Oregano is best known for its uses in traditional Italian dishes like pizzas and pasta.
However, research suggests active plant compounds found in Oregano and Oregano oil may provide benefits far beyond the culinary arts.
In this article, you’ll learn the history, traditional uses, and studied benefits of oil of oregano, as well as side effects and contraindications, and why it is one of the most powerful herbal allies for immune support.
A Brief History of Oregano: One Of Western Herbalism's Most Ancient Plants
Most people are familiar with the herb Oregano, a hardy perennial from the mint family that grows wild in the Mediterranean and is cultivated worldwide.
Its name comes from the Greek words “oreos” (mountains) and ganeos (joy, beauty, and brightness), where it grows wild and abundant.
Oregano may be common, but it is also one of traditional herbalisms’ most ancient functional plants.
Traditional use of Oregano in herbalism dates back as far as 1600 to 1200 B.C., where drawings of the plant were found on iron tablets in Syria. 1
Also known as “the prince of herbs,” Its use is recorded in some of the oldest traditional medicine texts by scholars such as Hippocrates, Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Galen. 2
It’s been traditionally used in Greece, Italy, and other parts of the Mediterranean and Europe for immune support, stomachache, and toothaches.
Aristotle also claimed Origanum vulgare could cure snake bites if consumed with wine, although this has never been proven and is not recommended!
Oregano plants are regularly grown in European gardens and are considered protective in some cultures.
Oregano and oregano oil is also a popular Mediterranean home remedy for various health purposes, including supporting immunity, digestion, skin health, respiratory function, vaginal health, and oral health.
Today, herbalists and herb lovers often favor Oregano in the form of Oil of Oregano supplements, which we’ll discuss next.
What is Oil of Oregano?
Oil of Oregano is a modern preparation of Oregano extract, which maximizes the active plant compounds believed to give Oregano its beneficial properties.
Once the oil is extracted, supplement companies can standardize optimal amounts of the studied active plant compounds.
These primary active plant compounds include: 3
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Carvacrol: The primary active plant compound that gives oregano its signature scent
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Thymol: A protective phenol and antioxidant
Oil of Oregano is extracted from the whole Oregano plant using steam distillation or a CO2 extraction method. This creates a potent herbal oil extract and efficient delivery system.
What’s the Difference Between Oil Of Oregano, Oregano Essential Oil, and Oregano Oil?
With so many Oregano products, knowing what you’re getting can be confusing.
So here’s the deal.
Oil of Oregano is produced by extraction, such as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, whereas oregano essential oil is typically produced by steam distillation.
Oil of Oregano made via supercritical CO2 extraction contains oregano essential oil along with fat-soluble compounds like waxes and fats. Thus, it is a more full-spectrum aromatic extract than steam-distilled essential oil.
Both contain thymol and carvacrol.
Oil of Oregano is also food-grade, whereas Oregano Essential Oil may not be suitable for internal consumption.
As outlined in How To Make And Take Oregano Oil, Oregano Oil is typically made by infusing dried or fresh oregano in a carrier oil, and may be used topically or in culinary dishes.
Oregano oil is highly diluted compared to Oil of Oregano and Oregano Essential Oil.
If you’re looking for an Oregano supplement to take internally, Oil of Oregano is recommended.
Oregano Essential Oil would be most appropriate if you’re looking for a product to diffuse or dilute for use in DIY products.
You can also find herbal extracts of Oregano leaf (not the oil) in tincture or capsule form. These contain thymol, carvacrol, and rosmarinic acid, another beneficial antioxidant not present in Oil of Oregano.
5 Ways Oil Of Oregano May Benefit The Immune System
Oil of Oregano has garnered an impressive reputation as a powerful herbal immune ally.
Research suggests this is primarily due to its high concentrations of Carvacrol and Thymol which offer broad-spectrum benefits for many facets of immune function. 4
Here, we explore five ways Oil of Oregano may benefit the immune system, from inflammatory response to gut microbiome support.
1. Oil Of Oregano Supports Normal Inflammatory Response
What do Carvacrol and Thymol have in common?
They all harbor potent antioxidant properties that may support normal inflammatory response and cell health, which are central to normal immune function. 5
One study of 39 herbs found oregano had the highest concentration of antioxidants. 6
Antioxidants are molecules found within the body and in nature that delay cell damage by scavenging free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells if left unchecked.
Antioxidants found in plants, foods, and the body help mitigate free radical damage, which may promote normal inflammatory response, graceful aging, and normal immune function.
Learn more in: What Are Antioxidants? How They Work & Their Benefits
2. Oil Of Oregano May Benefit The Gut Microbiome
New research has transformed modern understanding of how the immune system works.
For example, we now know that about 70% of immune function happens in the gut microbiome. 7
This is why so many pioneering integrative health practitioners and herbalists focus on digestive health for frontline immune support.
Oil or Oregano is uniquely suited for immune support due to its multifaceted benefits for immune function, including gut microbiome support.
Specifically, studies suggest Oil of Oregano may encourage normal gut bacteria diversity and formation of beneficial microbiota, fungal balance, intestinal barrier integrity, and may provide protection against biofilms. 8,9,10
Although more research is needed, these studies help verify the traditional use of oregano for gastrointestinal function.
3: Oil Of Oregano May Help Regulate Immune Function
Normal inflammatory response is critical to the regulation (also known as modulation) of the immune system.
It is well known that antioxidants like Carvacrol and Thymol, found in Oil of Oregano and others, can help support various facets of immune regulation. 11,12,13,14,15
One study on the potential skin benefits of Oregano suggests the active plant compounds in Oil of Oregano may help support normal immune regulation via their antioxidant properties. 16
The previously mentioned studies on gut microbiome benefits (the gut is intimately involved in immune modulation) also suggest Oil of Oregano may possess immune regulating properties, though more research is needed.
