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I love lavender for being so mild, but oregano is the opposite… it’s incredibly powerful and strong! This wonderful herb has many benefits and health-promoting uses around the house.
Oregano: The Delight of the Mountain
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic and slightly bitter herb in the mint family. The name is derived from Greek meaning “mountain of joy” or “the delight of the mountain.” It grows naturally in warm, dry climates (it’s native to the Mediterranean) but is cultivated in many places in the world today.
Oregano is a very flavorful herb that is often used in Italian, Greek, and Spanish cooking. It is often used in seasoning blends, including Italian seasoning, and pairs well with meats, tomato dishes, and eggs. I always add it to my homemade soups and stews, especially during illness, as it is said to have antibacterial properties.
But the benefits of oregano leaves go far beyond the kitchen!
Oregano Herb Health Benefits
Oregano has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy, though its use as a health-boosting herb is centuries old. Modern science confirms the reasons for this: it contains high amounts of omega-3s, iron, manganese, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Oregano essential oil is well known in natural health communities for its antibacterial properties, and it is even being studied by the mainstream medical community for its potential health benefits.
High Level of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Like the fresh herb, oregano oil has very high amounts of antioxidants that help fight free radicals. These antioxidants include:
- phenols
- triterpenes
- rosmarinic acid
- ursolic acid
- oleanolic acid
Because of its antioxidants, oregano oil is protective against damage from some medications, according to a 2015 study.
One 2007 study found that a combination of oregano and thyme essential oils could lower production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because if this, the essential oil mixture may be helpful in reducing symptoms from inflammatory illnesses like colitis.
Another study published in the journal Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology found that oregano oil could lower the negative effects of induced colitis in rats and opens the door to new ideas about its benefit to the colon and liver.
Antimicrobial
Oregano has many antimicrobial properties including antibacterial and anti-parasitic.
A recent study from the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center stated that new (safe) antimicrobials are needed to prevent and treat infections and that essential oils like oregano essential oil may be the answer.
Antibacterial
In an article published on Science Daily, oregano essential oil was found to be effective in killing Staphylococcus bacteria. It was also equally as effective in its germ-killing abilities as common prescription antibiotics.
Helps Fight Parasites
One study published in Phytotherapy Research found that adults suffering from parasites had significant improvements in their digestive symptoms after using oregano oil.
Helps Athletes Foot
Oregano is also antifungal. One study found that of the 11 essential oils tested, oregano was the most powerful against athlete’s foot. Combined with salt and heat, researchers concluded that essential oils (specifically oregano) were a promising treatment.
Boosts the Immune System and Fights Cancer Cells
According to a 2013 study, oregano and other herbs in the Lamiaceae family can help stimulate the immune system. This might explain the traditional use of oregano for treating illness. But oregano is more than an immune stimulator. A study published in Cancer Letters found that a compound in oregano looked promising as a potential cancer cell killer in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancers.
Oregano Oil, Oregano Essential Oil, and Oil of Oregano: What’s the Difference?
This can be a confusing topic! Often when people talk about oregano they use these terms interchangeably. But each one is slightly different. Here’s how:
- Oregano oil is oil (often olive oil) that is infused with oregano. This oil may be used medicinally but is most often used culinarily.
- Oregano essential oil (like all essential oils) are distilled from plant matter and are incredibly concentrated.
- Oil of oregano is a prepared dilution of oregano essential oil. This can be purchased already prepared but you can make your own too.
Essential oils should never be used (especially ingested) undiluted. Whenever ingestion is mentioned, oil of oregano is what you want to use. Topical use of oregano essential oils should also be diluted.
How to Use Oregano
Oregano has many uses around the home:
Recipes
Dried or Fresh Oregano Uses
- It can be consumed as an herb in culinary uses, a tincture, tea, or diluted essential oil.
- Dried oregano, in combination with other dried herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme, can create an effective facial steam for loosening congestion and calming coughing.
Oregano Essential Oil Uses
- The diluted oil can be consumed to speed recovery during illness.
- Oregano essential oil (diluted in coconut oil) can be used on skin infections to boost healing.
- It can be mixed into coconut oil as part of an oil pulling routine for healthy gums.
