to preserve the oil from oxidation, ensuring potency.

Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is a highly concentrated extract of the herb's medicinal components. Essential oils are not recommended or safe for internal use, though they may offer skin benefits when applied topically (e.g., wound healing, acne treatment) when diluted with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Diffusing essential oils in a diffuser (mixed with water) is a common aromatherapy practice.

Special Precautions: Who Shouldn't Use Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil supplements are generally safe. However, there is limited research on their medicinal uses in humans, and the supplements are not approved for use as a treatment for any medical conditions in the United States.

Certain groups and situations require extra caution when consuming more than food amounts of oregano or oregano oil, including:

• Pregnancy: Oregano oil may stimulate uterine contractions in pregnant people, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

• Breastfeeding: Lactating people should avoid more than food amounts of oregano or oregano oil, as there is not enough research to determine whether oregano oil supplementation is safe while breastfeeding.

• Allergies: If you have a known allergy to plants in the mint family, including basil, lavender, hyssop, or sage, you may be allergic to oregano and should avoid its use.

• Surgery: High amounts of oregano oil may increase the risk of bleeding; avoid consuming oregano oil supplements at least two weeks before scheduled surgical procedures. 
  

Oregano oil may interact with certain medications. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking oregano oil supplements if you have medical conditions or take any of the following medications:

• Antidiabetic drugs: Oregano may lower blood sugar levels, and people taking medications for diabetes may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taking oregano.

• Anticoagulant and antiplatelets: Oregano may interfere with blood clotting, and people who take blood thinners should avoid its use.

Oregano Oil Flavor

The taste of oregano oil is a bolder version of the herb itself, with some describing the flavor as warm, earthy, spicy, and slightly bitter.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is available in liquid and capsule forms online and at many grocery stores and health food and supplement (vitamin) stores. Commercially available oregano oil from reputable vendors ensures consistent potency and purity of the product and offers a convenient way to use it for its potential health benefits.

You can make oregano oil at home using store-bought or home-grown oregano from your garden. Making oregano oil is a relatively simple process that involves placing fresh or dried oregano leaves in a clean jar with carrier oil like olive oil, securely closing the jar, and letting it sit on the windowsill for several weeks until the final product is ready.

Summary

With antimicrobial and antifungal properties, oregano oil shows promise as a natural remedy for infection and wound healing. Oregano oil is generally safe and well-tolerated, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for human use as a dietary supplement. Talk to a healthcare provider before trying oregano oil supplements for guidance on dosage and frequency of use.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.