Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses and BenefitsFormsPrecautionsHomemade vs. Store-Bought
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Forms
Precautions
Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a culinary herb known for adding aromatic flavoring to manyMediterranean 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.
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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 fightbacterial 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 withfood poisoning, includingEscherichia coli(E. coli)andSalmonella.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 likearthritisand for reducingmuscle sorenessand 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 offungal infections, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, onychomycosis (nail infection), orCandidayeast 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 liquidtinctureand capsule (soft gel) forms.
Tinctures
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 oilsin a diffuser (mixed with water) is a common aromatherapy practice.
Does Oregano Tea Have Health Benefits?
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:
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:
Oregano Oil FlavorThe taste of oregano oil is a bolder version of the herb itself, with some describing the flavor as warm, earthy, spicy, and slightly bitter.
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.
A Word From Verywell
—ROXANA EHSANI, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
With antimicrobial and antifungal properties, oregano oil shows promise as anatural remedyfor 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.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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