By J.J. Ashton Updated December 14, 2018
Oil of oregano is touted by many natural health enthusiasts as nature’s most powerful antibiotic, but its purported benefits don’t stop there. This herbal concoction is used both internally and topically for a plethora of health-promoting purposes. As the name would suggest, oil of oregano is extracted from the oregano herb, with the use of steam distillation. It is commonly sold in health food stores and usually found in dark, glass bottles. Oil of oregano can cause more harm than good if used indiscriminately.
Fighting Allergies, Inflammation and Infections
Oil of oregano may have antioxidant properties, which help to scavenge and kill free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells and DNA. It also contains the active ingredient carvacrol, which may help reduce infections as effectively as traditional antibiotics and may also protect against drug-resistant bacteria, according to Georgetown University Medical Center researchers. The carvacrol and thyme found in oil of oregano may also exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral and liver-protecting properties.
May Prevent or Soothe a Cold
Due to oil of oregano's antiviral and antibacterial properties, some natural health practitioners recommend using it to stop a cold or flu from fully developing. They recommend taking a few drops under the tongue at the first sign of trouble; however, this recommendation is based on anecdotal rather than clinical evidence. Oil of oregano may also be added to hot water and inhaled, which may help open up your airways and clear your sinus; or you can add a couple drops to water and drink it to help ease a sore throat.
Potential Dangers
Although oregano oil is generally recognized as safe, it is a potent medicinal herb, and you should consult with your health care practitioner before using it. Oil of oregano can cause a range of skin reactions when applied topically, and if used in its undiluted form, it can cause burning and redness even in those with the toughest of skin. When taken internally, it can cause gastrointestinal upset, and those with high blood pressure and heart conditions should avoid it. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding are also advised to avoid oregano oil because there isn't sufficient data to indicate whether it's safe.
Allergies and Gut Bacteria Dangers
Some people are allergic to oregano, and if you have an allergy to Lamiaceae family plants, such as basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint and sage, you should avoid using oil of oregano topically and internally. Also, most antibacterial agents don’t discriminate between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Since oil of oregano has powerful bacteria-killing properties, using it long term may reduce the population of health-promoting bacteria in your gut. However, this is based on speculation, and no studies yet prove this theory.
FAQs
In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic -- and even lethal. Oregano may have diuretic effects. Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach. Oregano oil may cause rash when applied to the skin.
Who shouldn't take oil of oregano? ›
Some people are allergic to oregano, and if you have an allergy to Lamiaceae family plants, such as basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint and sage, you should avoid using oil of oregano topically and internally. Also, most antibacterial agents don't discriminate between good bacteria and bad bacteria.
Is oil of oregano safe to take daily? ›
Research has shown that people can take as much as 600 mg of oregano oil per day without negative effects.
Is Oil of Oregano safe for everyone? ›
Oregano oil is generally safe to use, but it can have some side effects. Avoid using it if you're allergic to mint, sage, basil, or lavender. If you're allergic to any of these, you're likely allergic to oregano as well. Don't use oregano oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can oregano oil hurt kidneys? ›
However, those strains, especially ones high in thymol, are not suitable for preparing oregano essential oil intended for internal consumption. Some of these essential oils are toxic to the liver and kidney in very small quantities. However prudent, short term, topical use of these variants may be safe.
Does oil of oregano help with COVID symptoms? ›
Essential oils, like oregano
"There have been no essential oil studies with COVID-19 at all," says Dr. Swindells. See what pharmacist Ally Dering-Anderson, PharmD, says about the safety and usefulness of essential oils. The bottom line is that none of these supplements have shown efficacy against COVID-19 yet.
Does oregano raise blood pressure? ›
It may help prevent high blood pressure associated with heart disease. Oregano's essential oil helps prevent many bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It also helps digestion and calms the nerves.
What happens if you take oil of oregano orally? ›
There is significant risk of burning internal tissue if a person takes the oil orally. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Do not use oregano oil on children or infants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with diabetes should also refrain from using it.