4: Oil Of Oregano May Provide Dermal Microbiome Support
We often fail to recognize the essential role of the skin, our body’s armor, as our primary line of defense against pathogens.
If skin barrier function is compromised, it can open the doors for various immune challenges and infections.
Several studies support the traditional use of oregano oil for skin health, showing it may provide benefits for:
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Acne
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Dermal microbiome
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Premature aging
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Skin barrier function
However, researchers note that Oregano Essential Oil or Oil of Oregano may cause damage if applied directly to the skin.
Skin health benefits have also been reported from internal use of Oil of Oregano supplements. Check with your healthcare practitioner for individual recommendations.
5: Oil Of Oregano Promotes Normal Respiratory Function
Oregano has been a treasured respiratory and sinus support herb for centuries when taken as a tea or extract, diffused, or applied as a poultice or DIY oil extract.
And as many people have experienced, a whiff or two of Oil of Oregano or Oregano Essential Oil will quickly open up nasal passages and can create Oregano burps, which come out through the lungs!
Although more research is needed, research suggests Oregano Essential Oil may be effective for supporting respiratory function, either alone or combined with other aromatic herbs. 17,18,19
You can also add freshly chopped oregano to soothing soups or broths to reap its potential expectorant benefits.
Oil Of Oregano Side Effects And Contraindications
Oil of Oregano is generally safe to take and diffuse when used as directed.
However, there are some side effects and contraindications to be aware of.
The most common side effect is upset stomach, which typically comes from taking too much Oil of Oregano (a little goes a long way) or ingesting pure essential oil that is not food grade.
Remember, this is a concentrated form of Oregano, so only take as directed and reduce the dose if you experience stomach upset.
Consuming large amounts of Oregano is typically not recommended during pregnancy as there is evidence of miscarriage. 20,21
Oregano can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to plants in the Mint family.
Since Oregano may affect blood sugar and various aspects of cardiovascular function, including blood clotting.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking diabetes or heart medications.
Large amounts of Oregano may also be contraindicated before surgery due to a possible increased risk of bleeding.
As discussed previously, Oil of Oregano and Oregano Essential Oils can also cause skin damage if applied undiluted. Therefore, always dilute with a carrier oil.
Looking For More Information On Immune Herbal Allies?
Oil Of Oregano is one of many herbs traditionally used and studied for immune and respiratory support benefits.
Meet more immune herbal allies to support your body in:
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The Fascinating Usage and Benefits Of Pelargonium Sidoides (African Geranium)
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What Is Berberine? Its Benefits, Side Effects, & Contraindications
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What Is Boswellia Indian Frankincense: History, Benefits, & Side Effects
1 -“Oregano and Marjoram: An Herb Society of America Guide to the Genus Origanum”. The Herb Society of America.
2 -“Ethnobotany And Exploitation Potential Of Oreganum Vulgare L. In The Rhodopes, Bulgaria. Mincheva, I”.1; Kozuharova, E.1*; Rastrelli, L.2 1Medical University-Sofia, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Dunav 2 sr. Sofia 1000, Bulgaria 2Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno – Italy, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
3 -“Ethnobotany And Exploitation Potential Of Oreganum Vulgare L. In The Rhodopes, Bulgaria. Mincheva, I”.1; Kozuharova, E.1*; Rastrelli, L.2 1Medical University-Sofia, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Dunav 2 sr. Sofia 1000, Bulgaria 2Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno – Italy, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
4 -“Ethnobotany And Exploitation Potential Of Oreganum Vulgare L. In The Rhodopes, Bulgaria. Mincheva, I”.1; Kozuharova, E.1*; Rastrelli, L.2 1Medical University-Sofia, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Dunav 2 sr. Sofia 1000, Bulgaria 2Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno – Italy, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
5 -“Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids from Oregano: Occurrence, Biological Activity and Health Benefits”. Plants (Basel).
6 -“Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in selected herbs”. J Agric Food Chem.
7 - “Allergy and the gastrointestinal system”. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008
8 - “Gut microbial modulation by culinary herbs and spices”. Food Chemistry
9 - “Oregano Essential Oil Improves Intestinal Morphology and Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Associated with Modulation of Selected Intestinal Bacteria and Immune Status in a Pig Model”. Biomed Res Int.
10 - “Oregano essential oil inhibits” Candida spp. biofilms. Z Naturforsch C J Biosci.
11 - “Carvacrol, a Plant Metabolite Targeting Viral Protease (Mpro) and ACE2 in Host Cells Can Be a Possible Candidate for COVID-19”. Front Plant Sci.
12 - “Thymol as a reciprocal regulator of T cell differentiation: Promotion of regulatory T cells and suppression of Th1/Th17 cells”. International Immunopharmacology
13 - “Regulation of Immune Function by Polyphenols”. J Immunol Res
14 - “Understanding mechanisms of antioxidant action in health and disease”. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
15 - “Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids from Oregano: Occurrence, Biological Activity and Health Benefits”. Plants (Basel).
16 - “Anti-inflammatory, tissue remodeling, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil in a human skin disease model”. Biochim Open.
17 - “Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care: A Randomized Study Using Aromatic Herbs”. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
18 - “Antiviral effect of an essential oil combination derived from three aromatic plants (Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Rchb. F., Origanum dictamnus L. And Salvia fruticosa Mill.) against viruses causing infections of the upper respiratory tract”. Journal of Herbal Medicine.
19 - “An updated and comprehensive review of the antiviral potential of essential oils and their chemical constituents with special focus on their mechanism of action against various influenza and coronaviruses”. Microb Pathog.
20 - “Oregano”. MedlinePlus.
21- “Oregano”. RxList.
