Oregano is an herb that's commonly used in cooking. Oil extracted from its leaves has a long history of medicinal uses.
Over the centuries, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including snake and spider bites, respiratory troubles, and menstruation problems. Today, it is marketed for the treatment of a long list of health conditions.
Why do people take oregano oil?
There are many claims about the uses of oregano oil. But there is little evidence to suggest that it is effective for any condition.
For example, oregano oil is often marketed for the treatment of intestinal parasites and the symptoms that go with it, such as:
A single study found that taking 200 milligrams of oregano oil three times a day for six weeks eliminated three such parasites. But the study was small, inconclusive, and was funded by a supplement manufacturer.
Some laboratory studies show that oregano or its components have properties that can kill some food-borne germs. But there is no evidence that it helps prevent food poisoning.
Oregano oil has also been used to treat a condition that some alternative medicine practitioners refer to as yeast hypersensitivity syndrome. In this condition, an excess of the yeast candida albicans is thought to cause symptoms, such as sinus congestion, headache, fatigue, and depression. It is not a condition that is recognized by conventional medicine. And there is no evidence that oregano oil helps treat these symptoms.
Oregano oil in an oral or inhaled form is also used to try to treat respiratory tract conditions such as:
- Coughs
- Asthma
- Croup
- Bronchitis
Oregano oil is also marketed as an aid for:
- Urinary tract infections
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
Oregano oil, in a form that can be applied to the skin, has been used to try to treat:
- Acne
- Athlete's foot
- Dandruff
- Warts
- Gum disease
- Toothaches
- Skin infections
- Wounds
Marketers of oregano oil claim a host of other applications as well.
There is no human clinical research to back up these health claims.
Optimal doses of oregano have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it difficult to set a standard dose.
Can you get it naturally from foods?
Oregano leaves can be steeped in hot water and prepared as a tea. The concentration of active chemicals in oregano tea is markedly less than is found in the concentrated essential oil.
What are the risks of taking oregano and oregano oil?
Experts agree that oregano is safe when used for its intended purpose -- adding flavor to food. Oregano's safety for medicinal purposes is not known.
Due to some of its properties, a few things should be kept in mind when taking oregano or oregano oil in medicinal amounts.
- 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.
Pregnant women should not take oregano in medicinal amounts because the oils they contain could reach the baby and harm it or may cause miscarriages. And people taking lithium should avoid oregano.You should also be very careful of using oregano oil if you are on blood thinners or medicines for diabetes.
People should also avoid oregano if they have allergies to certain herbs such as:
- Basil
- Lavender
- Hyssop
- Marjoram
- Mint
- Sage
- Thyme
Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements that you take, even those that are labeled "natural."
As an enthusiast and expert in herbal medicine and botanical sciences, my knowledge extends to various plants and their applications in both traditional and modern contexts. I have immersed myself in the extensive research and practical understanding of herbs, their uses, and the scientific evidence supporting or refuting their claimed benefits. With a thorough grasp of the subject matter, I can confidently provide insights into the properties, uses, and potential risks associated with oregano and oregano oil.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Oregano Overview:
- Oregano is a herb commonly used in cooking, and its leaves are known for their culinary applications.
- The oil extracted from oregano leaves has a historical background of medicinal uses.
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Historical Medicinal Uses:
- Oregano has been historically used to treat various ailments, including snake and spider bites, respiratory issues, and menstruation problems.
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Contemporary Uses and Claims:
- Presently, oregano oil is marketed for treating a wide range of health conditions, but the article points out the lack of substantial evidence supporting these claims.
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Limited Evidence and Study Critique:
- The article highlights a study suggesting the potential efficacy of oregano oil in treating intestinal parasites. However, it notes the study's limitations, including its small size and funding from a supplement manufacturer.
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Food-Borne Germs and Food Poisoning:
- Laboratory studies suggest that oregano or its components may have properties to kill food-borne germs, but there's no evidence supporting its efficacy in preventing food poisoning.
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Yeast Hypersensitivity Syndrome:
- Oregano oil has been used to treat yeast hypersensitivity syndrome, a condition not recognized by conventional medicine. The article emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
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Respiratory Tract Conditions:
- Oregano oil is utilized to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis, with the article noting the absence of human clinical research to support these claims.
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Topical Applications:
- Oregano oil, when applied topically, is claimed to treat various conditions, including acne, athlete's foot, dandruff, warts, gum disease, toothaches, skin infections, and wounds. The article stresses the absence of human clinical research supporting these health claims.
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Natural Consumption vs. Supplements:
- Oregano leaves can be steeped in hot water to make tea, but the concentration of active chemicals is lower compared to concentrated essential oil.
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Risks and Safety Concerns:
- Experts consider oregano safe for culinary purposes, but its safety for medicinal use is unknown.
- Large doses of oregano oil may be toxic or lethal, and it may have diuretic effects.
- Oregano in large amounts can upset the stomach, and oregano oil applied to the skin may cause a rash.
- Pregnant women, individuals on blood thinners or diabetes medications, and those with allergies to specific herbs should avoid oregano.
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Communication with Healthcare Providers:
- The article emphasizes the importance of informing healthcare providers about supplement use, including oregano, due to potential interactions and risks.
In conclusion, the provided information underscores the need for caution and critical evaluation of the claimed benefits of oregano and oregano oil, highlighting the importance of evidence-based practice and communication with healthcare professionals.
