8 Great Uses for Oregano Oil

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Posted: 15 Jul 2014 08:00 AM PDT

According to Greek myth, oregano was a beloved and cherished herb of the goddess Aphrodite who grew it in plentiful amounts in her garden on Mount Olympus. Oregano has been studied intensely in recent years, with studies revealing numerous beneficial effects for human health. The active compound in oregano (carvacrol) has shown many protective effects against common viruses, infectious bacteria, arthritis, and even cancer. ^[1]

Oregano oil is more potent than the whole herb and can be applied in various ways. Used topically, the oil may ward off cold sores and certain types of bacteria. The oil can also be used internally, providing possible effects against cellular damage and disease. Here are 8 of the many powerful ways oregano oil can benefit the body.

1. Cold Sores

Carvacrol, oregano’s active compound, has been shown to kill virus-causing microbes, some of which are drug resistant. Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus, and most oral medications designed to fight this virus present dangerous side effects. A recent study has shown that carvacrol can kill up to 90% of herpes simplex type 1 viruses within an hour. ^[2]

2. Food Poisoning

One of the most dangerous and common sources of food poisoning is the bacterium E. coli, usually found in food that is undercooked or prepared using unsanitary methods. The type of of E. coli that is drug resistant (E. coli O157:H7) may be inhibited by the active chemical compound in oregano oil. ^[3]

3. Pain Relief

Oregano itself contains a significant amount of anti-inflammatory activity, and research shows that oregano oil may be helpful for reducing pain in joints, muscles, and bones. It functions differently from opioids and doesn’t show addictive tendencies. ^[4]

4. Gut Bacteria

Keeping a proper balance of certain bacteria contained within your intestines is crucial for maintaining overall health. A healthy colony of gut bacteria defends against disease and aids in the digestion of food. Good bacteria also improves the health of the immune system and may be helpful for balancing mood. Carvacrol may promote gut health by creating an appropriate balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria. ^[5] Oregano’s prominence as a seasoning herb in the Mediterranean diet may explain the eating plan’s effectiveness for protecting against multiple health issues.

5. Arthritis

Inflammation is one of the main contributors to arthritis, a painful condition that targets one or more joints throughout the body. Science is moving swiftly to discover how oregano affects arthritis, suggesting that carvacrol may be the main compound responsible for easing arthritis symptoms. ^[6] ^[7]

6. Parasites

If you travel to underdeveloped areas of the world, you may be exposed to foreign parasites that can wreak havoc on your health. Avoiding the country’s water may not be enough to completely protect you against a parasitic infection. Even parasites in your natural environment carry a high infection risk, especially if the body is already in poor health. Research has shown that carvacrol may be able to fight schistosomiasis and other parasites, ^[8] so using oregano oil while you’re traveling or exposed to certain unhealthy environments/foods may play a large role in keeping you free from infection.

7. Yeast Infections

Carvacrol is a powerful fungus-fighting phenolic compound, ^[9] with research showing that plants containing this compound are effective in reducing candida fungus. ^[10] This fungus is responsible for vaginitis, a somewhat common vaginal yeast infection that plagues many women today.

8. Liver Toxicity

Our exposure to the ever-present barrage of toxins in our environment is extraordinary, and the burden it places on our liver is equally mind boggling. Toxins exist in our water, food, and even the air we breathe. Carvacrol may help detox the liver, our primary detoxifying organ. ^[11] Using this herb during a regular detox regimen may be helpful for boosting the detoxifying process.

Do you enjoy oregano in recipes? What are your experiences with using oregano oil? Let us know in the comments.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM