Oregano Oil: The Science-Backed Health Benefits and Uses
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Jul 1, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Jul 1, 2024Table of Contents
Oregano oil hails from the oregano plant. This is a steady herb in the mint family. It’s been used over the years for its medicinal powers. This oil is packed with antioxidants. Add to this are its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It has vital ingredients like carvacrol, thymol, terpene, and rosmarinic acid. These together are responsible for its many potential health benefits.
In this article, we’ll dive into the potential health benefits of oregano oil backed by science. We’ll discuss its natural antibiotic effect. We’ll look at its use for yeast infections and gut health. We’ll showcase its antioxidant, pain-easing, and possibly cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, we’ll study the safe ways to apply oregano oil and any risks you should know of.
Did you know?
People have taken an interest in oregano oil’s antimicrobial properties. These could fight bacterial infections. The main reason is carvacrol. It’s found in large amounts in oregano oil.
Carvacrol is a strong phenol. Studies show it breaks down bacterial cell membranes. Then comes cell death. So, it’s a strong tool against many bacterial types that cause lung infections, UTIs, and tooth decay.
Many studies have underlined the power of oregano oil against many bacteria. These include E. coli and Salmonella types. Plus, it may fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. But we still need more studies to find the best dosage and time of management.
Oregano oil is proposed to have potent antifungal ingredients like carvacrol and thymol. These stop fungi from growing and spreading. By weakening fungi, oregano oil may support standard antifungals. It creates a synergistic effect.
Recent studies have shown how oregano oil has powerful antifungal properties. They’ve shown it halting the growth of Candida yeast infections. Plus, these antifungal properties make oregano oil a helpful tool against fungal skin infections. Examples are athlete’s foot and nail infections. Even so, we need more studies to confirm these links.
Carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil play a key role. They are proposed to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. The antimicrobial work of these parts stops harmful bacteria buildup in the intestines. This supports a strong gut microbiome.
Studies have steadily shown that oregano oil could help those with gut problems. An example in the case of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) wherein specific bacteria grow beyond control. This leads to digestive discomfort and possible health issues. Herbal remedies with carvacrol and thymol have been useful in managing SIBO. This underlines their key role in boosting gut health.
The latest advances in research have brought out the possible anti-inflammatory uses of oregano oil. For example, studies that used mice have shown how carvacrol might stop obesity. It does this by managing genes linked with inflammation. Plus, this part has shown potency in lessening swelling in animals. While these findings hold promise, more human research is needed. This will confirm the medical uses of oregano oil in fighting inflammation.
Oregano oil is well known for its powerful antioxidant properties. These protect the body from the bad effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals in high levels can speed up aging, hurt DNA, and cause cell death. Oxidative stress also plays a part in many diseases. Some are cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis.
Both carvacrol and thymol act as strong antioxidants. Thus, oregano oil may help shield the body from the bad effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Studies comparing various herbs have placed oregano on top for having the most antioxidants. It has far more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables based on weight. So, taking oregano oil may give you a concentrated dose of antioxidants. More studies are needed to corroborate its benefit in fighting these free radical induced chronic diseases.
One possible benefit of oregano oil is its proposed ability to ease pain. Early research has shown that carvacrol, one of the main ingredients of oregano oil, has analgesic properties. This makes it a good choice for natural pain relief.
Animal studies have mostly shown the pain-easing effects of oregano oil. Research done on male rats showed that water extract of oregano provided pain relief. It worked in a dose-dependent way. The more the animals took, the more pain relief they noticed. The researchers suggested that the GABAergic system may play a part in the antinociceptive effect. Though we need more human research, these first findings hint that oregano oil could offer potential pain-relief benefits.
Initial research hints that carvacrol may avoid the growth of cancer cells like lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. It does this by promoting cell death.
The latest test tube studies have found that carvacrol, shows anticancer effects against lung, liver, and breast cancer cells by halting the growth of cancer cells and promoting their cell death. Even though these results are encouraging, we need more research with human subjects which will confirm oregano oil’s therapeutic potential in fighting cancer.
Recent research has suggested that carvacrol, the main ingredient found in oregano oil, could have a positive effect on weight loss. One animal study has found that mice that were given carvacrol had a much lower risk of obesity. Plus, researchers found that carvacrol affected genes linked with inflammation and fat production. This offers a possible explanation for the link between oregano oil and weight loss. Despite these promising findings, we still need more research with human subjects to confirm these claims.
Oregano oil comes in many shapes. Some are tinctures, softgel capsules, and essential oregano oil. Each type has its own unique properties and uses.