- Diluted in a carrier oil, oregano essential oil taken internally can help with allergies.
- Oregano essential oil diluted in olive oil can be rubbed on sore muscles and joints for pain relief.
- It can be diluted for effective use on athletes foot and fungal infections.
- Diluted oregano EO can be helpful in ridding the body of ringworm when used topically.
- It can be effective in removing warts when used diluted on the skin.
Because oregano has such strong antimicrobial properties, it can help with many infections both internal and external.
Where to Buy Oregano
I typically purchase dried oregano in bulk online. My oregano essential oil comes from here.
Another way to get the benefits of oregano is to grow it fresh! All it takes is a small herb garden or window box.
Some growing notes:
- Oregano likes warm, dry climates, and full sun.
- Buy from seed or get instant gratification and purchase seedlings.
- As they grow, pinch off leaves to encourage a bushier plant.
Harvesting oregano is also simple. Harvest the leaves as you need them and dry some for storage.
Is Oregano Safe?
Oregano oil is not generally considered safe during pregnancy, though culinary use of oregano leaf is considered fine.
If you meet any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor before use as oregano may not be safe for you:
- allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family
- bleeding disorders
- diabetes
- planning a surgery
Due to its highly potent nature, oregano essential oil should always be diluted for use on the skin or when taking internally. I am not a doctor or medical professional, and you should always consult your doctor before taking any herbs or beginning any health routine.
This article was medically reviewed by Jessica Meyers, MPAP, PA-C, RH(AHG), who specializes in herbal protocols and functional medicine. You can also find Jessica on Instagram. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
What is your favorite use for oregano? As a spice or as a natural remedy? Share below!
Hi, dumb newbie question… Do you use only dried oregano for tea or can you use fresh? I have a bit of Greek oregano growing in a pot that I’d like to use.
Late reply but in case anyone else is wondering then yes of course you can use fresh. PLEASE PLEASE do not think I am being rude by this comment but your question shows how out of touch we are with nature. The fact that we recognise organo as a dried herb to put on pizza and we are not sure of the actual plant is ok to use is very sad.
I was new to this a couple of years ago and trust me I’ve asked all sorts of newbie questions so I am not trying to make you feel bad. I am merely highlighting the fact that we are so used to processed everything (that comes with instructions on the pack) we have no idea what to do with a fresh natural product.
You will tend to want to use a little more with a fresh herb since dried are dense although don’t get too hung up on quantities. Just enjoy learning and never stop asking questions even if you think they are silly. It’s how we learn!
My husband has come down with what appears to be giardia or something similar. We try to avoid antibiotics so he’s been on a strict regimen of raw garlic and probiotics but I’m Thinking maybe oregano oil may be helpful too? Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks!
Dear Rebecca Bauer,
If you google ‘What is oregano good for?’ you will get your answer. According to google, it is good for giardia. Make the fresh leaves into tea by pouring boiling water over a few sprigs of oregano into a cup and steep for 5-7 minutes. Drink when it is comfortably hot first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Repeat for 2-3 days until symptoms disappear. Your query is dated April 30, 2014 and today it’s June 2, 2014. I’m interested to know whether or not you have tried oregano and what are the results if you did. Thank you.
For over 3 years I have been suffering with neck pain both sides of my neck and stiffness going down my upper back and shoulders. This morning (Sabbath) I grabbed my mom’s plant book an started reading and came across the “”Oregano” plant and the medicinal use. Well, I have it growing on my back yard for Spaghetti and Lasagnas when I cook it I use it for seasoning.
But today, a MIRACLE FROM GOD, I made a cup of tea and prayed God’s blessing over it, because God is the owner of all His plants in His world. I told God to show me what changes is doing in my body, then I drank it….about 20 minutes later, a voice said, turn your head from side to side, and so I did! I was AMAZED!! God’s miracle plant to heal my body! The book said,
to drink 2 to 3 cups a day. So I give the glory and praise to God, and I thank the people that are diligently studying and sharing the medicinal usage of each plant as they discover it. The bible says, “The leaves are for the healing of the nations.” I believe it begins right now, right here on earth. God’s miraculous love can change our bodies and heal our souls and set us free from sickness and diseases. Please continue to share and post your experience with others. God bless, and here’s to good health, as I sip on my cup of Oregano tea. Cheers! Stella
Please tell us how you made the tea. How many leaves did you use for one cup. I know this can be really strong stuff.
