Oregano is a heavy-hitter herb for the cold and flu season and year-round.
’Tis is the season of viruses. Whether we’re fighting the common cold (coronavirus family), the flu (influenza virus family), stuffy noses, coughs, fevers, strep throat, ear and sinus infections, or types of pneumonia (Streptococcus bacteria family), conventional treatments are antibiotics, which may not have the desired effect on the healing process—especially when taken for a viral infection. These pharmaceuticals often come with unwanted side effects, and there’s the ever-growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a heavy hitter against such seasonal microbial attacks—with several methods of usage, including in teas, in extractions, as an essential oil, or in culinary preparations.
This article is a guide to using oregano as an anti-microbial during this winter season and how to grow it yourself in the spring.
Oregano: The Powerhouse
Oregano is an unimposing small semi-woody shrub—an aromatic perennial with tiny purple flowers. Though native to the Mediterranean, it can be cultivated everywhere. Perhaps, at some point, you’ve grown oregano yourself on your windowsill or in your garden.Oregano’s medicinal qualities have been studied for decades.
A paper published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences points out the antibacterial properties of oregano and other herbs and spices against some antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
Carvacrol is the main compound in oregano oil. It can be a natural alternative to prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, as it exhibits
rapid bactericidal activity, especially against a bacterial pathogen called
Streptococcus pyogenes. This human-specific bacterium causes a wide array of infections, from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions.
Research published in the Journal of Frontiers in Microbiology found that carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, could boost the efficacy of erythromycin against erythromycin-resistant Group A streptococci (GAS) or be used to combat GAS on its own.
A research review article published in Critical Reviews in Microbiology reads: “Antibiotics and the essential oil (EO) components may act synergistically, such as by affecting multiple targets; by physicochemical interactions and inhibiting antibacterial-resistance mechanisms. Many reported assays show additivity or moderate synergism, indicating that EOs may offer possibilities for reducing antibiotic use.”
Nature’s Powerful Healing Potential
Plant-derived compounds and constituents of oregano essential oils are powerful healing alternatives.
Herbal Uses
Traditional Chinese medicine describes oregano as an herb that dispels dampness (fluid buildup), regulates qi (vital energy obtained through eating and breathing), and promotes sweating. In Western terminology, we can translate this as that oregano works as a detoxifier through the lymphatic system. It induces perspiration and is therefore suited for fever management if the illness comes with mucus and chills. In this case, oregano would be
prepared as an infusion.
Oregano is particularly good for treating the affected mucous membranes. A
peer-reviewed article in the Public Library of Science found that “oregano selectively targeted certain bacterial groups, especially reducing Streptococcus.” A
strong tea or an alcoholic extraction (tincture) are the preferred methods of application.
Preparing Oregano Tea*- Use 1/2 to 1 tsp. of dried oregano leaves to 8 ounces of boiling water
- Steep, covered, for 15 minutes
Drink 4 ounces up to 3 times daily
Essential Oil and Aromatherapy
A 2017 study published in the journal Molecules specifies oregano’s healing qualities as an essential oil. Besides oregano’s well-known antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, the paper describes the herbal essence as having “potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cancer suppressor agents.”
The efficacy of essential oils has been widely studied, even in correlation with SARS-CoV-2.
A mixture of three essential oils called CAPeo, which included Origanum dictamnus, a cousin to oregano also rich in carvacrol, was researched in
a recent study that found that “the number and frequency of [SARS-CoV-2] general symptoms, including general fatigue, weakness, fever, and myalgia, decreased.”
The findings suggest that CAPeo (which includes wild thyme and Greek sage oils) “possesses potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in addition to its effect against influenza A and B and human rhinovirus HRV14 strains.”
Well-known herbalist and health writer Stephen Buhner included oregano in his
36-page treatment protocol for chronic inflammatory lung disease. He suggests using oregano essential oil in a nebulizer, which turns the liquid into a mist that is easy to inhale. According to Mr. Buhner’s records, this therapeutic approach seems also helpful in people suffering from lung infections.
