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Common Names: Oil of Origanum, Wild Marjoram, Oregano Oil
Scientific Names:Origanum vulgare
Bottom Line
Effectiveness: There have been no studies in patients with rheumatic conditions. Use is not recommended.
Safety: Considered possibly safe when used as a medicinal product.
What is Oil of Oregano?
- Oil of Oregano is oil made from the Oregano plant.
- It is commonly used as a herb for cooking due to the flavour of its leaves.
- The leaves, stems, and flowers are used to make medicine.
What it is it used for in people with rheumatic conditions?
- It has been applied to the skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- It is more commonly used for cough and cold symptoms, some infections, heartburn and bloating, and skin conditions.
How is it thought to work?
- It is not known how oil of oregano might help with rheumatic conditions.
- Oil of oregano contains chemicals (carvacrol, thymol, eugenol) that help slow bacteria growth and kill fungus.
Does it Work? What the Science Says:
- There are no studies on the use of oil of oregano for rheumatic conditions.
What are possible side effects and what can I do about them?
- Oil of oregano is considered likely safe when applied to the skin or eaten in prepared foods.
- It is unknown if oil of oregano is safe when used as an oral medicine. Large amounts of oregano may cause stomach upset.
- Oil of oregano may also cause allergic reactions. Do not use oil of oregano if you are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as basil, lavender, sage, and more.
Interactions
With drugs:
- Oil of oregano may reduce the amount platelets clump together (platelet aggregation) and may reduce the way other blood clotting factors work. Oil of oregano may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
- Common antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs may include: warfarin (Coumadin), ASA (Aspirin), and clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), prasugrel (Effient), enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and others.
- Oil of Oregano may lower blood sugar. People with diabetes should monitor levels more closely.
- Oil of Oregano may affect how lithium is removed from the body. Patients on lithium should be monitored more carefully or avoid use of oil of oregano.
With Other Diseases:
- Oil of oregano may affect how the blood clots, which may increase risk of bleeding during surgeries. Stop oil of oregano at least 2 weeks prior to surgical procedures.
With Other Natural Health Products:
- Oil of oregano may reduce the amount platelets clump together (platelet aggregation) and may reduce the way other blood clotting factors work. Oil of oregano may interact with other natural health products that also affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.
- Such as: garlic, ginkgo, ginger, certain types of ginseng, red clover, and others.
- Oil of oregano may the lower the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, zinc and copper.
For more information about Oil of Oregano, consult your physician and pharmacist.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of rheumatology and natural health products, with a comprehensive understanding of various medications and treatments associated with rheumatic conditions. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, clinical experience, and a deep knowledge of the mechanisms and effects of different therapeutic agents. This expertise extends to both conventional medications and natural health products, providing a holistic perspective on managing rheumatic conditions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
Medications:
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Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs):
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to alleviate inflammation and pain.
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Apremilast:
- A medication that inhibits an enzyme involved in inflammation, used for certain rheumatic conditions.
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Azathioprine:
- An immunosuppressive medication often used in autoimmune disorders.
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Biologics:
- Medications derived from living organisms, targeting specific components of the immune system.
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Abatacept, Belimumab, Denosumab:
- Specific biologics used for treating rheumatic conditions.
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IL-17 Antagonists, IL-23 & IL-12/23 Antagonists, IL-6 Antagonists, TNF Antagonists:
- Biologics targeting various immune system pathways involved in inflammation.
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Biosimilars:
- Biologic drugs that are similar to existing approved biologics.
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Bisphosphonates:
- Medications that prevent bone loss and are often used in conditions like osteoporosis.
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Cyclophosphamide, Glucocorticoids, Hydroxychloroquine, JAK Kinase Inhibitors, Leflunomide, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate, Sulfasalazine:
- Different classes of medications used in rheumatic conditions with varying mechanisms of action.
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COVID-19 Vaccines:
- Vaccines developed to prevent COVID-19, important for individuals with rheumatic conditions.
Natural Health Products:
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Apple Cider Vinegar, Avocado and Soybean, Boswellia, Calcium, Collagen, Deer Velvet or Elk Antler, Devil’s Claw, Evening Primrose Oil, Ginger Extract, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Panax, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Low Dose Naltrexone, Marijuana (Cannabis), Melatonin, Milk Thistle, MSM, Oil of Oregano, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, SAMe, SierraSil® Joint Formula 14, Turmeric, Vitamin D:
- Various natural health products used for managing rheumatic conditions, with diverse mechanisms of action.
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Recommendation Chart for Natural Medicines:
- A guide providing recommendations for the use of natural medicines in rheumatic conditions.
Vaccinations:
- Vaccinations when taking DMARDs or Biologics:
- Information on vaccinations for individuals undergoing specific rheumatic treatments.
Videos:
- Oil of Oregano:
- Detailed information on Oil of Oregano, a natural health product.
Oil of Oregano:
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Scientific Names (Origanum vulgare):
- The botanical identification of the plant from which Oil of Oregano is derived.
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Effectiveness and Safety:
- Lack of studies in rheumatic conditions, recommended uses, and safety considerations.
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Usage and Working Mechanism:
- Application on the skin for joint pain, common uses, and the presumed antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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Science-Based Evidence:
- Absence of studies on its effectiveness for rheumatic conditions.
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Possible Side Effects and Interactions:
- Safety considerations, potential side effects, and interactions with drugs, diseases, and other natural health products.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates my in-depth understanding of the complex landscape of rheumatology and natural health products. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any topic, feel free to ask.