What are the side effects of oregano? ›
Generally, potential side effects are minor and may include:
- Mild stomach upset.
- Allergic reactions, if you are allergic to plants from the mint family (such as basil, sage, mint, lavender, and marjoram)
- Skin irritation, if oregano oil is applied topically in concentrations greater than 1%
Oregano oil can irritate mucous membranes of the throat, esophagus, and stomach, so it should never be taken with just water; a carrier oil helps mitigate these effects. She suggests just 50 to 80 milligrams (two or three drops) per dose.
Since it's your gut bacteria which regulate your immune system in the first place, this is certainly not a good strategy. My rule of thumb is to take oregano oil for no more than 2 days in a row, and only when I feel those first telltale signs of a viral infection.
How many drops of oil of oregano is safe? ›
Oregano oil uses:
For internal use, take 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days. Fight Pneumonia and Bronchitis: For external infections, apply 2 to 3 diluted drops to the affected area. To prevent internal bacterial overgrowth, ingest 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days.
Does oil of oregano cause blood clots? ›
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting
Oregano might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people.
Is oregano oil good for your liver? ›
The Science Behind Oregano Oil and Gut Health
Scientific literature reveals that extracts of oregano herb are antimicrobial, antiviral, and liver-protective. They also have analgesic (pain relieving) actions, and anti-inflammatory properties [13].
Does oil of oregano interfere with medications? ›
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.
Does oil of oregano fight viruses? ›
Today, many people still use oregano oil to fight infections and the common cold despite its renowned bitter, unpleasant taste. Although more research is needed into the health benefits of oregano oil, studies have confirmed that it has the following properties: Antimicrobial. Antiviral.
What helps you recover from Covid quickly? ›
To care for yourself, follow these steps:
- Keep a daily routine, such as taking a shower and getting dressed.
- Take breaks from COVID-19 news and social media.
- Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay physically active.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
Most people with coronavirus (COVID-19) or symptoms of COVID-19 feel better within a few weeks.
...
Treating a high temperature
- get lots of rest.
- drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear.
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.
Basil. Basil has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various cardiovascular diseases and conditions like hypertension. The herb is known to be high in eugenol, a plant compound that is linked to lowered blood pressure.
Does oregano oil raise blood sugar? ›
Oregano. This herb has a two-pronged effect on high blood sugar. It increases the activity in the pancreas to make more insulin and reduces blood sugar levels by inhibiting cravings for sweets. The glucose in the cells gets mobilised due to specific components present in oregano.
Oregano also works by protecting kidney cells against injury caused by calcium oxalate and other such crystals. Bacteria can affect any part of the body and can cause infectious diseases.
What is the best way to take oregano? ›
When taking it orally, avoid getting it directly on your tongue or lips because it's spicy and may create a burning sensation. Take a sip of water, hold it in your mouth and add 1 to 3 drops of oregano oil into the water. Swallow. Follow with more water.
Can I take vitamin D with oil of oregano? ›
No interactions were found between oregano and Vitamins.
How often can you ingest oil of oregano? ›
Oregano oil uses:
For internal use, take 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days. Fight Pneumonia and Bronchitis: For external infections, apply 2 to 3 diluted drops to the affected area. To prevent internal bacterial overgrowth, ingest 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days.
How long can you take oil of oregano orally? ›
Green also cautions against using oregano oil for longer than one week. Take one dose three times a day for the first two days, she suggests. Then use one capsule twice a day. If you get no relief from your symptoms after seven days, discontinue its use and find another remedy.
When is the best time to take oil of oregano? ›
For optimal results
Adults take 1 oregano oil capsule 2 times daily with meals.
How many weeks should I take oregano oil? ›
Regardless of why you're taking oregano oil, make sure you take at least a weeklong break for every 3 weeks of use. Oregano oil is a powerful substance, so it's best to start with the smallest possible dose to see how your body reacts. You can slowly increase the amount you take once you see how your body responds.
