Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region, but it has spread and is cultivated around the world. Although most people know it for its culinary uses—as a spice and seasoning for meats—it has actually been used since ancient times to treat ailments, not only in its leaf form but in various other preparations.
One of these, which has gained considerable popularity, is oregano oil. This is industrially extracted through steam distillation of oregano leaves, resulting in a highly concentrated product with a higher concentration of its active compounds. It’s also possible to make it at home by macerating oregano in a carrier oil for several days, although the concentration will be lower than the industrially produced version.
Many people use it to fight respiratory infections. However, according to traditional medicine, it has many other uses, such as eliminating fungi or helping to prevent chronic diseases.
Uses and properties of oregano oil
Oregano oil is rich in phenolic compounds (especially carvacrol and thymol), which give it most of its therapeutic properties. These include its antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, among others. These properties may make it useful in the following cases:
1. It would promote respiratory health
Oregano oil has antimicrobial properties, combating various lung bacteria, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics and cause illnesses like pneumonia.
Similarly, oregano oil may relieve colds due to its antiviral properties. It is also said to be helpful against viruses that cause bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and croup. We must also mention its anti-inflammatory action, which reduces inflammation of the bronchial cells, a common symptom of bronchitis.
2. It would fight fungi
Popular belief holds that oregano oil can combat fungi in various parts of the body. Experts indicate that it may be effective against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum candidum, and Rhodotorula. These fungi cause various illnesses, including candidiasis, skin infections, nail infections, lung infections, and even bloodstream infections.
3. It would contribute to gastrointestinal health
This benefit of oregano oil comes from the combination of two of its properties. On the one hand, its anti-inflammatory action stands out, which would improve the symptoms of intestinal diseases, such as colitis. Other research indicates that it has anti-ulcerogenic properties, meaning it could be useful in cases of stomach ulcers and gastritis.
4. It could reduce the risk of diabetes
As mentioned, oregano oil is rich in phenolic compounds, which give it its antioxidant properties. In turn, these antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which increases the risk of developing diabetes.
On the other hand, oregano oil is anti-inflammatory and may help reduce chronic inflammation (that which persists for months or years). This can increase insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, which in turn could cause diabetes or worsen its symptoms if you already have it.
5. It would heal wounds
Oregano oil is also beneficial for skin care. The carvacrol in this oil reduces inflammation and promotes tissue remodeling, which is necessary for wound healing and restoring healthy skin.
6. It would help reduce pain
Perhaps this is one of the best-known uses of oregano oil: it can combat various types of pain. For one thing, the flavonoids kaempferol, isokampferide, and pilosin in its composition have anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties justify its use as an antispasmodic and analgesic, potentially improving abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle pain, among others.
We also can’t forget to mention its antioxidant properties. Oregano oil may help prevent diseases that have pain as one of their characteristic symptoms, such as arthritis or chronic inflammation.
7. It would improve urinary health
Escherichia coli, besides causing intestinal infections, can also cause urinary tract infections. As we mentioned before, oregano oil has antimicrobial properties that combat these bacteria, as well as others that can affect the urinary tract, such as Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
8. It would strengthen the immune system
Oregano oil may boost the immune system thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which help the body fight a wide variety of pathogens. These effects are mainly due to compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which reduce the infectious load and support the body’s natural immune response.
9. It would reduce the risk of developing cancer
We previously mentioned that oregano oil has antioxidant properties, which are responsible for this potential benefit. When free radicals accumulate in the body, they produce oxidative stress, which experts associate with an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, this oil, being rich in antioxidants, could combat these antioxidants and reduce that risk.
10. It would improve circulation
This oil can be very beneficial for the circulatory system due to its vasodilating properties, meaning it relaxes blood vessels, thus improving blood flow throughout the body. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, experts suggest that the carvacrol it contains may have hypotensive properties, helping to lower blood pressure.
How to use oregano oil?
Although oregano oil has many uses, it’s not advisable to ingest it or apply it directly to your skin. This is because it’s very strong (especially the industrial grade) and could cause internal or skin irritations. Therefore, it should always be used diluted, either in a carrier oil or water, depending on the application. The most common ways to use it are as follows:
1. Oral route
You can drink oregano oil to strengthen your immune system, as well as to improve respiratory, circulatory, and urinary health, or as a preventative measure. To do this, dilute one to three drops in a glass of water and drink it after a meal to avoid stomach upset.
Some people also dilute it in a cooking oil, such as olive oil. In this case, you would mix a couple of drops of oregano oil into a tablespoon of cooking oil and take it once a day, after meals. It should be noted that this method isn’t very palatable for everyone.
You can also add it to your food or drinks. For example, if you’re making juice, you could add a couple of drops; or if you’re baking a cake, add it to the liquid ingredients.
2. As a topic
Now, if you want to use oregano oil to heal wounds, combat fungal infections of the skin and nails, treat cold sores, or relieve muscle pain, topical application is the best option. In this case, you’ll dilute about three drops of oregano oil in approximately 10 milliliters of a carrier oil. This could be almond, coconut, or any other carrier oil you prefer. Apply it to the affected area twice a day.
3. Medicinal vapors
This method is great for fighting colds and respiratory infections. To prepare it, dilute three to five drops of oregano oil in one liter of boiling water in a pot. Cover it and let it steep for five minutes.
Next, you’ll uncover the pot and, very carefully, inhale the steam. Place a towel around your head, creating a sort of tent, to trap the steam. It’s important to be well-covered and avoid going outside in cold air after inhaling the steam.
Another way to obtain medicinal vapors is with the help of a vaporizer or humidifier. In these devices, you place a couple of drops of oregano oil and water, and the device will create the vapors.
Who should not take oregano oil?
Most people tolerate oregano oil well when used as directed. However, some individuals should not consume it, as it could lead to health complications. If they do consume it, it should be under medical supervision. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, these individuals include:
- Young children.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- People allergic to oregano or plants of the same family, such as basil or mint.
- Those who have surgery soon or are in the post-surgical recovery period.
- People taking antidiabetic or anticoagulant medications, as well as iron, copper, or zinc supplements.
What are its side effects?
In some people, oregano oil can cause stomach upset, allergic reactions, and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. It may even increase the risk of bleeding or miscarriage in pregnant women. It’s important to note that several of these effects tend to occur when consumed in excess or undiluted.
Use oregano oil with caution.
There are several health benefits that oregano oil can offer, as well as various ways to use it. If you’d like to try it, whether to address a specific health issue or as a preventative measure, we recommend consulting your doctor first, especially if you belong to any of the groups mentioned earlier.
He’s the one who can tell you for sure if it’s completely safe for you, and he can also recommend a personalized dosage. Remember that, although oregano oil is a natural product, if you use it excessively or improperly, it can go from positive to negative.