Stella, that is awesome. Soli Dei Gloria! I, too, have had nearly instantaneous healing with some herbs and I rejoice with you and give thanks to God who made them and pointed me in the right direction.
I swear by Oil of Oregano. I was told by a good friend of it’s healing properties so I started studying it. I take 2 capsules daily to aid my immunity and when I start to feel a cold coming on, I add the liquid tincture form OR I triple my capsule dosages. But probably the most amazing and instant healing I saw from it was when I used it topically (diluted with olive oil) on a cold sore that was forming on my upper lip. I’ve suffered from them since I was a kid and usually would suffer for weeks before they’d heal. 2 days of apply OOO topically and that sore was history! Poof, gone! Amazing stuff God gave us!
Is the liquid tincture form you use oregano leaf extract or the oil of oregano? How do these two forms differ? It seems my husband has some unexplained hives on and around his elbows and legs that get red and icth, some digestion issues and simply feeling off. I’ve gotten the leaf extract and wondering if the oil would serve a better purpose for his symptoms.
Sarah, do you mean your cold sore is gone forever? Have you got your test results?
A quick question, is oregano oil essential oil the same as oil of oregano, which is often sold with supplements and such at health food or vitamin store? I am thinking it is the same but safely pre-diluted EO sold as oil of oregano. any ideas?
I think oil of oregano is pre-diluted
i’m from turkey- oregano oil used to be my favorite “medicine” while bringing up my children, and also for my arthritic mom.
be careful– do not use undiluted! better mix a very small amount, 50:50, with some neutral oil (olive oil, almond, coconut), rub a tiny bit on your forearm and wait for about 5 minutes. there has to be a little bit of burning or stinging sensation. if it burns too much, then dilute more. if it doesnt burn at all, then put some more oregano oil. use it only after you “calibrate” and check, so you’ll know how much you have to dilute. dilution rate also depends upon which body area you’ll apply the oil. soles of feet– stronger. on the chest (esp. children)–more diluted. on the face (for sinus troubles)– much more diluted. common sense will tell.
ok, now you’re ready to use it for:
*common cold– rub the soles of your feet, then put on warm socks
*stuffed nose- apply a tiny bit on the upper lip, under the nose. make sure the oil doesnt touch any bruised skin. nothing works as well-provides instant relief!
*dry and irritating coughs- rub on the chest and back, cover with a warm towel
*neck spasm, sore muscles- great when you just cant turn your head around- just rub it on and cover with some soft scarf or shawl
*joint pain: rub and cover
*tooth or gingiva problems: add 1-2 drops of oregano oil to a tablespoon of olive/sesame/coconut oil, and do oil pulling
*if you make your own toothpaste, put some drops of oregano oil in it
*sore throat: rub the neck and cover
*some people put a few drops on a cube of sugar and swallow, for stomach problems- havent tried it myself. actually, havent ever tried the oil internally, but i make tea from leaves for cold and flu.
*sinus problems: rub over your eyebrows and over your cheeks (dont get near your eyes!) dilute! can be corrosive on sensitive skin!
be careful when you use it on kids- better test before using. their skin is delicate!
this is strong medicine- dont overuse.
i used to buy it from the locals at a small coastal town by the meditteranean and it was the real stuff! nowadays it’s hard to find the same quality oregano oil in my country. hope yours is better.
Could this oil cause miscarriage? I was using this on an older child of mine while early in my pregnancy and had a miscarriage?
I am a distributor for Young Living Essential Oils and in my desk reference guide, oregano is not listed as an oil to avoid or even listed as ‘use with caution’ during pregnancy. Granted, these are therapeutic grade oils so they are completely pure, but I don’t think oregano oil can cause a miscarriage. Also, I asked my midwife 3 weeks ago if there were any essential oils she thought I should avoid and she said no, she didn’t know of any that could cause problems. This is a midwife who works at a licensed OB, too, it’s not just some random person that took a course for a few weeks and can call herself a midwife.
