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Oil of Oregano Health Benefits

Learn about the magical health benefits of oil of oregano. Oregano oil is an effective acne treatment, and can be used to treat candida and many other infections.

Jawairia Zafar, OCT
3–4 minutes
Oil of Oregano Health Benefits
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What is Oil of Oregano?

Oil of Oregano is a highly potent natural purifier that is extracted from wild oregano plants, and two key compounds found in it are carvacrol and thymol. Studies have shown that both of these compounds have significant effects on harmful micro-organisms that cause many illnesses in humans.

It is important not to confuse Oil of Oregano with common oregano that is used as a spice for cooking. Common oregano is typically Origanum Marjoram, while Oil of Oregano is derived from Origanum Vulgare.

Oil of Oregano can be purchased as either a liquid or as capsules/tablets. In both forms, it is important to verify that the oil is derived from the proper potent oregano plant, and that the carvacrol concentration is at least 70%.

What are the Health Benefits?

The ancient Greeks were one of the first people to recognize this oil for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. It is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections 2.

Some of the specific benefits of this amazing oil are:

  • Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems.
  • Strengthening the immune system.
  • Increasing joint and muscle flexibility.
  • Improving respiratory health.

Natural Remedies Using Oil of Oregano

Skin Infections

Oil of Oregano can be applied directly onto the skin to treat itches, skin infections, such as boils and carbuncles, acne etc., and irritated gums, but only if it has been diluted. Always follow the instructions on your particular bottle before applying topically onto the skin, since highly concentrated oils may first need to be mixed with Olive Oil or Coconut Oil before application (usually one teaspoon of Olive Oil or Coconut Oil per one drop of Oregano Oil).

Digestive Problems

The high concentrations of thymol and carvacrol in Oil of Oregano have been shown to calm upset stomach or diarrhea and aid digestion. Therefore, a quick home remedy for mild indigestion is to drink a glass of juice that is mixed with 2 or 3 drops of the oil.

Sinus Congestion

Oil of Oregano is a wonderful natural remedy for sinus congestion. A common solution is to add 3 drops of the oil into a glass of juice and drink this mixture daily for 3 to 5 days or you may take it under your tongue, only if you can handle the spice.

Colds and Sore Throats

Oil of Oregano is an excellent early defense mechanism when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. Simply take 3 drops of the oil under your tongue once per day (you can mix it into a glass of orange juice) and you should notice results within a few hours. Repeat this once per day for up to 5 days until the symptoms are gone.

What are the Side Effects?

While Oil of Oregano has many benefits, there are a few possible side effects:

  • It may reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. Therefore, it is recommended that any regular use be combined with regular consumption of iron supplements. For this reason, women are advised not to take this oil during their pregnancy.
  • Pregnant women should also avoid this oil since it can stimulate blood flow in the uterus, which can weaken the lining that surrounds the fetus in the womb.
  • People that have allergies to thyme, basil, mint, or sage may be sensitive to Oregano Oil as well, since they are in the same family of plants. If any skin irritation, rashes, or vomiting occurs when using it, it is recommended that you discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Where and How to Buy Oil of Oregano

Oil of Oregano can be found in almost any natural health or nutrition store, or from online retailers such as Amazon.com (see below). It is important to make sure that it is derived from Origanum Vulgare, and that the carvacrol concentration is at least 70%.

References

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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128 responses

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  1. carole

    Can I put oil of oregano into my ear? Having stuff going on inside.

    Reply
  2. Terry

    @Mary, Good for you that you can apply Oregano oil undiluted. I have sensitive skin and get serious rash if I apply undiluted oregano or Tea tree oil. It is best to dilute the oil first and see how the skin reacts and then slowly it can be tested undiluted. It is not safe to apply undiluted full strength oils directly without knowing your skin type. Everybody is different!

    Reply
  3. Mary

    I was interested in the point you made about “can be applied directly onto the skin to treat itches, skin infections, and irritated gums, but only if it has been diluted”………I agree you may need to dilute it in water or oil for gum or internal use due to its strong nature. But I have never diluted the oil for external use. I absolutely LOVE the stuff. It works brilliantly on tick bites, flea bites, mosquito bites, leech bites, other insect bites, rashes, athletes foot, itchy skin, spots and pimples. Also works on small spots of eczema and psoriasis. It can sting initially but that soon fades. Bearable because it works so well. Normally works within hours of first application. Rarely need a follow up application. I use it undiluted externally. I use an organic brand with more than 80% carvacrol concentration.

