13 Reasons Why Oregano Oil is a Must-have for Your Medicine Cabinet

The Origanum vulgare, commonly known as oregano, is an odorous herb characterized by its rugged and bushy appearance. A member of the Labiatae family of plants, the oregano plant can grow up to three feet tall.

Many people have started to store oregano oil for its medicinal use and as a cleaning solution in homes. Others simply like to bask in its aroma and combine it with other essential oils.

That being said, here’s everything you need to know about the perennial herb.

*The companies chosen above are based upon my personal opinion based upon me giving them a try and testing their quality.

Oregano has over 30 varieties and several of them can be distilled into oils. [1] Some of the popular ones are:

Upon digging further, however, you’ll find that there are over 60 plant species listed under oregano, that according to the Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications.

If you’ve noticed on the sample varieties above, the principal genera are Origanum and Lippia. Some are a member of the Verbenaceae family, and others a part of the Lamiaceae family.

The oregano that we know today was first discovered in the Mediterranean, specifically in ancient Greece and nearby regions where it was called the “Delight of the Mountains.” 

In modern times, oregano is cultivated and naturalized around the world. The plant is easily spotted because of its reddish stalks and aromatic leaves, where purple and white flowers at times cluster.

The leaves of the oregano are used in many culinary dishes including Mediterranean and Italian. Some oregano plants are also used as ornaments.

To get the essential oil of oregano, the plant undergoes a process called steam distillation. The oil of oregano can appear in several colors, from dark ones like reddish brown to pale hues like yellow.

Oregano oil has many uses, which we will discuss further below, but using it comes with precautions.

For example, some people may be allergic to oregano oil. For those prone to skin irritation, it is best not to use the essential oil.

Experts recommend a dermal limit of 1.1 percent, and children below two years of age, the elderly, on broken skin, and anyone with sensitive skin should not be given any dose of oregano oil.

The oil of oregano should not be used by people taking anticoagulants or medications for diabetes. As the oil can inhibit blood clotting, it should also not be taken by anyone undergoing a medical operation, or have bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.

Oregano oil is not recommended to people with peptic ulcers, as well as pregnant and nursing women.

The thing about oregano oil is that it can be blended with many other essential oils. Some of them include:

Its versatility is also the reason why many people love the idea of using oregano oil. However, it is a must to pay attention to the limitations when it comes to using the oil.

You may want to fact check any information you found on the internet as wrong applications and uses can cause serious harm. So if you’re not sure, always consult with your doctor.

The medicinal properties of oregano had long been taken advantage of. In fact. One of its early uses is recorded in the book Natural History, written by Pliny the Elder in the first century.

Up until the Middle Ages, this book was the ultimate source of scientific knowledge. Pliny the Elder himself recommended the oil of oregano for insect bites and digestive problems.

Another first-century figure who recommended oregano was the Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides. In his famous pharmacopeia, De Materia Medica, the ancient botanist listed oregano as a natural remedy for poisonous bites.

The benefits of oregano for the digestive tract and as a remedy for insect bites went on to the Middle Ages. During these times, the other uses of oregano have unfolded, including its capability in improving eyesight.

Today, herbalists used the oil of oregano for a number of conditions, including headaches, poor digestion, cough, and for the prevention of seas sickness.  

When used correctly, oregano oil can be a beneficial addition in many homes and can be used even in children.

The hair is one part of the body that a lot of people are conscious of especially in terms of appearance. If you have had the hardest time trying to find a remedy to bring back your hair’s shine and prevent falling hair, oregano oil could be the answer.

Oregano oil can help stimulate the scalp and bring back your hair’s shine. Other oils that you can use for the improvement of the hair’s health include:

And here’s an essential oil blend that can stimulate the scalp:

• 1 drop Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• 2 drops Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
• 3 drops Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• 4 drops Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 5 drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Simply mix all the essential oils in a bottle. you can also add two drops of coconut oil if you prefer. Focusing on the problem areas, rub the mixture onto your scalp.

Leave it on for at least half an hour and wash it off with your shampoo.

Oils used in massages can also be used for other reasons. Yes, it does stimulate the scalp and skin, and promote relaxation, but it can also be used to enhance the mood in the bedroom and as an aid in your diet regimen.

Yes, you can use oregano essential oil for weight loss.

Try this blend:

• 1 drop Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• 4 drops Grapefruit oil (Citrus paradisi)
• 5 drops Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 5 drops Cypress oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
• 5 drops Macerated Carrot root oil
• 1 tablespoon Coconut oil

In a glass, mix coconut oil and carrot root oil. When the texture is consistent, mix in the rest of the oils. For a week, apply the mixture on problem areas and see the results.

Oregano oil works great as a topical ointment for many conditions. If you have a cold sore, ringworm, nail beds or discolored nails, warts, skin tags, infections, and foot infections, inflammation, or fungus, simply apply oregano oil. 

Unfortunately for all of us, the place where we prepare food is home to bacteria and germs that pose danger to our health and our families.

It’s a good thing oregano oil is an antibacterial product as well, so it can be used as a surface cleaner to your countertops, sink, tables, and other areas in the kitchen.

There are also other essential oils that have antibacterial properties. These are:

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
• Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)
• Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• Eucalyptus (E. radiata/ globulus)
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Surfaces aren’t the only places where germs thrive. The air we breathe may be also filled with germs. Along with oregano oil spray, below are the essential oils that can act as standalone or blended air sprays.

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Marjoram, sweet (Origanum majorana)
• Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

All of the oils mentioned have been proven effective to fight off germs, so go ahead and experiment. You may end up with a blend that’s too strong on the nose or something weird smelling one way or another.

The key is to experiment in order to get the scent you like the most.

The towels you use for your hands, body, and even your dishes aren’t totally clean even if you’ve already machine washed it hot.

To make sure that your towels are sanitized, add a drop of two of oregano oil in a tub of hot water. Let your towel soak in for thirty minutes before washing it with detergent to get rid of all the germs.

Other essential oils you can use to sanitize your towels include:

• thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus)

Rabies-infected animals can transmit the virus to humans and other animals through their saliva. A virus taking over an animal will make the animal more violent, and that’s when the biting occurs.

It should be noted that oregano is a hot oil that may cause rashes and skin sensitization, but if you’ve bitten by an infected animal, this can be the only time that hot oil can be safely used.

Anyone scratched, licked, or bitten by a rabid animal should always seek medical attention, but before doing so, you can help slow down the virus from spreading by washing the area thoroughly, then add a drop of oregano oil and alcohol on the infected area. 

After which, proceed to the nearest emergency room right away.

A lot of people find themselves afflicted with dandruff, which is caused by several factors. These include psoriasis, fungal infections, eczema, and dry skin. To help combat this skin condition, you can apply diluted oregano oil on the scalp.

Aside from oregano oil, you can also use these other essential oils:

• Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
• Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Basil linalol (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalool)
• Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum)

There are still more oils that you can use to fight dandruff, but the above-mentioned should give you an idea of what to use primarily.

Aside from diluting these oils before application, you can also blend these oils to create a night oil, or mix it with vinegar to be used as a rinse. You may also add oils to a fragrance-free or natural shampoo.

Mice, rats, and other pests are a cause for annoyance, not to mention that they carry diseases harmful to human health. Luckily for us, pests often have a sensitive sense of smell and with oregano oil, it’s possible to deter them and keep them out of your home.

Aside from oregano, you can also use the following oils as pest deterrents:

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Eucalyptus peppermint (E. dives)
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

You can either use one type of oil or mix some of them to create a powerful blend. Spray them around areas where pests often gather or the entry points in your home.

To know which oils are truly effective, don’t be afraid to experiment.

Garden maintenance isn’t an easy task and if you’re an avid gardener, you may have noticed mildew and mold in your potatoes and tomatoes. While these plants are prone, mildew and mold can affect other plants as well.

To prevent this from happening, spray oregano oil around the garden. Planting herbs such as nettle, horsetail, elderflower, and chive may help curb the growth of fungus too.

The oil of oregano may irritate the skin and mucous membranes if taken in high dosages or concentrations. Using oregano oil may pose danger in pregnant women due to its ability to regulate the hormones.

If the hormone that induced menstrual periods is stimulated, it may result in a miscarriage.

As with other food supplements, it’s best to talk to a doctor first especially if you have allergies. Anyone allergic to sage, mint, marjoram, lavender, or basil may be also allergic to oregano and its essential oil.

If you experience dizziness, nausea, or an allergic reaction upon using oregano oil, head to the emergency room right away.