I just read that it could– let me find the article.
“A Few Words of Caution
Oregano essential oil can cause irritation of the skin and mucus membrane if taken in high concentrations or dosages. Pregnant women should avoid using it, and it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before adding it in any significant way to your diet. Due to its general stimulation and regulation of the hormones, it can potentially result in a miscarriage if the hormone to induce periods is stimulated. Also, like with any new dietary supplement or food, check with your doctor about allergies. People that are allergic to basil, lavender, marjoram, mint, or sage are also commonly allergic to oregano and its essential oil.”
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-oregano-essential-oil.html
I’m sorry for your loss. Please always use caution when using anything during pregnancies, even natural good for you things. I was curious though, if you used this oil on yourself or not, because you stated that you used this on an older child. If you did not use it, then I cannot see it causing a miscarriage.
Thank you for all if that information!!
Thanks Zeyne. Yours is the first post I found that actually told me HOW to use the oil of oregano. I had a sore throat, so put a few drops, maybe 4 or 5, into a quarter cup of water. I was going to gargle with it, so put a swig into my mouth. I thought I was going to die. It took a minute or more before I could breath naturally again. Why can someone sell this stuff without directions and warnings?
I filled that cup with water and am using a few tablespoons of it to gargle a few times a day. The sore throat is gone but I think it won’t hurt.
I am going to mix some up with coconut oil and have it on hand for other things. I will do your forearm test to see if it is the right dilution.
One important note that I discovered after doing a bunch of research on oregano oil… The only oregano that has medicinal properties is wild Mediterranean oregano. Real wild Mediterranean oregano is of two varieties. Thymus capitatus and origanum vulgare. The oregano (fresh/dried I assume) that is sold in most grocery stores is NOT one of those varieties and has no medicinal properties. Good to know!!
I honestly can’t believe that. I don’t mean any offence by that statement but when I was just starting to learn about natural remedies I developed a dental abscess. In the UK doctors will not prescribe antibiotics for a dental issue. It was a bank holiday weekend and I couldn’t get in with a dentist. I was also feeling very ill. When I looked up my symptoms they correlated with blood poisoning, although I cannot conclusively say that was what I was suffering with. My abscess was very bad by this stage too and I was in severe pain. I looked up natural antibiotics and came across the suggestion of oregano oil. I didn’t have any but knowing that teas can also be a way to take herbs I decided to try as I had nothing to lose. I only had supermarket, year old, dried oregano in my cupboard. I managed to buy several jars of dried, cheap own brand at the local corner shop too. I swilled oregano tea around the tooth and drank a cupful every couple of hours. Within 5 days my abscess had cleared to a point where it no longer hurt and I was able to book in for a root canal. All my symptoms of blood poisoning cleared up within 24-32 hours. I didn’t touch a conventional antibiotic.
I didn’t believe it would work in all honesty. Especially with the poor quality herbs but it did! So as much as I would recommend always sourcing a good quality herb, if you only have dried old herbs because you are just starting out (like I was) then I would recommend trying at least. I didn’t even have any garlic in the fridge! My partner had just died, my house was reposessed and I had lost my business. My health and cupboards were in a terrible state. Sometimes we just have to make do and for me, at that time, it paid off. I now have a whole range of herbs and home made tinctures etc. I am well prepared and eat a mostly plant based diet. I don’t need the herbs as much as I probably did before but it’s great to be able to pass the knowledge onto other people.
Thank u for sharing
I feel like I have blood poisoning as well.i have sinuses and I’m sure it is because of my dental health.did you just do tea or oregano in any other form?im going to the doctor soon for a blood check on infections. What do you guys recommend as I have more faith in holistic than western medicine? I want my sneezing and coughing to go away because it’s been months and I’m faithful in oregano.
Are you able to provide sourced for this claim please? All I have found is a bunch of blog posts that seem to regurgitate each others content tat provide questionable sources.
As much as I belive wild crafted herbs growning in the mountains are probably the best quality (anything that has to fight for survival in such a harsh climate is going to be a decent source of nutrients and phyto chemicals especially when untouched by chemicals), I cannot believe that supermarket oregano has no medicinal benefit at all.
