How Oregano Oil Can Benefit Your Health

The oregano plant is absolutely brimming with bioactive, helpful-to-human compounds and properties. Whether you’re interested in nerding out about the science or just getting the download on how it helps in your own body, this article provides a peek into the vast benefits of oregano oil.

What’s In Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil, made by extracting the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare), is rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to its potential health benefits. These compounds include:

1. Carvacrol

Antimicrobial properties: Carvacrol is one of the most studied compounds in oregano oil, known for its potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi meaning it can act as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal.

Antioxidant properties: Studies suggest carvacrol also displays antioxidants activity which can help preserve and protect healthy cells in the human body. (1)

2. Thymol

Antimicrobial properties: Thymol is another compound with promising antimicrobial properties. (2)

Anti-inflammatory properties: Thymol may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which is far-reaching in applications for human health.

3. Rosmarinic acid

Antioxidant properties: Rosmarinic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can help to neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. (3)

Anti-inflammatory properties: Rosmarinic acid may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

4. β-Caryophyllene

Anti-inflammatory properties: β-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate inflammation-related conditions and symptoms. (4)

Antioxidant properties: β-Caryophyllene also exhibits antioxidant activity, contributing to the overall antioxidant profile of oregano oil.

5. Terpenes

Antimicrobial properties: Oregano oil contains a variety of terpenes, including limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene, all with antimicrobial benefits themselves. (5)

Antioxidant properties: Terpenes in oregano oil may also contribute to its antioxidant activity.

Benefits

While the science behind what’s in oregano oil is interesting, the more interesting information is how it’s been observed to be helpful to human health. Oregano oil is still in the early stages of being rigorously studied, but early evidence shows it could be effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections, preventing and reversing oxidative damage, effectively reducing inflammation in the body (which in turn reduces disease), and helping aid in digestion---which so many people struggle with on a regular basis.

Let’s dive in. Oregano oil:

Fights Bacterial Infections

Oregano oil can be a powerful natural alternative or aid to pharmaceutical antibacterials. It works by not only preventing growth of bacteria but by actually affecting the DNA structure and expression of harmful bacteria. This mechanism of action has been well-studied and observed on the pervasive, multi-drug resistant infectious bacteria MRSA. (6)

What this means for you––even if you’re not fighting MRSA, you may be able to cultivate this antibacterial powerhouse by adding it as a supplement or topical agent in avoiding and treating infections and overgrowth, treating breakouts or rashes, and supplementing your anti-germ routine during times of high exposure. 

Common bacterial infections include respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and tonsillitis, as well as UTIs, stomach bugs, and bacterial rashes and acne. Working with a functional expert is the best way to figure out how oregano oil can be used for your unique concerns. 

Combats Oxidative Stress

Impact on oxidative stress can be difficult to observe and measure but early science on animals such as pigs (7) suggest oregano oil may be able to do just that. 

Oxidative stress describes the presence of, and the body’s inability to neutralize or fight off, free radicals. Highly unstable, free radicals are reactive molecules that can lead to damage, decay, and disease in the body. Antioxidants, such as those found in oregano oil, are able to neutralize these free radicals, and prevent the damage that follows.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation can be used to describe a wide range of unhealthy states of the body. And in fact inflammation can be blamed for many common ailments, syndromes, and symptoms.

One such state is the inflammation present on the skin after a scrape or cut. A study specifically looking at the effect of oregano oil on wound healing found it to be effective as an anti-inflammatory and in helping accelerate the body’s natural wound healing processes. (8)

While research is ongoing and our general understanding is still in beginning stages, these types of early findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of oregano oil may aid in combating inflammation in other areas of the body, both topically and internally.

Digestive System Assistant 

Oregano oil has long been used by practitioners of eastern and functional medicine as a digestive aid. While modern science is still catching up to validate these practices, the early results are promising. One study on sheep found that oregano oil was successful in promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut while simultaneously preventing bad bacteria from overgrowth. (9) 

This type of targeted approach to the gut microbiome is difficult to achieve, as certain probiotics can unintentionally promote overall biotic growth, both good and bad -- and antibiotics (as we know) can indiscriminately wipe out a ton of gut bacteria, both good and bad. 