Liquid tinctures of oregano oil are made by drenching fresh or dried herbs in alcohol and water. This maintains the herb’s active ingredients. These tinctures are taken by mouth. They are also available in different strengths. It depends on the mix of herb to alcohol during the making.
Softgel capsules of oregano oil keep the oil in a gelatin shell. This gives a clean, taste-free way to enjoy the potential benefits of oregano oil. It comes in pre-set, steady doses. This keeps the oil from oxidation and ensures potency.
This is a very strong extract. It’s not safe or advised to use it internally. However, essential oregano oil could offer skin benefits like for wound repair or managing acne. But it must be mixed with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Mix water and essential oils together in a diffuser. This is another common way for using aromatherapy.
Don’t take oregano essential oil in. Instead, use oregano oil extract in liquid form. Add it to water or juice. Or use it in capsule form. Always follow the maker’s guidelines. If in doubt about the right dosage, ask a healthcare professional.
To use oregano oil on your skin, weaken it with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. This stops irritation. The right mixing ratio usually depends on your skin type and the strength of the used oregano oil. Ask a healthcare professional or consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct ratios.
Add a few drops of essential oregano oil to a diffuser mixed with water. This is a great way to enjoy its smell and helpful benefits. When choosing essential oregano oil for aromatherapy or inhaling, always choose high-quality products. Make sure they’re from trusted sources. This will ensure the purity and strength of the oil.
When using oregano oil on the skin, you must weaken the oil with a carrier oil. Carrier oils help lessen the strength of essential oils. Yet, they keep their helpful properties. Some popular carrier oils are olive oil, coconut oil, and almond oil. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the right mixing ratio.
Before using oregano oil on your skin, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the weakened oil to a discrete area and watch for any signs of irritation or bad reactions. If no reaction happens within 24-48 hours, it should be safe to go ahead with using the oil. If irritation happens, stop use straight away. Ask a medical professional for advice.
As oregano oil supplements may vary in strength, it is key to read the label and follow the manufacturer’s advice for the correct dosage. If taking oregano oil extract in liquid form, start with a few drops in water or juice. Gradually increase the amount as needed, as per the manufacturer’s advice. For capsule or softgel forms, follow the package instructions for the right number of capsules to take daily.
Always ask a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including oregano oil. They can guide you on the right dosage. They can tell you about any possible interactions with medications or pre-existing health problems. If you notice any bad reactions or are unsure about the correct use of oregano oil, seek professional advice before continuing.
There could be side effects when using oregano oil for some people which are as follows.
Oregano oil could cause allergic reactions in those with allergies to plants in the mint family. This includes basil, lavender, hyssop, and sage. If you’re allergic to any of these plants, don’t use oregano oil.
Oregano oil could interact with certain medicines. These include antidiabetic drugs, blood thinners, and antiplatelet medicines. If you’re taking any of these, ask a healthcare professional before using oregano oil supplements.
Oregano oil could cause uterine contractions in those who are pregnant. This increases the risk of miscarriage. So, those who are pregnant should not use it. We don’t have enough research to know if oregano oil supplementation is safe for those who are breastfeeding. So, those who are lactating should also avoid more than the usual amounts found in food.
Oregano oil could interfere with blood clotting. So, those with blood clotting disorders should not use it.
Oregano may lower blood sugar levels. People on medicines for diabetes may face hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taking oregano oil supplements.
High amounts of oregano oil may boost the risk of bleeding. So, stop using oregano oil supplements at least two weeks before planned surgical procedures.
Oregano oil has been used as a natural remedy for a long time due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Modern research backs many of these traditional uses. Still, we need more studies to fully understand the depth of its potential health benefits. By learning the right ways to use oregano oil and knowing the potential dangers and side effects, you may safely explore its many possible uses for better overall health.
Don’t swallow oregano essential oil directly. Instead, use oregano oil extract in liquid form. Add it to water or juice. Or use it in capsule form following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
You can use essential oregano oil in many ways. One way is to weaken it with a carrier oil for topical use. Another way is to use it in a diffuser for aromatherapy. Just be sure not to swallow essential oils. To fight infections inside your body, you may want to use oregano oil extract in liquid or capsule form.
While we need more studies, recent ones have shown that wild oregano essential oil might block certain bacteria. These are known to cause pneumonia. These results make oregano oil a possibly handy natural remedy that may support allopathic drugs used to maintain lung health.
Long-term use of high doses of oregano oil might cause digestive upset. It could also cause allergic reactions or interact with medicines. It’s important to ask a healthcare professional before starting long-term use of oregano oil supplements. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the right dosage and duration of use.
If you’re taking blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, heparin, or other anticoagulants, ask a healthcare professional before using oregano oil supplements. It may interfere with blood clotting.
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