Spice Up Your Immune System With Oil of Oregano

Oregano can be a tasty addition to a pizza or any Italian dish, but did you know that the oil extracted from this herb can have positive effects on your immune system, too? In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, and for stomach and respiratory complaints. Current healthcare practitioners use oregano extract for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Oregano oil has so many benefits that it is probably a good herb to have around the house. Here are a few reasons why.

Antimicrobial: 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). Research has also found antifungal activity against multiple types of fungus.

Antifungal: Oregano oil is one of the most studied herbal options for skin fungus and other fungal concerns. Candida albicans causes candidiasis, a common human fungal infection, and oregano oil has been found to completely inhibit the growth of C. albicans in culture. 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.

Antiseptic/anti-inflammatory/analgesic: Oil of oregano has several other useful applications, including oregano oil for skin infection prevention, which 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.

There are a few important aspsects 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. Wild Mediterranean oregano oil from the Origanum vulgare species in a base of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is used. And although oregano oil is natural, it is still wise to consult your health care practitioner before using it and to determine correct dosages, including any antiviral oregano oil dosage questions. 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.

Oregano Oil and Viruses

Lately we've been getting a lot of questions about antiviral oregano oil, especially in cold and flu season. What the research says. There have been limited lab studies on oregano oil and carvacrol, one of the active phenols found in oregano oil, that have shown some success against several viruses like herpes virus and a model of norovirus. However, lab work is very different from human studies. So we think of oregano oil for viral infections as something that may help support your immune system, not a replacement for care from your practitioner.

Oregano Oil for Skin Infections

Carvacrol and thymol are the reason people look to oregano oil for skin infection concerns and minor rashes. Applied topically, it may help support the skin's natural defenses. It's strong stuff, though. Undiluted oregano oil can irritate or even burn skin, so mix it into a carrier oil first. A word on oregano oil for boils... we'd skip the home remedy there. A boil that's spreading, very painful, or comes with a fever needs a practitioner's eyes.

Oregano Oil and Ringworm

As with many other things in medicine, ringworm is named after its symptoms, but has nothing to do with worms. In fact, it’s a fungal skin infection that's a close cousin of athlete’s foot, which is why we’re frequently asked about using oil of oregano for ringworm. Oregano oil's antifungal activity is well documented in lab studies, and a diluted application may help support clear, comfortable skin. Test it on a small area first. If the rash is spreading or not getting better, contact your doctor.

Cold Sores and the Gargle Method

Cold sores are caused by a herpes simplex virus. Oregano oil was tested against that same virus in the lab. So questions about whether oregano oil is good for cold sores make sense. Here's how to dilute oregano oil for cold sores. Blend into a carrier oil such as olive oil, then apply using a clean Q-tip. Never apply directly to lips. They’re delicate. Some people also gargle with oregano oil mixed into water. Dilute well, rinse with it, spit it out, and discontinue use if it burns your mouth or throat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does oregano oil kill viruses?

Oregano oil and its primary active ingredient, carvacrol, have also demonstrated antiviral effects in the lab, against viruses such as herpes and a norovirus surrogate. However, these studies were conducted in vitro, and there is very little evidence for their efficacy in humans. Oregano oil may help support your immune system, but it isn't a substitute for care from your practitioner when you're sick with a viral infection.

Does oil of oregano kill fungus?

In the lab, yes. Oregano oil has been found to completely inhibit the growth of Candida albicans in culture, and a 2004 study showed antifungal properties against 18 different types of fungus. Those are lab results, not human trials, so we see a diluted topical application as something that may help support clear, comfortable skin. Is a fungal rash spreading or not getting better? Check in with your practitioner.

Can oregano oil cure herpes?

There is no cure for herpes, and oregano oil cannot cure it. Oregano oil and carvacrol have shown activity against the herpes virus in lab studies, but lab work is very different from human studies. We think of oregano oil as something that may help support your immune system, not a replacement for care from your practitioner. For cold sores, blend it into a carrier oil such as olive oil, apply with a clean Q-tip, and never apply directly to lips.

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.