Oregano is an herb from the Lamiaceae (mint) family. There are many types of oregano, but Oregano vulgare, also known as Origanum, Spanish thyme, and wild marjoram, is the most commonly used herb. These perennial herbs have been used for thousands of years to add flavors to dishes and treat health conditions in Mediterranean countries, western Asia, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and the United States (1).

Fun fact: The word oregano originated from the Greek language: “oros,” meaning mountain, and “ganos,” meaning joy, because the Greeks and Romans associated it with joy and happiness (2).

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Oregano

Rich in Nutrients

Our bodies need nutrients to flourish. Without vital vitamins and minerals, they won’t function properly. Oregano is a rich source of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, selenium, folate, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E (3).

Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Several studies have been done on oregano’s high antioxidant content, determining a total tocopherol content between 228 ppm (parts per million) and 672 ppm (4). Due to tocopherol’s antioxidant activity, oregano has numerous health benefits, like reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and more (5).

Antibacterial Properties

An antibacterial property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can destroy or suppress the growth and reproduction of bacteria (6). Oregano contains certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties. One study concluded that Origanum heracleoticum L. might be an effective alternative for antibacterial remedies, enhancing the healing process of bacterial infections and preventing the development of antibiotic resistance (7).

Antimicrobial Properties

An antimicrobial property occurs when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can kill or suppress the spread of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi (8). One study compared the antimicrobial activity of oregano, sage, and thyme essential oils and found oregano was more efficient against bacteria, second to thyme. The study also showed that oregano could help block the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9).

Antiviral Properties

An antiviral property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can kill a virus or suppress the virus’ ability to replicate, multiply, or reproduce (10). In addition to oregano’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, some studies have found that some components of oregano may also protect against some viruses. In one study, carvacrol (a phenolic monoterpenoid found in oregano essential oil) inactivated norovirus, a viral infection that causes diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, within one hour of treatment (11). Another study found that thymol (another phenolic monoterpenoid found in oregano essential oil) and carvacrol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus within one hour (12).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Oregano may have anti-inflammatory properties that could improve your overall health. Chronic inflammation has been linked with many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (13). The high antioxidant levels of oregano can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation (14). Oregano contains compounds like carvacrol that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties; in one animal study, carvacrol reduced swelling in the paws of mice by up to 57 percent (15). In another animal study, a mixture of thyme and oregano essential oils reduced the number of inflammatory markers in mice with colitis or an inflamed colon (16).

Anticancer Properties

Statistics say that 158.3 of every 100,000 individuals will die from cancer, but what if they didn’t have to (17)? Oregano is high in antioxidants, which can neutralize free radical damage and aid in cancer prevention. One study treated human colon cancer cells with oregano extract and found that it stopped the growth of cancer cells and helped kill them off (18). Another study concluded that carvacrol helps suppress the growth and spread of colon cancer cells (19).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

To no surprise, mainstream sources claim there isn’t enough reliable information to know if oregano is safe to be consumed in higher amounts than found in food. They caution against its use while breastfeeding and pregnant (20). Although I could not find any herbal profiles from herbalists, I did find a mainstream source expressing known interactions between oregano and antidiabetic, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet drugs. Additionally, they warn that taking oregano in amounts larger than what’s found in food may cause miscarriage (21).

Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins says oregano essential oil should never be taken internally or applied undiluted. It should be diluted at the recommended dermal maximum of 1.1%. There are indications that oregano essential oil may cause embryotoxicity and a moderate risk of skin sensitization (22).

How to Use Oregano & Product Recommendations

I try to buy herbs locally when I make my own products herbal remedies. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands I trust:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I haven’t made many herbal remedies with oregano, but my Homemade Oil of Oregano has become a staple for myself and my dog. Aside from that, I enjoy a few premade herbal products, including:

• Gaia Herbs’ Oil of Oregano Capsules are a natural antioxidant source, containing phytochemicals to help support the body’s natural resistance to immunity challenges. Gaia Herbs’ supercritical CO2 extract of oregano volatile oils contains phenols, including carvacrol and thymol. These oils help support the intestines and a healthy immune response.
• Garden of Life’s Oil of Oregano Drops offer traditional support with modern convenience. These capsules deliver 34mg of organic oregano leaf extract in a base of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and mixed tocopherols from non-GMO sunflower.
• Plant Therapy’s Oregano Essential Oil and Organic Oregano Essential Oil are powerful, and their use should be carefully approached. Oregano essential oil can be used in cleaning products when seasonal illness is present. When properly diluted, they can also be used for the achy joints associated with aging.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

How to Join The Holistic Hipppie Community & Connect