Designed specifically for fighting bacterial infections, antibiotics are one of medical doctors’ favorite tools for treating many health issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Oregano has been considered a precious plant commodity for over 2,500 years in folk medicines that originated across the globe. Oil of oregano is sometimes sold in capsules that include a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil for ease of digestion. Researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba in Argentina found evidence that essential oil isolated from Origanum vulgare “presents antibacterial, antioxidant and chemopreventive properties and could be play an important role as bioprotector agent.” (17), Oregano oil can be used topically, diffused or taken internally (only if it’s 100 percent therapeutic grade oil). Its use has been widely studied in farming and believed to be a safe, natural alternative to drugs. Because oregano oil might interfere with other medications, always ask your doctor if it’s safe to take internally depending on your specific situation. Before using oregano essential oil on your skin always mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Learn about COVID-19, including symptoms and how it's diagnosed. Here's how it may help: Oregano oil has been widely studied in cell cultures and animal studies, but few scientific studies have tested its effects on human health. When used with steam and inhaled, oregano oil may provide benefits for sinus and chest congestion and related respiratory illnesses. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is not enough scientific research to determine a safe dose range for use in humans. 1996;76(5):416-8. doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63456-4. An animal-based study published in Mediators of Inflammation found colitis-afflicted mice experienced a significant reduction in inflammation after treatment with the combination treatment. (13) Additionally, 14 of the 44 patients who still had SIBO after a course of rifaximin were then treated with herbal antimicrobials. Research from 2017 looked at a variety of investigations into carvacrol’s anti-inflammatory effects. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can be dangerous because they don’t only kill bacteria that are responsible for infections, they also kill good bacteria that we need for optimal health. Oregano oil may help treat chronic bacterial issues, such as SIBO. In one study on mice, the compound prevented obesity by affecting the genes involved in inflammation. Experimental Study on the Antibacterial Effect of Origanum Volatile Oil on Dysentery Bacilli in Vivo and in Vitro. Oregano oil is an essential oil made from the oregano plant that is purported to have healing properties. There is significant risk of burning internal tissue if a person takes the oil orally. Origanum vulgare hinders bacterial replication and can be used similarly to antibiotic medications such as rifaximin (Xifaxan) for treating infections that affect digestive health and nutrient absorption. (2a). Found in the Mediterranean, throughout many parts of Europe, and in South and Central Asia, medicinal grade oregano is distilled to extract the essential oil from the herb, which is where a high concentration of the herb’s active constituents are found. Bona E, Cantamessa S, Pavan M, et al. Being a relatively new concept in the research world, I expect to see more studies testing these results because “groundbreaking” doesn’t even begin to describe the significance of this study. Oil of oregano can be used on the skin (such as to treat athlete’s foot or nail fungus), diffused or taken internally (such as to aid digestion and help promote gut health). 2016;15(Suppl):45-54. We include products we think are useful for our readers. In ancient times, spikenard was regarded as one of the most precious ... What is ylang ylang essential oil good for? Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. Thymol and carvacrol are powerful antioxidants that may help reduce oxidation. I personally take oregano essential oil internally for a maximum of two weeks in most cases because it’s so powerful. The Wall Street Journal printed a fantastic article highlighting the dangers that patients may face when they repeatedly use antibiotics. Like menthol, thymol may help relax the soft tissue of the throat and stomach which can help to decrease GERD, heartburn and discomfort after eating. Here’s the good news regarding the use of less-than-ideal antibiotics: there’s evidence that oregano essential oil can help to fight at least several strains of bacteria that cause health problems that are commonly treated with antibiotics. Oxidation may also play a role in other issues, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, and some cancers. SIBO is a common digestive problem that causes gas, bloating and intolerances to many carbohydrate-containing foods (especially FODMAPs). Due to a lack of clinical trials, it's unknown whether a combination of thyme and oregano oils may be beneficial in treatments for colitis in humans. Oregano essential oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The researchers suggested that further studies explore safe doses for regular use. The strength of each oil may vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine the safest dose. In one study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, researchers from the University of Utah and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 60 percent of the time when physicians prescribe antibiotics they choose broad-spectrum types. To use oregano oil topically for skin issues, dilute one or two drops in a carrier oil. More direct research may help provide additional evidence for these claims. You might have some experience cooking with fresh or dried oregano leaves — such as oregano spice, one of the top herbs for healing — but oregano essential oil is far from what you’d put in your pizza sauce. Here, find out