Another situation has sprang to mind whilst trying to find sources for your comment. My sister had a fungal infection on her big toe. It was completely covered in a white thick coating – gross I know sorry! I tend to make my oregano tea the day before so that the brew is really strong. Again, this tea was made with the cheapest herbs as when I had my abscess I didn’t have access to anything better. I poured a little tea into a dish and soaked a cotton ball in it. I placed the cotton ball against the toe, wrapped it up and told her to leave it as long as possible. She came round the next day and I swear to you that the fungus was almost gone. There was just a tiny bit left which we cleared up with one more application.
I just cannot see how even supermarket oregano has NO medicinal value although I can completely appreciate that wild crafted strains are likely to have have much more.
Leah you have a great attitude and intuition. Don’t stop doing what you do or let the skeptics put you off.
on numerous occasions I have had to rely on store bought herbs and spices (turmeric) it takes a bit longer but they do still work.
My grandmother used to make me a “tea” by boiling water with dried oregano to soothe menstrual cramps. Not sure if it was a Mexican wives tale or where it came from, but I recall it helping!
I have used oregano oil diluted with either coconut or olive oil to treat respiratory infection. Worked beautifully! I have used this remedy several times, for adults and children.
Whats your dilution ratio?
Yes what is your dilution ratio please and thank you!
It depends on what I’m using it for, but I usually dilute at 1 drop per tsp of oil.
Is that orally or rubbed on body?
Topically. I’d only ever take oregano internally under the care of a professional because it is so potent.
I wish I had known more about how potent it is before I used it.
Last evening we had oregano tea. I just took a sprig of oregano off my plant, put it into my cup and added boiling water. Added nothing else. It was delicious. I added more hot water three or four times, and it still tasted good.
My 10 month old daughter has been sick with a cough but I’ve been avoiding antibiotics. I want to try using oregano to help her, but how would I prepare it to work like antibiotics, in a way I could give a young child?
I’ve used diluted essential oil on the feet before and it has worked well…
Thanks! I’m going to get some oil and try that. I have fresh oregano on hand and was hoping to use that first, but it seems like it’s the essential oil that works best not the plant
The essential oil is easiest since its in the liquid state to either apply directly or dilute with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil or fractionated coconut oil. It will leave a pizzaesque scent but the benefits totally out weigh the aroma. If it’s a food grade oil, you can use it in crock pot chili’s and sauces too.
Hello! what’s the dilution ratio with coconut oil, please?
Hello, I found an answer on WikiHow here:
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Health-Benefits-from-Oregano-Oil
Points 2 and 3 discuss topical application with 1 drop of oregano oil (Oregano vulgare) to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil being advised.
From another website (quoted under Fair Use laws): “There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that’s native to Mediterranean regions. Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value. Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain.”
I have a 16 month old baby that has croup-like chest congestion. I have thieves and oil of oregano on hand here at the house, but I am pregnant. and I don’t know how to safely administer these oils to him without endangering the baby I’m carrying. Please help!
I’d be cautious on him with those oils at that age. Is there a good naturapathic doctor you can see where you are? I usually stick to really diluted essential oils and epsom salt baths at that age.
FOR CHILDREN OR EVEN BABIES.. MIX SAYS I BEAKER FULL 40 DROPS INTO A BODY CREAM AND PLACE ON SHINS ANS UPPER CHEST, SMALL AMOUNTS, COUPLE/ FEW TIMES DAY, IT IS POWERFUL BUT SOME HOW GENTLE.. THIS IS THE BEST WAY FOR CHILDREN.
Use antibiotics for her .
croup is not a bacterial infection
Is this oregano good for Parkinson’s disease
I’ve used oregano gel capsules instead of the drop of oil..It cleared my abscess which was on my gum straight away. I also broke open a capsule & rubbed onto infected area toothache went away within minutes. Very good stuff. Will never use Doctors prescribed antibiotics again.
I have just given one capsule to my 14 year old daughter who is complaining of a sore throat.
Will let you know how she feels by the end of the day ?