    Reply
  4. Her or

    I have h-polorie for last two years. I have seen two astrology specialists and they gave me antibacterial for nine months but nothing works. Will oil of oragano kill this parasite?

    Reply
  5. Jess

    Have you ever eaten raw cloves of garlic? It feels like your tummy is upset, just feels uncomfortable at times – kind of like a burning sensation. I don’t think it is bad, it’s just garlic doing its work. Maybe you should try some peppermint tea or ginger afterwards to calm the belly?

    Reply
  6. Love this Stuff!

    I bought some Oil of Oregano last week from and I LOVE it! I initially bought it to rid my body of any viruses, parasites, etc that I might have. To my delight it cleared up my acne very quickly too! That I wasn’t expecting. I also bought Oil of Oregano gel capsules. I find it is much easier than the good old drops under the tongue! I have heard people put it on their toothbrush before brushing so I tried that too, my mouth feels really good! Plus I have a root canal from a few years back. So I am very hopeful that my new routine of rinsing with food grade diluted hydrogen peroxide, then brushing with Oil of Oregano and my toothpaste will protect my teeth. Good luck and good health to everyone! 🙂

    Reply
  7. micheline

    I started taking oregano oil pill. Has anyone experienced having bit of upset stomach? I really want to continue taking this for all the great benefits. Help!

    Reply
  8. Pat

    I take it in pill form. I started taking it in September. I also got a flu shot and have not had cold all winter. Even though my husband and girls caught a cold. I feel that my osteoarthritis is better and I feel better in general. I have taken it in pill form for a while every winter but now will take it all year round.

    Reply
  9. Celeste Anderson

    I had a sinus headache for 3 days straight and I purchased a bottle of Oil of Oregano, put 3 drops under my tongue and held it for like 30 seconds. Within 15min my 3 day headache was gone!! I love it and it’s $19.00 at GNC!

    Reply
  10. Yvette

    What brand(s) of Oregano oil are best? Where do I find it?

    Reply
  11. Gloria

    I have been using Oil of Oregano for the last twelve years for sinus infections which I use to get twice a year, and have not had any since I started using it. I take a very small drop of this liquid every day in the mouth and drink water afterwards. Do this every day for 3 weeks then every other day. Now I only use it once a week and it has even helped me with arthritis, I had in my fingers. This oil is gold to me!!

    Reply
  12. susan

    Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, which is a very effective anti-fungal, like oregano oil. I find that eating sugar, which feeds such fungi as candidiasis, causes knee inflamation. The source of the fungus, which affects sinuses, skin, joints, lungs, and GI tract, can be the ears. But perhaps that is more true of malassezia, a fungus that consumes saturated fats, which is why you should be careful which oil you use. Many saturated oils are used in the labs as a medium to grow this organism. If you’ve ever had tinea versicolor (in the tropics), it is thought, I believe, to be caused by malassezia, as is dermatitus and dandruff.
    I’m experimenting with castor oil. Vets are ahead of the curve on treating this condition, common to dogs. Many essential oils, like lavendar, oregano, marjoram, peppermint,bitter orange, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon grass are effective against malassezia. Coconut oil should be the medium as it has caprylic acid, which can kill fungus.
    The results of research [5] published in April, 2014, in the Journal of Medical Mycology demonstrated the benefits of using essential oils for treating Malassezia dermatitis. The researchers treated 20 dogs with dermatitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis. They used a blend of essential oils containing bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) 1%, lavender (Lavandula officinalis) 1%, oregano (Origanum vulgare) 0.5%, marjoram (Origanum majorana) 0.5%, peppermint (Mentha piperita) 0.5% and Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum var. italicum) 0.5%. These essential oils were mixed into a base of sweet almond oil and coconut oil.

    Reply
  13. lauren

    I was told to put some oregano oil under my tongue. But wasn’t told how often and how much.

    Reply
  14. Pam

    I have asthma and have been battling a sinus infection for several weeks. When I was having some issues with my throat before Christmas, my herbalist suggested the oil of oregano, 3 to 4 drops, in the palm of my hand and to add about a dime size of olive oil. Rub it into my feet and put on socks. She said she did not recommend drinking it as it very bitter. Even taking 1 drop in water seemed super bitter. I did this and recovered from the sore throat. Once I was better, I stopped using it. I got a sinus infection again and had bad drainage and coughing for a few days and nothing seemed to help. Last night, I rubbed the oil of oregano on my feet with a little olive oil, put on my socks and went to bed. This morning, no coughing and very little drainage. I am a believer! I will be using it on a regular basis through the winter and bad pollen seasons.

    Reply
  15. Danny

    Nothing to lose and everything to gain…and yes it would appear that it would work. You have obligation to yourself to try it. I see no negative consequence.

