Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
essential oil
Oregano, Wild
(Origanum vulgare)
Botanical Information
The distilled aromatic oil from common garden oregano.
Working with Oregano, Wild
Part(s) Used
Oil
Herb Forms
Distilled essential oil
Christopher Hobbs:
“Recently, the distilled oil of wild oregano has been touted as a treatment for infections, cancer, candida, and other diseases. Although no doubt active as an antiseptic and immune activator, it is not a panacea.”
Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths
Herbalists and naturopaths widely use oregano oil for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is commonly prescribed for:
- Respiratory health: Managing colds, flu, and sinus infections.
- Digestive support: Addressing gut imbalances like Candida overgrowth or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Skin health: Treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot or acne.
- Immune support: Boosting immunity during infections.
Chemistry
The key bioactive compounds in oregano oil include:
- Carvacrol (the primary compound responsible for antimicrobial effects)
- Thymol (antiseptic and antifungal)
- Rosmarinic acid (antioxidant)
- Terpenes and phenolic acids (anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating).
Pharmacology
- Antimicrobial properties: Carvacrol disrupts bacterial membranes, inhibiting their growth.
- Antifungal activity: Effective against Candida and other fungal pathogens.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces inflammation by modulating COX-2 enzyme activity.
- Antioxidant action: Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress.
Clinical Trials Summary
Clinical trials on oregano oil are limited but show promising results:
- Antibacterial and antifungal activity: Studies confirm its efficacy against pathogens like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species.
- Gut health: Small trials suggest benefits for SIBO and intestinal infections.
- Respiratory infections: Some evidence supports its use for reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
- Antioxidant effects: Preliminary studies indicate potential for reducing oxidative stress markers.
Larger, high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish standardized dosing protocols.
Summary
Oregano oil is a potent natural remedy with historical roots and growing modern applications in alternative medicine. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable for respiratory, digestive, and skin health. However, safety precautions and proper dosages should be observed, and clinical trials remain limited in scope.
Cautions
Generally safe in diluted form: Undiluted oregano oil can cause skin irritation or mucosal damage. Always dilute with a carrier oil for topical or oral use. Oregano oil is highly concentrated. Do not use more than a drop or two internally for one dose.
Not recommended for pregnancy or breastfeeding: Can stimulate uterine contractions.
Drug interactions: May interact with anticoagulants, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
Overuse risks: Long-term or high doses may harm gut microbiota or liver function.
Conditions treated with Oregano, Wild
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
essential oil
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
essential oil
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