You may have heard from other people or the internet that oregano oil is safe to ingest or put straight drops under the tongue. If you’re thinking of doing this, stop. Oregano oil should never be taken internally, let alone drink it from a glass or bottle.

As previously mentioned, oregano is a type of hot oil. Hot oils can seriously damage your mucous membrane and irritate your insides.

Besides, there have been no shreds of evidence proving that taking oregano oil internally will provide a fix to whatever you’re feeling. Do not even think of mixing it with your favorite drink.

Liquids and oil don’t mix, remember? Even if you shake it furiously, the globules of oil are still present and may pose threat to your digestive system.

So if you have been drinking oregano oil, stop and seek the help of a medical professional right away.

Another thing to consider is where the oil is derived from. There are so many kinds oregano oil sold in the market these days.

Some are labeled wild oregano oil, Mediterranean oregano oil, Spanish oregano oil, etc. Whatever brand you end up buying, make sure that it is pure oregano oil and that it is O. vulgare.

I know this confusing, presuming you’ve seen and probably used some oregano oil products in tablets, pills, or capsule form. Take note that supplemental oregano oil has been combined with a carrier, so it can be digested safely by our bodies.

Another product is oregano extract. This is entirely different from oil of oregano supplements or oregano oil. It is considered an extract if it derived from either fresh or dried oregano where its potent properties are mixed with water and oil.

If you want to take oil of oregano supplements, make sure the supplier uses pure oregano and that it is measured exactly in proportion to a carrier oil to make it soluble. This will protect your digestive tract and intestines.

Oregano oil attracts many people as it can be used to alleviate the symptoms of many medical conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, feet fungal infections, for allergies, intestinal parasites, and a whole lot more.

If you want to take oregano oil supplements, discuss this with your doctor first and follow the directions indicated in the bottle.

You can also make oregano oil at home, but take note that you should always mix it with olive oil or coconut oil at a specific ratio. If you’re not knowledgeable about this, it is best to rely on the advice of your doctor or consult a reputable aromatherapist.

Through the years, various researches have been done to prove the benefits of oregano essential oil. Below are some samples with the most promising and useful results.

The advancements in modern medicine have blessed humanity with many treatments and cures we’ve never imagined we’ve come up with, but along with it are some drawbacks as well.

For example, the antibiotics we use to treat minor ailments have caused viruses and bacteria to mutate and evolve into what we call superbugs. These superbugs manage to deflect and resist the medications meant to eradicate them.

One study conducted by researchers at the Sligo Institute of Technology focused on fighting different strains of viruses using essential oils.

Among the deadliest viruses were Enterococcus, which is vancomycin resistant; Staphylococcus aureus, a virus resistant to Methicillin, and B-lactamase.

Out of the several essential oils tested, the ones that came out effective in eradicating these strains were:

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus)
• Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Tea tree oil also showed promising effects, while other had different degrees of success. The ones mentioned above, however, were more effective than traditional medication.

Further studies are still needed in order to come with treatments to completely prevent the onset of diseases caused by such viruses.

A study conducted in Romania concluded that oregano oil may help promote the natural growth of broiler chickens instead of using antibiotics. The news was well received by people who have stood up against unnatural farming methods that use synthetic compounds in growing poultry.

Further studies are still needed if the same results can be observed in other farm animals.

An article found on WebMD promotes the efficacy of oregano oil when it comes to treating intestinal parasites. The website states that 200 milligrams of oregano oil taken daily for six weeks can kill parasites in the intestine. [9]

According to WebMD, it was confirmed in the study that oregano oil can kill Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana, and Blastocystis hominis.

Researches had tested 14 patients, and 13 of them turned out free of parasitic infections.

According to PubMed, oregano oil has anti-fungal properties. The oil derived from oregano will help stop the growth of Penicillium and Aspergillus if taken with the right concentration, which researchers say can be as low as 0.1%.

Drugs.com also cites oregano oil as an effective agent in killing off Candida.

The benefits of oregano oil are far to great to be bypassed. Not only can it help treat minor infections, but it also can help eradicate deadly viruses.

It can also be used as a cleaning solution at home and when mixed with other oils, can make the home smell its best.

Before using oregano oil, it’s crucial to seek the advice of a doctor first or a trained aromatherapist. It is a potent essential oil and should be used in moderate amounts especially when used in the body.

There are precautions that come with the use of oregano oil and this should be followed at all cost to prevent medical emergencies.