    Reply
  16. Shara

    Interesting remark that the oregano oil interferes with the absorption of iron. I have genetic hemocromotosis causing me to overload with iron. Maybe I could do a therapy with the oregano oil instead of flabotomies every two months for 3-4 weeks. Anybody have any ideas?

    Reply
  17. Beth

    @ Zahid, Oregano Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, it helps with osteoarthritis, sprains and painful joints. Try taking 2-3 drops of organic oregano oil once daily. Also mixing about 5 drops of Oregano oil and one tsp of olive oil and applying this mix onto the affected joints before going to bed at night helps. Hope you feel better!

    Reply
  18. zahid

    Can I use this oil for osteoarthritis?

    Reply
  19. Jeff

    I have had chronic bronchitis three times in the past year that lasts about 6 weeks. My doctor put me on a high dose of Prednisone, which does take care of the symptoms but it is the side effects from the Prednisone that kill me. “Chipmunk Face”, the munchies, loss of leg strength. So I will definitely try the Oregano solution. Thanks for all your comments folks 🙂

    Reply
  20. Annie

    I’ve been taking oil of oregano for colds & upset stomach. I noticed that benefits include aiding with inflammation and joint pain. Has anyone used it for that reason?

    Reply
  21. John Kailas

    I have used oil of oregano diluted with olive oil for the following ailments with miraculous results.
    For ear infection with the use of a swab, it cleared it completely.
    For sinus congestion that troubled me for years, with the use of a swab, I breathe totally free, without need to use sprays any more.
    To clear a dental periodontal pocket, using a plastic curved syringe, it worked better than dental antibiotic. I used it twice and I felt no pain on the tooth for quite some time.
    I suppose though we have to use with caution, as it can block the absorption of iron.
    The dilution I use is one drop of oil of oregano to 10 drops of extra virgin olive oil.

    Reply
  22. shirley

    I too have a ganglion cyst. I have been using “now brand castor oil”. It started going away then I stopped the oil. It returned bigger and harder so again I started the castor oil and after about 3 weeks of continuous saturation day and night it has finally started shrinking.

    Reply
  23. Bethany

    @ Diane, My cousin tells everybody how her ganglion cyst went away after about 3 months of applying oregano oil every night onto it. She also massaged Thyme essential oil onto the cyst during these months everyday. So she is not sure which oil worked but the fact that she doesn’t have the bump anymore after applying Oregano and Thyme oils, I think you should also give both oils a try. Better than going through a surgery! I hope it gets better!

    Reply
  24. Diane

    I have a Ganglion Cyst on my wrist, I was told to apply the oil to it.
    Will this help dissolve a cyst?

    Reply
  25. Barb

    I have psoriasis, and was told Oregano Oil will help. I have had it for 30 plus years and have done everything possible and it never goes away. How should I use it and how often?

    Reply
  26. naomi

    My boyfriend was diagnosed with Diff C and has been taking Oregano oil and Probiotics. Low sugar diet has also been included. What a life saver! Will continue to take oil for about six weeks.

    Reply
  27. Terry

    For Liz: My aunt has used Oil of Oregano for crohn’s disease and after about 3 months of taking 3 drops of oregano oil daily, she doesn’t have any symptoms of the disease any more. Now it depends, how old is your daughter? If she’s under 6 months, you shouldn’t give it to her. However, for kids from 6 months to 5 years of age, no more than 1 drop should be administered. And for 6-10 year old kids, more than 1-3 drops of the the oil should not be consumed. For 10 yr to adults, 3 drops work. I hope she gets better! Good luck!

    Reply
  28. Liz

    My daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in November last year. Will oil of oregano help my daughter with the pain and inflammation? Thanks.

    Reply
  29. Geno

    Awesome stuff. I swear by it. You will be impressed by the immediate results. I suggest the capsules. The drops are extremely strong and may turn you off. I tried them both. Follow the recommendation on the package. I had a wicked viral infection in my chest and I doubled the dosage. I’m not suggesting in any way that you do the same but that’s what worked for ME without any negative side effects.

    Reply
  30. Bri

    I had a wisdom tooth growing in so I put this product directly where the pain was on the tooth and around the gum area. The pain was gone within an hour! 2 Excedrin’s plus a drop or 2 of this product took the pain away quick! Also the pain stayed away for months. Very potent, but works like magic!

    Reply
  31. Gilbert

    I contracted pneumonia last year, and because my immune system was low from it, Valley Fever attacked my system. I was in the hospital for a week for treatments and after that I have started taking Fluconazole, 400mg daily for the rest of my life according to the doctors. A friend of mine said that Oregano oil was as good with fewer side effects. Is this true?

