In traditional medicine, oregano has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, from toothache and respiratory illness to arthritis, diabetes, kidney disorders, lung disease, and epilepsy.
Oregano’s versatility has made it a staple in both the kitchen and the apothecary.

Fun Facts
- The name oregano comes from the Greek words “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy), translating to “joy of the mountains.”
- The ancient Greeks believed cows grazing in oregano-filled fields produced more flavorful meat.
- Oregano is often used as a natural alternative to synthetic antimicrobials for preserving foods like cheese, sausage, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
- Oregano has been used to make tea for centuries and was often consumed to alleviate colds, sore throats, and digestive issues.
- The essential oil of oregano is so concentrated that just a few drops can deliver powerful health benefits.
Special Talents
1. Fights Infections
Oregano has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat infections ranging from the common cold and flu to bronchitis, urinary tract infection, tuberculosis, and infected wounds.Conventional antibiotics typically target a single component of bacteria and, therefore, may lose effectiveness over time. Oregano oil works on multiple parts of bacterial cells, such as the cell membrane, cell wall, proteins, enzymes, and DNA. This multitarget approach makes it harder for bacteria to develop resistance. Oregano oil has been used for centuries in food preservation and antiseptic applications without any evidence of bacterial resistance.
2. Helps the Heart
Oregano has long been used in traditional medicine to support heart health, and modern science reinforces this, with studies suggesting oregano may improve cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing oxidative stress.3. Aids Digestive
Oregano is used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive disorders, stomachaches, nausea, and abdominal pain.4. Improves Diabetes
Traditionally used to treat diabetes, oregano has been studied as an alternative to diabetes medication with fewer side effects.Other Possible Talents
- Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth: Preliminary studies suggest that compounds in oregano may inhibit cancer cell growth in certain cancer cell lines, indicating a potential role in cancer prevention and treatment, according to a 2023 review. A 2021 review suggested oregano may induce cancer cell death. Studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings.
- Improves Asthma: In a 2017 randomized, phase 2 clinical trial, asthmatic patients treated with carvacrol for two months experienced improved pulmonary function and reduced respiratory symptoms.
- Prevents Obesity: A 2024 study in Food Science & Nutrition found that oregano extract decreased body weight in obese mice by regulating genes involved in fat metabolism. Carvacrol also prevented obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet compared with controls by affecting the expression of genes involved in inflammation, according to a 2012 study.
- Improves Mental Health: Oregano improved anxiety and reduced cognitive decline caused by chronic unpredictable stress in animals, a model often used to mimic human stress-related disorders. For example, a 2022 study in Brain and Behavior reported that mice consuming oregano extract experienced reduced anxiety behavior, improved mental function, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and toll-like receptors, which play critical roles in nerve health. These findings suggest that oregano may help manage anxiety by counteracting the neuroinflammatory and molecular effects of prolonged stress.
- Protects the Liver: Carvacrol, a major component of oregano essential oil, has shown hepatoprotective properties. The Food Science & Nutrition study showed that oregano extract improved fatty liver disease in obese mice. Additionally, a 2015 study found that carvacrol offered protective effects in rats with toxin-induced liver damage, helping restore liver function to near-normal levels.
- Reduces Pain: Oregano essential oil relieved pain in mice during formalin and hot plate tests, according to a 2022 study.
Supporting Cast of Nutrients
- Garlic: A 2020 study found that combining oregano with garlic for 37 days reduced parasites in broiler chicks and increased growth without the need for anticoccidial drugs.
- Thyme: Like oregano, thyme contains thymol, which can complement oregano’s antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. A 2007 study on mice with colitis reported that combining thyme with oregano essential oil reduced inflammation and damage to colonic tissue and increased body weight, indicating recovery from colitis.
- Honey: According to a 2018 study, combining honey with oregano essential oil enhanced its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus faecalis and certain strains of E. coli.
- Ginger: Like oregano, ginger can provide anti-inflammatory support. A 2023 study showed that consuming ginger for seven days reduced neutrophil extracellular trap formation, a key process that contributes to inflammation and tissue damage in certain autoimmune conditions.
- Vitamin C: In a 2015 study, combining oregano essential oil with vitamin C significantly reduced triglycerides, glucose, and corticosterone (a hormone similar to cortisol) levels in broiler chicks compared to either supplement alone, suggesting a synergistic effect on metabolic health and stress reduction.
Recipe: Oregano-Infused Oil
Choose organic ingredients when possible.
- 1 cup fresh oregano leaves
- 1 cup olive or avocado oil
- Wash and thoroughly dry the oregano leaves.
- Place the leaves in a glass jar and pour oil over them until fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and let it sit for 2 weeks, inverting gently every few days.
- Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean jar.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
No-Fuss Ways to Get Oregano
- Food Topping: Add dried or fresh oregano to salads, soups, sauces, scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. Greek oregano and Italian oregano are the most popular varieties for cooking. Greek oregano is more pungent, while Italian oregano is sweeter.
- Smoothie Additive: Add a pinch of dried oregano to your morning smoothie for an antioxidant kick.
- Seasoning Mix: Blend oregano with other herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and thyme to create an all-purpose seasoning.
- Savory Yogurt Topping: Mix oregano with plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a dash of olive oil for a quick and healthy dip or topping.
- Breads: Knead oregano into bread, pizza, or savory biscuit dough to infuse baked goods with its distinct flavor.
- Marinade: Mix oregano with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to create a quick marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Extract: Widely available in pill or capsule form, oregano extract is made by several extraction methods, such as alcohol, glycerin, oil, water, or carbon dioxide. A tincture is another type of commonly available extract.
- Essential Oil: The most potent form of oregano, the essential oil is made using steam distillation. It should always be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive. Test on a small skin area first, avoid internal use unless supervised by a health care professional, and do not use it if pregnant or nursing. It can also be diffused into the air with a diffuser.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Oregano is also available in some brands of wine, vermouths, beer, and kvass.
Quality Considerations
The quality of oregano products can vary widely. A 2021 report from the European Union revealed that 48 percent of tested samples (142 out of 295) were suspected of being adulterated.Choose organic, nonirradiated oregano when possible.
Fresh oregano reportedly contains higher antioxidant content compared with commercially sold varieties.
Dosage
There’s no standard recommended daily allowance for oregano. However, one or two drops per teaspoon of carrier oil is a common approach to dosing essential oil. Do not consume internally unless supervised by a health care practitioner. As for tea, try 1 teaspoon of dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10 minutes, consumed up to three times daily.How to Optimize Absorption
Special Populations
Pregnant and lactating women should consult a health care provider before using oregano, as high doses may stimulate uterine contractions.Toxicity
Oregano has been associated with adverse effects such as angioedema (swelling beneath the skin), perioral (around the mouth) dermatitis, allergic reactions, platelet aggregation inhibition, hypoglycemia, and miscarriage. High amounts of oregano may increase the risk of abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, headache, nausea, and bleeding. Do not take large doses of oregano two weeks before surgery.Interactions
Oregano may interact with the following medications:- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Immunosuppressants
Consult a health care provider before using oregano, especially if taking medication.