Overall, the lung and respiratory system benefits from the use of oregano as an expectorant, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. Oregano can alleviate excess mucus, thick phlegm, and upper respiratory congestion that accompany colds or the flu.
Culinary Uses
A safe and tasty way to get the benefit of oregano is to use the dried herb in the kitchen. Oregano is an aromatic herb that is slightly bitter and has a pungent flavor. Try it in fish, poultry, and other meat dishes and in soups and stews, marinades, or dressings. Add it to black beans and rice, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, or as a topping on your pizza.Oregano has many uses in the kitchen. Creative ways to use it include in herb butters, herb-infused oils, herb salt, and herb-infused vinegar and honey (
oxymel).
Specific Varieties
When it comes to herbs, knowing the botanical (Latin) name of the plant is very helpful. Often, many similar varieties carry the same common name but have different medicinal properties or uses.
In this case, oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae herb family, with other aromatic herbs such as thyme, lavender, mint, and hyssop. The report published in Molecules clarifies the multiple varieties of the plant family: “The oregano crop is divided into four distinct groups: Turkish oregano (Origanum onites), Spanish oregano (Coridohymus capitatu), Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens).”
It is not to be confused with Origanum marjoram, commonly called sweet marjoram.
The traditional spice mix za'atar, featuring oregano and several other herbs and sesame seeds, has seen a recent resurgence as a popular ingredient in modern dishes. A team of researchers highlights the oregano family’s medicinal qualities in
a 2021 paper and links its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects in za'atar to the herb’s essential oils.
Another study, published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, confirms the historical traditional uses of oregano and the herb’s efficacy.
The main components of oregano extracts have been associated with the capability of bacterial control, including against
antibiotic-resistant strains, other research notes.
Growing Oregano
Knowing the extraordinary qualities of oregano, you might think about growing it yourself when spring returns. Oregano is easy to grow and will be happy in your garden, a raised bed, or a container.
You can start oregano from seed 8–10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. However, you will also have no problem finding oregano at local nurseries and garden centers in spring, as it is a common kitchen herb. If you would like to grow it as a perennial, simply transfer the plant into your garden. When you plan an herb bed or container garden, be aware of the spacing of your plants and the number of plants you can grow in a certain-sized pot. The Royal Horticulture Society has dedicated an entire “
grow-your-own” page to oregano.
In addition, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service offers helpful guides for gardeners and general recommendations for using oregano and cooking with herbs. Those guides include:
Caution and Contraindications
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (
FDA) regards oregano and oregano essential oil as “
generally recognized as safe” food ingredients, oregano is a powerful herbal medicinal and should be viewed as such.
The use of oregano is contraindicated during pregnancy when used above the normal dietary amounts.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services,
essential oils are concentrated extracts of plants. Usually, the process of extraction is mechanical, or a distillation. Large amounts of plant matter are used to produce the oil, which still retains the properties of the source.
Although essential oils can be used by internal or external means, a potential toxicity hazard can occur when essential oils are ingested orally and when people ingest too much.
One of the reliable retailers of essential oils advocates cautions
on its website:
“Due to a high percentage of phenols it [oregano essential oil] is aggressive to mucus membranes and should be avoided unless blended in low percentage with essential oils from other chemical families.”
It continues, quoting Kurt Schnaubelt, author of
the book “The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils”:
“Oregano is suitable for internal use within safe parameters, it is rarely needed and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. [If taken internally, it would be best to administer the oil] by capsule diluted with a suitable carrier oil; generally, 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils. Use of Oregano should be limited to treating acute conditions.”
As oregano essential oil is very potent, even aromatherapy treatment should be approached with caution.
Note: For all individualized herbal recommendations and dosages, please consult with your local herbalist.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
The author encourages readers to continue to visit and to be treated by their health care professionals, including physicians. The author is not acting in the capacity of a doctor or licensed dietitian-nutritionist.
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