    Reply
  32. Angelene

    Each capsule contains 7 drops of oil.

    Reply
  33. Jer

    @newellp – Oil of Oregano is known for its antifungal properties. Therefore applying organic Oregano oil onto and under the affected toenail two to three times daily helps. Also keeping the affected foot uncovered for as long as possible helps. If you have sensitive skin and oregano oil causes burning sensation, it can be diluted in Olive oil. I hope it helps!

    Reply
  34. newellp

    I have heard it works for toe fungus, true?

    Reply
  35. Phyllis

    I have just recently been told about oil of oregano, and want to know if I can take it with warfarin and tambocor? Thanks for any help!

    Reply
  36. Carol

    Can you use oregano oil for C Diff??

    Reply
  37. Rae

    Any help for pelvic muscle spasms?

    Reply
  38. Remine

    Oil of Oregano is a natural antibacterial and anti parasitic. It can help ward off infections and inflammation. I take 3-4 drops of Oregano oil twice a day when I feel cold or cough starting or notice any kind of skin infection. It works so far every time I took it. If you plan to take it regularly for longer term, it’s good to take iron supplement too because oregano oil may interfere with iron absorption in the body. I hope it helps!

    Reply
  39. Sherry Hoy

    Can you use it on a daily basis and if so how much? Dr. OZ talked about it on his program one day and I am seriously thinking about trying it. He says it is something you can use for cooking or as a medicine.

    Reply
  40. Cheryl weekes

    I have used oil of oregano for hives. The results were great. It has been six years now and I have not had another attack since!

    Reply
  41. Katie

    @Judy, I think it’s best to follow the dosage directions on the bottle in this situation. I’ve used oil of Oregano many times and it has never disappointed me so far. Please share your experience with oregano capsules. Thanks!

    Reply
  42. judy

    I bought the capsule form of oil of oregano, 150 mg. I would like to know how many drops this is equal to, since everything I read tells to take 2 or 3 or 4 drops for certain conditions. I want to know how many capsules to treat a cold or bronchitis?

    Reply
  43. Jan

    Will it help get rid of persistent pin worms?

    Reply
  44. Claudia

    Hi Rosie, not sure if Oil of Oregano works for seborric dermatitis of the scalp. But, check out these natural Dermatitis/Eczema products at http://www.botani.com.au/product-category/condition/eczema/. Their recommended Olive Skin Serum is absorbs into the skin in a matter of minutes, recommend you try the Olive Cleansing Bar as a shampoo. I haven’t got any vested interest with the company, I use quite a few of their products, they’re fantastic, 100% natural, they work for me and my family so I highly recommend them. TIP if you register for their newsletter you get something like 10% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $50. Hope it works for you 🙂

    Reply
  45. Rosie

    Is it good for seborric dermatitis of the scalp? Could I use it on the scalp, or does anyone know of anything else that I could use, since I have a lot of itching on my scalp. Hope you can help me.

    Reply
  46. Al

    @james, there is some evidence that oregano oil can treat staph infections. See the 2nd link in the reference list above for the scientific study that was done.

    Reply
  47. james a.

    Question: can this be used for a staph infection?

    Reply
  48. neissha

    How do you use it to treat body mites?

    Reply
  49. enow bede

    Im a Cameroonian based in Cameroon, how do l get this oil in good quantity so that I can commercialise too ?

    Reply
  50. Godluvsus

    Oregano oil could save human lives. Some attention and research needs to take place into oregano oil’s ability to speed a virus’s metabolism and shorten it’s life to approximately 3 to 5 days. Treatment with oregano oil should extend to at least 10 to 14 days, however; because a virus can lay deceptively dormant. Treat viruses and internal fungal infections with 2 to 3 drops 4 times a day mixed with a drink of your preference (do not take full strength) for the first 7 to 10 days of onset, for fungal infections continue at this dose for 14 days to 21days, then begin to reduce times per day for 7 to 14 days more. This treatment is great for inflammation, may not be necessary for as many days as a fungal infection. I cured a blown out knee with oregano oil. I also cured my horse from West Nile (with no brain damage),also with oregano oil. If anyone in my family begins to come down with any virus, we knock it out within 4 to 5 days with oregano oil (we, as I explained earlier take it beyond those days), including the Swine flu (of which Tamiflu didn’t work and we all had very bad reactions to)! Try oregano oil, you’ll be amazed. I wonder if might be able to cure AIDS?! 🙂

    Reply