Oregano Oil
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Oregano Oil Health Benefits

| Modified on Aug 09, 2024
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Oregano Oil Health Benefits

Oregano oil is a popular supplement with a multitude of applications and health benefits. From acne to infections, it is a useful natural remedy that usually works very fast. Oregano oil is used topically or internally, thought it MUST be diluted first!

Oregano oil is the essential oil of the oregano plant that is popular in cooking. The oil is highly concentrated. Oregano oil and oregano the spice are NOT interchangeable. In fact if 1 drop of oregano essential oil is substituted in a recipe that calls for a teaspoon of oregano leaf spice the recipe will be absolutely ruined.

Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol. These substances are the antioxidants and antimicrobials which make oregano oil so useful. Oregano oil is an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. This makes it useful as a broad spectrum treatment when the root cause of a health condition is unknown. Oregano oil is also potent against gram positive bacteria like strep, staph and tetanus.1

Oregano oil is sold in a few different ways so attention must be paid to labeling to ensure proper dosing. Oregano essential oil is sometimes labeled oregano oil. Both are essential oils. Either may be diluted in a carrier oil. 100% oregano oil or 100% oregano essential oil are BOTH 100% oregano oil. 25% oregano oil is ¼ oregano essential oil and ¾ carrier oil, often olive oil. Oregano spirits is a tincture of the oregano leaf; it is not the same thing as oregano essential oil. Though they are not identical, they may be useful for similar conditions.

How to Use Oregano Oil Topically

It is critical to dilute oregano oil before using. If a product comes pre-diluted (i.e. 25% oregano oil,) it does not have to be diluted, thought it may be further diluted especially for use by sensitive individuals or children.

To dilute oregano, add it to a “carrier oil.” Coconut oil, olive oil or castor oil are each excellent carrier oils. To make a 25% concentration of oregano oil, add 1 part 100% oregano oil to 3 parts of another oil. (Perhaps 1 teaspoon oregano oil plus 3 teaspoons olive oil.)

For fungal issues like ringworm or athlete’s foot, coconut oil is a perfect carrier oil. When using oregano oil for pain relief, castor oil is a great choice since it also has pain relieving properties.

Test a small area of the skin before using oregano oil on it, even diluted. It is still very strong at a 25% concentration!

Never use oregano oil (or any essential oil in the eyes or ears!) When using essential oils near the ear or eyes or near sensitive parts of the body, dilute thoroughly. For example, 5 drops of oregano oil to 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil.

If oregano oil gets onto the skin and burns the skin, add an oil to the skin to dilute it. If oregano oil accidentally gets into the eye, add some olive oil or milk to the eye to dilute the oil. (Ideally use a milk that contains fat to dilute the oil better.)

How to Use Oregano Oil Internally

Oregano oil should not be put directly in the mouth without diluting. It can be diluted as described above before taking internally. An internal dose of oregano oil is by the drop! One or two drops is plenty for a dose; it is very strong! If you have 25% oregano oil after diluting, 8 drops of that diluted oil will equal two drops of pure oregano oil.

Oregano oil may irritate the stomach if taken on an empty stomach. Taking oregano oil with a bit of food, especially some food with fat in it is ideal.

Adding a drop of oregano oil to a glass of water to dilute it is not a good idea. The oil will float on the top and likely burn the lips or mouth on the way in. It will not dilute or dissolve in water! Adding it to full fat milk is a better option if it is desired to add it to a liquid to dose it. Oregano oil can be added to empty gel caps to take it in a pill form. There are also commercial preparations of oregano oil in gel-cap form.

Other Ways to Use Oregano Oil

Oregano oil can be added to coconut oil for oil pulling. Add 1 drop of oregano oil to 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil for oil pulling. Oregano oil used this way is especially useful for oral or tooth infections.

Oregano oil can be used in the sinuses if it is very diluted! Add 1 drop of oregano oil to 2 tablespoons coconut oil or castor oil. (Coconut oil for sinus infections and castor oil for polyps.) Then drop a few drops of the oil mixture into each nostril and snuff it up into the sinuses.

Diluted oregano oil can be massaged into the back or chest for coughing. (5 drops oregano oil for each tablespoon olive or almond oil.)

For viruses oregano oil can be massaged into the bottoms of the feet, several drops of diluted oil onto the bottom of each foot, several times a day.

For sinus congestion and coughing, 1 drop of oregano oil can be added to 1 cup of boiling water. The resulting steam can be gently inhaled. Alternately, add 1 drop oregano oil to the floor of the shower and take a steamy shower. This will help to clear out the lungs.

Oregano Oil Benefits

  • Acne
  • Toenail Fungus
  • Ringworm
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Warts
  • Skin Tags
  • Growths
  • Insect Bites
  • Boils
  • Cough
  • Flu
  • Colds
  • Sore Throat
  • Strep Throat
  • Tonsillitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis

Which Oregano Oil Should I Use?

There are many oregano oils available that are effective. Check the local health food store, large natural grocery store or online. There are several expensive oregano oil products available through personal distributors. While these are usually high quality oils, oils of similar quality are available without the use of distributors and are usually significantly less expensive.

Have you used oregano oil for a health problem? Please send us some feedback!

Continue reading to see how our readers have used oregano oil.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25763467

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Acne

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Posted by Redcalry (Oklahoma City, Ok) on 06/29/2011
 ★★★★★

MY husband and I swear by oregano oil. We buy it in 100% oil and capsules. If we feel we are getting sick we take one or two. I put some oil in my face lotions for my hormonal break outs. I have a back problem and mix it with my lotion and get instant pain relief. It does smell but evaporates in a little while. But it works. Great pain reliever.

Asthma

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Posted by Nikki (Vernal, Utah) on 01/09/2007
 ★★★★★

Oregano Oil. We bought the stuff from North American Herb and Spice that has cumin and sage in it called Oregacyn. Also have recently started taking Apple Cider Vinegar. Oregacyn completely cures sinus infections and completely reversed my son's asthma. ACV helps eradicate sinus stuffiness and itchy patches on the skin. I wanted to recommend a couple of other books that are definitely worth reading in your "Worth Reading" section: 1. The Cure is in the Cupboard by Cass Ingram. I love this book it is about oregano and it helped my son so much with his asthma. 2. The Fungus Link by Doug Kaufmann, I love his show-I am a faithful watcher every week day. I truly believe fungus is among us! 3. Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin. This book was a wonderful guide to help my mother when she was battling lung cancer. The book outlines which foods can help our body heal from cancer during chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as which foods can help stave off chemo sickness during treatment. I love the nutritional aspect of improving the immune system. Thanks for your time. Love the website-I think I could become an addict to it!

Athlete's Foot

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Posted by Jonna (NYC, NY, USA) on 07/27/2008
 ★★★★★

1:30am, Saturday Night: I read AC from West Midlands, England's post about using Garlic for Athlete's foot a few days ago and was eager to try it. I have had athlete's foot on and off for years. I also have deeply etched cracked heals which I understand is possibly a fungal infection. And then recently the skin around my right big toe started to peel and looks nasty as can be. I tried the best OTC for Athlete's Foot, but with limited success. Takes 5 days to go away and then comes back a couple weeks later.

We had just run out of garlic, so I opted instead for another powerful anti-fungal, Wild Oil of Oregano. I use OO for coughs and sinus infections and had about 15 capsules left. Before going to sleep, I punctured a capsule of oil and rubbed it over both of my feet, especially concentrating it on my big toe, in between my toes where the athelete's foot itched and the cracks on my heals. I put socks on so the oil wouldn't get all over the sheets. It doesn't smell bad at all -- much better than garlic for sure!

Just like AC reported, there was dramatic improvement by the morning! The infection around my big toe was 50% better... The blisters in between my toes had disappeared. The cracks in my heals have started to seal and are unbelievably soft... (I had been rubbing shea butter on the cracks every night, which helped, but not to this extent).

I did the Oregano oil 3 morning and night for 2 days, took a day off. The infection around my big toe is all but gone. No more peeling skin. The cracks on my heels continue to slowly improve. Tonight I switched to Grapefruit Seed Extract and my feet, normally cold, warmed up right away. This may be a great remedy for those suffering from cold hands and feet. My feet are still tinglingly warm 2 hours after applying the GSE.

I have the feeling that the GSE will work just as well as the Oregano Oil. I also am trying the GSE on my perioral dermatitis and will report back any improvements. I can tell you that the itchy postules around my nose have disappeared. I had to wash off the GSE after about 20 minutes because it started to burn.

Bacteria and Viruses

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Posted by George T. (Caldwell, Idaho ) on 08/08/2024
 ★★★★★

Oil of Oregano kills all bacteria and viruses

Many, many years ago I read "The cure is in the cupboard" and from then on I started taking Mediterranean Grade P73 Oil of Oregano. Since I started taking it I have never had a cold, flu or any kind of sinus infection. During the COVID breakout I never took any of the vaccines and never wore a mask. I have been a real estate broker in Idaho for decades and always meet a lot of people and yet while others around me came down with colds, flus and COVID I never came down with anything. It is now August, 2024 and I am still healthy and symptom free at the age of 68. I just take one drop of the Mediterranean Grade Oil of Oregano P73 under the tongue daily.