what it involves and how to…, © 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. It takes over 1,000 pounds of wild oregano to produce just one pound of oregano essential oil! The oil’s active ingredients are preserved in alcohol and used in essential oil form both topically (on the skin) and internally. A combination of thyme and oregano oils shows promise in the treatment of colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Some poultry farmers use oregano oil instead of commercial antibiotics to keep their flock healthy and prevent infections. The clary sage plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb. Researchers are also exploring the use of oregano oil for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Oregano oil is a product made from the oregano plant, Origanum vulgare. Similarly, discontinue use of oregano oil two weeks before scheduled surgery due to concerns over bleeding risk. 2004;24(4):400-3. Preliminary research indicates that oregano oil may help protect against certain bacterial infections. A mouse study published in Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods showed that oregano oil may be useful for the prevention or treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound that comes from the cannabis plant. If used topically, the oil should be diluted in a carrier oil to a less than 1 percent solution. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. When used topically, oregano essential oil should always be diluted. There are some risks and potential issues to consider before using oregano oil, and it may not be right for everyone. These studies, however, have not been replicated in humans. Preuss HG, Echard B, Dadgar A, et al. As a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food journal stated in 2013, oregano oils “represent an inexpensive source of natural antibacterial substances that exhibited potential for use in pathogenic systems.” (1). MedlinePlus Supplments: Oregano. Oregano oil may decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes and should be used cautiously. It is best to use it sparingly under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Oregano oil contains high levels of important compounds in its leaves and smaller stems. You may be asking, what limits does oil of oregano have? The compound carvacrol shows anti-inflammatory effects in both animal models and in vitro studies. And it can wipe out the body’s good bacteria (probiotics), which help digest food, produce vitamins and protect from infections, among other functions. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. 2016;56(10):1717-27. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2013.800832. Oregano oil benefits include: fighting bacterial infections, fungal infections, digestive problems, inflammatory conditions and tumor growth. 2007;2007:23296. doi: 10.1155/2007/23296. Research from 2015 found thymol to be an effective treatment for common Candida fungal infections. Its active ingredients help fight multiple types of harmful pathogens, including bacteria, yeast and fungi. Oregano oil may also be a helpful tool for people looking to lose weight. Mix 3 drops of undiluted oregano oil with a small amount of your carrier oil then apply topically by rubbing into the skin over the affected area. This helps to reduce the risk for irritation and adverse reactions by diluting the oil. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. While findings from test-tube studies and animal-based research are promising, there is currently a lack of clinical trials demonstrating that oregano oil can help prevent or treat candida-related infections in humans. Oregano. When using oil of oregano, pregnant women should use caution and only use if instructed by their physician to do so. There was a “complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case), and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases.” Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in seven of the 11 patients who had tested positive for Blastocystis hominis, which tends to cause symptoms like nausea, gas, bloating and abdominal pain. Some strains occur naturally in the body, but when the bacteria grow too quickly, it can cause bothersome symptoms. In another animal study, the compound reduced swelling. For instance, Staphylococcus is a common type of bacteria that causes staph infection. Research shows that carvacrol is effective in eliminating the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two common causes of infection. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. One study found that combined treatment with thyme and oregano essential oils helped to reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and thereby may help attenuate colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) in mice. Essentially, taking oregano oil is a “broad-spectrum approach” to protecting your health. Importantly, the researchers used a water-based extract, so the oil may not provide the same results. If you see another oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil, the oregano oil is diluted and should not be used in a diffuser. Carcavol found in oregano essential oil is so potent that it has been been the focus of over 800 studies referenced in PubMed, the world’s No. Oregano oil may interact with certain medications and supplements, and should not be taken with the following: There is no recommended dose for oregano oil. Origanum Majoranum Extract Modulates Gene Expression, Hepatic and Renal Changes in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes. Do not use oregano oil on children or infants. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils isolated from Thymbra capitata L. Oregano oil is powerful and may help with a range of issues. These studies give hope to people who want to find a way to manage the horrible suffering that accompanies drugs and medical interventions, such as chemotherapy or use of drugs for chronic conditions like arthritis.