What is oregano oil good for?
Oregano is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean, and used in many of the region's cuisines. Did you know that oregano belongs to the same family of plants as mint? Now you do!
Antioxidant content of oregano
Oregano is rich in potent antioxidant, antiparasitic, antifungal and antibacterial compounds, which are also responsible for the plant's distinct fragrance, and oregano oil extract seeks to provide these compounds in concentrated form.
Gram per gram, fresh oregano's antioxidant content is much higher than that of most vegetables and fruits, so you can form an idea of just how rich concentrated oregano oil can be in terms of antioxidant content.
Oregano oil health benefits
However, despite this, research into the health benefits of oregano oil remains somewhat limited. It is thought that oregano essential oil could have protective effects against bacterias like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, both known to cause infections of the urinary tract and respiratory tract, and older research indicates that oregano oil can help regulate cholesterol levels.
It could also help benefit our gut health in a number of ways, such as inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the small intestine.
Perhaps most interesting of all, is that several in vitro studies suggest oregano oil could have anticancer properties, specifically by inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting cancer cell death.
When should I take oregano oil?
Oregano oil is recommended to be taken with a meal by most supplement manufacturers in order to increase absorption, and also to reduce the possibility of stomach upset, although there does not seem to be a particular time of day best suited for taking it.
What should I avoid taking oregano oil with?
Avoid with blood-thinning medication
Oregano oil could increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people that are taking blood-thinning or anticoagulant medication, so it is recommended to not combine them with oregano oil, as it could exacerbate the effects.
Oregano Oil data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025