Oregano: The ‘Pizza Spice’ That Doubles as an Infection-Fighter

This pungent herb has been used historically to treat all sorts of ailments, from infected wounds to diabetes.

Best known to Americans for being a pizza herb, oregano is a potent infection-fighter. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Oregano, famously known as the “pizza spice,” is celebrated for adding flavor to pizza and pasta dishes. Beyond the kitchen, this herb has been cherished for thousands of years for its remarkable medicinal properties.

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.

Ancient Egyptians relied on oregano oil for food preservation and as an antidote to poison. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of joy and happiness, and Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic.

Oregano became popular in the United States after World War II when soldiers stationed in Italy brought back a taste for the herb. As a result, sales in the United States were 52 times higher between 1948 and 1956, as reported in an article in The Salt.

Oregano’s versatility has made it a staple in both the kitchen and the apothecary.

Oregano goes with more than just Italian food. Pair it with vitamin C to boost metabolic health or with honey to strengthen its antibacterial effects. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

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

Oregano belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and includes several species, but the most widely studied is Origanum vulgare, commonly known as oregano or wild marjoram.

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Oregano’s health benefits stem from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

While fresh oregano contains these bioactive compounds, most studies use oregano essential oil, a more concentrated form. Oregano can be used both externally and internally—but with caution. Oregano must be diluted with a carrier oil to be used safely. It can be an irritant when applied directly to the skin or ingested without proper dilution. Consult a qualified practitioner or herbalist for safe oral use.

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.

Scientific research backs these claims, revealing that oregano’s essential oils possess potent antimicrobial properties that are effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This activity is primarily attributed to the plant’s phenolic compounds, carvacrol and thymol, which have shown effectiveness against drug-resistant bacterial strains like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and salmonella. Consequently, oregano has been explored as a potential solution for addressing bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology demonstrated that oregano essential oil killed 13 multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), isolated from combat casualties. No evidence of bacterial resistance developed even after 20 consecutive uses.

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In a mouse model of third-degree burns inoculated with bacteria, oregano essential oil significantly reduced bacterial infection compared to untreated wounds. The researchers stated that oregano may offer an advantage over conventional antibiotics.

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.

Oregano oil has also demonstrated effectiveness against fungal infections in preclinical studies. For example, oregano oil stopped the growth of Candida albicans in infected mice, making it a potential natural remedy for fungal overgrowth, according to a study in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

This potent oil has been studied for its ability to combat parasitic infections. A 2024 in vitro study reported that oregano essential oil reduced the proliferation of a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii by 84 percent in 24 hours while remaining safe for human cells.

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.

A 2024 review of randomized controlled trials concluded that oregano significantly improved cholesterol levels, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

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A clinical trial published in The Journal of International Medical Research reported that oregano extract supplementation for three months resulted in increased HDL cholesterol, decreased LDL cholesterol, and decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker used to assess heart disease risk. These results suggest oregano may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol metabolism.

Carvacrol and thymol, along with other compounds like rho-cymene and gamma-terpinene, are thought to contribute to oregano essential oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.

3. Aids Digestive

Oregano is used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive disorders, stomachaches, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Greek oregano is recognized as a carminative herb, meaning it’s used to alleviate gas. It’s listed in the European Pharmacopeia as a remedy for gastrointestinal issues and stimulation of bile secretion.

Thymol, an active compound in oregano, was reported to help remedy colitis in mice and ulcers in rats and decrease tracheal spasms in rats, according to a 2017 review. Thymol also improved the secretion of amylase, an enzyme essential for breaking down starches during digestion, in human saliva, according to a 2004 review.

4. Improves Diabetes

Traditionally used to treat diabetes, oregano has been studied as an alternative to diabetes medication with fewer side effects.

A 2014 study reported that Type 2 diabetic mice treated with carvacrol for 35 days showed near-normal blood glucose and insulin levels compared to controls. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels indicate blood sugar regulation. HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, leading to an increase in total hemoglobin. Carvacrol performed almost as effectively as rosiglitazone, an antidiabetic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), without any noted side effects.

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Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the progressive destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, with current treatments primarily relying on insulin replacement. In a 2015 study, mice treated with streptozotocin to induce Type 1 diabetes were given oregano extract. The extract prevented the onset of diabetes in some mice. Prophylactic treatment also significantly increased insulin levels and preserved a higher number of healthy beta cells with no reported 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

Oregano pairs well with other immune-supporting nutrients and ingredients, such as:

• 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

This simple recipe transforms oregano into a versatile remedy for minor cuts and sore muscles while doubling as a flavorful cooking oil to drizzle over bread, pasta, or roasted vegetables for added flavor and health benefits.

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Choose organic ingredients when possible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh oregano leaves
• 1 cup olive or avocado oil

Instructions:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the oregano leaves.
2. Place the leaves in a glass jar and pour oil over them until fully submerged.
3. Seal the jar and let it sit for 2 weeks, inverting gently every few days.
4. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean jar.
5. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

No-Fuss Ways to Get Oregano

Oregano is available in a variety of forms, including fresh, dried, essential oil, and extract. Oregano also has nanotechnological applications in pharmaceuticals.

Here are some quick, no-fuss ways to incorporate oregano into your daily diet:

• 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.

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Choose organic, nonirradiated oregano when possible.

Fresh oregano reportedly contains higher antioxidant content compared with commercially sold varieties.

For oregano oil, choose cold-pressed because heat, chemicals, and refining treatments may negatively affect the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Choose oil standardized for carvacrol content, which means the product is supposed to contain a consistent and specific percentage of carvacrol.

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

Oregano’s fat-soluble compounds are best absorbed when the herb is eaten alongside healthy fats, such as olive oil.

Special Populations

Pregnant and lactating women should consult a health care provider before using oregano, as high doses may stimulate uterine contractions.

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People with allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae mint family, such as mint, basil, and sage, should avoid oregano.

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.

Oregano and oregano oil are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort can occur in high doses. Oregano oil should always be diluted to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.

Interactions

Oregano may interact with the following medications:

• Blood thinners
• Diabetes medications
• Immunosuppressants

Oregano may decrease the absorption of copper, zinc, and iron, but more research is needed to determine if this is a concern.

Consult a health care provider before using oregano, especially if taking medication.