Oregano
Updated Aug. 14th, 2019
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a plant in the mint family that is closely related to marjoram. It has been used around the world as a culinary spice for flavouring grilled meats and vegetables, and as a preservative for meats. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, and as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. More current healthcare practitioners use oregano extract for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Oregano oil can be used topically for skin infections, like Athlete's foot, ringworm and folliculitis. It is also useful for treating colds, sore throats, coughs, chronic respiratory conditions, yeast infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, diarrhea and indigestion.
Respiratory Infections
This herb not only kills infecting microbes in the respiratory tract but also acts as an expectorant (helps to expel mucus) and antispasmodic (relieves coughing). This is beneficial in a number of respiratory conditions such as: bronchitis, croup, as well as common colds and flus.
Digestion and IBD
In the digestive tract oregano soothes digestion and decreases diarrhea, by stopping intestinal spasms. It also directly kills gastrointestinal microbes and decreases gas and bloating. The current theory is that Inflammatory Bowel Diseases like Crohn's and Colitis may have a triad of predisposing factors. These factors include: an unbalanced gut flora, a trigger event such as physical or emotional stress, and a bacterial or microbial invasion (infection). Given this theory, studies are currently investigating the use of oregano oil to treat IBD, and help prevent flares. For more information, please see our IBD article.
Co-Supplementation
It is essential to be sure that you supplement probiotics when taking oregano internally. Because of its antimicrobial action, oregano can also eradicate the normal healthy gut flora, which can cause further digestive problems. Supplementing probiotics can replenish this loss and prevent future infections. For more information, please see our Probiotics article.
Essential Oil
The essential oil of oregano is a highly concentrated substance. It comes in various strengths, sometimes referred to as a percentage (i.e.: P73). Make note of the phenol carvacrol, one of the most act ve ingredients in oregano, responsible for the majority of its medicinal benefits. A carvacrol content of 70% or more is optimal.
How can I take Oregano?
Oregano can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, spice or essential oil. The loose herb can be made into a poultice for topical application, used for inhalation or taken as a tea for internal use. Oregano may be included in combination teas for soothing digestion. When the essential oil is taken internally, 1-3 drops under the tongue, 3x/daily is a typical dosage. Acutely, you can do up to 3 drops every hour for the first day you are experiencing signs and symptoms of cold, flu or food poisoning (for up to 10 hours). The earlier in the infection cycle that oregano is taken the more easily it prevents progression to a full blown illness.
External Use
Externally, you can apply oregano to almost any affected area, although use extreme caution when treating highly sensitive mucosal membranes, such as the vagina and anal areas. It is highly recommended, when treating these areas that you use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil, in order to prevent burns. Olive, almond or coconut oils are all good options. Before applying externally, you may want to test a small area of skin with the diluted essential oil, to ensure there is no reaction or determine if further dilution is necessary. A few drops of oil of oregano can be added to shampoos to treat dandruff, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It can also be rubbed (using fingertip) on the gums to treat and prevent gingivitis, as well as a few drops added on your toothbrush to kill germs and treat bad breath.
I Love oil of oregano! I have always used it in my cooking as I enjoy the flavor, but I now use it for other reasons. I discovered that it could be used to prevent or treat colds, respiratory issues as well as yeast infections! Seriously it is my go to when I feel any sign of "being unwell" coming on. I just take several drops under my tongue a few times a day for maybe 2-3days and the "bug" goes away!! I don't even mind the taste! I just make sure I have a glass of water near by. I did not know that it could be applied topically-great product!
Years ago, a coworker suggested that I give oregano oil a try for colds. I was thinking why not? I mean I already use oregano seeds in my cooking so why not give the oil a try? I have to admit that it works well when you have a cold. I don’t know about the flu but it works for many cold symptoms. For that reason, I always have some oregano oil in my supplements cabinet. I have it in the form of drops and tablets. If you decide to give the drops a chance try the Wild Mediterranean Oil of Oregano it is strong but works wonderfully and for the tablets Nature’s Bounty. In our family, we believe that supplements can do wonders. That is why we take various ones daily. Help your family stay healthy with a stronger immune system by giving oregano oil a try.
Hello Tia,
Oregano Oil is a great supplement for cold and flu season. We're glad you and your family enjoy it to keep you healthy. If you'd like to learn more about supplements and boosting your immune system, check out this article as well.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/immune-system/
Have a healthy day!
My husband and I take Oregano oil often, and use it on our skin and teeth. I found this article very informative.
I have used oil of oregano for years and years. As someone who has autoimmune issues and was constantly sick since childhood this product literally changed my life. It has countless uses and i would whole heartedly recommend it for everyone.
Hello Wellbeing,
Indeed, Oil of Oregano has many uses and its antibacterial properties make it an exceptional supplement to support immune health, especially during cold and flu season. It's a great supplement to have on hand in the medicine cabinet. We recommend placing the recommended dosage under your tongue and chasing with water to avoid the taste.
Stay healthy & well!
Oil of oregano is potent and effective medicine. I use it orally to give my immune system a boost. A drop or two at the onset of cold or flu and then several times throughout the day usually stop viruses in their tracks. Used topically, with a carrier if you're sensitive, can wipe out an infection from a cut or bite very effectively. I always have bottles on hand and wouldn't dream of going thru the winter without it. It's a very strong and hot oil when taken internally, under the tongue. It's like having a pizza without the guilt?
Hello Janet,
Glad you enjoyed our Oregano article. Ingestible oil of oregano oil is a great natural cold and flu remedy that works wonders. You're right, as an essential oil, when diluted, it has antibacterial properties that can be beneficial for scrapes and superficial cuts. If you like to mix it to have on hand for topical application, we may enjoy our aromatherapy roll-on bottles for DIY usage.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/aromapathic-labs-diy-amber-roll-on-bottles-3-x-10ml.html
Have a healthy day.
Oregano is an item that you should never be without, especially if you come down with a bad cold or mucous problem. Take this with golden seal, and echanasia. Much better than off the shelf items in your drug store.
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for your comment. Oregano oil is very effective for cold and flu symptoms. It's excellent to have on hand. Echinacea is another excellent immune-supporting supplement during cold and flu season. But it's important to remember that it's best to not use oil of oregano for more than 5-7 days at a time due to its strong antibiotic properties.
Find out what other supplements are effective during cold and flu season:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/cold-and-flu/
Have a healthy day!
This is a steady “go to” when you have colds or are congested.
Hello, Sharon,
We are glad you enjoyed this article. Oregano oil is a great supplement to have on hand if you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. You can find more cold and flu supplements here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/cold-and-flu/
Have a healthy day.