Boils

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Posted by DeAnn (Lubbock, TX) on 07/04/2007
 ★★★★★

I considered myself a healthy 54 until december of 06, when I got a cut on my figure that woudl not heal. After finally healing I got the first of three boils on the buttock area. Two of which had to be lanced in the hospital. of course the Dr. prescribed cipro, lixapro, etc, you name it. When the third one appeared I used oil of oregano on a round band aid for a week change it often and it went away. I am currently taking oil of oregano in pill form everyday and drinking green tea and doing the apple cider vinegar with water and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. I have been boil free. I should also mention that when I had to have the first boil lanced, the Dr. mention I was the third person that day that he had done the same procedure.

Broad Benefits

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Posted by just me Bob (Alberta) on 10/14/2021
 ★★★★★

I have been using the oil of Oregano for over 15 yrs, I use strong and good quality stuff.

One test I use for selecting a brand: if there is any hint of bitterness in taste, I avoid it. There are many on the market, I prefer strong, even used 100% for bad toothaches. It's worked for my teeth for serious and minor issues.

The best way to use it is by nipping in the bud whatever you notice, pain or discomfort, do not allow the problem to become a monster. Any major pain can be hard to get under control, but I have had 100 percent success even with these.

Maybe I'm well suited for it, I can take large doses of it and it only works that much better with no side effects. I know my body very well and can read it easily .

I have beat all viruses with it big and small, colds, allergies, toothaches needing root canals, pains in my body that were strong, do not know what they were but with constant use of Oregano they went away ... 100 % success and more things as well beaten.

You must be able to read your body, and you should be able better than anyone else, that's what pain is, it's a signal to you that only you are aware of. It's really that simple to me anyhow.

Oregano Oil is my go to, and I have other things too. It's been a blessing in a big way for years. I hope others find it too, many can not believe what I just wrote here, their great loss.

Replied by Jgny
(Thousand Islands)
10/15/2021

Do you take it daily? And how many a day? Or do you only use it if you are sick?

Broad Benefits
Posted by Bob G. (Smithville, On ) on 11/13/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

H! I have been using oregano oil for 12 yrs. I'm currently using it for my allergies in my dog, over 5 yrs now and it still works, I tried all the others and they only partially worked for a short time.

I had some shin problems and cracked skin that would not heal for about 3 months, one time I rubbed oregano on my hands it has not come back that was 12 yrs ago .

I had a severe bug, not a common one but a very powerful one, 4 days taking oregano oil and it was gone and did not come back . Super Bug? Maybe.

I needed a root canal about 8 yrs ago, $1,200.00 was too much. I put oregano in the tooth off and on for about a month and it has not bothered me since, when ever I feel a tooth ache coming on I put oregano on it.

Had some serious lung pain about 5 yrs ago, I do have sensitive lungs due to smoking and bad air, Oregano works for that too, could I go on?

Yes I now use it every day and it keeps me going!

Replied by Cindy
(Memphis, Tn)
01/24/2018

Hi interested in how you applied the Oil of oregano to your gums ... how much... how often.

Thank you for your post I'm in the same boat.

Bronchitis

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Posted by Robert (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 11/06/2007
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Oil of Oregano and Bronchitis. My chest was stuffed up for a couple of years. Don't like to go to the doctors. I heard about Oil of Oregano. I was taking two drops under my tongue twice a day for about two weeks. Within two days I could not believe the differance. I can breathe freely again without coughing. This was about two months ago. I also stopped smoking after 35 years 3 weeks ago and I cannot tell you the improvement in my health.

Last year I started to get boils about three to four a month. Started to take turmeric (capsul form)it took care of the boils. I've been taking one capsul every day since and not had any outbreaks until I take a break for a few days from all supplements, vitamins and the turmeric. I then feel a boil coming on and resume my regimine and feel fine after a couple of days.

Candida

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Posted by Lucy (London, Great Britain) on 06/02/2008
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Oregano oil will also help to prevent ''candida albicans'' I took ''oregano tablets'' some years ago to treat ,candida,now i have some of the dried herbs on toast mixed with oil and fresh garlic, just to kill off any unwanted guests in my digestive system, i believe it works. My husband has just been diagnosed with the ''helicobacter pylori'', bacterium, he is devastated, he caught it from our friend,who was at the time taking the drugs,we cannot understand, how this could happened, he ate some food cooked by our friend. He is treating it with ,with turmeric, garlic, pau d'arco, vitamins, to boost immune systems, rinses his mouth with one drop of ''tea tree'' essential oil in half glass of water, to prevent the bacterium in the mouth. Also is starting ''slippery elm'' to help the mucosa in the stomach. Hope this helps, best wishes, lucy.

Replied by Julie
(Crystal River Fl)
02/14/2022

Took Mastic gum capsules for mine. read also that cabbage juice will kill it.

