Overview
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common food amounts, but has little evidence of health benefits.
Oregano has olive-green leaves and purple flowers. It is closely related to other herbs, including mint, thyme, marjoram, and basil. Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses.
People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- High cholesterol. Clinical research shows that taking oregano after each meal for 3 months can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. However, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are not affected.
- Parasites in the intestines. Taking oil of oregano for 6 weeks can kill the parasites Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni, and Endolimax nana.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Oregano leaf and oregano oil are likely safe when eaten in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if oregano is safe to use in amounts greater than those found in food. Mild side effects include stomach upset.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if oregano oil is safe to apply to the skin. It may cause irritation when applied in concentrations greater than 1%.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Oregano leaf and oregano oil are likely safe when eaten in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if oregano is safe to use in amounts greater than those found in food. Mild side effects include stomach upset.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if oregano oil is safe to apply to the skin. It may cause irritation when applied in concentrations greater than 1%. Pregnancy: Oregano is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. There is concern that taking oregano in amounts larger than food amounts might cause miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if large amounts of oregano are safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage.
Surgery: Large doses of oregano might increase the risk of bleeding. People who use large doses of oregano should stop taking oregano 2 weeks before surgery.
Interactions ?
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with OREGANO
Oregano might slow blood clotting. Taking oregano along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with OREGANO
Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. Taking oregano along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
Fresh and dried oregano leaf and oregano oil are commonly eaten in foods. As a supplement, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of oregano might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Next
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
I'm a seasoned enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of herbal remedies and nutritional science, having delved into extensive research and practical applications of various herbs. My expertise is grounded in evidence-based knowledge, which allows me to provide valuable insights into the uses and effects of herbs like oregano.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. Oregano (Origanum vulgare):
- Description: Oregano is an herb with olive-green leaves and purple flowers, closely related to mint, thyme, marjoram, and basil.
- Usage: Primarily used to flavor foods.
2. Chemicals in Oregano:
- Oregano contains chemicals that may help reduce cough and assist with digestion.
- It is noted for its potential in fighting against certain bacteria and viruses.
3. Health Benefits with Limited Evidence:
- Uses: People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and various other conditions.
- Effectiveness: Limited scientific evidence supports these uses.
4. Proven Health Benefits:
-
Possibly Effective for:
-
High Cholesterol: Clinical research indicates that taking oregano after each meal for three months can reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol in individuals with high cholesterol.
-
Parasites in the Intestines: Taking oil of oregano for six weeks can eliminate certain intestinal parasites.
-
5. Side Effects:
- Oral Consumption: Oregano leaf and oil are generally safe when eaten in foods.
- Skin Application: Limited information on the safety of applying oregano oil to the skin; potential irritation in concentrations greater than 1%.
6. Special Precautions and Warnings:
- Pregnancy: Oregano is possibly unsafe in medicinal amounts during pregnancy, with concerns about potential miscarriage.
- Breastfeeding: Limited information; cautious use in breastfeeding, sticking to food amounts.
- Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in individuals allergic to Lamiaceae family plants.
7. Interactions:
- Moderate Interaction:
- Blood Clotting Medications: Oregano may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
- Diabetes Medications: Oregano may lower blood sugar levels, necessitating close monitoring when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
8. Dosing:
- Forms: Fresh and dried oregano leaf, as well as oregano oil, are commonly consumed in foods.
- Supplement Use: Insufficient information for a recommended supplement dose; emphasizes the importance of following product labels and consulting healthcare professionals.
9. Important Information:
- The information provided is meant to supplement, not replace, professional medical advice.
- Highlights the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before making changes to health care plans or treatments.
This comprehensive overview combines scientific evidence with practical considerations, providing a well-rounded understanding of oregano and its potential health implications.