Fungal Infection Fighter

Oregano oil has also been found to be an effective antifungal agent, illustrated by several studies, specifically one on various impacts of essential oils on mold. (10)

Humans suffer from fungal infections and exposure both topically and internally, so both dosing methods stand to deliver effective antifungal results.

Other Benefits

Oregano oil offers a long list of benefits, and may include:

• Relieving sinus pressure: Oregano oil's antimicrobial properties can help alleviate sinus infections and congestion.
• Soothing digestive upset
• Boosting natural immunity
• Reducing cancer risk: Some studies suggest that oregano oil's antioxidants and antimicrobial properties may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Reducing allergy symptoms: Oregano oil's antimicrobial properties can help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as congestion and itchiness.
• Reducing plaque and gingivitis: Oregano oil's antimicrobial properties can help combat oral bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque and gingivitis.
• Freshening breath: Oregano oil's antimicrobial properties can help alleviate bad breath.
• Improving sleep: Oregano oil's calming effects can help improve sleep quality.

Recommended Dosage

The best dosage for you will depend entirely on your unique needs and concerns. Connecting directly with an expert is the best way to ensure you are using oregano oil (and the right type) effectively. That said, here are some general guidelines from a functional medicine perspective:

Topical Use:

• Skin Infections: Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil (coconut or olive oil) and apply topically to the affected area 2-3 times a day.
• Wound Care: Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply topically to the wound 2-3 times a day.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Mix 5-7 drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and massage into the affected area 2-3 times a day.
• Acne and Rosacea: Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply topically to the affected area 2-3 times a day.

Internal Use: (Note: Oregano oil can be dangerous if taken without carrier oil or inside a capsule as its potency can actually burn your esophagus. Consult with an expert before using oregano oil orally.)

• Immune System Support: Take 2-3 drops of oregano oil orally, mixed with a carrier oil or taken in capsule form, 2-3 times a day.
• Digestive Issues: Take 2-3 drops of oregano oil orally, mixed with a carrier oil or taken in capsule form, 2-3 times a day.
• Respiratory Issues: Take 2-3 drops of oregano oil orally, mixed with a carrier oil or taken in capsule form, 2-3 times a day.
• Antimicrobial Support: Take 2-3 drops of oregano oil orally, mixed with a carrier oil or taken in capsule form, 2-3 times a day.

Capsule Form:

• Standard Dose: 200-400 mg of oregano oil per capsule, taken 2-3 times a day.
• Therapeutic Dose: 400-600 mg of oregano oil per capsule, taken 2-3 times a day.

Important Considerations:

• Start with a Low Dose: Begin with a low dose and gradually increase as needed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Dilute with a Carrier Oil: Always dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil for topical use, as it can be irritating and potentially burn the skin in its undiluted form.
• Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before using oregano oil, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking medications.
• Quality Matters: Ensure that the oregano oil is of high quality, extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant, and contains a minimum of 70% carvacrol.

Side Effects And Risks

• Allergic Reactions: Always patch test if using a new product topically. If you experience any allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use immediately and consult a trusted medical professional.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your trusted healthcare professional before using oregano oil.
• Bleeding Disorders: Oregano oil may increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders so make sure to check with your doctor before considering use.
• Surgery: Discontinue use of oregano oil at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Is Oregano Oil Right For You?

Oregano oil has an abundant, almost overwhelming, list of positive applications and therapeutic benefits. And aside from anyone with an allergy, bleeding consideration or disorder, or current/recent pregnancy--it’s by and large a very safe health agent to be added to your treatment protocol or overall health routine. 

And because virtually everyone’s health is impacted by inflammation or pathogens, oregano oil is likely right for you at some point in time. The best way to know how, when, and in what form to use oregano oil is by consulting with an expert.

And with any supplement or health aid, consult with your doctor and take necessary precautions to avoid negative side effects.

If you want to begin a conversation with an expert in functional health, schedule your telehealth consultation today.