4 Reasons to Take Immune Supporting Oil of Oregano

Oregano can be a tasty addition to a pizza or any Italian dish, but did you know that the oil of oregano that is extracted from this herb can have positive effects on your immune system, too?

Current healthcare practitioners use oregano extract for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Oregano oil, like black seed oil, has so many benefits that it is probably a good herb to have around the house. Here are a few reasons why.

Health Benefits of Oil of Oregano

1. Antimicrobial/bacterial

Oil of oregano contains two phenols called carvacrol and thymol, which have strong antimicrobial properties. A 2004 study demonstrated that oil of oregano showed antibacterial properties against 27 different bacteria (including salmonella, E. coli, and two staphylococcus species, some of the most common bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illnesses) and antiviral properties against the herpes virus (responsible for cold sores, chicken pox and shingles), as well as antifungal properties against 18 different types of fungus.

2. Antifungal

Oregano oil is perhaps nature’s strongest fungal fighter. Candida albicans causes candidiasis, a common human fungal infection, and oregano oil has been studied for its antifungal activity against C. albicans in laboratory settings.

Another study found that essential oils of tea tree, oregano and rose geranium have a synergistic antifungal effect against 11 candida strains, especially when combined with Amphotericin B, a drug used to help with systemic fungal infections.

3. Antiseptic/anti-inflammatory/analgesic

Oil of oregano has several other useful applications that make it a must-have around the house. Containing compounds called terpenes, which have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, oregano oil can be used topically on cuts to prevent infections, on gums to help reduce pain, as well as on fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

4. Antiviral

A 2019 study investigated the antiviral properties of an essential oil blend of oregano, thyme and salvia. The researchers tested the effectiveness of the oil blend against respiratory tract viruses and found strong antiviral activity against rhinovirus, and two out of three strains of influenza.

There are a few important aspects of oregano oil that you should consider before taking it. Not all oil of oregano products are created equally. Pathway Oregano Oil is standardized to 70% carvacrol and contains a full spectrum of the naturally occurring compounds found in oregano. The benefits of wild oregano oil come through in Pathway's use of wild Mediterranean Origanum vulgare in a base of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Oil of oregano is also available in tincture and capsule form to take orally. It is also available as an essential oil. Essential oils should only be used in a diffuser or topically along with a carrier oil.

And although oregano oil is natural, it is still wise to consult your health care practitioner before using it and to determine correct dosages. When considering whether oil of oregano can help with allergies, note that if you have an allergy to any herbs in the mint family, which includes thyme, basil, mint and sage, you may also have a sensitivity to oil of oregano, since it belongs to the same plant family.

Photo from here, with thanks.

Oregano Oil vs Oil of Oregano

Here’s a question we hear at Village Green all the time these days: Isn’t oregano oil the same as oil of oregano? Nope. Oregano essential oil is super concentrated, meant to be used in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and put on your skin. Oil of oregano is the herbal extract taken orally that has been standardized to certain components, such as carvacrol. One goes on you. The other goes in you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does oregano oil kill viruses?

One study in 2004 notes antiviral properties against the herpes virus. A 2019 study found strong antiviral activity against rhinovirus and two of three influenza strains tested. These are lab and study findings, not a promise for any individual. Oregano oil may help support your immune system, but it isn't a treatment for a viral infection.

Oregano oil has been studied for its antifungal properties too. A 2004 study showed antifungal activity against 18 different types of fungus, and oregano oil has been studied against Candida albicans in lab settings. It may also be used topically on fungal infections such as athlete's foot. These are lab findings, not a promise for any individual.

Can a child take oil of oregano?

Oregano oil is potent, and children are more sensitive to concentrated botanicals than adults. We'd never recommend giving it to a child without first talking to your pediatrician or health care practitioner. Dosing for kids isn't the same as for adults. When in doubt, ask first.

Does oil of oregano help with viral infections?

There’s some research on the antiviral effects of oregano oil as well, including a 2019 study of an oregano, thyme and salvia mix that demonstrated activity against a few respiratory tract viruses. While those studies look encouraging in a lab setting, oregano oil may help support immune health when added to your wellness regimen, but it won’t cure or treat a viral infection. Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re not feeling your best.

How to Take Oregano Oil and When?

How to take oregano oil Oil of oregano is available in a few different forms, and how you take it depends on which form you have. This is what our customers typically inquire about. The best oregano oil capsules are the easiest way to ingest oregano oil, since there’s no overpowering taste to contend with. Tinctures or liquids: Can be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Benefits of oregano oil under the tongue come from fast absorption, but the taste is very strong. Essential oils: Topical application only and must be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Coconut oil and oregano oil often are combined for topical use, because coconut oil helps diminish the harshness of the oregano oil. Because potency levels vary significantly between brands and forms, follow the product instructions carefully and consult with your healthcare provider to determine the correct dosage for you. As with most things in life, less is more when it comes to oregano oil!

Does oregano boost immune system?

Oil of oregano may help support your immune system when added to your wellness regimen. It contains phenols called carvacrol and thymol that have strong antimicrobial properties, and healthcare practitioners use oregano extract for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Keep in mind it isn't a treatment for any infection. Consult your health care practitioner before using it and to determine the correct dosage for you.

Does oregano kill fungus?

Oregano oil is often described as one of nature's strongest fungal fighters. Oregano oil has been studied for its antifungal activity against Candida albicans in laboratory settings, and another study found oregano combined with tea tree and rose geranium oils showed a synergistic antifungal effect against candida strains. It may also be used topically on fungal concerns such as athlete's foot. Talk with your health care practitioner about proper use and dosing.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.