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is oregano good for you
  • Natural Remedies

Benefits and Uses of Oregano Herb

Katie WellsJul 24, 2019Updated: May 22, 2020
Jessica Meyers, MPAP, PA-C, RH(AHG)
Medically reviewed by Jessica Meyers, PA-C
Reading Time: 4 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Benefits and Uses of Oregano Herb
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Oregano: The Delight of the Mountain
  • Oregano Herb Health Benefits+−
    • High Level of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
    • Antimicrobial
    • Antibacterial
    • Helps Fight Parasites
    • Helps Athletes Foot
    • Boosts the Immune System and Fights Cancer Cells
  • Oregano Oil, Oregano Essential Oil, and Oil of Oregano: What’s the Difference?
  • How to Use Oregano+−
    • Recipes
    • Dried or Fresh Oregano Uses
    • Oregano Essential Oil Uses
  • Where to Buy Oregano
  • Is Oregano Safe?

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

  • Homemade Italian Seasoning mix
  • Herbal Mouthwash
  • Cracked Heels Salve
  • Homemade Herb and Spice Blends

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!

Sources
  1. Effects of a Combination of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils on TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2233768/
  2. Force, M., Sparks, W. S., & Ronzio, R. A. (2000, May). Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10815019
  3. Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (n.d.). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a foot bath. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17287720
  4. Dietary supplementation with two Lamiaceae herbs-(oregano and sage) modulates innate immunity parameters in Lumbricus terrestris. (n.d.). Retrieved frolivom https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579013/
  5. Johnson, J. J. (2011, June 01). Carnosol: A promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21382660
Category: Natural RemediesReviewer: Jessica Meyers, PA-C

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (130 Comments)

  1. Lindsay Hefner

    January 6, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    Thanks, Katie, for ALL of your research! What a blessing to us other women/moms/homemakers. I am so thankful that I found your blog. I have a question about EO providers. I notice that you get many of your EO’s and herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. I usually buy Young Living EO’s because they are claimed to be “such good quality”. But I am SO tempted by MRH’s prices! They are so much lower! For example, Young Living Oregano EO is $36.51 for 15ml. The same size on MRH is $10! Huge difference. From what I’ve read on your blog, you only promote products that you fully support and use yourself. So I’m wondering if, in your opinion, the expensive oils (YL, doTerra, etc.) are just charging for the label. I’m not asking you to bash any certain brand. I just would like your opinion on MRH. If I am going to be using EO’s and herbs to treat my families illnesses and pains, I want to be using quality, effective products! Thanks for all you do to get good, helpful information out to us!

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      January 9, 2015 at 11:15 PM

      I personally have found MRH to be incredible high quality. I’ve used YL and DT in the past at different times and found them comparable. I’m highly cautious of ingesting any oils anyway, so I don’t have much experience with that, but I’ve used the MRH oils for years and love them.

      Reply
    • Mavis Wood

      June 8, 2016 at 5:06 PM

      Please, please explain your letters: MRH, DT, YL, at least once in your post.

      Reply
      • Wellness Mama

        June 8, 2016 at 6:02 PM

        MRH = Mountain Rose Herbs; DT = doTerra; YL = Young Living.

        Reply
  2. AJ

    December 14, 2014 at 9:29 AM

    Oregano leaf and Oil of Oregano are not the same. You want Mediterranean oil of oregano especially for internal use. The dilution for oral use is 4-5 drops in about an ounce of water. Be careful not to get it on lips, it will burn. But it really works as a great anti biotic. Your body does not build up a resistance to it.

    Reply
  3. Caitlin

    December 11, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    Hi, is oil pulling with my homemade oregano tincture from the herb mixed with coconut oil okay during pregnancy? Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Melissa

    November 20, 2014 at 6:39 PM

    I want to take this oil for candida and intestinal issues. How many drops a day and how many days should I take OOO?

    Reply
    • Neelie

      December 6, 2014 at 12:55 PM

      No one seems to be giving an oral dilution amount, and i would like to know x’s per day dosing. I’m interested in this along with the others that have been asking.

      Reply
      • ANGELA

        December 27, 2014 at 4:17 PM

        ALSO, FORGOT TO SAY BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO GET THE UNDILUTED OIL ON THE SKIN IT CAN BURN, IT WILL NOT CAUSE A BAD BURN LIKE HEAT WILL, BUT IT WILL STING…

        Reply
      • Theresa

        January 5, 2015 at 12:40 PM

        I’ve taken the Oil of Oregano that I’ve bought from a natural store and I assume it is diluted. It says to take 3-4 drops three times daily. But i hate to do it that many times so I always take 12 drops with a mouthful of water and swallow quickly followed by more water. I do this for a couple of days when it’s flu season or whenever I’m around sick people or hospitals. I also used it diluted with Olive oil on warts and they disappeared.

        Reply
      • theresa

        December 1, 2015 at 10:34 AM

        Whenever I take it orally I take a mouthful of water, and then I take anywheres from 3-12 drops at a time, and then I swallow the water and I drink more water cuz of the taste. Yuck. If I want to avoid catching something that’s going around like a flu or some other bug, I will take 12 drops once a day. However if I have something specific that I want to get rid of (like when I had bells palsy) I will double up by taking 8 drops three times a day for a week or two. If using topically, ALWAYS ALWAYS dilute the OOO in a carrier oil, and Olive oil makes a nice carrier oil if nothing else is on hand.

        Reply
  5. Tatiana

    October 24, 2014 at 1:41 AM

    Im pregnant…and i know cannot take but can i apply topically without any problems…odd and too much info..but i have small bump beside anal… abscess and want to use for that because definately do not want it to get bigger and usually the only solution is for it to be cut and drained…however mine is the beginning of one and want to try naturally… thanks.

    Reply
  6. Carol

    October 2, 2014 at 9:15 AM

    I have oregano growing and wondered if there is any way to use it for the healing of a boil on my daughter’s face. She has been putting a paste of turmeric on it and it has reduced the inflammation. We were wondering about using the oregano as a healer and antibacterial use. Can anyone advise me? We can also use oil of oregano if it will not irritate too much. Thank you, Carol

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      October 7, 2014 at 10:41 PM

      I haven’t personally tried it but I had an Amish fried who would make a poultice of plantain, comfrey and oregano and said it worked wonders

      Reply
    • theresa

      December 1, 2015 at 10:28 AM

      I diluted OOO with Olive oil and used it on two MASSIVE warts that my son had and within two weeks they were completely gone!

      Reply
  7. Betty

    September 26, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    thanks for the info .. How does it work on the knees. I have arthritis in both knees.. Help

    Reply
  8. Catherine Sylvester

    July 29, 2014 at 3:58 AM

    I read somewhere that taking diluted oil of oregano internally can counter-act the goodness of the probiotics I’m taking. Is this true? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      July 29, 2014 at 9:30 PM

      Not that I know of…

      Reply
    • Diane Kane

      November 30, 2014 at 10:21 PM

      You need to take the probiotics 2 hours after taking the diluted oil of oregano. It is a powerful antimicrobial. Separate their use.

      Reply
  9. Arla

    July 27, 2014 at 9:05 AM

    I was getting rosacea on the bridge of my nose and I started applying a mixture of 10 drops jojoba, 4 drops oregano oil and 3 drops tea tree oil at night and within 2 weeks it was gone and the dermatologist confirmed it! Saved a lot of money on conventional treatments!

    Reply
    • Helge

      December 3, 2014 at 3:41 AM

      Hi Arla.
      I was wondering about your mixture of jojoba, oregano and tea tree.
      I assume that you are talking about essential oils.
      Did you put these drops in a carrier oil like grape seed, coconut or olive and than apply to your skin or just the mixture of the three essential oils?

      Reply
      • Lindsey

        December 8, 2014 at 2:39 PM

        Hey Helge!
        Jojoba is a carrier oil, and oregano and tea tree are the essential oils. I often use Jojoba as a carrier, and my sister just gave me a new bottle the other day.. Google some facts on it, and see if it could be a good fit for you… I normally buy mine here: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/jojoba-oil/profile

        Reply
  10. Teena

    July 12, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    Thanks so much for your informative posts! Is oil of oregano safe when trying to conceive? If not internally, would it be safe to use topically when trying to get pregnant? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Camille J.

      October 13, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      No, it is not. It can prevent implantation (aka early miscarriage) because it thins out the lining of the uterus by promoting blood stimulation of the uterus which can bring on menstruation. I would think after pregancy it would be safe like some other herbs or spices are that way:)

      Look up: https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/oregano-oil.aspx AND Livestrong oregano oil pregnancy

      Oregano oil is useful to bring on late periods because of it’s effectiveness for really good stimulation. Just like Parlsy tea and Rosemary oil. Rosemary and Oregano come from the same family.

      I know rosemary oil works because I used it in during my period when for several cycles they had seemed to be very light and surely it flowed! Later I found out my light periods were due to low progesterone from being under high, “cortisol”, stress. God bless!

      Reply
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