How to Get Health Benefits from Oregano Oil

Last Updated: December 2, 2022 References Approved

There is some scientific research that suggests anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties of oregano oil.^{[1]
X
Research source} Although reliable human trials testing the efficacy of oregano oil in actually treating health conditions (such as treating fungus, killing parasites and bacteria, or alleviating sinus infections or colds) is still lacking, oregano oil has considerable anecdotal support for its healing properties.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Oregano Oil Orally

1
Consult a physician or health professional. Oregano oil supplements are not recommended for everyone. Before beginning a regimen of oregano oil to treat internal symptoms, consult a health professional to make sure you do not have any contraindications (such as pregnancy or anemia) for use of the oil.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source}
- A health professional should also be able to suggest a recommended dose for attempts to use oregano oil as a natural treatment for whatever condition you are trying to address.
2
Select an emulsified oil. For the duration of your treatment, 600 mg of emulsified oil in capsule form per day should be the maximum dose necessary (for short-term treatment) to relieve intestinal symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- Smaller doses of 100 to 150 mg per day in capsule form should be sufficient for less serious symptoms or problems, such as yeast imbalances, general inflammation, sinus problems, and upset stomachs.
Advertisement
3
Take the oil daily until the symptoms resolve. Oregano oil needs to be taken consistently to build up the effect and reduce symptoms. To give yourself the best chance at benefiting from the healing properties of oregano oil, do not skip doses. Doses can be spread throughout the day.
4
Drink the oil mixed with juice, water, or milk. Because oregano oil can be very intense and even dangerous in its undiluted form, take capsule supplements or mix undiluted drops with a small glass of juice, water, or milk before consuming.
- Oregano oil (3-6 drops) mixed with juice can reportedly aid a sore throat, cold, or sinus condition.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- When purchasing a supplement, look for a concentration of carvacrol of 70% or greater.
5
Try gargling with diluted oregano oil to ease a sore throat or sinus infection. Mix two or three drops of oil into orange juice or warm water and gargle several times, morning and night, to relieve inflammation and fight infection.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Oregano Oil as a Topical Ointment

1
Treat skin conditions with oregano oil. Oregano oil has some anecdotal evidence for treating acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, rosacea, warts, and insect bites.
2
Follow the instructions on bottled oregano oil. Depending on the concentration of the oregano oil you have purchased, you may need to mix the oil with different amounts of other oils before applying it to the skin.
3
Mix oregano oil with olive oil or coconut oil. If you have full strength oregano oil, mix 1 drop of oregano oil with a single teaspoon of a mild, food-grade oil such as olive oil or coconut oil.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you need enough oil to cover a larger skin area, maintain the 1 drop oregano and 1 teaspoon other oil ratio for the entire mixture.
4
Begin with a skin care regimen of one application per day. If your infection or problem persists and shows only mild improvement, up the application (of diluted oregano oil) to 2 or 3 times per day.
- If there is no improvement after 2 weeks or if symptoms worsen, discontinue use of the oil and consult a health professional. The nature of your skin problem may not be able to be treated effectively by oregano oil.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating Oregano Oil Like a Medicine

$Image titled Live With an Allergy to Latex Step 6$

1
Be aware of possible allergies. Because oregano is from the same family of plants as mint, thyme, basil, and sage, individuals with allergies to any of these herbs may experience a similar reaction to oregano.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- If you have a sensitivity to any member of this family of plants, proceed cautiously with oregano oil, starting with a single dose of very low concentration until you know how your body will react.
2
Do not use oregano oil for long-term treatment. Because oregano oil may interfere with iron absorption and can impact blood clotting, oregano oil should only be used for short-term treatments of targeted conditions.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source}
- Oregano oil is not a recommended daily supplement, even for individuals who suffer from chronic bowel inflammation or long-term gastrointestinal problems, unless it has been prescribed by a health professional.
3
Discontinue use immediately and seek medical help for certain reactions. If use of oregano oil induces vomiting, skin rashes, swelling, irritation, or difficulty breathing, consult a health professional. Even natural oils have significant medicinal properties and can cause serious health complications when administered incorrectly or to individuals with an intolerance for the plant’s compounds.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Does oregano oil treat seborrhea effectively?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

Some forms of seborrheic dermatitis is caused by malassezia furfur, a type of fungus. In this case, oregano oil is likely to be effective. Other causes of seborrheic dermatitis include inflammation-- oregano oil is also likely to be effective for these types of seborrhea.
Question

How much water should I use for an oregano oil mixture?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

Use the same amounts that you would for taking the oregano oil by mouth. Add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a 6-8 ounce glass of water.
Question

Is Oregano oil effective for the fungus represented in athlete's foot?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

The fungus that causes athletes foot is known as Tinea pedis. There is some evidence that oregano oil can specifically kill off this fungus-- try using the oregano as a topical ointment, using 1-2 drops of oregano oil in 1 teaspoon of olive or oregano oil. After washing your feet, apply this to the affected areas. Let your feet dry, wash your hands and put on cotton socks. Repeat at least twice a day.

Warnings

Supplements such as oregano oil are not regulated by food and medicine purity agencies. Carefully select a supplement from a reputable company and vendor and store the supplement according to the instructions on the bottle.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 55 Not Helpful 37
Do not exceed the daily doses recommended on the oregano oil packaging; doing so can have serious health consequences.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 65 Not Helpful 55