Cold Sores

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Posted by Brenda (Elk City, Oklahoma, Usa) on 11/04/2010
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I used oil of oregano (full strength, undiluted) by dropping a drop on a cotton swab and swabbing the fever blister. There was hardly enough to moisten the cold sore (still in the beginning/stinging stage) but within a few minutes it burned like fire. However, by the next morning it was beginning to heal and never did break into the icky blister stage.

Cold Sores
Posted by Rhonda (Rockwood, Tn) on 10/01/2009
 ★★★★★

I put oil of oregano (one drop) on my fever blister/ cold sore and withing an hour I noticed it was disappearing. I reapplied throughout the day and by the end of the day it was as if I never had one. It had started out that morning as a potentially nasty one - a lot of blisters covering an area about the size of a dime. As you know, what you see in the morning is just the tip of the ice berg as they continue to grow during the first day or so. I also put three or four drops under my tongue. I bought mine from a health food store. Get the kind that is diluted with olive oil not alcohol. Also, there are places on line that sell it cheaper and in a much higher strength. There are even places that sell it undiluted with instructions on how to dilute it with extra virgin olive oil. I've tried all the other cold sore cures. This is the only one that did anything for me.

Colds

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Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 10/08/2008
 ★★★★★

OREGANO OIL IS EXTREMELY STRONG. The first time I tried it, I put a dropperfull in a glass of water, and choked it down. It burns down your throat and tastes pretty gross. I was hacking and my eyes were watering. My throat burned for a good 10 minutes. I said this stuff must work, it's very potent.

Anyways, I didn't dare touch it again, until I got sick again. So...it dawned on me I could put a whole droperfull in a OO Gel cap.
I did it, and it went down wonderfully easy, and cured my cold in a day. I took three gelcaps that day. Oregano Oil is the most potent, and effective remedy I have come across. Plus it's chock full of nutrients and minerals, besides being anti-viral, anti- every thing that's bad for you.

Cough

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Posted by Teresa (Kenedy, Texas) on 09/15/2008
 ★★★★★

I use Extra Strength 83% Carvacrol Oil of Oregano, it is some pretty strong stuff. I got it because it claimed Immune System Support, Anti-Pathogen,Anti-Parasite,Anti-Fungal
Weight Loss: Diuretic, Aids Bladder Function.

I think of all the supplements and vitamins I take this is the one that I couldn't do without. I first started using 3 drops on my toothbrush to help with the peridontal disease, I soon noticed that my allergies and very bad sinues cleared up. They started to drain and now are clear and I no longer live on nosesprays and decongestants.

Recently I woke up with a terrible chest cold, which felt like bronchities. I immediately began taking about 10 drops in a small swallow of water, doing that 2 or 3 times that day, I also boiled water and put a few drops of the OOO and inhaled it into my lungs.

I rubbed a few drops on my chest. The next day it was gone, the heavy chest congestion, the cough, everything.

It is a great candida killer, I suffered greatly with it, having diabetes, and now I no longer suffer from yeast infections.

The way I like to use it is 3 drops on my toothbrush, then I use 3 more drops with a swallow of water, letting it sit in my mouth a couple of minutes, that way the vapors clear my sinues and as extra protection for my teeth, because I wake up in the morning with no feelings of plaque on my teeth, and then I swallow it to take care of any bad bugs or candida. I use the Won with Nature brand, which I am in no way affliated with, I just feel it is a very good brand.

Cough
Posted by Tasha (Seattle, Washington) on 05/14/2007
 ★★★★★

My cough went on for more than a month, often keeping me up at night. I tried chewing on the clove of garlic each day but it didn't lessen the symptoms. Finally fearing a more serious medical situation, I consulted this website. I drank the apple cider vinegar and water in the morning followed by 4 oil of oregano throughout the day. I made sure to expectorate the phlegm that I could and by the next day, my lungs were clear. THANK YOU!

Cough
Posted by Jennifer (Albuquerque, NM) on 12/03/2006
 ★★★★★

I tried ACV, the spicy tomato tea, the onion halves with brown sugar, and the garlic soup. Especially the tomato tea and ACV brought some temporary relief from a month-long cough and sinus congestion that I'd had almost as long. As far as I'm concerned, though, the #1 choice and remedy should be Oil of Oregano. I bought a jar last Tues. and began taking three per day with meals. I am so encouraged and feel at least 95% well again. After doing some research on it I now know that this is an amazing product! Perhaps it doesn't work the same for everyone but it has done so much for me in six days. I've also been using a good quality colloidal silver in a nasal spray bottle. This has probably worked alongside the Oil of Oregano for the sinus congestion. It cured a month-long cough/bronchitis and sinus congestion. I'm wondering now if I could have increased the dosage of Oil of Oregano to say four a day. I've stayed at 3/day since I couldn't find any info. to let me know if more would be too much of a good thing. Any thoughts on that?


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